A Guide To The Oscars
The Academy Awards has an 80-year history of commemorating the talents of the film industry. Over the years, categories have been added and special awards have been received, but the gala event provides the public with a chance to view excerpts of nominated movies, see live performances of nominated sound tracks, catch a glimpse of Hollywood stars and join in the celebration of determining the best of the best for that year.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, developed in 1927, is a professional honour society encouraging excellence in the industry and commemorating those who exemplify Academy standards. Individuals are invited to become members, which are comprised of actors, directors, producers and other film making artists. Besides nominating potential award candidates, the Academy is involved with numerous industry fields, including film preservation and new technology projects.
Prior to the awards ceremony, the statuettes are cast. Each Oscar stands 34.3 cm tall and weighs 3.85 kg. The statue is constructed of britannium, plated with 24 karat gold, and attached to a marble base. The figure is a crusading knight holding a sword, standing atop a movie reel with 5 spokes that represent the original branches of the Academy, namely actors, directors, producers, technicians and writers. The statue was originally called the Academy Award of Merit until the 1930’s when a librarian remarked that it bared an uncanny resemblance to her Uncle Oscar. The nickname was mentioned in a Hollywood article and started to catch on; the name was officially adopted by the Academy in 1939.
Five nominees are selected in each category from a list of the year’s possible candidates. The nominees are first compiled on a list as producers or distributors submit an Official Screen Credits to the Academy for consideration. In the first month of the new year, the list and a ballot are sent to members of the Academy, who must choose five candidates in each category. Each member votes within his/her area of specialty. Actors vote for other actors and directors vote for other directors, but the best picture category is determined by all members. Likewise foreign films or documentaries are voted on by specially formed groups.
Once the ballots are completed and returned they are sent to an accounting firm for secret tabulation. The Academy then holds a press conference to disclose the names of the nominees. Again members of the Academy are sent ballots to vote on a winner in each category. The ballots are again returned and submitted to the accounting firm for secret tabulation.
In preparation for the event, hundreds of individuals are employed as artists, chefs, carpenters, cameramen, musicians and technicians who perform numerous tasks including constructing the stage, feeding the staff, developing visual and audio effects, and formulating all the details of the event known as the Oscars.