LOS ANGELES, Jan 9 (ZIZ): In a strategic move signaling its commitment to innovation and excellence, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the advancement of Teni Melidonian to the role of Chief Oscars Officer and the promotion of MaryJane Partlow to Executive Vice President for Awards Production and Special Events. These changes, disclosed by Academy CEO Bill Kramer, mark a significant evolution within the organization.
Melidonian’s promotion to Chief Oscars Officer establishes a pivotal position overseeing strategy, talent relations, special events, and production teams across all awards programs. Reporting directly to Kramer, she will collaborate closely with Oscars producers, show hosts, Disney/ABC, and Academy leadership, ensuring seamless execution of the prestigious Oscars for a global audience. Her role also encompasses spearheading engagement with Disney/ABC for broadcast distribution, overseeing ad sales, marketing, and synergy strategies to foster global audience expansion.
Meanwhile, Partlow, reporting to Melidonian, assumes responsibility for orchestrating the production of critical events throughout the Oscars season. Her purview encompasses the Governors Awards, Nominations Announcement, Nominees Luncheon, Scientific and Technical Awards, and the Oscars Governors Ball.
Commenting on these strategic appointments, Kramer remarked, “These positions and department are vital to the Academy’s evolution and success as we head into our 100th Oscars and beyond. Teni’s creative foresight and extensive experience within the Academy make her an invaluable asset during this exciting phase. MaryJane’s innovative leadership and exceptional event production skills have consistently elevated our marquee events. Their partnership is instrumental in our strategic initiatives.”
Melidonian’s trajectory within the Academy has been marked by notable achievements. In 2022, leading the newly formed Oscars Strategy division, she championed a unit dedicated to year-round management of all awards-related programs. Her expertise extends to overseeing guest and nominee logistics for awards season events and steering member screenings.
With a career spanning back to 2005 within the Academy, Melidonian initially joined as a publicist, progressively assuming roles in communications, publicity, brand strategy, and marketing before taking the helm of the Oscars Strategy team. Prior to her tenure at the Academy, Melidonian contributed her talents in Washington, D.C., including a role at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia.
Partlow, who joined the Academy in 2013, has ascended through the ranks, culminating in her recent position as Senior Vice President for Awards Production and Special Events. Her background includes producing events for esteemed entities such as Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Emirates airline, and prominent global philanthropic families before her tenure at the Academy.
The Academy’s strategic appointments reflect a concerted effort to position itself for continued excellence and innovation in the landscape of prestigious entertainment accolades, as it gears up for its 100th Oscars celebration and the future beyond.
