Golden Oscar statues representing the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' talent development programs. — The iconic Oscar statues symbolize the excellence and industry standards taught through the Academy Gold Rising program. Courtesy: The Academy.

Academy Marks 10th Anniversary of Gold Rising Program, Empowering the Next Generation of Cinema Talent

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched the 10th anniversary of its Gold Rising program, an eight-week summer initiative providing early-career professionals with unprecedented access to the film industry. This year’s program connects participants with top-tier studio partners and concludes with a prestigious eight-month mentorship with Academy members.

RMN Stars Talent Desk
New Delhi | June 10, 2026

A Decade of Cultivating Cinema Talent

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially commenced the 10th year of its Academy Gold Rising internship enhancement program. This eight-week educational and networking initiative is specifically designed for college seniors, recent graduates, and early-career professionals seeking the skills and connections necessary to thrive in film, technology, and digital media.

Unmatched Industry Access: Gold Rising is a central pillar of Academy Gold, a global talent development initiative that includes other prestigious programs like the Student Academy Awards and the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. Upon completing the summer program, participants are paired with an Academy member for a one-on-one eight-month mentorship, ensuring long-term professional growth and integration into the Gold Alumni Network.

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.

— Kim Taylor-Coleman, Academy Foundation Board President

The 2026 Curriculum and Partnerships: The 2026 program features an impressive roster of partners, including Disney Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Lionsgate, and NBCUniversal. The curriculum, which began June 9, includes immersive experiences at landmark locations such as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the Margaret Herrick Library.

Key educational highlights for the 10th-anniversary class include:

Science and Technology: A behind-the-scenes look at Cosm featuring the Academy’s Science and Technology Council.
Impactful Storytelling: Tours of Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY campus and discussions on LGBTQ+ representation and mental health awareness in partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation.
Practical Mastery: Motion capture demos at AGBO Studios and masterclasses on the art of casting with Academy Foundation Board President Kim Taylor-Coleman.

A Global Community: Kim Taylor-Coleman emphasized that the program fosters a global community of creative leaders. With over 11,000 members, the Academy continues to use Gold Rising as a primary vehicle to diversify and strengthen the future of the motion picture industry.