Amazon MGM Studios Awards Guru Debra Birnbaum Joins Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Board
Debra Birnbaum — the gold guru who serves as head of awards at Amazon MGM Studios — has a new addition to her resumé: Birnbaum has joined the board of directors at the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.
The nonprofit, with offices in New York and Washington, works to advance research into ovarian and related gynecologic cancers and supporting patients. OCRA’s mission is personal for Birnbaum. She was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 17, during the summer after graduating high school, only to have a recurrence at age 20.
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“I first got involved with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance because of my belief in the importance of early detection and research into all gynecologic cancers,” she said in a statement. “I’m honored to join the board of directors today to continue to honor that commitment. Women of all ages, their families and their healthcare providers need to be better educated about the symptoms of cancer, and we need to fund more research into treatments and cures.”
Audra Moran, OCRA CEO, said her team is “deeply honored” to welcome Birnbaum into the fold. “Her strategic vision, combined with her personal commitment to our cause, will be invaluable as we continue to strive towards our mission of eradicating ovarian and related cancers. Debra’s insights and dedication will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to increase awareness and support for research and to offer inspiration and hope to patients and their families.”
In her current role at Amazon MGM Studios, Birnbaum oversees awards strategy for the platform’s slate of original films and series. Under her leadership, the company has set studio records by amassing dozens of nominations and wins across all major awards groups including the Academy Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards and more.
Prior to her awards post, Birnbaum spent five years as the executive editor of TV at Variety, and before that, she served as president and editor-in-chief of TV Guide Magazine, a position she held for seven years. She also appeared on the mastheads at Redbook, George, More, The New York Post and Us Weekly. A graduate of Cornell University, she is a member of the President’s Council of Cornell Women, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the Television Academy and the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
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