Two governors will represent the Animation Branch, comprising roughly 700 Academy members, while the Short Films Branch, with around 200 members, will have a single representative.
The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the establishment of two distinct branches, effectively dividing the existing Short Films and Feature Animation Branch. The creation of these separate entities, namely the Animation Branch and the Short Films Branch, aims to better serve the interests and needs of the members involved in these specialised fields.
The Animation Branch will cater to approximately 700 Academy members who are actively engaged in the animation industry. This branch will be overseen by two governor representatives on the Board of Governors, tasked with managing awards related to both animated feature films and animated short films.
On the other hand, the Short Films Branch will encompass more than 200 members whose work encompasses narrative and nonfiction short filmmaking. This branch will be governed by a single representative on the Board of Governors, elected for a term commencing in the fiscal year 2024-2025, with responsibilities including the supervision of the live-action short film award category.
Bill Kramer, CEO of Academy, and Janet Yang, Academy President, emphasised the institution’s commitment to adapting and evolving alongside its expanding global membership and the dynamic film industry landscape. The decision to establish two individual branches reflects the recognition of the growth and significance of both the shorts and animation communities within the Academy.
Bonnie Arnold, Jinko Gotoh, and Marlon West, governors of the former Short Films and Feature Animation Branch, expressed excitement about the future prospects of the newly formed branches and extended gratitude to their fellow governors for their support in implementing this transformative change.
With this development, the Academy now boasts a total of 19 branches, each representing various facets of the film industry. The Board of Governors will maintain its current composition of 55 members.
The origins of the Short Films Branch trace back to 1941, originally named the Short Subjects Branch and later renamed in 1974. In 1995, it evolved into the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch, coinciding with the establishment of the animated feature film award in 2001.
Recent organisational adjustments within the Academy include the creation of the Production and Technology Branch in March 2023, dedicated to key technical and production roles across all stages of filmmaking. Additionally, the Oscars introduced a new category for best achievement in casting earlier this month, set to debut in films released in 2025.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming 96th Oscars ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, March 10 at the Dolby Theater, viewers can expect a new start time of 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Jimmy Kimmel is set to return as the host of the ceremony, which will be broadcast live on ABC and available for viewing in over 200 territories worldwide.
The 96th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 10 at a new time, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, from the Dolby Theater.
