Oscar-nominated producer Kathleen Kennedy will oversee the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. This announcement was made on Wednesday, as she takes over from Peter Rice, who remains as executive producer.

At 73 years old, Kennedy recently departed from her role as president of Lucasfilm, a position she held since 2012, during which she guided the modern era of Star Wars. Her impressive portfolio includes classics such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park.

Casey Wasserman, chairperson and president of LA28, praised Kennedy, stating, "Kathleen is a legend. She is one of Hollywood’s all-time greats, with a rare gift for storytelling."

Kennedy has attended multiple Olympics, dating back to the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. She expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying, "Casey Wasserman has a bold vision for what these Games can mean for Los Angeles and the world, and I’m thrilled he’s asked me to help bring it to life."

She joins a talented ceremonies team that includes Ben Winston, an Emmy-winning producer and creative director, along with Scott Givens, the executive producer of production.

On the same day, LA28 organizers revealed “Stars Align” as the official slogan for the upcoming Games. The Olympic opening ceremony is set for July 14, 2028, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, while the closing ceremony will occur on July 30 at the Coliseum. The Paralympic opening ceremony is scheduled for August 15, with the closing ceremony on August 27.