By Gina Yarbrough
Los Angeles, CA–The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the promotion of Teni Melidonian to Chief Oscars Officer and MaryJane Partlow to Executive Vice President, Awards Production and Special Events.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer made the announcement, highlighting the importance of these new roles in the Academy’s future.
In her new role, Melidonian will lead strategy, talent relations, special events, and production teams for all awards programs and events. She will collaborate closely with Oscars producers, show hosts, Disney/ABC, and Academy leadership, overseeing the development and execution of the Oscars for a global audience. Melidonian will also lead Oscars ad sales, marketing, advertising, and synergy strategies to support audience growth globally, serving as the lead liaison with Disney/ABC.
Partlow will lead teams in producing all awards special events throughout the Oscars season. This includes events such as the Governors Awards, nominations announcement, nominees luncheon, Scientific and Technical Awards, and the Oscars Governors Ball.
Kramer expressed his excitement about these appointments, stating, “These positions and departments are vital to the Academy’s evolution and success as we head into our 100th Oscars and beyond. Teni is creative and forward-thinking, and her years of Academy experience are a huge asset. MaryJane is a truly innovative leader, and her prowess in producing top-notch events is exceptional.”
Melidonian previously served as EVP of Oscars Strategy, leading the newly created Oscars Strategy division in 2022. She has been with the Academy since 2005, starting as a publicist and advancing to the head of communications and publicity before leading the Oscars Strategy team. Before her time at the Academy, Melidonian worked in Washington, D.C., including for the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia.
Partlow joined the Academy in 2013 and has held several key positions, including Senior Vice President, Awards Production, and Special Events. Her previous experience includes producing events for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Emirates Airlines, and several high-profile global philanthropic families.
These promotions mark an important step in the Academy’s commitment to diversity and leadership opportunities for women in the film industry.
