Oscar Whisperer Cynthia Swartz Leaves 42West to Launch Her Own PR Firm

Cynthia Swartz, a partner at PR powerhouse 42West since May 2005 and veteran Oscar strategist, is negotiating her exit to form her own PR firm.

In a statement, 42West partners Leslee Dart, Amanda Lundberg and Allan Mayer confirmed the move, saying, “Cynthia Swartz is close to finalizing a deal to leave 42West and to set up her own public relations company. We have been extremely supportive of this and anticipate collaborating with her on projects in the future.”

The announcement comes just weeks before the start of the fall festivals, starting with the Telluride and Toronto, which in turn serve as bellwethers of the awards season. Last year, Swartz’s clients included “The Social Network” among others.

Prior to joining 42 West, Swartz worked under Harvey and Bob Weinstein at Miramax Films for 13 years. Among the titles she supported were “The Crying Game,” “The Piano,” “Pulp Fiction,” “The English Patient,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Shakespeare in Love,” “The Hours,” “Chicago,” “Gangs of New York,” “Finding Neverland” and “The Aviator.” After leaving Miramax, she also worked on the Oscar campaign for best-picture winners “Crash” and “The Hurt Locker.”