Kathleen Kennedy’s Bold Move to Secure Disney CEO an Honorary Statue Sparks Controversy

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm and a major figure in the Star Wars franchise, is actively lobbying for Disney CEO Bob Iger to be awarded an Honorary Oscar at this year’s Governors Awards. According to a Variety report, Kennedy has been contacting high-ranking Academy members to rally support for Iger’s recognition.

Kennedy’s efforts have targeted board-level Academy members during ongoing membership discussions. She has used these meetings to push for Iger, who transformed Disney by acquiring Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm, significantly boosting the company’s box office success. While many in the industry believe Iger’s contributions merit an award, some Academy insiders are uneasy about the timing of Kennedy’s campaign.

Disney owns ABC, the network that broadcasts the Oscars, and the two are currently negotiating a contract extension beyond 2028, which marks the 100th Oscars.

Some board members worry that honoring Iger now could appear improper given these talks. A source told Variety that Iger was unaware of Kennedy’s efforts and did not initiate them.

Behind-the-scenes campaigning for honorary awards is not unusual in the Academy, but Kennedy’s prominent role has raised questions about her motives. Neither Kennedy, Iger, nor the Academy has commented on the report.

Kennedy’s tenure at Lucasfilm, which Disney acquired for $4 billion in 2012, has been notable. She oversaw successful Star Wars films like The Force Awakens, Rogue One, and The Last Jedi, as well as popular streaming series such as The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka.

However, projects like Solo underperformed, and no new Star Wars films have entered production since 2019, except for a upcoming Mandalorian movie featuring Pedro Pascal and a project called Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy, which is in casting.

Speculation about Kennedy’s future at Lucasfilm is growing. Her contract lasts until 2025, but some sources suggest she may step down sooner. Kennedy has hinted at planning her next move but has not confirmed any departure.

The Governors Awards, held each November, celebrate industry icons like Mel Brooks, Samuel L. Jackson, and David Lynch. The Academy will soon announce this year’s honorees. Kennedy herself was recognized in 2018 with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award alongside her husband, Frank Marshall. Her career includes Oscar nominations for films like E.T., The Color Purple, and The Sixth Sense.

My Take: Kennedy’s push for Iger’s Honorary Oscar highlights his massive impact on the film industry, but the timing feels awkward with Disney’s ABC negotiations ongoing. It risks looking like a conflict of interest, even if Iger didn’t ask for the campaign. Kennedy’s legacy at Lucasfilm is mixed, some Star Wars projects soared, but others stumbled, and the lack of new films is noticeable.

I wonder if her focus on Iger’s award is a way to solidify her position. What do you think about this campaign and Kennedy’s role at Lucasfilm? Share your thoughts in the comments below!