The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently reduced its workforce by 2 per cent as part of an effort to streamline operations. This change led to the departure of 16 employees from its collection and preservation departments.
Among those affected are Mike Pogorzelski, director of the Academy Film Archive, and Anne Coco, associate director of the Graphic Arts Collection.
This restructuring is effective since 30 October. Furthermore, it is part of a broader restructuring plan initiated over 18 months ago, aiming to unify roles and consolidate resources across departments.
The Academy’s restructuring comes as it anticipates significant changes to its revenue landscape, particularly as the 100th Oscars approaches in 2028. With the Oscars broadcast deal with ABC set to expire, there are concerns that future deals may be less lucrative due to declining viewership across awards shows, prompting the organisation to adopt a more cost-effective model.
This latest shift reflects the Academy’s efforts to align departments such as the archive and library, where some roles were deemed overlapping, in a bid to maintain efficiency and secure its financial footing.
Despite these layoffs, the Academy remains committed to its preservation and collection efforts. It recently announced several significant acquisitions, including Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli animation drawings and Quentin Tarantino’s handwritten script for Pulp Fiction. These new additions, along with costumes and artifacts from iconic filmmakers, underscore the Academy’s dedication to preserving cinematic heritage.
The restructuring marks a period of transition as the Academy seeks a sustainable path forward, balancing its mission with the evolving demands of both the film industry and the non-profit arts sector.
