Lois Burwell, the Oscar-winning makeup artist known for her work on Braveheart, has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ board of governors, citing personal reasons. Burwell had served since 2015 and also held the role of vice president from 2017.
As per Academy bylaws, her resignation has led to Gerald Quist, the runner-up in the last election, being appointed to fill her position for the remainder of her term, which ends in 2027. Quist, a five-time Emmy winner known for Mr. Holland’s Opus and The Jackal, will assume the role immediately.
Her departure was officially announced in an email sent to makeup and hairstyling branch members by fellow governors Howard Berger and Linda Flowers on Wednesday afternoon.
The full text of the email appears below.
Dear Makeup and Hairstyling Branch members,
We are writing to share that Lois Burwell has resigned from the Academy Board of Governors due to personal reasons, effective immediately. We wish Lois the best and sincerely thank her for her commitment to our branch and her many years of service to the Academy.
Per the Academy’s bylaws, should any vacancy occur in the Board of Governors due to the resignation of a governor before the end of that governor’s term, that vacancy will be filled until the end of that governor’s term by the second-place finisher for that position in the immediately preceding election for that position. We are pleased to share Gerald Quist will serve as our new branch governor, effective immediately, and will serve out the remainder of the term, which ends in the summer of 2027.
We hope you can all join us on Saturday, March 1 at the Academy Museum for our annual Oscars Season: Nominees Spotlight program celebrating the five nominated achievements.
All the best,
Howard and Linda