Academy Taps ‘Memento’ Producer Jennifer Todd for Governors Awards, Succeeding Jennifer Fox
Former Academy Producers Branch governor Jennifer Todd will produce the 17th Governors Awards, marking her first time leading the event. She takes over duties for Jennifer Fox, who had produced the event for seven years.
Honorary Oscars will be presented to actor Glenn Close, director Ridley Scott and animator Floyd Norman. Producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler will receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.
“We are thrilled to have Jennifer leading this year’s Governors Awards,” Howell Taylor said. “Her expertise in producing will undoubtedly create a beautiful evening celebrating the artistry of this year’s exceptional honorees.”
Todd welcomes the assignment. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to produce this cherished Academy event,” she said. “I’m looking forward to honoring the remarkable achievements of five artists with a tribute that reflects the lasting cultural impact they have made.”
Over the last 30 years, Todd has produced a wide range of films, among them Christopher Nolan’s breakthrough feature “Memento,” which earned two Oscar nominations. Her credits also include “Boiler Room,” “Must Love Dogs,” “Prime,” “Across the Universe,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Celeste and Jesse Forever” and the “Austin Powers” franchise.
She is no stranger to the Academy’s marquee broadcast, having co-produced the 89th and 90th Oscars alongside producer Michael De Luca. Both telecasts were nominated for outstanding special class program and outstanding variety special (live) at the 69th and 70th Emmy Awards, respectively.
The Honorary Award is given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or outstanding service to the Academy. The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award is presented to a creative producer whose body of work reflects a consistently high quality of motion picture production.
The ceremony is set to take place Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood, in partnership with Rolex.