LOS ANGELES, CA – November 28, 2023: The esteemed Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have announced the induction of six industry luminaries: Dominic Glynn, Rob Legato, Nancy Richardson, Deborah Scott, Tom Sito, and Sharon Smith Holley. These esteemed professionals have graciously accepted invitations to join the Council, further enriching its wealth of expertise and knowledge.
The Academy’s Science and Technology Council serves as a pinnacle for the advancement and preservation of motion picture science and technology. It plays a vital role in safeguarding the industry’s heritage, setting benchmarks for standards, offering invaluable counsel on content creation, and fostering platforms for the exchange of visionary ideas and insights.
Dominic Glynn’s groundbreaking work as an imaging and audio specialist at Pixar has seamlessly integrated emerging technologies with the art of storytelling. His contributions led to pioneering achievements such as the world’s inaugural cinema release in Dolby ATMOS (“Brave”) and the global premiere of the first DCI Next Generation HDR cinema releases (“Lightyear,” “Elemental”). Glynn, an esteemed member of the Production and Technology Branch since 2023, brings a wealth of innovative expertise.
Rob Legato, renowned for his remarkable visual effects in films like “Apollo 13,” “The Aviator,” and “The Lion King,” boasts an illustrious career adorned with Academy Awards® for his exceptional work on “Titanic,” “Hugo,” and “The Jungle Book.” With membership dating back to 1996 in the Visual Effects Branch, Legato’s recent contributions as visual effects supervisor and second unit director on “Emancipation” underscore his continued impact on the industry.
Nancy Richardson, a distinguished film editor with an impressive portfolio including “Selena,” “Twilight,” and “Love and Monsters,” brings her wealth of experience and knowledge. A tenured professor at UCLA for nineteen years, Richardson has not only excelled in her craft but also mentored countless aspiring filmmakers. Her tenure as an Academy member since 2005 and current role as a Film Editors Branch governor demonstrate her commitment to the art and industry.
Deborah Scott’s prolific career as a costume designer, spanning iconic films like “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” and “Avatar: The Way of Water,” has earned her accolades, including an Academy Award® for her work on “Titanic.” Recently honored with the Costume Design Guild’s Career Achievement Award, Scott’s dedication extends to educating future talents, as seen in her role as the designer-in-residence for the UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television/David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design program.
Tom Sito, acclaimed for his contributions to animated classics like “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast,” not only brings a wealth of experience but also shares his knowledge as an educator at the University of Southern California. As an author of several influential books on animation, Sito’s membership since 1990 and prior service as a governor in the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch underscores his enduring commitment to advancing the art form.
Sharon Smith Holley, a pivotal figure in visual effects with credits in groundbreaking films like “Mulan” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” has been an instrumental force in preserving the history of motion picture post-production through projects like “The Legacy Collection” oral history initiative. Her membership since 2019 in the Production and Technology Branch, coupled with her role as an Academy Gold mentor, showcases her dedication to both innovation and mentorship.
The Council’s leadership for 2023-2024 comprises newly appointed co-chair Bill Baggelaar from the Production and Technology Branch alongside the returning Visual Effects Branch governor Paul Debevec.
In addition to the new inductees, the Council warmly welcomes back esteemed members Linda Borgeson, Brooke Breton, Lois Burwell, Paul Cameron, Teri E. Dorman, Theo Gluck, Buzz Hays, Colette Mullenhoff, Ujwal Nirgudkar, Helena Packer, David Pierce, Arjun Ramamurthy, Rachel Rose, David Schnuelle, Jeffrey Taylor, Amy Vincent, and Marlon West, governor of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch. Their continued dedication ensures the Council’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic technology and innovation.
The inclusion of these distinguished professionals reaffirms the Academy’s commitment to advancing the art and science of motion pictures, ushering in a new era of creativity, and preserving the legacy of cinematic excellence.
