Dawn Hudson has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 2011, overseeing the organization's efforts to promote and celebrate excellence in filmmaking.
Before joining the Academy, Hudson was the Executive Director of Film Independent (formerly IFP/Los Angeles) since 1991. Under her leadership, the organization has experienced significant growth, with its membership increasing seven-fold from 900 to 5,000 members, and revenues rising by an average of 25% per year. Film Independent is dedicated to supporting the careers of independent filmmakers, increasing the audience for independent films, and promoting diversity within the film industry.
In 2001, Film Independent acquired the Los Angeles Film Festival, which has since become the largest film festival in Southern California, attracting over 80,000 attendees. The festival, along with the Spirit Awards, remains one of the organization's signature events. Additionally, Film Independent produces over 250 educational and screening events annually.
Prior to her tenure at Film Independent, Hudson worked as Editor-in-chief of St. Louis magazine and as a freelance magazine writer. She received her Bachelor's degree from Harvard University and completed graduate work in political science at the Institut des Etudes Politiques in Grenoble, France, and at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Hudson also serves on the Advisory Board of the Latino Entertainment Media Institute, a testament to her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the film industry.
