Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars) Community

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is the not-for-profit organization that promotes the movie industry by recognizing excellence, fostering cultural progress, providing a forum for various crafts, and cooperating in technical research. It is best known for the annual Academy Awards in which a Britannia metal trophy (known as the Oscar) is awarded for outstanding achievement in the motion picture industry. The more than 6,500 AMPAS members (who pick the Oscar winners) represent 14 branches of the industry, including actors, directors, and producers. The organization was founded in 1927 and is governed by seven officers and a board of governors.