Kathleen Kennedy Lobbies Academy for Bob Iger Honorary Oscar Amidst Conflict Concerns
In the intricate landscape of Hollywood power dynamics, influence can be as potent as any mystical energy. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly wielding significant leverage within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), actively lobbying for her boss, Disney CEO Bob Iger, to receive an Honorary Oscar.
According to multiple insiders with knowledge of the situation, Kennedy has been diligently reaching out to select members at the Academy’s board level. Her goal is to persuade them to recommend Iger for one of the prestigious annual honors, recognizing his monumental impact on the entertainment industry. Iger’s tenure saw Disney significantly expand its empire through the strategic acquisitions of powerhouses like Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm itself, deals that have collectively generated billions in global box office revenue and cemented Disney’s position as a dominant force. Kennedy’s lobbying efforts have reportedly intensified recently, aligning with the Academy’s branch meetings focused on new membership.
Academy Members Express Discomfort
While few within the industry would dispute Bob Iger’s profound influence, some Academy board members are reportedly feeling “squeamish” and uncomfortable regarding the potential optics of awarding him an Oscar. A significant point of contention is the inherent conflict of interest arising from Disney’s ownership of ABC, the longtime broadcast partner for the Academy Awards ceremony.
This discomfort is amplified by the fact that the Academy is currently engaged in sensitive negotiations with ABC to renew their crucial licensing agreement for the broadcast rights beyond 2028, which will mark the historic 100th Academy Awards. Sources close to the process clarify that Bob Iger was reportedly unaware of Kennedy’s specific outreach efforts and did not personally request this pursuit of an honor.
Routine Lobbying, Questioned Motives
Lobbying on behalf of potential Honorary Oscar recipients is considered a routine practice among Academy members. However, some inside the organization are reportedly curious about the specific motivations behind Kennedy’s earnest push for Iger at this particular time.
The lobbying efforts unfold amidst recent speculation surrounding Kennedy’s own future at Lucasfilm. Reports earlier this year offered conflicting perspectives, with some suggesting her contract expiring in 2025 would see her transition back to producing, while others speculated on an earlier departure. Kennedy herself has indicated she is involved in succession planning but does not plan to step down immediately.
Under Kennedy’s leadership since Disney’s $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, the studio has seen mixed results. Streaming shows like The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka have been successful transitions to the small screen. Film hits include The Force Awakens, Rogue One, and The Last Jedi. However, the box office performance of Solo: A Star Wars Story was a disappointment, and the studio has struggled to get new Star Wars feature films into production since 2019, with the notable exception of the upcoming Mandalorian movie starring Pedro Pascal.
About the Honorary Oscars
The Honorary Oscars are presented annually at the Governors Awards ceremony, typically held in November. This special event recognizes lifetime achievement and exceptional contributions to the art and science of motion pictures. Past recipients have included legendary figures such as Jean-Luc Godard, Lauren Bacall, Samuel L. Jackson, David Lynch, and Mel Brooks. The recipients for the 2025 honors are expected to be announced by the Academy imminently.
Kathleen Kennedy herself received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, also presented at the Governors Awards, in 2018 alongside her longtime producing partner Frank Marshall. An eight-time Oscar nominee, Kennedy is celebrated for producing iconic films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Color Purple, The Sixth Sense, Seabiscuit, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Representatives for Kathleen Kennedy and Bob Iger reportedly declined to comment on the matter, as did a spokesperson for AMPAS.
References
- variety.com
- www.imdb.com
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