Academy CEO highlights Oscars' growing global membership and ambitions

Academy CEO Bill Kramer discussed the organization's expanding global ambitions at the Tokyo International Film Festival, emphasizing the growth of international membership from about 5% a decade ago to 25% today, Variety reported.

Kramer noted that the Academy now has around 70 members in Japan and expects this number to increase, highlighting the organization's efforts to recruit members from underrepresented countries and promote inclusivity, according to Hollywood Reporter.

The Academy plans to stream the Oscars ceremony for free on YouTube to reach a wider global audience, and it has introduced a new festival-qualifying pathway to nomination to support international filmmakers, Variety and Hollywood Reporter stated.

Kramer pointed out that the recent Oscars reflected this global shift, with international representation in every category, including best picture, citing 'Parasite's' win as a pivotal moment for the Academy's global outlook, as reported by both outlets.