Teni Melidonian is stepping down as chief Oscars officer as the Academy prepares for a seismic shift in how it distributes the ceremony. Melidonian, who served as the primary liaison between the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Disney/ABC, will transition to a consultant role for the next year, AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer announced to staff.
The leadership change coincides with the Oscars' move to YouTube in 2029, marking the first time the awards ceremony will stream on a major platform rather than broadcast on traditional television. This shift represents one of the biggest changes in the ceremony's modern history, reflecting evolving viewing habits and Disney's strategic pivot toward streaming distribution.
Jennifer Davidson is taking over production duties as Melidonian exits the chief role. The restructuring positions the Academy to navigate its partnership with YouTube while managing the transition away from ABC's nearly three-decade relationship with the Oscars. The 2025 ceremony will remain on ABC before the eventual YouTube migration.
Melidonian's departure comes after years managing the complex relationship between the Academy and its broadcast partner during a period of declining television viewership. The Oscars have faced consistent challenges maintaining audience size, with the 2024 ceremony drawing mixed ratings. Moving the show to YouTube reflects the Academy's acknowledgment that audiences consume entertainment differently now, particularly younger demographics who favor streaming platforms.
The consultant arrangement allows Melidonian to maintain institutional knowledge during what will be a turbulent transition period. Her ongoing involvement suggests the Academy values her relationships and understanding of both internal processes and Disney operations.
This reorganization signals that AMPAS is prioritizing fresh leadership to execute the YouTube strategy. Davidson's appointment indicates the Academy wants someone focused entirely on production logistics and technical execution rather than broadcast partnership management. The shift underscores how the Oscars, long a television tentpole event, must