Academy Foundation Ends Oral History Project, Lays Off Staff
- The Academy Foundation dissolved its Oral History Projects team earlier this month, laying off all five staff members responsible for preserving interviews with prominent figures in the film...
- The layoffs, which occurred in early January 2026, eliminated the entire team dedicated to conducting and archiving these oral histories.
- According to reporting by The hollywood reporter, the Academy Foundation cited budgetary reasons for the cuts.
Academy Foundation Oral History Project Discontinued
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The Academy Foundation dissolved its Oral History Projects team earlier this month, laying off all five staff members responsible for preserving interviews with prominent figures in the film industry. The move effectively ends a long-running effort to document the history of cinema through firsthand accounts.
Impact of the Layoffs
The layoffs, which occurred in early January 2026, eliminated the entire team dedicated to conducting and archiving these oral histories. Two of those laid off were senior members of the team, highlighting the scope of the restructuring. The decision raises concerns about the future of preserving the personal stories of influential filmmakers, actors, and other industry professionals.
According to reporting by The hollywood reporter, the Academy Foundation cited budgetary reasons for the cuts. The Hollywood Reporter details the layoffs and the Academy’s explanation.
History of the Oral History Projects
The academy Foundation’s Oral History Projects began in 1961, aiming to create a comprehensive record of the motion picture industry. Over the decades, the project amassed a collection of over 900 interviews with key figures, covering a wide range of roles and eras in filmmaking. These interviews have been used by scholars,filmmakers,and the public to gain insights into the creative process and the evolution of cinema.
The interviews are currently housed at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures library collections. The academy Museum website provides information on its collections, including the Oral History Project.
Future of the Collection
While the interviews already completed will remain accessible, the discontinuation of the team means no new interviews will be conducted. The Academy Foundation has not announced plans to outsource the oral history work or establish a new department to continue the project. The future of the collection’s ongoing preservation and digitization remains uncertain.
In a statement to Variety, an Academy spokesperson stated that the Foundation “remains committed to preserving the history of the motion picture arts and sciences” but did not elaborate on specific plans for the Oral History Projects. Variety’s coverage includes the Academy’s official statement.
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and sciences (AMPAS): The overarching organization overseeing the Academy foundation. Official Academy website
- academy Foundation: The philanthropic arm of AMPAS, responsible for the Oral History Projects. Academy Foundation website
- Academy Museum of motion Pictures: The institution housing the Oral History Project‘s collection. Academy Museum website