The History of the Oscars

Academy Awards, popularly known as Oscars is one of the most prestigious awards given annually for excellence in cinematic achievements. Continue reading to know more about the history of the Oscars.

Brief History of the Oscars

Oscars or Academy awards was founded in 1927 by Louis B Mayer, head of MGM Studios. Louis B Mayer created Oscars to unite the Hollywood film industry’s actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers. However, the first award presentation was held in 1929 in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel with an audience of about 270 people. The ticket was just $5, and there was no radio or television broadcast. Eventually, Oscar became one of the most famous events in which Hollywood’s biggest stars made their presence in stunning attire.

Why are the Academy Awards Called Oscars?

Officially Academy awards trophies were called Oscars in 1939. The origin of the name is still a debate, but there is a popular story that Margaret Herrick, an Academy librarian, and executive director said that the trophy resembled her uncle Oscar. However, the name was not adopted until 1939.

Did Donald Duck Host the Oscars?

A. Yes
B. No

Remarkable Moments in the History of the Oscars

There are plenty of remarkable moments in the history of the Oscars. Here we listed a few

Hattie McDaniel won the Best Supporting Actress award in 1939 and became the first black Oscar winner.
Donal Duck co-hosted the 1958 Oscar ceremony.
Sidney Poiter is the first black actor to win the Oscar Award for best actor.
At the 41st annual Academy Awards, Katherine Hepburn and Barbra Streisand split the award for best actress.
At the 1974 Oscars, activist Opel interrupted the show naked.
Heath Ledger is the youngest posthumous Oscar Award, winner.
Jennifer Lawrence falls at the 2013 Oscars while on her way to get the best actress award.
Ellen DeGeneres’ selfie at the 2014 Oscars became one of the most famous selfies in history.

Top Oscars facts

Samsung spent a whopping $20 million on ads to run during a break in the 2014 Oscars, which turns out to be the star-studded selfie in history.
Katherine Hepburn is the actor or actress with the most Oscars.
Tatum O’Neal is the youngest Oscar winner. She was only 10 when she won the award.
The Hurt Locker is the cheapest film to win an Oscar, and Avatar is the most expensive film to win an Oscar.
It costs $500 to produce an Oscar Statuette.