THR's Women in Entertainment 2012: Power 100

Since she was named to head the 6,000-member Academy in 2011, Hudson, 56, has brought about changes in policy, strategy and staffing — the nonprofit has about 300 employers — as she works to to make the tradition-bound organization more diverse. She cites as the greatest accomplishment of her first year reaching the first $100 million in a $250 million fundraising campaign for a new museum, slated to open in 2016 on the L.A. County Museum of Art campus. She has overseen a move to online Oscar voting, added Q&A sessions to weekend screenings and grown educational programs.

Moment I knew I wanted to work in the business: When I saw Juliet of the Spirits by Fellini when I was in college. It hit me that film could be art.

People who gave me my first big break: Carolyn Pfeiffer and Peter Broderick. They hired me as executive director of what was then called IFP West or Film Independent in 1991.

When I leave work, I can’t wait to: See my son. He’s 13, so he can wait to see me!

My indulgence: Pizza at Mozza.

Totally starstruck around: Sandy Koufax.

What I’d tell my 22-year-old self about working in Hollywood: “There are more ways of expressing yourself in this industry than you can possibly imagine.”

When my relatives are confused about what I do, I tell them: My relatives are not confused. They just want to know if they can come to the Oscars.

Click here to read THR's complete Women in Entertainment list.