CANDIDATE STATEMENT: Sean O’Connell
June 8, 2025 in MOVIES, News, TV
My name is Sean O’Connell. I’m currently a Deputy Editor for CBR, after leaving my longtime position as Managing Editor of CinemaBlend. I have been a proud CCA member for decades, and have served the organization in multiple roles.
I first ran for the Board of Directors in 2017, believing the digital side of film criticism needed better representation on the board. Once elected, I worked closely with Mark Ramsey and Sara Voorhees to modify membership criteria to fit the needs of a digital age. Websites, podcasts, YouTube channels and more were given increased attention, helping to expand and diversify the CCA’s ranks to better include online and digital media.
Once re-elected in 2019, I took over the SUPER AWARDS, the CCA program dedicated to honoring genre filmmaking.Year after year, the SUPER AWARDS recognize the best and brightest in Action, Horror, Science-Fiction and Comic Book cinema. We celebrate many of the films that moviegoers care about most, while also shining a bright light on genres that get overlooked during the traditional Awards season. It has been my absolute pleasure to work with many of you on the SUPER AWARDS Nomination Committees, and it’s my hope the membership re-elects me so I can continue the mission.
My responsibilities at CCA have changed several times over the years – from programming Member-contributed content for ReelRave, to updating the CCA Junket Calendar, which served as a bridge between Studios and our membership to keep junketeers up to speed on upcoming junkets. I take pride in the fact that I’ve remained flexible, accepting challenges that meet the needs of the membership, and working to make your jobs easier.
Serving on the Board is a distinction I don’t take lightly. I’m proud to be part of the conversations that have led to positive changes in the CCA telecast, the on-site experience the night of the show, and the creation and evolution of so many of our Celebration ceremonies. I’m extremely proud of the work we have done on the SUPER AWARDS, and will continue to do as the program gains in stature. And I’m excited to find new ways to contribute to the strengthening of the critical community, whether it be by discovering new voices in our industry, or amplifying the ones who already are part of our membership.
Thank you, in advance, for your consideration.
Kathia Woods said on June 9, 2025
Dear Sean
As a member of CCA, I feel you are the board member who interacts the least with the membership. I have seen you at various film festivals and events near members, yet there has been no interaction. While I understand it’s not feasible to know all 600 members, part of being a leader involves knowing your constituents and engaging with them—not just through the Super Awards or your podcast.I also want to challenge your statement about being a bridge between studios and members regarding junkets. As a journalist of color, I must express that your outreach efforts have not effectively benefited me or many individuals who share my background. Many of us from large cities who contribute to legacy media serving minority audiences have seen our access reduced dramatically, and this decline began before the rollback of DEI initiatives. So, I’m confused as to how you can close that gap without engaging with the most affected members. Could you please clarify how you plan to assist us without prior communication? As a board member, while it is challenging to satisfy everyone, how can you advocate for us effectively if you’re not familiar with our challenges or if you primarily interact with those you already know? What commitments are you willing to make to become a more effective leader?