Since the announcement last October that Dawn Hudson was stepping down as CEO of the Academy, the hunt for her replacement has been one of the hottest — and most fraught — headhunts in recent Hollywood history.

To say that the Academy has had some troubles lately is likely saying the Titanic suffered frost on its windshield. From controversy to misstep to disappearing audiences, AMPAS has seemed more than a little snakebitten in recent times and the installation of a new chief gives the august body a good chance for a reset.

Well after eight months of deliberations, The Transom can report that