The relationship between film and sports has become even more intertwined now that the Academy has announced the hiring of L.A. Sparks’ President and Chief Operating Officer Christine Simmons as its new chief operating officer. According to Variety, this post has been vacant for the last five years, making Simmons’ hiring even more noteworthy.
According to the Academy, Simmons will oversee “the day-to-day management and enhancement of the Academy’s internal organization and infrastructure, with focus on the Academy Foundation, comprised of the Margaret Herrick Library, Academy Film Archive, its educational programs and the Science and Technology Council.” Simmons will also work with Academy leadership to “fulfill and further the Academy mission, that is to recognize and uphold excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences, inspire imagination and connect the world through the medium of motion pictures.”
Simmons is already accustomed to making history; as the President and COO of the Sparks, she was overseeing the founding team of the WNBA. Before her time with the Sparks, Simmons was the executive vice president of Magic Johnson Enterprises and held senior positions at Disney and NBC/Universal Studios. In 2018, she was named one of Ebony’s inspiring figures in the magazine’s annual “Power 100” list.
“There has been–and continues to be–a sea change in our film community, our Academy, and in the culture at large,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement.” Christine brings both nonprofit and corporate management expertise, an ability to implement creative solutions and a love of film to our Academy. It’s the perfect moment for an innovative thinker.”
“I look forward to joining the team and contributing to the innovation and growth of the operational excellence of the Academy,” Simmons said in a statement, adding that the Academy’s efforts to “support filmmakers and programs where every person’s story can be told are invaluable.”
The Academy has been steadily diversifying its ranks in recent years after issues regarding gender, age and racial diversity were raised due to #OscarsSoWhite. The Academy itself is also spearheaded by Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the first Black woman and third woman overall to hold the role. Adding Simmons to the roster of Academy execs is continuing the Academy’s focus to change the way it does business.
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