In a move that’s stirring major buzz (and some raised eyebrows) across Hollywood, Star Wars producer and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly lobbying hard for Disney CEO Bob Iger to receive an honorary Oscar — and not everyone’s thrilled.
According to inside sources, several Academy members are feeling uneasy, even “cringing,” at the behind-the-scenes efforts Kennedy is allegedly making to secure the prestigious award for her longtime collaborator and boss. Some insiders say it feels more like a corporate campaign than a celebration of cinematic excellence.
“She’s making calls, she’s working the room — it’s starting to feel like a PR campaign, not an organic recognition of Iger’s contribution to film,” one Academy voter anonymously told an industry outlet.
Bob Iger, undoubtedly, has played a significant role in transforming The Walt Disney Company, overseeing the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. Under his leadership, Disney became a box office juggernaut. Still, many question whether these achievements fall under the artistic contributions typically recognized by an honorary Oscar.
“Kathleen Kennedy is one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood. When she pushes for something, people notice — and not always in a good way,” said another source.
Some members of the Academy worry that this type of lobbying could tarnish the credibility of the honorary award, which is meant to celebrate a lifetime of artistic achievement, not business strategy.
While no official announcement has been made yet, chatter is intensifying. Will the Academy give in to the pressure? Or will they hold the line and stick to tradition?
Only time will tell — but one thing is clear: Kennedy’s campaign for Iger has already become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about behind-the-scenes dramas. And in Tinseltown, drama always gets attention.