The Academy Names Shawn Finnie as Executive VP of Member Relations and Awards
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Shawn Finnie to executive VP of member relations and awards.
In his new role, Finnie will lead engagement and outreach initiatives for the Academy’s global membership of over 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. He will also oversee the processes for submissions, rules and voting. Leading a team of more than 20 staff, Finnie will also work closely with the Academy’s office of representation, inclusion and equity andf the branch executive committees on member representation and inclusion efforts. He will report to Academy COO Christine Simmons, who made the announcement of his promotion.
“Shawn is a unique and innovative leader,” Simmons said. “He brings to this position the collaborative, solution-oriented and engaging style that has driven results throughout his time at the Academy. His efforts to foster greater representation and connectivity among the global membership, expand how we serve our members and strengthen relationships within the greater film community have been and will continue to be invaluable to the organization and the industry as a whole.”
Previously, Finnie served as senior director of member relations and awards and was responsible for member outreach and engagement, industry relations and amplifying the Academy’s representation and inclusion initiatives. He oversaw branch committees and membership initiatives for actors, casting directors, marketing and public relations, artists’ representatives and associates.
Finnie played a key role in such events as the Governors Awards and the Academy Women’s Luncheon and led efforts to provide a personal experience for each Oscar nominee. Last summer, as part of the Academy Aperture 2025 initiative, he helped launch “Academy Dialogues: It Starts with Us,” a conversation series focused on race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking.
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