Searchlight marketing chief exits after two decades

Michelle Hooper is stepping down as executive vice president of marketing at Searchlight Pictures. She spent 20 years with the company, a period during which her team managed publicity, awards, and creative marketing efforts that resulted in nearly 200 Oscar nominations and more than 130 Golden Globe nominations.

During that time, Searchlight secured 49 Academy Award wins. The studio took home best picture trophies for "Nomadland," "The Shape of Water," "Birdman," "12 Years a Slave," and "Slumdog Millionaire." These titles also received best picture nods at the Golden Globes, joining 15 other films in that category.

Hooper joined Searchlight in 2006. Before that, she worked in television. She served as the director of entertainment communications at CBS Entertainment, where she helped shape the publicity strategy for "Survivor." She later spent four years at Fox Broadcast as vice president of entertainment publicity. Her work there included campaigns for "The Simpsons," "Arrested Development," and "American Idol."

A longtime colleague described Hooper as a leader with creative insights and a keen ability to identify where a film fits in the cultural moment. The colleague noted that Hooper was also a formidable collaborator who used real-time feedback to close out campaigns. The colleague stated, "It’s a loss for the studio, but I guarantee you it will be another’s gain."

Variety included Hooper in its 2025 Women’s Impact Report. The report also featured Searchlight executives Rebecca Kearey, DanTram Nguyen, and Katie Goodson. The publication credited the team’s marketing strategy with generating 10 Academy Award nominations for "A Complete Unknown" and "A Real Pain." Kieran Culkin won a best supporting actor award for his role in "A Complete Unknown."

This awards season, Hooper led campaigns for the films "Wild Horse Nine" and "Behemonth!" In a joint statement, the marketing team said that Searchlight’s relationship with filmmakers and its choice of adventurous projects allow it to manage industry challenges. The team stated that they trust audiences still want films that entertain, challenge, and provoke.

Hooper’s departure marks the end of a 20-year run at the studio. Her tenure coincided with the release of several major award-winning films and the expansion of the studio's marketing reach across both film and television projects.