Who has not ever wondered where the name of the famous Oscar statuette comes from?
Everyone knows that it is the most coveted award in cinema, but why Oscar? The origin of the statuette’s name is unclear, and it has never been clarified, not even by the Academy itself. However, some versions circulate that could explain it.
One of the most widespread stories in the world on the matter is that the executive secretary of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Margaret Herrick, upon seeing the award, reminded her of her uncle Oscar, and the comment transcended by the columnist Sidney Skolsky, who was present at that time and took that reference for his articles. The Academy didn’t officially adopt the nickname until 1939, but as early as 1934 Skolsky used it in a piece referring to Katharine Hepburn’s first Best Actress win.
Another legend that circulates is also the one that actress Bette Davis told in her biography. It said that the name of the statuette was in honor of Óscar Nelson, her first husband.
But let’s go back to the origins of the most famous statuette in the world.
The most recognizable trophy in the world
Shortly after the formation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1927, the new organization held a dinner in the Crystal Ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles to set its goals. Among the topics discussed that evening was how best to honor outstanding film-making achievements and thereby foster excellence in all facets of film production.
Once the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences agreed in 1927 to institute an annual award, the group turned its attention to creating a majestic trophy.
MGM art director Cedric Gibbons designed a statuette of a knight standing on a reel of film holding the sword of a crusader. The Academy commissioned Los Angeles sculptor George Stanley to carry out the design in three dimensions. Thus was born the world-renowned statuette.
Nearly a century after that auspicious gathering in Hollywood, Oscar’s success as a symbol of cinematic achievement is likely to surprise those who attended the dinner, as well as its designer, Cedric Gibbons.
The first time this statuette was delivered was in 1929 : Emil Jannings, was named Best Actor for his performance “The Last Command” and “The Way of All Flesh.”
Since its inception, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Academy Awards have enjoyed international recognition. Today they are among the most respected and sought-after awards given around the world. The Academy has carefully limited reproductions of the Oscar statuette.
The Oscar award is understood as an award based solely on artistic and technical achievements. However, today many criticize that, in the basis for the delivery of these awards, social commitment has come to prevail over quality.
