The Actors Fund, Motion Picture & Television Fund, The Academy Foundation's Grants Programme will receive $2m each to support filmmakers and their families.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars) has announced a $6m donation to support motion picture employees and their families facing severe financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with institutions focussed on supporting diverse filmmakers.
Around $4m of the donation will be distributed equally between The Actors Fund, which supports behind-the-scenes workers as well as performers, and the Motion Picture & Television Fund, which has offered essential relief to those in need since 1921. Both of these national human services organisations provide immediate assistance to individuals working in the film industry during times of crisis.
The Academy will contribute an additional $2m to the already-established and enduring Academy Foundation to support its Grants Program, which aids in funding new and existing institutions that open pathways for storytellers from a wide range of diverse backgrounds, especially those from underserved communities.
Commenting on the donation, Academy President David Rubin, said: “The Academy has a long history of supporting our colleagues, particularly during the most dire circumstances. As we face a pandemic, it’s incumbent upon us to help those in the motion picture community who are suffering. The shutting down of productions, businesses and theatres have had devastating consequences. By contributing financially to The Actors Fund, MPTF, and the Academy Foundation’s wonderful grants program, we can help provide our extended family with desperately needed assistance.”
Academy CEO Dawn Hudson remarked: “The Academy’s primary focus right now is helping our community make it through this unprecedented crisis. With our donation, The Actors Fund and MPTF can bring emergency services — including financial assistance, housing, family care and counselling — to more people. Both are long-standing, safety net organizations with the expertise to mobilize and respond quickly. Additionally, the Academy Foundation’s Grants Program will be able to continue its ongoing efforts to provide opportunity and funding for deserving, diverse storytellers in an even more effective way, and make sure these individuals feel supported during this time.”
