When the Academy President David Rubin announced that Oscar-nominated producer Lynette Howell Taylor and producer Stephanie Allain will produce the 92nd Oscars, my phone began to “ding” with a series of text messages sharing the news about veteran producer Stephanie Allain being part of the all-woman producing team charged with executing the big event.
I was thrilled because my history with the dynamic Allain began when she was a creative executive at Columbia Pictures under Dawn Steel and Amy Pascal. In 2003 she founded Homegrown Pictures which is a film, television and digital production company dedicated to creating content by and about women and people of color with authentic stories, depictions, and representation. Homegrown Pictures’ numerous efforts have been nominated for over 100 awards with wins from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Film Independent Spirit Awards, Sundance Film Festival, the NAACP and more.
Allain’s ability to open doors in Hollywood for gifted people is legendary. I would not be surprised if a film about her life isn’t in the works. If it’s not, I sincerely hope one will be started in 2020.
In her own words, in an article that appeared in Variety (April 30, 2019) she shared her experience of working with the late John Singleton stating plainly that “he changed history,” which he did, and it was because of her— Stephanie Allain. I know Allain as a kind woman. A woman of integrity and strength. To that end, I salute the Academy of adding her to the producing team for the 2020 Oscars, which airs live on the ABC Television Network and broadcast outlets worldwide on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020.
“The combined producing talents of Lynette and Stephanie will bring dynamism and excitement to the 92nd Oscars show,” said Academy President David Rubin. “Their vast production experience ranges from groundbreaking independent film to global blockbuster. We look forward to collaborating with them to bring an unforgettable Oscars event to movie fans around the world.”
“We have both watched the Oscars for as long as we can remember, and to be given the opportunity to produce the show is a dream,” said Howell Taylor and Allain. “It’s an honor and a thrill to join forces to deliver an entertaining show that celebrates the artistry of this year’s best films.”
“How thrilling to have both Lynette and Stephanie leading our Oscars production team,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “I have every confidence that they will deliver a high-caliber performance.”
“We have our first win this Oscars season and it’s having Lynette Howell Taylor and Stephanie Allain produce our biggest live event of the year,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “Lynette and Stephanie have impeccable taste, are at the top of their field, and have such a distinct and wonderful way of captivating audiences with storytelling that is compelling, creative and filled with superstars. We can’t wait to see their imagination come to life on the grandest, most coveted stage in Hollywood.”
Howell Taylor earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination for “A Star Is Born” (2018). She has produced more than 20 movies in the last 15 years, including “The Accountant,” “Captain Fantastic,” “Big Eyes,” “The Place Beyond the Pines,” “Blue Valentine” and “Half Nelson.” Her television credits include the HBO limited series “I Know This Much Is True.” Howell Taylor is the founder of 51 Entertainment, a filmmaker-driven production company.
A champion for diverse voices in cinema, Allain is best known for launching the careers of the aforementioned director John Singleton, Robert Rodriguez, Craig Brewer, Sanaa Hamri and Justin Simien. Her film and television credits include “Hustle & Flow” and “Dear White People.” She served as director of the Los Angeles Film Festival, is a founding ambassador of ReFrame, and serves on the Board of Women in Film.
The 92nd Oscars will be held on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.