Tom Hanks voted back onto Academy Awards board; runoff election called to settle directors tie

Tom Hanks voted back onto Academy Awards board

LOS ANGELES — Tom Hanks is rejoining the board that oversees the Academy Awards.

After a one-year hiatus, Hanks was elected Tuesday to a new three-year term on the board of governors representing the actors branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Hanks was among nine incumbents and four new members elected to the board.

But a rare runoff vote is needed after two directors tied for a seat on the board.

Filmmaker Edward Zwick, who directed “Blood Diamond” and “Glory,” and frequent Oscar ceremony producer and director Gil Cates tied for a seat representing the directors branch.

Runoff ballots are being mailed this week and are due back July 29.

Academy Executive Director Bruce Davis says he believes it’s the first time a runoff election is needed for the board.