Oscar-nominated film producer Kathleen Kennedy has taken over as head of ceremonies and content for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, succeeding Peter Rice just under two years before the opening ceremony begins at SoFi Stadium and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Kathleen Kennedy Takes Over LA28 Ceremonies
The transition puts Oscar-nominated film producer Kathleen Kennedy in charge of all four ceremonies for the upcoming LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Kennedy steps into the executive producer role as head of ceremonies and content, taking over responsibilities previously handled by Peter Rice.
The Olympic Opening Ceremony is scheduled for July 14, 2028, with the closing events following on July 30. The Paralympics open on August 15 and close at the Coliseum on August 27.
Kennedy brings decades of cinematic experience to the committee, having built a solid resumé with more than 100 film credits dating back to the early 1980s. Her extensive career includes working closely with Steven Spielberg on classic features such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,
“Jurassic Park,” and “Lincoln.” Over the course of her career, her projects have garnered 120 Academy Award nominations and 25 wins across more than 70 feature films. She has personally received eight Academy Award nominations.
Kennedy co-founded a production company alongside her husband and producing partner, Frank Marshall. Before stepping down from her post at Lucasfilm, Kennedy spent 14 years at the helm of the company following its acquisition by Disney in 2012. During her tenure leading the studio, she oversaw the “Star Wars” franchise, including The Force Awakens,
which grossed more than $2 billion globally. Her executive credits at the studio also include Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,
“The Last Jedi,” Solo: A Star Wars Story,
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,
and streaming series such as The Mandalorian
and “Andor.” She maintains an ongoing relationship with the company behind those franchises, with recent credits including The Mandalorian and Grogu
and the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter
led by Ryan Gosling.
Peter Rice Joins Netflix After LA28 Exit
The change follows Rice’s appointment as Netflix’s chief content officer, replacing Bela Bajaria, where he manages a broad portfolio encompassing scripted and unscripted series, film, live events, and more across all global territories.
Kathleen Kennedy Replaces Peter Rice as Head of Ceremonies and Content for L.A.'s Olympic Games (Exclusive) https://t.co/euYRek1ldf
Peter Rice has laid a terrific foundation, and I can’t wait to get to work with Ben Winston, our Creative Director, and the whole LA28 team.
Kathleen Kennedy, LA28 Head of Ceremonies, via LA 2028
Casey Wasserman Appoints Hollywood Leadership
LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman announced the appointment in a statement, emphasizing Kennedy’s extensive background in feature film production and storytelling.
Kathleen is a legend. She is one of Hollywood’s all-time greats, with a rare gift for storytelling. When the stars align to focus the world’s attention on Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, I can’t think of anyone better to conjure the magic of Hollywood than Kathleen.
Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President, via Yahoo Sports
Alongside the leadership change, Olympic organizers revealed that the official slogan for the 2028 Games will be Stars Align
, highlighting the entertainment industry capital’s role in the upcoming international event. LA28 chief marketing officer Alex Merchán explained that the campaign reflects the hard work athletes dedicate throughout their lives meeting the city of dreams.
Kennedy Details Lifelong Olympic Connection
Kennedy noted a personal history with the Games, stating that she and her husband and producing partner, Frank Marshall, have attended virtually every Olympiad since the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.
The Olympics have been a touchstone in my life. My husband, Frank Marshall, and I have attended virtually every games since Los Angeles in 1984, and sport remains one of the great unifying experiences we share.
Kathleen Kennedy, LA28 Head of Ceremonies, via TheWrap
The physical production of the ceremonies is supported by FulFive, a joint venture combining Fulwell Entertainment and FiveCurrents. Operating as an independently funded, non-profit organization, LA28 continues to build its operational foundation through commercial partnerships, licensing, ticketing, and the support of the International Olympic Committee as Southern California prepares to host the Olympics since 1984.