Academy’s Program “From the Margins to the Mainstream: Mental Health Over the Last Decade” Now Streaming

June 30, 2026 - Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

 

On Thursday, June 25, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation, presented From the Margins to the Mainstream: Mental Health Over the Last Decade, a panel conversation for emerging and practicing filmmakers exploring the evolution of mental health storytelling in film and culture.

 

The program is available to stream here.

 

Over the last 10 years, mental health has undergone a profound cultural shift. Once pushed to the margins, it is now part of mainstream conversation. This discussion brought together cultural leaders, artists and advocates to reflect on how the conversation around mental health has changed from 2015 to today and what those changes have meant in practice.

 

Panelists included Nadine Crocker, actor, writer, director and producer; Vernon L. Davis, former NFL player, actor and advocate; Jon Sherin, M.D., Ph.D., Vice Chair, UCLA Psychiatry and former Director, LA County Department of Mental Health; and Courtney B. Vance, actor, producer and author. The discussion was moderated by licensed therapist and mental health practitioner Tamika Lewis and took place at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

 

Panelists discussed topics including:

• Advances in mental health awareness over the past decade.
• How authentic stories about mental health help audiences feel seen and understood.
• How filmmakers can help improve public understanding of mental health without reinforcing stereotypes.
• Protecting one’s own mental health while creating deeply personal work.

 

The panel is part of Academy Gold Rising, an eight-week summer educational and networking initiative that helps college seniors, recent graduates and early career professionals acquire the knowledge, skills and connections to achieve careers in the film industry. Through internships with the Academy and partner companies, Gold Rising offers unprecedented industry access, connecting participants with valuable work experiences within film, technology, production and digital media. Upon completing the program, each Gold Rising participant will be paired with an Academy member for an eight-month mentorship.

 

This program is in partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation, which advances disability inclusion, authentic representation, and broader inclusion throughout the entertainment industry in collaboration with the Academy, while also working to end the stigma associated with mental health.

 

“Now more than ever, prioritizing mental health – both behind the scenes and on-screen – is essential to fostering a sustainable creative community,” said Kendra Carter, Academy Senior Vice President, Impact and Global Talent Development. “The Academy is proud to host this important dialogue through the Gold Rising program, and we are grateful to the Ruderman Family Foundation for support of this event, as well as to our panelists for sharing their valuable insights and experiences.”

 

“Storytelling has the power not only to entertain, but to shape how people see themselves and others,” said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “Through our partnership with the Academy, we have spent several years helping build an entertainment industry where conversations around mental health are met with openness and empathy rather than stigma or silence. The field of mental health in entertainment is evolving, and more filmmakers, creators, and industry leaders are recognizing that what gets depicted on screen has a direct impact on how audiences understand and seek help for their own challenges. When the people who tell our stories feel empowered to be open about their own experiences, the ripple effect reaches every audience member who has ever felt alone in theirs.”

 

Academy Gold Rising is generously supported by Snap Foundation, Ruderman Family Foundation, Leon Silverman and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.

 

For more information about the Academy Gold Rising program, visit www.oscars.org/gold-rising.

 

WHO:
Nadine Crocker, actor, writer, director and producer
Vernon L. Davis, former NFL player, actor and advocate
Jon Sherin, M.D., Ph.D., Vice Chair, UCLA Psychiatry and former Director, LA County Department of Mental Health
Courtney B. Vance, actor, producer and author

 

Moderated by Tamika Lewis, licensed therapist and mental health practitioner

 

PANEL HIGHLIGHTS:
“It’s imperative that we continue to be able to use our voice, use our creativity, use our penmanship when we’re writing and create these wonderful stories that live on forever.” – Vernon L. Davis

 

“I think a way we could all connect a lot better is with a lot less expectations and more realness and authenticity and connection.” – Nadine Crocker

 

“Human relation is ultimately the most important thing. Treatment is a tool. What we really want is, what I call, people, place, and purpose.” – Dr. Jon Sherin

 

WATCH:
The link to the panel is available to stream via Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1003374088937869

 

CONTACT: 
Academy Publicity, publicity@oscars.org