History of OSCAR Awards and 96th Academy Awards List of winner | 2024 Oscar Awards winner List

 Oscar Awards

 A Century of Excellence: The Complete History of the Academy Awards

 

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, stand as a pinnacle in the world of filmmaking, honoring outstanding achievements in the industry for over nine decades. This prestigious event has evolved from a modest gathering in the late 1920s to a global spectacle that captivates audiences around the world. Let's delve into the complete history of the Oscars, exploring its establishment, founders, and key milestones that have shaped its legacy.

The establishment of the Academy Awards can be traced back to the early days of Hollywood in the 1920s. The film industry was rapidly expanding, and as movies transitioned from silent to sound, a need arose to recognize and celebrate excellence in filmmaking. The idea of creating an organized body to honor outstanding achievements in the industry was conceived by Louis B. Mayer, the head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), and MGM's chief publicist, Howard Dietz.

On May 11, 1927, a meeting was held at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, where prominent figures in the film industry gathered to discuss the formation of an organization that would oversee the recognition of cinematic accomplishments. This historic meeting led to the creation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with the goal of advancing and promoting the arts and sciences of motion pictures.

The founding members of the Academy included influential personalities such as Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Cedric Gibbons, Frank Lloyd, and George Cohen, among others. The inaugural president of the Academy was the charismatic actor and film industry pioneer, Douglas Fairbanks. Together, these visionaries laid the foundation for an institution that would become synonymous with excellence in filmmaking.

The first Academy Awards ceremony took place on May 16, 1929, at the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The event was a banquet attended by 270 guests, and tickets were priced at $5. The ceremony marked the beginning of a tradition that would grow into one of the most celebrated events in the entertainment industry. Fifteen statuettes were presented during the first ceremony, recognizing achievements in various categories, including Directing, Writing, and Acting.

In the early years, the Oscars faced challenges in building anticipation and suspense around the award winners. During the first decade, the names of the recipients were announced to the public months before the ceremony. However, in 1940, a breach of embargo by the Los Angeles Times led to the adoption of the sealed-envelope system, a practice that continues to this day. This change heightened the excitement and suspense surrounding the announcement of Oscar winners.

As the film industry continued to grow, so did the Oscars. The second ceremony in 1930 saw the addition of radio broadcasts, marking the beginning of the event's transition from a private industry gathering to a public spectacle. The radio broadcasts allowed audiences to tune in and experience the glamour of the Oscars from the comfort of their homes.

The Oscars underwent venue changes in its early years, moving from hotels like the Hollywood Roosevelt to the Ambassador and Biltmore hotels. The custom of presenting statuettes at banquets was discontinued after the 1942 Awards due to increased attendance and the challenges posed by World War II. Since then, the Oscars have been held in various theaters, including Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Shrine Civic Auditorium, and the RKO Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.

A significant milestone in the history of the Oscars occurred in 1953 when the 25th Academy Awards ceremony was televised for the first time. The NBC TV and radio network carried the event live from Hollywood, with Bob Hope as the master of ceremonies. This move to television marked a transformative moment, making the Oscars accessible to a broader audience and solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Over the years, the Academy Awards continued to adapt to changing times. In 1961, the Oscars moved to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and began a 10-year run with the ABC-TV network. The 1966 ceremony saw the Oscars broadcast in color for the first time, adding a new dimension to the visual spectacle.

The Oscars have not been immune to controversy. Disputes over nominations, concerns about diversity and inclusion, and changes in award categories have sparked debates within the industry and among the public. However, these challenges have prompted the Academy to reevaluate its processes and strive for greater representation and equity in recent years.

The introduction of new award categories and the recognition of achievements beyond traditional filmmaking have expanded the scope of the Oscars. In 1963, the Special Effects award was split into Sound Effects and Special Visual Effects, acknowledging the evolving nature of filmmaking technology. Categories such as Documentary, Foreign Language Film, and Makeup were added in subsequent years, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the film industry.

In 1981, the Oscars introduced the Gordon E. Sawyer Award for technological contributions, underlining the Academy's commitment to recognizing advancements in filmmaking technology. The newest category, Animated Feature Film, was added in 2001, acknowledging the growing significance of animated films in the industry.

The Oscars have also responded to global events that impacted the ceremony's proceedings. In 1938, destructive floods in Los Angeles delayed the ceremony by a week. The assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1981 led to a 24-hour postponement of the Awards. The invasion of Iraq in 2003 resulted in modifications to the red carpet event, demonstrating the Oscars' ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the traditional schedule of the 93rd Academy Awards. Originally scheduled for February 28, 2021, the ceremony was moved to April 25th, with attendance restricted to invitees only. This marked another instance of the Oscars navigating unprecedented challenges and adapting to a rapidly changing world.

The Oscars have also played a crucial role in recognizing international cinema. In 1947, the first award honoring a foreign language motion picture was given to the Italian film "Shoe-Shine." The Foreign Language Film category became an annual award in 1956, and in 2019, the category's name was changed to International Feature Film, reflecting the global nature of filmmaking.

The Academy Awards have continually evolved to reflect the dynamic nature of the film industry and address societal changes. The Oscars have been a platform for celebrating diversity, with initiatives to recognize underrepresented voices gaining momentum in recent years. The inclusion of diverse nominees and winners, as well as efforts to promote inclusivity in various categories, underscores the Academy's commitment to reflecting the richness and diversity of storytelling.

In terms of the voting and tabulation process, the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) has been associated with the Oscars since 1934. The firm has been responsible for tabulating and ensuring the secrecy of the results, adding an element of integrity to the awarding process. The introduction of online voting in recent years has further streamlined the voting process, allowing Academy members to participate in a more accessible and efficient manner.

In the realm of special awards, the Oscars have recognized outstanding contributions to the industry. The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, first presented in 1937, honors individuals for their consistent high-quality work in producing motion pictures. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, established in 1956, recognizes those in the industry who have made significant humanitarian contributions.

Throughout its history, the Oscars have celebrated excellence in various categories, including Acting, Directing, Writing, Cinematography, and Music. The statuette itself, designed by sculptor George Stanley, has become an iconic symbol of achievement in the film industry, coveted by filmmakers and actors alike.

List of Oscar winners at the 96th Academy Awards

Best Picture: Oppenheimer

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Emma Stone in Poor Things

Best Director: Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer

Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr. in Oppenheimer

Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph in The Holdovers

Best Adapted Screenplay: American Fiction

Best Original Screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall

Best Animated Featured Film: The Boy and the Heron

Best Animated Short: War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko

Best International Feature: The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom)

Best Documentary Feature: 20 Days in Mariupol

Best Documentary Short: The Last Repair Shop

Best Original Score: Oppenheimer

Best Original Song: "What Was I Made For?" from Barbie

Best Sound: The Zone of Interest

Best Production Design: Poor Things

Best Live Action Short: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Best Cinematography: Oppenheimer

Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Poor Things

Best Costume Design: Poor Things

Best Visual Effects: Godzilla Minus One

Best Film Editing: Oppenheimer

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