tech
March 12, 2026
'On YouTube, we can reach 2.5bn people at once': Oscars head Bill Kramer on TV, AI and 4am starts
The Academy CEO on his decidedly non-Hollywood beginnings, bonding with Robert Redford – and a formative watch of All That Jazz
TL;DR
- Bill Kramer, Academy CEO, started his career at the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York before moving into film philanthropy.
- He met Robert Redford in the 90s, leading to his involvement with Sundance to secure individual philanthropic gifts.
- The Academy Awards ceremony will transition to a global livestream on YouTube, aiming to reach 2.5 billion people.
- Kramer views AI as a tool, stating it neither helps nor harms Oscar nominations, but emphasizes the need for human authorship.
- The Academy remains committed to eligibility requirements that support theatrical releases.
- Kramer's personal favorite Oscar moments include Ryan Gosling's performance of 'I'm Just Ken'.
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