Ron Yerxa, Bruce Davis to head Oscar foreign-language committee
“Little Miss Sunshine” producer Ron Yerxa and former Academy executive director Bruce Davis have been named the co-chairs of the Oscar foreign language executive committee.
On Thursday, Mark Johnson, who chaired the committee for the last 12 years, confirmed that the two men would replace him.
Last year, Yerxa served as the vice-chair of the committee while Davis had been instrumental in helping Johnson make crucial changes to the voting process for the foreign language film category.
“I completely endorse this strong duo,” Johnson said in a quick interview Thursday morning. “Both bring a real passion for foreign language film. Ron is a real cineaste and Bruce is a true historian with a lot of managerial experience.”
Under Johnson, the committee chose three of the nine shortlisted foreign films. The final nominating decision was then up to a group of 30 voters. Both of the new co-chairs have expressed their support for the system in the past because it has helped more well-reviewed foreign films secure Oscar nominations.
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