American Cinema Editors (ACE)

Overview

American Cinema Editors (ACE) is an honorary society founded in 1950 dedicated to the advancement of the art of film and television editing. Membership is by invitation and is considered one of the highest recognitions available to a working editor. Members use the "ACE" designation after their names in screen credits, a mark of peer-recognized distinction visible on virtually every major Hollywood production. The organization operates alongside the editors' union (IATSE Local 700, the Motion Picture Editors Guild) rather than as a labor organization -- ACE focuses on craft recognition and education while the union handles labor representation.

ACE membership spans film editing, television episodic editing, documentary editing, and commercial editing. The organization's membership includes some of the most celebrated editors in cinema history, and the "ACE" credit suffix is among the most universally recognized craft distinctions in the industry.

Membership and Invitation

ACE membership is by invitation, with nominations coming from current members. The selection process evaluates candidates' body of work, contribution to the craft, and professional standing in the editing community. Both theatrical and television editors are represented, reflecting the breadth of professional editing practice.

The organization maintains active membership for currently practicing editors and honorary membership for legendary figures who have shaped the craft. Associate membership is available for emerging editors working toward full qualification. The "ACE" designation in credits is reserved for full members.

Eddie Awards

ACE presents the Eddie Awards annually, recognizing outstanding achievement in editing across theatrical features, episodic television, documentaries, reality programming, and student work. The Eddie Awards -- named after the industry's informal term for an editor, "Eddie" -- are voted on by ACE members and are regarded as among the most significant honors in post-production, representing peer recognition from the editing community.

The awards span a wide range of categories including drama, comedy, thriller, musical, and documentary, reflecting the different editing disciplines required across genres. The student editing categories provide recognition and visibility for emerging editing talent.

What Filmmakers Should Know

For directors and producers, the "ACE" designation in an editor's credits signals peer-recognized distinction and a body of work that the editing community has honored. Understanding what ACE membership represents -- an invitation-based honor rather than a union card or certification -- helps directors evaluate the professional credentials of the editors they are considering.

For editors, ACE membership is a long-term career aspiration. Building the relationships with current members, the body of work, and the professional reputation that leads to an ACE invitation is a career-long process. The organization's events and masterclasses provide valuable community access even before formal membership.

See Also

For the union that covers editing employment on union productions, see Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700) in this directory. For the Academy Award for Film Editing, see the Academy Awards entry.