Amy Homma, the current director and president of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, has recently taken on additional leadership responsibilities for the Academy Collection, encompassing over 52 million film-related artifacts. This strategic move, announced on January 13, aims to foster a more cohesive integration between the museum's displays and the extensive archives housed within the Margaret Herrick Library and the Academy Film Archive. Homma's background, including her early exposure to the film industry through her father's work and her extensive experience cultivating younger audiences at Smithsonian museums, has uniquely prepared her for this expanded role, emphasizing her commitment to making cinematic history accessible and engaging.
Homma's tenure at the Academy Museum has been marked by a dynamic approach to exhibition development and a proactive stance on addressing public feedback. She arrived in Los Angeles in 2019, drawn by the unique opportunity to shape a major film museum, and quickly progressed from VP of education to her current leadership position. Confronted with initial controversies regarding the representation of Hollywood's founders and perceptions of the museum's content as overly 'woke,' Homma has championed a philosophy of continuous improvement and inclusivity. She emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in exhibition planning, citing the success of the 'Hollywoodland' exhibit in drawing visitors by enriching its historical context and showcasing original artifacts from the collection.
Looking ahead, Homma is focused on balancing the museum's financial sustainability with its mission to engage a broad audience. She highlights the diversification of revenue streams, including ticket sales, rentals, retail, and membership, alongside individual and corporate contributions. Her vision includes incorporating popular culture phenomena like 'Barbie' and 'Jaws' into exhibitions, not as a departure from scholarly rigor, but as a gateway to exploring lesser-known cinematic works and diverse genres. This strategy, combined with digital initiatives through partnerships like the one with YouTube for the Oscars, aims to expand global awareness and access to the Academy's rich collection, ensuring the museum remains a vibrant and relevant institution for future generations.
The Academy Museum, under Amy Homma's leadership, is steadfastly navigating the complexities of historical representation and public engagement in the arts. By embracing a balanced approach that values both historical accuracy and broad appeal, the museum strives to cultivate a deeper appreciation for cinematic arts while inspiring critical thinking and inclusive dialogue among its diverse audience. This forward-looking strategy not only secures the museum's financial health but also solidifies its role as a vital cultural institution that reflects the dynamic and multifaceted nature of film history.