Academy Award
Facts
Also known as the Oscars, the Academy Awards is the most prominent motion picture awards ceremony in the world. The formal event is held each year to recognize the best in production and performance of motion pictures, most notably directors, writers and actors. It was established in 1929 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, founded by Louis B. Mayer, the studio head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Features
According to figures from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2007, the voting membership was comprised of 5,830 people. These people are professionals working in the film industry as actors, writers, directors, producers and technicians. To become a member of the Academy, you must be nominated by a member.
Misconceptions
The statue that is awarded to individuals is officially called the Academy Award of Merit. However, the common name "Oscar" is said to have come from Bette Davis, who named her statue after her husband at the time, Harmon Oscar Nelson.
Considerations
Academy Awards issued after 1950 cannot be sold to the public. If a winner or his or her heir wishes to part with the Oscar, it must be sold back to the Academy for one dollar. Any statue awarded prior to that year, can be sold at auction.
Significance
Only three films in history have succeeded in winning all five of the biggest awards. "It Happened One Night," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Silence of the Lambs" have all won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay.
Fun Fact
The longest standing ovation in Academy Award history occurred in 1972 when Charlie Chaplin was issued a lifetime achievement award after decades of exile outside the United States.
