As the Oscars ceremony prepares for its move to YouTube in 2029, chief Oscars officer Teni Melidonian is stepping down, AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer told staffers in an email, according to sources. Melidonian, who has been the lead liaison between the Academy and Disney/ABC, will continue on as a consultant for the next year.
Kramer wrote in his email, “Effective immediately, Awards Production/Special Events and Talent Relations will move under Jen Davidson and the Marketing, Communications and Content team. Member Screenings and Awards Ticketing will move under Meredith Shea and the Membership, Impact and Industry team.
“We are deeply grateful for Teni’s remarkable contributions over the past two decades,” Kramer continued. “Her dedication and partnership have helped shape countless Academy initiatives, and her impact on this organization will be felt for years to come.”
The Oscars will air on ABC for the last time in 2028 before moving to YouTube, which has exclusive global rights through 2033.
Melidonian previously served as executive VP of Oscars strategy. She started at the Academy in 2005 as a publicist and headed up communications and publicity before moving to head the Oscars strategy team. She previously worked in Washington, D.C., including for the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia.
The Ankler first reported on the Academy changes.
Read the email below:
Dear Academy Team,
As we plan for the Academy’s 100th year as an organization, our 100th Oscars ceremony and our transition to YouTube and a new Oscars venue, it is critical that we align our teams in a way that supports both our immediate priorities and our long-term vision. Planning for these milestones is already well underway, and we believe now is the right time to bring related functions more closely together to strengthen collaboration, efficiency, and strategic alignment.
As we have done across departments over the last several years, we are further evolving our organizational structure. Effective immediately, Awards Production/Special Events and Talent Relations will move under Jen Davidson and the Marketing, Communications and Content team. Member Screenings and Awards Ticketing will move under Meredith Shea and the Membership, Impact and Industry team.
This structure aligns teams around shared priorities, functions and expertise, with Marketing, Communications and Content continuing to oversee our external-facing programs and relationships, and Membership, Impact and Industry remaining focused on global member and industry engagement. By bringing these functions together, we will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional experiences for our members, industry partners and film fans around the world.
As part of this transition, Teni Melidonian will be leaving her full-time role with the Academy and will provide guidance as a consultant for the next year. We are deeply grateful for Teni’s remarkable contributions over the past two decades. Her dedication and partnership have helped shape countless Academy initiatives, and her impact on this organization will be felt for years to come.
I know that change can be challenging, and I remain incredibly grateful to you all for the vital work you do every day. The Academy occupies an important place at the center of the global film and cultural communities, and we are well positioned for a strong and sustainable future.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission and programs. If you have any questions, please let me know.
– Bill
