Dawn Hudsonwhose rollercoaster 11-year tenure as CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences came to an end Friday, greeted her successor, bill krameras “a visionary leader” in an email to members of the organization obtained by: The Hollywood Reporterfurther claiming, “The Academy is in the best hands.”
Hudson was expected to remain in her position until July 18, but news leaked Friday that her transfer to Kramer had been postponed, as well as that Hudson’s carefully chosen deputy, Christine Simmonsthe COO of the organization since 2018, was ousted as part of the transition to a new administration.
In her communiqué, Hudson said it had been “the privilege of a lifetime” to run the Academy, claiming that under her supervision it had become “a truly global film organization, a world-class museum, an unwavering commitment to representation and inclusion, and a modern Academy ready to lead in a changing world.”
The full email — sent under the subject line “A Final Note from Dawn Hudson” — follows.
Dear Academy Members,
I am delighted that Bill Kramer today begins his tenure as CEO of the Academy. He is a visionary leader who will further unite and elevate our global artist family and who will be a wonderful partner to all of you. I am confident in the continued success of the Academy with Bill leading the way, and I am excited about this next chapter of this extraordinary institution. The Academy is in the best hands.
How grateful I am to have served as your CEO for the past 11+ years and have shared our collective, deep love of movies. Thank you for your personal and professional support to me, for your willingness to support the Academy when called – and called a lot! – and for your commitment to moving this organization forward in every way. This last decade is a testament to how innovative and daring a legacy institution can be: we have created a truly global film organization, a world-class museum, an unwavering commitment to representation and inclusion, and a modern Academy ready to lead. giving in a shifting world. Thank you for your time, passion and expertise in making this all possible.
I stand ready to support Bill in any way I can, and I also know that he and our newly elected Board of Directors will chart the best course possible together. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be a part of this glorious undertaking. I leave with love and gratitude and the deepest respect for all of you.
With deep affection,
dawn