Isaacs will be the first African-American in 86-year history of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science

The NAACP congratulates Cheryl Boone Isaacs, who was named the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday.

The Academy, which produces the annual Oscar ceremony, has not had a female president since 1983, and has never had an African-American president in its 86-year history. “We recognize the election of Cheryl Boone Isaacs as an historic moment in Hollywood,” stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP.

Isaacs has led a distinguished career as a marketing and publicity consultant, previously working at New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures. At the Academy, she previously served as First Vice President, and has served in every other office within the organization. Her role will include selecting a host for the Oscars telecast.

In July of this year, the Academy sought to expand racial and ethnic diversity among its voting members by inviting 276 new members from various backgrounds. The Academy also hired former NAACP Hollywood Bureau Executive Director Vicangelo Bulluck as Managing Director of Outreach and Strategic Initiatives, to help foster inclusion and diversity.