Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, is reportedly lobbying for Disney chief Bob Iger to receive an Honorary Oscar, raising concerns about potential conflicts within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This push for recognition comes as the Academy negotiates a new deal with ABC, Disney’s network, putting extra scrutiny on the motives behind her efforts and links to Disney’s broader influence.
Kennedy Advocates for Iger’s Oscar Amid Academy Tensions
Several insiders have revealed that Kathleen Kennedy has actively approached key Academy board members, advocating for Bob Iger to be recommended for the annual Honorary Oscar. Iger, credited with bringing Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm under Disney’s leadership and overseeing tremendous box office success, seems a worthy candidate by industry standards. However, Kennedy’s direct involvement is generating apprehension within some Academy ranks, with concerns about the optics due to Disney’s long-standing ownership of ABC—the Oscar ceremony‘s broadcast partner.
Both Kennedy and Iger have declined to comment on the matter, as has an Academy spokesperson. According to those familiar with the process, it’s not unusual for Academy insiders to lobby for certain nominees, but the context of ongoing broadcast negotiations is prompting additional discomfort. The planned renewal of the licensing agreement with ABC, set to expire after the 100th Oscars in 2028, has further fueled doubts about whether now is the right time to honor Disney’s CEO.
Mixed Reactions from the Academy and Industry Observers
While few question Bob Iger’s impact on the film business, some board members questioned whether awarding him during a critical negotiation phase with Disney’s network could present a conflict of interest. The backdrop of these efforts is a period of high activity at the Academy, with all branches meeting to discuss new membership topics. Kennedy, who remains a significant presence at Lucasfilm, has used these gatherings to make Iger’s case to fellow Academy members.
Iger himself, according to two sources close to the proceedings, was not aware of Kennedy’s behind-the-scenes lobbying and did not initiate or request her support. Nevertheless, curiosity remains about Kennedy’s reasons for her assertive advocacy, with even seasoned Academy participants pondering whether the move is entirely about honoring Iger’s achievements or if deeper motives are at play.
Governors Awards and Kennedy’s Own Accolades
The Honorary Oscars are annual awards presented each November at the Governors Awards, a ceremony that has recognized distinguished contributors like Jean-Luc Godard, Lauren Bacall, Samuel L. Jackson, David Lynch, and Mel Brooks. The recipients slated for 2025 are expected to be announced soon, heightening interest around this year’s nominations because of the high-profile lobbying efforts surrounding Iger.
Kathleen Kennedy has her own decorated history with the Academy. She received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the Governors Awards in 2018 alongside her partner Frank Marshall. While not an Oscar statuette, this honor highlighted her longstanding influence as an eight-time nominee and frequent contender for producing acclaimed films such as Steven Spielberg’s E.T. and The Color Purple, and nominated titles like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,”
—The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Producer
She has also been recognized for work on The Sixth Sense and Seabiscuit. Her career at Lucasfilm spans a period of both notable achievements and challenges, especially her managerial role following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012.
Kennedy’s Leadership at Lucasfilm under Scrutiny
Kathleen Kennedy’s ongoing tenure has recently drawn attention, fueled by speculation about her future amid industry rumors and shifting leadership at Lucasfilm. Reports have emerged suggesting Kennedy may return to producing when her contract ends in 2025, while other outlets hinted at an earlier departure. She has stated in public interviews that she has been actively planning succession but does not intend to step down in the immediate future.
During Kennedy’s time as head, Lucasfilm expanded into streaming with flagship series like The Mandalorian, critical successes such as Andor, and popular entries like Ahsoka. However, projects like Skeleton Crew and The Acolyte have faced mixed reactions. On the film side, blockbusters including The Force Awakens, Rogue One, and The Last Jedi marked major wins, but failures such as Solo and the absence of new Star Wars movies since 2019 have posed challenges. The forthcoming Mandalorian feature starring Pedro Pascal, along with Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter with Ryan Gosling now in casting, signal new directions but underscore the pressure Kennedy faces to revive the brand’s cinematic output.
Potential Impact for the Academy and Oscar Process
The debate stirred by Kathleen Kennedy lobbying for Bob Iger Honorary Oscar highlights the intricate connections between creative recognition, corporate partnerships, and personal influence within Hollywood’s upper echelons. Academy board members and insiders will soon determine if Iger joins the list of Honorary Oscar recipients, setting a precedent for how the organization balances merit with competing interests as the next century of Oscars approaches.
