Oscars Academy names new CEO after years of drama, reforms

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences named a new CEO on Tuesday, capping an eventful 11 years that included the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, a massive increase in the organization’s membership — and Will Smith’s notorious slap.

Hudson originally revealed his plans to stand down last October, shortly after the Academy’s huge new film museum in Los Angeles opened to rave reviews. Bill Kramer, who handled the museum’s opening, will take her position.

In a statement, Academy president David Rubin said Kramer is “the best person to lead at this important period for the organization.”

The Academy has had to manage various problems in recent years, including charges of a lack of ethnic diversity, as Hollywood’s most exclusive club of filmmakers, which also oversees the Oscars.

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The group was particularly chastised for a paucity of Black Oscar nominees during the #OscarsSoWhite protest, which began in 2015.

Hudson managed and carried through a vow to double the number of women and minority members by 2020, resulting in a significant increase in overall membership from roughly 6,000 to over 10,000.

“She initiated unprecedented efforts to create more space for diverse voices, both within the membership and our industry,” said Rubin.

After Smith punched comedian Chris Rock on stage during this year’s Oscars event, Hudson and senior executives were chastised for their perceived lack of reaction.

Smith was asked to leave the Hollywood ballroom shortly after the incident, according to the Academy, although that account has been challenged, including by Smith’s lawyers.

Smith was later barred from attending the Oscars for the next decade after winning the Academy Award for Best Actor shortly after the confrontation.

Kramer, who will take over as CEO next month, led roughly $400 million in fundraising for the Academy Museum, a project that has taken decades to prepare and is now a primary focus for the organization’s future.

The museum, which houses everything from Judy Garland’s “Wizard of Oz” ruby slippers to Dracula’s cape, has sold over 550,000 tickets in just nine months, according to the Academy.