Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is a professional honorary organization in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., with the goal of advancing the arts and sciences of motion pictures. The Academy’s corporate management and general policies are overseen by a board of governors, which includes representatives from each of the craft branches.

As of April 2020, the organization was estimated to consist of around 9,921 motion picture professionals. The Academy is an international organization and membership is open to qualified filmmakers around the world.

The Academy is known around the world for its annual Academy Awards, both officially and popularly known as “The Oscars”.  In addition, the Academy holds the Governors Awards annually for lifetime achievement in film; presents Scientific and Technical Awards annually; gives Student Academy Awards annually to filmmakers at the undergraduate and graduate level; awards up to five Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting annually; and operates the Margaret Herrick Library (at the Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture Study) in Beverly Hills, California, and the Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The Academy opened the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles in 2021.

The Academy’s mission and values can be summarized as:

• Belief in the power and brilliance of the movies.,
• Harnessing the passion and expertise of our Academy members and staff, as well as the strength and reach of our world-renowned collection, museum, and awards, the Academy,
• Celebrate artistry and innovation in filmmaking,
• Inspire new generations to share our love of cinema and storytelling,
• Preserve our global film history,
• Connect film fans from around the world.