Oscars: Fil-Am actor Lou Diamond Phillips re-elected Academy VP
Lou Diamond Phillips arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
LOS ANGELES — Filipino American actor Lou Diamond Phillips has been re-elected as vice president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, extending his leadership role at the organization behind the Oscars for the 2026-27 term.
Phillips, who serves as chair of the Academy’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, was re-elected by the organization’s Board of Governors alongside fellow vice presidents Lesley Barber, Jennifer Fox and Howard A. Rodman.
David Dinerstein was elected vice president and treasurer, while producer Lynette Howell Taylor was re-elected president for a second consecutive one-year term.
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Lou Diamond Phillips
Born at the US Naval Base in Subic Bay, Philippines, Phillips is one of Hollywood’s most prominent Filipino American actors. He rose to international fame portraying rock-and-roll legend Ritchie Valens in the 1987 film “La Bamba” and later earned a Golden Globe nomination and an Independent Spirit Award for “Stand and Deliver.”
His career spans more than four decades across film, television and theater, including a Tony Award nomination for “The King and I.”
The Academy said he has more than 170 film, television and theater credits and has also served on the SAG-AFTRA National Board and the advisory board of the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE).
Advocating for Filipino veterans
Phillips has long been a vocal advocate for Filipino World War II veterans, using his public platform to support efforts to secure long-overdue recognition and benefits for those who fought alongside US forces during the war.
