Press Release
NEW MEMBERS 2016: ACADEMY INVITES 683 TO MEMBERSHIP

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 683 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2016. New members 2016.
18 individuals (noted by an asterisk) have been invited to join the Academy by multiple branches. These individuals must select one branch upon accepting membership.
THE ACADEMY FOCUSES A “SPOTLIGHT ON SCREENWRITING” IN NEW YORK CITY
Screenwriting Series to Feature Films by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder, An Evening with Walter Bernstein, and a Special Sneak Preview of “Ghostbusters”
New York, NY – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present “Spotlight on Screenwriting,” a summer series illuminating the art of writing for motion pictures, beginning May 15 at various venues in New York City. The programs include onstage conversations and screenings of acclaimed films spanning nine decades.
THE ACADEMY WELCOMES WONG KAR WAI: IN PERSON

Acclaimed director Wong Kar Wai returns to the Academy for an in-depth examination of his cinematic style and career with “Wong Kar Wai: In Person” on Thursday, May 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Hosted by writer-director Matthew Weiner, the evening of film clips and conversation will include insights from Wong biographer John Powers as well as personal reflections from the filmmaker himself in a rare Los Angeles appearance.
“BE OUR GUEST” FOR THE ACADEMY’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” 

Eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken and three-time Oscar nominee and Honorary Academy Award recipient Angela Lansbury will join voice actors Paige O’Hara, Richard White and Robby Benson, supervising animators Andreas Deja, Mark Henn and Glen Keane, key story artist Brenda Chapman, Oscar-nominated producer Don Hahn, and director Gary Trousdale onstage for a 25th anniversary celebration of “Beauty and the Be
Academy Names 2016–17 FilmCraft and FilmWatch Grant Recipients
The Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today 37 recipients of its FilmCraft and FilmWatch grants programs. FilmCraft grants support high-quality educational programs that identify and empower future filmmakers from nontraditional backgrounds.
ENTRY DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR 2016 ACADEMY NICHOLL FELLOWSHIPS IN SCREENWRITING COMPETITION
The regular deadline to submit entries for the 2016 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition is Monday, April 18, at 11:59 p.m. PT. In November, as many as five $35,000 fellowships will be awarded to emerging screenwriters.
Deadlines and entry fees are as follows:
THE ACADEMY LAUNCHES 2016 STUDENT ACADEMY AWARDS COMPETITION

The Academy is now accepting entries for its 2016 Student Academy Awards® competition. All Student Academy Award® winners become eligible for Oscars® consideration. The entry deadline for submissions is Wednesday, June 1.