Chief Oscars Officer Teni Melidonian Transitions to AMPAS Consultant as Awards Production Moves Under Jennifer Davidson
Chief Oscars Officer Teni Melidonian Transitions to Consultant Role
As the Oscars ceremony prepares for its move to YouTube in 2029, chief Oscars officer Teni Melidonian is stepping down from her role, according to an email from AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer to staffers. Melidonian, who has served as the lead liaison between the Academy and Disney/ABC, will remain with the organization for the next year as a consultant.
The transition is part of a broader restructuring of the Academy’s awards production. Moving forward, all awards-related operations will be managed under Jennifer Davidson, who will oversee production for the Oscars and other Academy events. This shift aims to streamline operations as the Academy prepares for its historic move to streaming on YouTube, a major change from its traditional broadcast partnership with ABC.
Key points of the announcement include:
- Melidonian’s new role: She will consult on the transition for one year.
- Leadership change: Jennifer Davidson assumes control of awards production.
- Future broadcast: The Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029.
Melidonian’s departure marks the end of an era for the Oscars’ relationship with traditional television, as the Academy pivots to digital distribution. Her consulting period will help ensure a smooth handover during this pivotal shift.