The 97th edition of the Oscars, one of cinema's most prestigious award ceremonies, will be held today. This grand event will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and will be hosted by comedian and podcaster Conan O'Brien. Cinephiles worldwide eagerly await this ceremony. But do you know when and how this award ceremony began? Let's delve into its fascinating history.
The Origin of the Oscars
In 1927, Hollywood industry giants conceived the idea of honoring individuals for their outstanding contributions to filmmaking. MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer spearheaded this initiative. He discussed the idea with actor Conrad Nagel, director Fred Niblo, and producer Fred Beirne, and they decided to create an organization to recognize excellence in cinema.
A Historic Announcement at a Meeting of 36
Louis B. Mayer's proposal resonated with others in the film industry. On January 11, 1927, a dinner party was held at the Ambassador Hotel in California, attended by 36 influential figures from the film world. This meeting resulted in the decision to establish an organization for this prestigious award. On May 11, 1927, this organization was officially established as the 'Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' (AMPAS). Douglas Fairbanks became its first president.
The First Oscar Ceremony
The first Academy Awards ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, in the Blossom Room of Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel. It was a dinner party with only 270 attendees. Fifteen winners were honored for films made between 1927 and 1928. Interestingly, the event lacked the craze it enjoys today; tickets had to be purchased, costing a mere $5. The ceremony lasted only 15 minutes.
How Did the Award Get the Name 'Oscar'?
While the Academy Award is commonly known as the 'Oscar,' few know its official name is the 'Academy Award of Merit.' The credit for giving the trophy the nickname 'Oscar' goes to AMPAS librarian Margaret Herrick. Upon first seeing the trophy, she thought it resembled her uncle 'Oscar,' and the name stuck. The Academy officially adopted the name in 1939.
The Excitement of the 97th Oscars
There's immense anticipation for the 2025 Oscars. The ceremony can be viewed live from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM (IST) on March 3rd. Film stars from around the globe will grace the stage, and awards will be presented for the best films, actors, and other categories related to filmmaking.
