The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced last August 2 that the organization has elected Janet Yang as their new president.
Yang is the first Asian-American to lead the group behind the prestigious Oscars.
Yang is best known for favorites including The Joy Luck Club (1993), The People vs Larry Flynt (1996), as well as the 2020 Oscar-nominated film Over the Moon. She succeeds outgoing director, David Rubin, who is stepping down from the role after three years.
AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer said in a statement, “Janet is a tremendously dedicated and strategic leader who has an incredible record of service at the Academy.” He commended Yang’s contributions in member recruitment, as well as launching initiatives aimed at inclusivity and diversity.
The Oscars had previously been on the receiving end of criticism for the lack of POC nominees. This resulted in the #OscarsSoWhite movement back in 2015. The organization has since fulfilled its commitment to doubling the number of women and minority members by 2020.