Academy CEO Bill Kramer to Make First Asia Trip at Tokyo Film Festival
Kramer will receive TIFF's Global Cinema Leadership Special Award and join Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor on an Academy in Tokyo panel.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer will make his first trip to Asia later in October 2026 to attend the Tokyo International Film Festival, according to Variety. He will receive TIFF's Global Cinema Leadership Special Award during the festival.
The festival's 39th edition runs Oct. 26-Nov. 4 and includes a program titled Academy in Tokyo. Kramer will be joined in Tokyo by Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor and Meredith Shea, the Academy's chief membership, impact and industry officer.
On Oct. 28, the three executives will appear at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Hall for a 90-minute panel moderated by TIFF festival director Hisamatsu Takeo. Kramer will also sit down with Toho president and CEO Matsuoka Hiro on Oct. 29 to discuss the global film landscape and theatrical and streaming distribution.
The Academy will hold a private reception for its members from across the globe on Oct. 28. Both public events are free but require advance reservations, with booking details not yet released. TIFFCOM, the content market running alongside the festival, takes place Oct. 28-30.
Background
Kramer took the Academy's top job in 2022 after serving as director and president of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened in September 2021. Howell Taylor is in her second term as Academy president; she joined the Academy's Producers Branch in 2014 and co-produced the 92nd Oscars telecast in 2020, which earned her an Emmy nomination. Matsuoka oversaw the production of Oscar winner "Godzilla Minus One," and Toho posted its best-ever results at the Japanese box office in 2025.
Quick answers
When does the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival run?
The 39th edition runs Oct. 26-Nov. 4, with the Academy in Tokyo program included.
How can the public attend the Academy in Tokyo events?
Both public events are free but require advance reservations. Booking details have not yet been released.
Who will appear on the Academy in Tokyo panel?
Academy CEO Bill Kramer, president Lynette Howell Taylor and chief membership, impact and industry officer Meredith Shea, in a 90-minute panel on Oct. 28 moderated by TIFF festival director Hisamatsu Takeo.