Amy Pascal

Pascal was born on March 25, 1958, in Los Angeles, California.{{cite journal|first=Elsa|last=Bertet|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/news/amy-pascal-timeline-1117971486/|title=Amy Pascal timeline|journal=Variety|date=September 6, 2007|access-date=December 9, 2017|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116125259/https://variety.com/2007/film/news/amy-pascal-timeline-1117971486/|url-status=live}} Her father, Anthony H. Pascal, was an economic researcher at the RAND Corporation who wrote about African American social inequality and the cost of AIDS.{{cite journal|url=http://www.rand.org/pubs/authors/p/pascal_anthony_h.html|journal=RAND Corporation Website|title=Anthony H. Pascal|access-date=December 20, 2014|archive-date=June 2, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060602090116/http://www.rand.org/pubs/authors/p/pascal_anthony_h.html|url-status=live}} Her mother, Barbara Pascal, was a librarian and owner of an art bookstore, Artworks.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/10/style/amy-b-pascal-bernard-weinraub.html|title=Amy B. Pascal, Bernard Weinraub|work=The New York Times|date=August 10, 1997|access-date=February 14, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804033608/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/10/style/amy-b-pascal-bernard-weinraub.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Matthew|last=Garrahan|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2f6d3d70-8621-11e4-b248-00144feabdc0.html|title=Amy Pascal: A studio boss caught in real-life thriller|work=Financial Times|date=December 19, 2014|access-date=December 20, 2014|archive-date=December 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229222157/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2f6d3d70-8621-11e4-b248-00144feabdc0.html|url-status=live}} Her family is Jewish.{{cite web|url=http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/pascal-amy|work=Jewish Women's Archive|title=Amy Pascal|access-date=December 12, 2014|archive-date=April 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411142214/http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/pascal-amy|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://forward.com/schmooze/214281/amy-pascal-ousted-at-sony-pictures/|title=Amy Pascal Ousted at Sony Pictures|date=February 6, 2015|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=June 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630161822/http://forward.com/schmooze/214281/amy-pascal-ousted-at-sony-pictures/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/can-amy-pascals-career-survive-sony-cyberattack/|title=Can Amy Pascal's career survive Sony cyberattack?|last=Cohen|first=Sandy|date=December 14, 2014|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=June 30, 2018|quote=Pascal was born to a middle-class Jewish family in Los Angeles, where she grew up.|archive-date=June 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630162729/https://www.timesofisrael.com/can-amy-pascals-career-survive-sony-cyberattack/|url-status=live}} Pascal attended Crossroads School in Santa Monica, then worked as a bookkeeper at Crossroads School while getting her international relations degree at UCLA.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2014-jan-15-la-et-ct-sony-oscars-20140116-story.html|title=Sony Pictures' awards season takes pressure off Amy Pascal|first=Daniel|last=Miller|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 15, 2014|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=April 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422035230/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2014-jan-15-la-et-ct-sony-oscars-20140116-story.html|url-status=live}}

Pascal started her career as a secretary working for producer Tony Garnett at the independent production company Kestrel Films.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/business/media/25sony.html|title=Sony's Version of Tracy and Hepburn|first=Tim|last=Arango|work=The New York Times|date=October 24, 2009|access-date=February 14, 2017|archive-date=December 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208161502/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/business/media/25sony.html|url-status=live}} From 1986 to 1987, she served as Vice President of Production at 20th Century Fox.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2010/12/sony-pictures-amy-pascal-reups-for-5-yrs-88918/|title=Sony Reups Amy Pascal For 5 More Years|first=Nikki|last=Finke|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 7, 2010|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=April 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422035228/https://deadline.com/2010/12/sony-pictures-amy-pascal-reups-for-5-yrs-88918/|url-status=live}}

Pascal joined Columbia Pictures in 1988, where she was responsible for the development of films including: Groundhog Day, Little Women, Awakenings, and A League of Their Own.{{cite web|url=http://www.sony.com/SCA/company-news/press-releases/columbia-pictures/2010/amy-pascal-extends-long-term-employment-agreement-.shtml|title=Amy Pascal Extends Long-Term Employment Agreement With Sony Pictures|publisher=Sony Pictures|date=December 7, 2010|access-date=April 26, 2014|archive-date=January 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131030739/http://www.sony.com/SCA/company-news/press-releases/columbia-pictures/2010/amy-pascal-extends-long-term-employment-agreement-.shtml|url-status=dead}} She left Columbia in 1994 and served for two years as the President of Production for Turner Pictures while Scott Sassa was president of Turner Entertainment.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-08-25-fi-31186-story.html|title=Pascal Named President of Production at Turner|first=Alan|last=Citron|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 25, 1994|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=April 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422035228/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-08-25-fi-31186-story.html|url-status=live}} During her time at Turner, Pascal hired Damon Lee as a development director.{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/john-singleton-sony-hack-jokes-758633/|title=John Singleton on Sony Hack: Jokes by Amy Pascal, Scott Rudin Aren't "Racist"|format=Guest Column|first=John|last=Singleton|author-link=John Singleton|date=December 17, 2014|access-date=April 21, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=April 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422035228/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/john-singleton-sony-hack-jokes-758633/|url-status=live}}

Pascal rejoined Columbia in 1996 as the studio's president after Turner Pictures merged with Warner Bros.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/news/amy-pascal-timeline-1117971486/|title=Amy Pascal timeline|first=Elsa|last=Bertet|work=Variety|date=September 6, 2007|access-date=December 9, 2017|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116125259/https://variety.com/2007/film/news/amy-pascal-timeline-1117971486/|url-status=live}} In 1999, Pascal became Chair of Columbia Pictures.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-dec-16-fi-44416-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|title=Columbia Pictures President Promoted to Chairwoman|date=December 16, 1999|access-date=April 21, 2022|first=Claudia|last=Eller|archive-date=April 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422035229/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-dec-16-fi-44416-story.html|url-status=live}}

Pascal was named Co-Chairperson of Sony Pictures Entertainment in September 2006.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aiWYHn.LOkq0|title=Sony Names Pascal Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Unit (Update1)|first=Michael|last=White|publisher=Bloomberg|date=September 6, 2006|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924180452/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aiWYHn.LOkq0|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/seniormanagementteam/amypascal.html |title=Amy Pascal |publisher=Sony Pictures |access-date=April 25, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413173052/http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/seniormanagementteam/amypascal.html |archive-date=April 13, 2014 }} She also served as Chairman of SPE's Motion Picture Group from December 2003 to February 2015.{{cite web |url=http://www.filmnewsandviews.com/sects/press_releases/page.php?pagenum=3538 |title=Sony's Amy Pascal To Be Honored at Opening Night Gala |first=Nikki |last=Finke |publisher=Films News and Views |date=March 4, 2007 |access-date=April 26, 2014 |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426234343/http://www.filmnewsandviews.com/sects/press_releases/page.php?pagenum=3538 |url-status=live }} Pascal and SPE's Chairman and CEO Michael Lynton led all of SPE's lines of business, including: motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies.{{cite web |url=http://www.producersguild.org/news/37503/PGA-Honors-Michael-Lynton-and-Amy-Pascal-with-Milestone-Award.htm |title=PGA Honors Michael Lynton and Amy Pascal with Milestone Award |first=James |last=Gilmore |publisher=Producers Guild of America |date=October 7, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2014 |archive-date=April 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410211712/http://www.producersguild.org/news/37503/PGA-Honors-Michael-Lynton-and-Amy-Pascal-with-Milestone-Award.htm |url-status=live }}

Pascal has overseen the production and distribution of many films, including the Spider-Man franchise; the James Bond films Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall, the first Bond film to gross over $1 billion at the worldwide box office;plus Spectre (2015){{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/james-bonds-skyfall-1-billion-407126/|title=Box Office Milestone: Daniel Craig's 'Skyfall' Crosses $1 Billion Worldwide|first=Pamela|last=McClintock|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=December 30, 2012|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413020910/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/james-bonds-skyfall-1-billion-407126/|url-status=live}} The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons; Sony Pictures Animation's The Smurfs, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Hotel Transylvania; and Best Picture Oscar nominees American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Zero Dark Thirty, Moneyball and The Social Network.{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/oscars-2010-here-are-the-best-picture-nominees-2011-1|title=OSCARS 2011: Here Are The Best Picture Nominees!|first=Ujala|last=Sehgal|publisher=Business Insider|date=February 26, 2011|access-date=April 26, 2014|archive-date=January 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127144006/http://www.businessinsider.com/oscars-2010-here-are-the-best-picture-nominees-2011-1|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url= http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2012/01/oscar-nominations-2012-is-moneyball-the-best-sports-movie-ever.html|title= Oscar nominations 2012: Is 'Moneyball' the best sports movie ever?|work= Los Angeles Times|date= January 24, 2012|access-date= April 26, 2014|archive-date= January 13, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180113035541/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2012/01/oscar-nominations-2012-is-moneyball-the-best-sports-movie-ever.html|url-status= live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-en-oscars-2013-nomination-list-story.html|title=Oscars winners and nominees 2013: Complete list|work=Los Angeles Times|date=February 25, 2013|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018043007/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-en-oscars-2013-nomination-list-story.html|url-status=live}}

Pascal, along with Lynton, also oversaw Sony Pictures Television, which produces and distributes television programming for multiple platforms in the U.S. and internationally.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/industry-us-sonypictures-idUSTRE6B66DY20101207|title=Sony extends contract of studio head Amy Pascal|first=Bernard|last=Orr|work=Reuters|date=December 7, 2010|access-date=July 10, 2021|archive-date=March 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311180708/https://www.reuters.com/article/industry-us-sonypictures-idUSTRE6B66DY20101207|url-status=live}}

In 2013, Pascal was elected to the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/film-academys-new-board-governors-585531|title=Film Academy's New Board of Governors Includes Sony's Amy Pascal and Filmmaker Alex Gibney|first=Gregg|last=Kilday|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 15, 2013|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=February 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218214824/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/film-academys-new-board-governors-585531|url-status=live}}

She clashed with investor Daniel S. Loeb, who accused both Pascal and Lynton of "poor financial controls." According to the Financial Times, "she employed an assistant who earned more than $250,000 a year, and had use of a private jet and other perks in keeping with Hollywood's golden era rather than an age of austerity." At the end of 2014, Pascal was the only woman at Sony to earn over $1 million per annum, having earned US$3 million a year.{{cite news|url=https://time.com/3625392/the-7-most-outrageous-things-we-learned-from-the-sony-hack/|title=The 7 Most Outrageous Things We Learned From the Sony Hack|date=December 7, 2014|access-date=February 16, 2015|magazine=Time|first=Sam|last=Frizell|quote=Only one female Sony employee earns more than $1 million.|archive-date=February 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209220906/http://time.com/3625392/the-7-most-outrageous-things-we-learned-from-the-sony-hack/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Copeland|first1=Libby|title=Sony Pictures Hack Reveals Stark Gender Pay Gap|url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/12/sony-pictures-hack-reveals-gender-pay-gap-at-the-entertainment-company-and-deloitte.html|work=Slate|date=December 5, 2014|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=April 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422034518/https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/12/sony-pictures-hack-reveals-gender-pay-gap-at-the-entertainment-company-and-deloitte.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Danielle|last=Berrin|url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/arts/154908/sony-pictures-co-chairman-amy-pascal-gets-a-graceful-exit/|title=Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal gets a graceful exit|work=The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles|date=February 5, 2015|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=May 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516082335/https://jewishjournal.com/culture/arts/154908/sony-pictures-co-chairman-amy-pascal-gets-a-graceful-exit/|url-status=live}}

Pascal's contract with Sony was scheduled to expire in March 2015. On February 5, 2015, Pascal announced she would step down in May 2015.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-sony-amy-pascal-stepping-down-20150205-story.html |title=Sony co-chair Amy Pascal steps down after hacking scandal |first=Ryan |last=Faughdner |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 5, 2015 |access-date=February 15, 2015 |archive-date=February 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216022935/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-sony-amy-pascal-stepping-down-20150205-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Fritz|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/amy-pascal-steps-down-as-head-of-sony-pictures-film-business-1423157351|title=Amy Pascal Steps Down as Head of Sony Pictures' Film Business: Long-Time Executive to Start Film-Production Company in May|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=February 5, 2015|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108104418/https://www.wsj.com/articles/amy-pascal-steps-down-as-head-of-sony-pictures-film-business-1423157351|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Dominic|last=Rushe|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/05/amy-pascal-leaving-sony-pictures-email-leak|title=Amy Pascal steps down from Sony Pictures in wake of damaging email hack|work=The Guardian|date=February 5, 2015|access-date=December 11, 2016|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024201313/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/05/amy-pascal-leaving-sony-pictures-email-leak|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first1=Michael|last1=Cieply|first2=Brooks|last2=Barnesm|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/06/business/amy-pascal-leaving-as-sony-studio-chief.html|title=Amy Pascal Leaving as Sony Studio Chief|work=The New York Times|date=February 5, 2015|access-date=February 14, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821212132/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/06/business/amy-pascal-leaving-as-sony-studio-chief.html|url-status=live}} Pascal stated during a Women in the World discussion on February 11, 2015, that she had been "fired" by Sony.Michael Cieply, [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/13/business/media/amy-pascal-says-sony-pushed-her-out.html Amy Pascal Says Sony Pushed Her Out of Studio Post] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112033010/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/13/business/media/amy-pascal-says-sony-pushed-her-out.html |date=November 12, 2020 }}, The New York Times, February 12, 2015Dave McNary, [https://variety.com/2015/film/news/amy-pascal-sony-angelina-jolie-obama-hack-the-interview-1201431167/ Amy Pascal Talks Getting 'Fired,' Sony Hack and Angelina Jolie Emails in Candid Interview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628170529/https://variety.com/2015/film/news/amy-pascal-sony-angelina-jolie-obama-hack-the-interview-1201431167/ |date=June 28, 2021 }}, Variety, February 11, 2015

{{Infobox company

| name = Pascal Pictures, Inc.

| logo = File:Pascal_Pictures_logo.svg

| logo_caption = Logo used since 2018

| type = Independent

| founded = 2016

| founder = Amy Pascal

| hq_location_country = United States

| key_people = Amy Pascal (Founder & President)

| industry = Film Production

}}

Pascal started her own production company, with a four-year contract for funding and distribution via Sony Pictures Entertainment. The company, called Pascal Pictures, hired Rachel O'Connor as production chief and Ian Dalrymple to open and run a New York branch. Pascal Pictures was expected to continue Amy Pascal's "book-friendly" focus, and Dalrymple's office was expected to facilitate this.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/amy-pascal-ian-dalrymple-new-york-office-pascal-pictures-1201471824/|title=Amy Pascal Hires Ian Dalrymple To Run Gotham Office For Pascal Pictures|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=2015-07-07|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=July 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708070316/https://deadline.com/2015/07/amy-pascal-ian-dalrymple-new-york-office-pascal-pictures-1201471824/|url-status=live}} The company's first production was the reboot Ghostbusters (2016). She subsequently produced Spider-Man: Homecoming with Marvel Studios,{{cite news|first=Tatiana|last=Siegel|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amy-pascal-step-down-top-755789|title=Amy Pascal to Step Down From Top Sony Post|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 5, 2015|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=September 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908222620/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amy-pascal-step-down-top-755789|url-status=live}} in addition to theatre and television work. TriStar President Hannah Minghella obtained rights to Maestra by L. S. Hilton with the intent for Pascal to produce the film.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/12/charlie-hebdo-donald-trump-top-media-stories-of-2015-1201672127/|title=Sony Nearing Amy Pascal's First Major Deal: S.L. Knight Novel 'M|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=2015-12-25|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=December 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227062636/https://deadline.com/2015/12/charlie-hebdo-donald-trump-top-media-stories-of-2015-1201672127/|url-status=live}} (see previous story linked therein) Pascal Pictures made a winning bid for a memoir by Zoë Quinn about "Gamergate" called Crash Override: How to Save the Internet from Itself, which was sold to Touchstone/Simon & Schuster for publication in September 2016.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/11/zoe-quinn-crash-override-gamergate-memoir-amy-pascal-1201611420/|title=Amy Pascal Wins Zoe Quinn's Gamergate Memoir 'Crash Override'|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=2015-11-06|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106233956/https://deadline.com/2015/11/zoe-quinn-crash-override-gamergate-memoir-amy-pascal-1201611420/|url-status=live}} Pascal and Elizabeth Cantillon optioned rights for a TriStar TV series based on books by Eve Babitz set in 1960s-1970s Los Angeles.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/11/amy-pascal-elizabeth-cantillon-eve-babitz-tristar-tv-series-1201630731/|title=Amy Pascal & Elizabeth Cantillon Option Eve Babitz Memoirs For TriStar TV Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=2015-11-20|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=November 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122011301/https://deadline.com/2015/11/amy-pascal-elizabeth-cantillon-eve-babitz-tristar-tv-series-1201630731/|url-status=live}} For a sum in the "mid-six to seven figures", Pascal made a deal for Michael Diliberti's Athena, about a descendant of the goddess Athena who is recruited to a secret organization.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/11/athena-movie-amy-pascal-michael-diliberti-sony-1201610977/|title=Amy Pascal Lands Pitch For 'Athena' Movie From Michael Diliberti|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=2015-11-06|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024065844/https://deadline.com/2015/11/athena-movie-amy-pascal-michael-diliberti-sony-1201610977/|url-status=live}} Together with Sony, Pascal obtained rights for the TV crime drama Darktown, which she plans to executive produce with Jamie Foxx.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/01/amy-pascal-jamie-foxx-darktown-1940s-crime-drama-race-1201682882/|title=Amy Pascal & Jamie Foxx Team For 1940s TV Crime Drama About Race 'Darktown'|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=2016-01-14|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115233326/https://deadline.com/2016/01/amy-pascal-jamie-foxx-darktown-1940s-crime-drama-race-1201682882/|url-status=live}}

In May 2019, it was announced that Pascal and her production company Pascal Pictures is leaving Sony and moving to Universal Pictures for a first-look deal after 30 years at Sony Pictures.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/amy-pascal-universal-pictures-deal-30-year-sony-run-ends-donna-langley-1202605252/|title=Amy Pascal Ends 30-Year Sony Run With Universal First Look Deal|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=2019-05-01|access-date=May 4, 2019|archive-date=May 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501195758/https://deadline.com/2019/05/amy-pascal-universal-pictures-deal-30-year-sony-run-ends-donna-langley-1202605252/|url-status=live}}

In March 2025, Amazon MGM Studios announced that Pascal and David Heyman would oversee the Bond film franchise moving forward and produce future installments in the series through their Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films banners, respectively.{{cite web|title=Amazon's James Bond Franchise Officially Sets Amy Pascal, David Heyman as Producers of New Film|website=Variety|first=Alex|last=Ritman|date=25 March 2025|access-date=25 March 2025|url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/james-bond-amazon-amy-pascal-david-heyman-producers-1236347697/}} Shortly afterwards, she had moved from Universal to MGM for a first-look deal.{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |date=2025-04-02 |title=James Bond & 'Project Hail Mary' Producer Amy Pascal Moves First-Look Deal To Amazon MGM |url=https://deadline.com/2025/04/amy-pascal-amazon-mgm-producing-deal-james-bond-films-project-hail-mary-1236357090/ |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

In 2001, Pascal was honored with the Women in Film's Crystal Award, which recognizes those whose work has helped to expand the role of women in the entertainment industry.{{cite web|url=http://www.wif.org/past-recipients |title=Past Recipients Crystal Award |publisher=Women in Film |access-date=April 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019190350/http://wif.org/past-recipients |archive-date=October 19, 2013 }} Pascal has been included in The Hollywood Reporter{{'}}s annual Women in Entertainment Power 100 list and Forbes{{'}} ranking of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women.{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hollywood-reporter-women-entertainment-2011-power-100-268500|title=THR's Women in Entertainment 2011: Power 100|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=December 7, 2011|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828151112/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hollywood-reporter-women-entertainment-2011-power-100-268500|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/11/power-women-09_The-100-Most-Powerful-Women_Rank_3.html|title=The 100 Most Powerful Women|work=Forbes|access-date=April 27, 2014|date=August 19, 2009|archive-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628231621/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/11/power-women-09_The-100-Most-Powerful-Women_Rank_3.html|url-status=live}} {{as of|2014}}, she was ranked as the 28th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes, up from 36th in 2013.{{cite news|title=The World's 100 Most Powerful Women|url=https://www.forbes.com/power-women/list/#tab:overall|work=Forbes|access-date=June 24, 2014|archive-date=September 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920073036/https://www.forbes.com/power-women/list/#tab:overall|url-status=live}}

Pascal serves on the Honorary Committee of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles.{{cite web|url=http://www.end-epilepsy.org/api/Index.cfm/cms.page/i/14981/preview/707D617A6B/Care-and-Cure-2013---Honoree/|title=Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles: Honorary Committee|access-date=December 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229113615/http://www.end-epilepsy.org/api/Index.cfm/cms.page/i/14981/preview/707D617A6B/Care-and-Cure-2013---Honoree/|archive-date=December 29, 2014|url-status=dead}} She has made charitable contributions to Teen Line.{{cite news|first=Rachel|last=Abrams|url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/power-of-women-amy-pascal-supports-teenagers-in-crisis-with-teen-line-1200683047/|title=Power of Women: Amy Pascal Supports Teenagers in Crisis With Teen Line|work=Variety|date=October 1, 2013|access-date=December 9, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113061957/https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/power-of-women-amy-pascal-supports-teenagers-in-crisis-with-teen-line-1200683047/|url-status=live}}

She was awarded the 2008 Humanitarian Award from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles which combats antisemitism and promotes human rights and tolerance.{{cite web|url=http://www.wiesenthal.com/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=lsKWLbPJLnF&b=4924937&ct=5848963|title=Simon Wiesenthal Center to Honor Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group with its 2008 Humanitarian Award|work=Simon Wiesenthal Center website|date=May 2, 2008|access-date=December 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229113712/http://www.wiesenthal.com/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=lsKWLbPJLnF&b=4924937&ct=5848963|archive-date=December 29, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wiesenthal.com/site/pp.asp?c=lsKWLbPJLnF&b=4442227|title=SWC 2008 National Tribute Dinner|work=Simon Wiesenthal Center website|access-date=February 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218182943/http://www.wiesenthal.com/site/pp.asp?c=lsKWLbPJLnF&b=4442227|archive-date=February 18, 2015|url-status=dead}} She received the award at the 2008 National Tribute Dinner, an annual fundraiser which raised US$2 million for the center.Bill Higgins, [https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/no-laughing-matter-3-1117985268/ No laughing matter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116132740/https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/no-laughing-matter-3-1117985268/ |date=November 16, 2018 }}, Variety, May 7, 2008 In her acceptance speech, she said, "I believe in what the museum is committed to: not just the literal event of the Holocaust but not letting anything like that happen again."

{{Main|Sony Pictures hack}}

On December 9, 2014, a group called "Guardians of Peace" hacked into Sony's computer system, which led to the theft of internal company documents. The fallout became a major international diplomatic incident in North Korea–United States relations. In subsequent news coverage Pascal and producer Scott Rudin were noted to have had an exchange in these documents about Pascal's upcoming encounter with President Barack Obama.{{cite web|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|url=https://deadline.com/2014/12/scott-rudin-apology-sony-hacking-barack-obama-1201320321/|title=Scott Rudin Apologizes After Leak Of Sony's Hacked Racially Insensitive E-Mails On Barack Obama|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=December 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212031149/https://deadline.com/2014/12/scott-rudin-apology-sony-hacking-barack-obama-1201320321/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/sonys-amy-pascal-apologizes-for-obama-emails-not-who-i-am-1201377177/|title=Sony's Amy Pascal Apologizes for Obama Emails|work=Variety|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=December 9, 2017|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810194510/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/sonys-amy-pascal-apologizes-for-obama-emails-not-who-i-am-1201377177/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Christopher|last=Rosen|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/11/scott-rudin-amy-pascal-apology_n_6310040.html|title=Scott Rudin & Amy Pascal Apologize After Racially Insensitive Emails About Obama Leak|work=The Huffington Post|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=February 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222090621/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/11/scott-rudin-amy-pascal-apology_n_6310040.html|url-status=live}} Pascal joked that the president, who is black, would possibly enjoy Django Unchained and The Butler (films which deal with slavery in the United States and the pre-civil rights era) or the comedy Think Like a Man which features an ensemble cast of black comedians. Rudin responded, "Ride Along, I bet he likes Kevin Hart."{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/matthewzeitlin/scott-rudin-on-obama-i-bet-he-likes-kevin-hart|title=Scott Rudin On Obama's Favorite Movies: "I Bet He Likes Kevin Hart"|publisher=BuzzFeed|date=December 10, 2014|author=Matthew Zeitlin|access-date=August 24, 2017|archive-date=December 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211061915/https://www.buzzfeed.com/matthewzeitlin/scott-rudin-on-obama-i-bet-he-likes-kevin-hart|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/pb/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/11/a-sony-exec-cracks-jokes-about-obamas-race-and-eight-more-bruising-revelations-from-the-sony-leak/|title=A Sony exec cracks jokes about Obama's race, and eight more bruising revelations from the Sony leak|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 11, 2014|author=Hayley Tsukayama}}

News reports branded the exchange as "racially insensitive,"{{cite news|last1=Dockterman|first1=Eliana|title=Seth Rogen Thanks Sony Chief for Making The Interview|url=https://time.com/3631562/seth-rogen-amy-pascal-the-interview/|work=Times Magazine|access-date=December 22, 2014|archive-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220201652/http://time.com/3631562/seth-rogen-amy-pascal-the-interview/|url-status=live}} while others called it "racist."{{cite news|first=Sandy|last=Cohen|url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/movies/2014/12/12/sonys-amy-pascal-fire-racist-remarks/20333889/|title=Sony's Amy Pascal under fire for racist remarks|work=Detroit News|date=December 12, 2014|access-date=December 20, 2014|archive-date=December 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214104622/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/movies/2014/12/12/sonys-amy-pascal-fire-racist-remarks/20333889/|url-status=live}} Pascal responded by saying "the content of my emails were insensitive and inappropriate but are not an accurate reflection of who I am."{{cite news|first1=Brooks|last1=Barnes|first2=Michael|last2=Cieply|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/12/business/media/scott-rudin-and-amy-pascal-of-sony-apologize-for-racially-tinged-comments-on-obama.html|title=Sony Film Executives Apologize for Racially Tinged Emails About Obama|work=The New York Times|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=February 14, 2017|archive-date=March 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303004053/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/12/business/media/scott-rudin-and-amy-pascal-of-sony-apologize-for-racially-tinged-comments-on-obama.html|url-status=live}}

Civil rights leader Al Sharpton suggested the apology was not sufficient, compared her to Donald Sterling, and called for more diversity in Sony's hiring pool.{{cite news|first=Colin|last=Campbell|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/al-sharpton-compares-sony-exec-to-donald-sterling-2014-12|title=Al Sharpton Compares Sony Exec To Racist Ex-NBA Owner|work=Business Insider|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=December 12, 2014|archive-date=July 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708172813/http://www.businessinsider.com/al-sharpton-compares-sony-exec-to-donald-sterling-2014-12|url-status=live}} The screenwriter and producer Aaron Sorkin denounced the media's focus on Pascal's communications and many other emails released by the hack in an opinion piece for The New York Times, characterizing the coverage as "giving material aid to criminals" and writing "at least the hackers are doing it for a cause. The press is doing it for a nickel."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/15/opinion/aaron-sorkin-journalists-shouldnt-help-the-sony-hackers.html|title=The Sony Hack and the Yellow Press|work=The New York Times|date=December 14, 2014|author=Aaron Sorkin|access-date=February 14, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215232220/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/15/opinion/aaron-sorkin-journalists-shouldnt-help-the-sony-hackers.html|url-status=live}} In the popular press, coverage of the story was extended with actress and producer Lisa Kudrow suggesting Pascal should have known better, adding, "Don't write anything you don't want broadcast".{{cite news|first=Maane|last=Khatchatourian|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/lisa-kudrow-on-leaked-sony-emails-1201378935/|title=Lisa Kudrow on Sony Emails: 'Don't Write Anything You Don't Want Broadcast'|work=Variety|date=December 13, 2014|access-date=December 20, 2014|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216061303/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/lisa-kudrow-on-leaked-sony-emails-1201378935/|url-status=live}}[https://www.thewrap.com/lisa-kudrow-rips-sony-execs-over-leaked-emails-dont-write-anything-you-dont-want-broadcast-video/ Lisa Kudrow Rips Sony Execs Over Leaked Emails: 'Don't Write Anything You Don't Want Broadcast' (Video)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205131617/https://www.thewrap.com/lisa-kudrow-rips-sony-execs-over-leaked-emails-dont-write-anything-you-dont-want-broadcast-video/ |date=December 5, 2019 }}, TheWrap, December 13, 2014Ryan Gajewsk, [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/lisa-kudrow-sony-emails-execs-757499/ Lisa Kudrow on Sony Emails: Execs Need "Boundaries and Accountability"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422034519/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/lisa-kudrow-sony-emails-execs-757499/ |date=April 22, 2022 }}, The Hollywood Reporter, December 13, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2022 At the Writers Guild of America Awards 2014 on January 7, 2015, Kudrow, who was the presenter, mentioned the Sony hack again, arguing that it was disturbing "because Scott Rudin and Amy Pascal thought that was witty banter."[https://deadline.com/2015/02/wga-awards-live-blog-2015-writers-guild-awards-1201373023/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108091649/https://deadline.com/2015/02/wga-awards-live-blog-2015-writers-guild-awards-1201373023/|date=November 8, 2020}} Deadline Hollywood

Color of Change, a civil rights organization, launched a petition in December 2014 calling upon Sony to fire Pascal from her role, arguing, "Pascal's comments are confirmation of the manipulative, exploitative relationship corporations like Sony have with Black folks."{{cite news|first=Aaron|last=Couch|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/civil-rights-group-asks-sony-759163/|title=Civil Rights Group Asks Sony to Fire Amy Pascal Over Leaked Emails|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=December 18, 2014|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=April 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422034518/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/civil-rights-group-asks-sony-759163/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Antonia|last=Molloy|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/sony-hacking-civil-rights-group-calls-for-amy-pascal-to-be-fired-over-raciallycharged-leaked-email-exchange-about-barack-obama-9933909.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219044632/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/sony-hacking-civil-rights-group-calls-for-amy-pascal-to-be-fired-over-raciallycharged-leaked-email-exchange-about-barack-obama-9933909.html |archive-date=2014-12-19 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Sony hacking: Civil rights group calls for Amy Pascal to be fired over 'racially-charged' leaked email exchange about Barack Obama|work=The Independent|date=December 18, 2014|location=London}}{{cite web|url=http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Sony_Pascal/|title=ColorOfChange: Tell Sony: Fire Amy Pascal!|access-date=December 29, 2014|archive-date=January 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102070712/http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Sony_Pascal/|url-status=live}} They added, "We must hold Pascal accountable here; not just for her horrendous comments, but also for her role at the helm of a corporate agenda that views Black America as one big, lucrative joke."

In a 2020 interview with Vulture, Thandiwe Newton accused Pascal of making racially insensitive and demeaning demands of her for the film remake of Charlie's Angels, a film Newton ended up declining to star in due to Pascal's alleged behavior.{{cite web|url= https://www.vulture.com/article/thandie-newton-in-conversation.html|title= In Conversation: Thandie Newton After decades onscreen, nothing surprises the Westworld actress, though what she's ready to share will surprise you|website= Vulture|date= July 7, 2020|access-date= July 7, 2020|archive-date= August 4, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200804114217/https://www.vulture.com/article/thandie-newton-in-conversation.html|url-status= live}} Pascal responded by stating she was "horrified" by the story and had no recollection of it.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/thandie-newton-charlies-angels-amy-pascal-1234699851/|title=Thandie Newton Left 'Charlie's Angels' After Disturbing Encounter With Amy Pascal|website=Variety|first=Mackenzie|last=Nichols|date=July 7, 2020|access-date=July 7, 2020|archive-date=July 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707233040/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/thandie-newton-charlies-angels-amy-pascal-1234699851/|url-status=live}}

After Pascal left Sony, she was interviewed about Sony Entertainment's gender pay gap that had been exposed by the leaks. Tina Brown asked Pascal to explain why actresses did not realize they were being paid less than male actors. Pascal said, "People want to work for less money. I'll pay them less money. I don't call them up and go, 'Can I give you some more?' ... what women have to do is not work for less money.... People should know what they're worth and say no."{{cite news|last1=Newcomer|first1=Eric|last2=Sakoui|first2=Anousha|title=Sony's Pascal Defends Paying Women Like J-Law Less|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-12/sony-s-pascal-defends-paying-women-like-jennifer-lawrence-less|access-date=March 1, 2015|work=BloombergBusiness|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=February 11, 2015|archive-date=February 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226210115/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-12/sony-s-pascal-defends-paying-women-like-jennifer-lawrence-less|url-status=live}}

Women making less than their male counterparts and male co-stars learned of the difference from the hack. The difference between what men and women made was pervasive at Sony Pictures under Pascal, with only one female out of the seventeen studio executives earning more than $1 million per year according to the unconfirmed emails, and Columbia Pictures co-presidents of production Michael De Luca and Hannah Minghella serving in identical jobs but with a million dollar difference in pay.

Pascal married Bernard Weinraub, a former foreign correspondent for The New York Times and playwright, in 1997. They reside in Brentwood, Los Angeles, with their son Anthony Weinraub.

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