As Co-President and Co-Founder of Sony Pictures Classics, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022, Tom Bernard (with Michael Barker) has distributed some of the finest independent movies. Previously, he was the director of the first modern-day specialized distribution company, United Artists (1980-1983), and went on to co-found Orion Classics (1983-1991) and Sony Pictures Classics. Over the span of his career, Bernard has released prestigious films that have won 41 Academy Awards® (37 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 187 Academy Award® nominations (161 at Sony Pictures Classics), including Best Picture nominations for THE FATHER, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, and CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

Bernard and Barker have received numerous recognitions for their work, including the privilege of being honored by the Directors Guild of America at their prestigious 3rd Annual DGA Honors, which celebrates individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in support of the industry. Additionally, Bernard and Barker were recognized with the esteemed French Legion of Honor from the French government in acknowledgment for their continued contributions to French culture, the Spirit of Independence Award from Film Independent at the Los Angeles Film Festival and The Women in Film Beacon Award from Women in Film Los Angeles in recognition of their unmatched support of female filmmakers throughout their careers. Bernard, a two-time Monmouth Arts honoree for his dedication to the arts, is the New Jersey State Film Commissioner, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, the Count Basie Theatre Foundation Board of Directors, the Atlantic Highland Arts Council Advisory Board, and the Monmouth County Arts Council, as well as Co-Chair for the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival.