Oscars Chief Officer Departs as AMPAS Restructures for Historic YouTube Move in 2029
Teni Melidonian has stepped down as Chief Oscars Officer at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer announcing the transition through a staff email this week. After more than two years in the role, Melidonian will move into a consultant position with the Academy lasting one year, having served as the primary contact between the institution and Disney/ABC throughout her tenure.
The departure is part of a wider restructuring at AMPAS coinciding with the Oscars ceremony's planned migration to YouTube in 2029. Jennifer Davidson is assuming responsibility for awards production oversight as the Academy reorganises its leadership structure. The announcement comes shortly after the Academy expanded its voter base by inviting 529 new film industry participants, underscoring a period of significant institutional change.
- Chief Oscars Officer Teni Melidonian exits after 2+ years, remaining as consultant for one year
- AMPAS restructures leadership with Jennifer Davidson taking over production as Oscars moves to YouTube in 2029
- Expansion follows invitation of 529 new industry voters to the Academy
New here? Start with this
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, often called the Academy, is the US film industry body that runs the Oscars. Its members vote for the awards, which are among the most widely watched and recognised prizes in cinema.
The Oscars ceremony has traditionally been shown on television in the United States, most recently through a deal involving Disney-owned ABC. A move to YouTube in 2029 would represent a major change in how the ceremony is distributed and could affect how audiences around the world watch it.
Teni Melidonian was a senior Academy executive responsible for the Oscars and for dealings with its broadcast partner. Bill Kramer is the Academy’s chief executive, while Jennifer Davidson is taking on oversight of awards production as the organisation changes its leadership structure.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the restructuring may argue that changing senior responsibilities before a move to YouTube is prudent governance. A digital distribution shift of this scale requires clearer production oversight, new technical expertise and refreshed relationships with partners, while retaining Melidonian as a consultant preserves continuity and institutional knowledge. They may also see the expanded voting membership as evidence that the Academy is adapting its leadership and representation together for a changing global audience.
The case against
Critics may argue that losing the Chief Oscars Officer during a major transition creates avoidable uncertainty for the Academy’s most important event. Melidonian’s experience as the principal link to Disney/ABC could be particularly valuable as AMPAS navigates contractual, editorial and reputational questions around a new platform, and a one-year consultancy may not provide the same authority or continuity. They may contend that a more gradual, clearly explained succession would better reassure members, industry partners and viewers that the ceremony’s standards will be protected.
Coverage
- Deadline — Chief Oscars Officer Teni Melidonian Steps Down From AMPAS
- Variety — Chief Oscars Officer Teni Melidonian Transitions to AMPAS Consultant as Awards Production Moves Under Jennifer Davidson
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