Roman Polanski, v. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,
Judge Mary Strobel
Hearing: August 25, 2020
19STCP01398
Tentative Decision on Petition for Writ of Mandate
Petitioner Roman Polanski (“Petitioner”) petitions for a writ of mandate directing Respondent Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (“Respondent” or “the Academy”) to set aside its decision to expel Petitioner as a member of the Academy.
Factual and Procedural Background
The Academy
The Academy is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation. (Pet. ¶ 3; Ans. ¶ 4.) As stated in its January 2017 bylaws, “the mission of the Academy is to recognize and uphold excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences, inspire imagination, and connect the world through the medium of motion pictures.” (Administrative Record (AR) 19.) Corporate oversight and control of the Academy, including with respect to membership in the organization, is vested in a 54-person Board of Governors. (AR 19-23.)
Petitioner’s Admission to the
Hearing Date
August 25, 2020
Type
Writ - Administrative Mandamus (General Jurisdiction)
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Roman Polanski, v. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,
Judge Mary Strobel
Hearing: August 25, 2020
19STCP01398
Tentative Decision on Petition for Writ of Mandate
Petitioner Roman Polanski (“Petitioner”) petitions for a writ of mandate directing Respondent Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (“Respondent” or “the Academy”) to set aside its decision to expel Petitioner as a member of the Academy.
Factual and Procedural Background
The Academy
The Academy is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation. (Pet. ¶ 3; Ans. ¶ 4.) As stated in its January 2017 bylaws, “the mission of the Academy is to recognize and uphold excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences, inspire imagination, and connect the world through the medium of motion pictures.” (Administrative Record (AR) 19.) Corporate oversight and control of the Academy, including with respect to membership in the organization, is vested in a 54-person Board of Governors. (AR 19-23.)
Petitioner’s Admission to the