Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)
Professional organization of filmmakers that presents the Academy Awards (Oscars) and preserves film history.
Definition
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is the professional organization that presents the Academy Awards (Oscars), the film industry's most prestigious recognition. Membership includes filmmakers across all crafts who vote on annual awards.
Beyond the Oscars, the Academy supports film education, preservation, and industry advancement. The Academy Museum and Margaret Herrick Library serve film history and research while programs support emerging filmmakers.
Why It Matters
Academy Award recognition represents the pinnacle of film industry achievement, affecting careers, compensation, and opportunities for decades. The "Oscar winner" designation permanently elevates professional standing.
Academy membership provides voting voice in determining these recognitions. The invitation-only process validates professional achievement and connects members to elite industry community.
Examples in Practice
Academy membership invitation validates a cinematographer's career achievement, with the recognition opening doors to projects seeking Oscar-caliber collaborators.
Oscar nomination transforms an independent film's commercial performance, with the recognition driving theatrical expansion and streaming value.
Academy Museum programming provides education and networking that supports emerging filmmaker development.