In advance of the rescheduled Governors Awards happening on the night of Tuesday, January 9, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced they have established the newly created position of Chief Oscars Officer. Teni Melidonian, current executive vice president of Oscars strategy will be promoted to the position, with colleague MaryJane Partlow being promoted to executive vice president of awards production and special events. Melidonian will continue to report directly to Academy CEO Bill Kramer, and Partlow will report to Melidonian.
“These positions and departments are vital to the Academy’s evolution and success as we head into our 100th Oscars and beyond,” said Kramer via statement. “Teni is creative and forward-thinking — and her years of Academy experience and strong knowledge of our awards are a huge asset for our organization during this exciting and historic time. She played a critical role in the success of last year’s show. MaryJane is a truly innovative leader, and her prowess in producing top-notch events is exceptional. I am deeply grateful for their strategic partnership and support.”
As Chief Oscars Officer, Melidonian is tasked with leading strategy, talent relations, special events, and production teams for all awards programs and events. She will collaborate closely with the Oscars producers and show host (aka Katy Mullan and showrunner Raj Kapoor, plus late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel this year), Disney/ABC, and Academy leadership, including the Board of Governors and its committees, and oversee the teams involved in developing and executing the Oscars for a global viewing audience.
As the lead liaison with Disney/ABC, the Academy’s broadcast distribution partner, Melidonian heads Oscars ad sales, marketing, advertising and synergy strategies to support audience growth opportunities globally. Meanwhile Partlow, in her new role, will lead the teams in producing all awards special events throughout the Oscars season, including the Governors Awards, Nominations Announcement, Nominees Luncheon, Scientific and Technical Awards, and the Oscars Governors Ball.
Melidonian began her Academy career in 2005 as a publicist, advancing to head of communications and publicity and overseeing brand strategy and marketing. In 2022, under Kramer’s leadership, Melidonian led the newly created Oscars Strategy division, successfully creating a unit working year-round on all awards-related programs. The team also oversees guest and nominee ticketing and seating for awards season events and spearheads member screenings.
Partlow joined the Academy in 2013 and most recently held the position of senior vice president of awards production and special events, contributing significantly to the Academy’s marquee events.
