Oscars spokeswoman resigns after bumpy spell

The head of communications for the Oscars, Leslie Unger, has resigned, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said, after a bumpy week or two for the organization. Unger, who joined the Academy in 1992 and took her current position after her predecessor John Pavlik retired in 2007, is due to step down at the start of December, reports said. "Leslie has been with the Academy for 19 years, a wonderfully dedicated executive who has made many positive and lasting contributions to the organization, said the Academy's CEO Dawn Hudson. "We are all grateful for her leadership over these many years. We wish her the very best as she takes some well-deserved time off before moving on to the next chapter of her career." The Hollywood Reporter said the Academy's publicity and marketing team has been in the midst of change. In July, Christina Kounelias was named to the newly created position of chief marketing officer, directly above Unger. Variety reported that Kounelias was appointed by Hudson, who herself arrived earlier this year. Longtime executive director Bruce Davis also retired this year after 22 years, it said. The announcement also comes after the Academy had to scramble to replace the host and one of the producers of its annual show, barely three months away. Host Eddie Murphy resigned on November 9 following a row over anti-gay remarks by a producer of the February 26 show, Brett Ratner, whose departure was announced a day earlier. Murphy's successor was named within 24 hours as Osars veteran Billy Crystal, who will be hosting his ninth Academy show, the climax of Hollywood's annual awards season. Contacted by AFP, Unger said she had no comment on her resignation.