What makes the Oscars so iconic?
The glittering red carpet, the emotional acceptance speeches, the golden glow of these coveted statuettes?
We say all of this above – and much more.
The Oscars are Hollywood’s biggest night. A stage for history that are made in history, such as Halle Berry’s tearful victory as the first black woman who deserves the best actress, or the viral confusion that La La Land crowned instead of moonlight.
Let’s take a look at some fascinating facts about Tinseltown’s most glamorous event and how our alumni of our film school in Los Angeles joined the line-up.
1. The name of the statue is not actually Oscar
While we all know the iconic gold statue as “Oscar”, this is not their official name.
Formally, it is called “Oscar Award of Merit”, and the nickname “Oscar” has a spell that stuck. But where does it come from?
Legend says that a librarian who later became the managing director of the academy joked that the statue resembled her uncle Oscar. The nickname was so popular that the academy officially accepted it until 1939.
And now, today “Oscar” is a synonym for the awards like the films itself.
This quirky piece of Trivia is only one of many reasons why the Oscars have conquered the world’s imagination for decades. Would you like to learn more about the Oscar story? Take a look at our Oscars blog contribution.
2. A candidate that includes seven decades
Few people shaped the Oscars as big as the composer John Williams.
Williams is known for his breathtaking points for films such as Star Wars and Jurassic Park and holds a rather impressive Oscar nomination record. Ready for that?
He is the only individual in which he is nominated Seven consecutive decadesfrom 1968 and extends to 2024.
The 54 nominations and five victories under his belt ensure a fairly epic story itself. And at the age of 92, he was also the oldest candidate in the history of the academy.
3. Winners cannot sell their statues
Do you think it would be the dream of the ultimate collector to own an Oscar? Not so fast.
The academy has some rather strict rules to prevent its gold statues from becoming just another object in the auction block. Since 1951, the winners and their heirs had to offer the statue of the academy for a symbolic $ 1 if they ever wanted to sell them. The goal? To ensure that the Oscar remains of invaluable and no tradable trophy.
4 .. a speech that changed the rules
When Greer Garson has adopted her award for Mrs. Miniver In 1943 she gave a speech that lasted over six minutes.
While their warm words were unforgettable, they also prompted the academy to introduce a time limit of 45 seconds for acceptance speeches.
Today, the winners have to reconcile gratitude and brevity and make sure that the show flows smoothly and at the same time captures these emotional moments.
Check out these words from Viola Davis in 2017, which proves the power of a short speech.
5. A category for the centuries
When the Oscars started in 1929, there were only 12 categories.
Almost a century quickly forward, and the awards now extend over a mighty 23.
One of the newer additions is the best animated feature category that made his debut and the first winner of this popular category in 2002? No other than ShrekPixar’s lovable ogre, who broke the shape with his funny humor and fantastic animation.
Since then, the category has become a fan favorite that has been put into the spotlight from all over the world.
6. An event location that is penetrated in Hollywood’s history
The Oscars have shown some of the most famous venues in Los Angeles over the years.
The first ceremony in 1929 was an intimate event on a banquet style in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. When the Oscars grew, they went to the stage like Grauman’s Chinese theater and the Art Deco Pantesen Theater.
In 2002 the awards found their constant home in the Dolby Theater, a modern venue for cinematic spectacle. The Dolby Theater is just a mile from the film school in Los Angeles as a symbol for Hollywood glamor and a memory of what is possible for all emerging filmmakers out there.
7. The statuettes are surprisingly heavy
The Oscar statuette may look elegant, but it’s anything but light.
These legendary awards will be in size at 13.5 inches and weigh with a fixed 8.5 pounds. They are invented from solid bronze and plated in 24 karat gold. It is like holding a small bowling ball – except brilliant and far prestigious.
8. Historical milestones
The Oscars were a stage for groundbreaking moments that shaped film history. The victory of Kathryn Bigelow 2010 for The injured locker Made her the first woman who won the best director.
In 1972, Sammy Davis Jr. was the first black person who organized the event together, and Whoopi Goldberg was later the first woman and the black person who organized solo.
These milestones show how the Oscars have contributed to bringing different voices into the spotlight and paving their way for a more integrative industry.
9. Beatrice Straights 5-minute victory
Beatrice Straight has proven that you do not need hours of screen time to achieve an effect.
Your five -minute performance in two seconds in network She acquired the Oscar for the best supporting actress and made it the shortest achievement ever.
Despite such a short appearance, their delivery hit the right grades and remained with the audience and the voters.
10. Alumni in the spotlight
Here in the La Film School we have our own connections to Oscar Glory.
Famous alumni like Phillip Bladh, who won the best sound for Sound of Metal in 2021, and Martin Pensa, who was nominated for his work on the Dallas Buyers Club.
These successes reflect our infinite commitment to promoting talents that shine on the greatest phases.
Explore our programs and discover how we can help you create your own cinematic heritage.
Hollywood’s brightest night is waiting – will you be part of it?
