Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

OVERVIEW: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences supports projects that encourage filmmaking, screenwriting, promotion of the film industry, filmmaking education and a general appreciation of motion pictures.

IP TAKE: The organization behind the Oscars — arguably the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry — runs a handful of fellowship and educational programs focusing on screen writing and film, but does not fund wider organizational projects and programs. It has been noted that the Academy struggles with inclusion and transparency. While the Academy has implemented new membership quotas, as well as inclusion guidelines through its Academy Aperture 2025 initiative, it remains to be seen how this new commitment will evolve into policy or grantmaking. For individual opportunities, grantmaking is accessible, but competitive in an already niche space. Getting through the door here is based on excellent samples to rise through the competition; however, it is unclear how inclusion will factor into funding decisions.

PROFILE: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was established in 1927 as the brainchild of Louis B. Mayer, along with other influential members of the film industry. It is most widely known as the organization that hosts the Oscars and presents the Academy Awards each year. As an organization, the Academy seeks to “recognize and uphold excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences, inspire imagination and connect the world through the medium of motion pictures.” The academy runs a handful of education and fellowship programs for early-career and emerging filmmakers.

Grants for Film and Women

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences runs the following education and fellowship programs:

• The Student Academy Awards program is an annual competition for film students at colleges and universities anywhere in the world. Awards recognize excellence in animation, documentary, live action narrative and alternative/experimental filmmaking. See the program’s application page for information about how to apply.
• Gold Rising is the academy’s talent development program and consists of an eight-week summer program for college students and recent graduates pursuing careers in the film industry. See application instructions here.
• Nicholl Fellowships support “talented new screenwriters” with stipends of $35,000, with the expectation that they will complete a screenplay during the fellowship year. See application information here.
• The Gold Fellowship for Women is a career development program for emerging women filmmakers. The fellowship offers financial support, mentorship, networking and other professional development resources. For additional information about this program, contact FellowshipSubmissions@oscars.org.