1986-01-31

MARGARET “MEGAN” ELLISON is an American film producer and entrepreneur. She is founder of Annapurna Pictures, established in 2011. She has producing credits on the films Zero Dark Thirty, Her, American Hustle, and Phantom Thread, all of which have earned her Oscar nominations. In 2014, she was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world. Ellison is  the daughter of billionaire Oracle Corporation chairman Larry Ellison.

Annapurna Pictures, the media company founded by Ellison, was created in 2011. Since then it has produced highly acclaimed films like pike Jonze’s Her. Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty, and David O. Russell’s American Hustle. Ellison’s approach to film making is regarded as one that follows Silicon Valley principles: investing large sums of money into prestigious teams that are attempting something risky. Many times, Annapurna chooses films so risky that other studios would never even consider them. The studio has become well known as a production company for auteurs by differentiating itself as unfazed by the monetary problems that other independent studios face. Despite the prominent roster of directors that have taken Annapurna’s backing, the business continues to face a variety of setbacks, predominately focused on cash flow. “These are good artsy movies that lose a ton of money”, said an insider familiar with the company’s balance sheets. Annapurna suffered a mass exodus of key executives throughout the year of 2018 including its two-year president, Mark Weinstock.  Despite the financials and talent drain, Annapurna remains backed by Ellison’s billionaire father, who not only funds the media company but has brought in the best financial advisors to advise Ellison. Former colleagues, including directors and Annapurna executives, say of Ellison, “She could never do better than her father in terms of making money – it doesn’t matter if she makes or loses money on these movies”. 

Megan Ellison has been in relationships with Jessica Chastain and Robyn Shapiro.

Must be nice.