The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today the 10th year of its Academy Gold Rising internship enhancement program, an eight-week summer educational and networking initiative that helps college seniors, recent graduates and early career professionals acquire the knowledge, skills and connections to achieve careers in the film industry. Through internships with the Academy and partner companies, Gold Rising offers unprecedented industry access, connecting participants with valuable work experiences within film, technology, production and digital media. Upon completing the program, each Gold Rising participant will be paired with an Academy member for an eight-month mentorship.
Gold Rising is part of Academy Gold, a global talent development initiative that provides creative individuals with access and resources toward achieving their career pathways in filmmaking. Academy Gold also includes career-launch programs such as the Student Academy Awards and career-growth programs such as the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting and the Gold Fellowship for Women. All past participants and award recipients of these programs become a part of the Gold Alumni Network Program, which provides networking opportunities, access and career advancement services.
“We are excited to celebrate a decade of Academy Gold Rising with an inspiring new class from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives,” said Kim Taylor-Coleman, Academy governor and Academy Foundation Board president. “This program provides unparalleled access to industry experiences, mentorship and professional development opportunities, and we are so grateful to our generous partners, donors and Academy members whose support makes it all possible. We also look forward to welcoming these participants into the Academy Gold alumni network, where we continue to foster a global community of filmmakers and creative leaders as they establish and grow their careers in the film industry.”
Gold Rising’s 2026 partners include The Black List, Disney Entertainment, Group Effort Initiative, Lionsgate, Monkeypaw Productions, Moving Picture Institute, NBCUniversal, Radial Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment and STARZ.
The program kicks off today, Tuesday, June 9, with a two-day orientation. Throughout the summer, participants will engage in industry experiences at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Academy Film Archive, Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library, AGBO Studios, ARRAY, Blumhouse, Cosm, Walt Disney Animation Studios, IMAX, NBCUniversal Studios and more. The program concludes with a ceremony on Tuesday, August 4.
Over the course of the program, participants will hear from Oscar nominees, Academy members, industry leaders and experts on such topics as:
Careers in Science and Technology at Cosm
A behind-the-scenes tour of Cosm and panel discussion on the intersection of art and science, featuring members of the Academy’s Science and Technology Council, 2026 Scientific and Technical Awards winners and Academy members. Panelists include Academy Visual Effects Branch Governor Andrew Roberts and Scientific and Technical Awards Committee Co-Chair Darin Grant.
A Conversation with Focus Features Chairman Peter Kujawski
Academy Executives Branch Governor Peter Kujawski speaks about his career journey to becoming the chairman of Focus Features.
An Evening of Impact at ARRAY
A special creative campus tour of Academy Directors Branch Governor Ava DuVernay’s multi-platform arts and social impact collective dedicated to narrative change, ARRAY.
LGBTQ+ Storytelling as Collective Art & Advocacy
In collaboration with the Academy’s Affinity Groups, a discussion on the impact of LGBTQ+ representation and storytelling on culture and commerce.
From the Margins to the Mainstream – Mental Health Over the Last Decade
In partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation, a panel featuring cultural leaders, artists and advocates discussing the importance of mental health awareness and how the conversation around mental health has changed from 2015 to today.
Tour and Hands-on Demo at AGBO Studios
A behind-the-scenes tour of Anthony and Joe Russo’s AGBO Studios’ motion capture and virtual production stage.
Expecting the Unexpected: A Conversation on Documentary Filmmaking
A candid conversation with Academy Documentary Branch Governor Simon Kilmurry on the unpredictable nature of documentary filmmaking.
The Art of Casting
A conversation with Academy Foundation Board President and Casting Directors Branch Governor Kim Taylor-Coleman on how instinct, collaboration and an eye for emerging talent help shape unforgettable performances
Academy Gold Rising is made possible in part by leadership support from Mazda.
Additional support is generously provided by Snap Foundation, Ruderman Family Foundation, The Walt Disney Company, Leon Silverman and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
From the Margins to the Mainstream: Mental Health Over the Last Decade is made possible in partnership and collaboration with the Ruderman Family Foundation.
For more information about the Academy’s suite of global talent development programs, visit
oscars.org/gold-rising.
About The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's premier film organization and is home to a global membership of more than 11,000 of the most accomplished film industry artists and leaders. The Academy connects global audiences – its members, the film industry, and film fans – through their shared passion for making and watching films. The Academy does this by recognizing and celebrating the arts and sciences of moviemaking through renowned awards for cinematic achievement, including the Oscars®, the Governors Awards, and the Scientific and Technical Awards. The Academy’s affiliated charitable organization, the Academy Foundation, serves a public benefit through its robust educational, preservation and cultural activities. This includes the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the world's largest global film museum, the Academy Collection, the largest film-related collection in the world, and talent development programs for emerging artists. Year-round, the Academy creates opportunities for all communities to engage with the film world. Across all initiatives, the Academy connects global audiences – its members, the film industry, and film fans – through their shared passion for making and watching films.