The History of the OSCARS | Academy Awards

Summary

This video explores the origins of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, revealing that it was founded to prevent unionization within the film industry. It delves into the early days of the Oscars, how they were used as a tool to control labor and boost publicity. The video also covers the evolution of the awards ceremony, the changes in nomination and voting processes, and the Oscars' transformation into a platform for social issues. Despite its contentious beginnings, the Oscars have become a significant cultural event, influencing careers and sparking important conversations.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was founded in 1927 by Louis B. Mayer to prevent the unionization of actors and other industry professionals.
• 🏗️ Mayer created the Academy after facing unionized labor resistance when building his Santa Monica beach house with studio workers.
• 🏆 The Academy Awards were initially designed to control the labor force, distract talent, and prevent them from forming unions by offering prestigious awards.
• 🎉 The first Academy Awards ceremony took place in 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel with only 250 guests, and winners were announced three months in advance.
• 📻 The second ceremony in 1930 introduced live radio coverage, and the sealed envelope system was introduced in 1941 after leaks by the LA Times.
• 🎭 Early awards were given for performances across multiple films, such as Janet Gaynor’s Best Actress win for three films in 1927.
• 🗳️ Today, Academy voting is done by members of each branch nominating within their category, while the Best Picture award uses a preferential voting system.
• 👻 The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, site of the first Oscars, is reportedly haunted by the ghosts of Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift, and Carole Lombard.
• ⚖️ Unions eventually formed despite Mayer's efforts, and now many entertainment industry professionals benefit from healthcare, pensions, and residuals.
• 📢 Over the years, the Oscars have become a platform for political and social causes, with figures like Marlon Brando and Michael Moore using the stage to address important issues.

Q & A

Why was the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences founded?

The Academy was founded in 1927 by Louis B. Mayer and other studio executives as a strategy to prevent unionization among actors and other talent in the film industry.

How did Louis B. Mayer's plan to prevent unionization work?

Mayer and his associates persuaded actors and other talent to become Academy members instead of forming their own labor unions, offering the promise of improved working conditions.

Who were the first two influential members that Mayer got on board with the Academy?

Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford were the first two Hollywood royalty members that Mayer got on board, with Fairbanks becoming the Academy's first president.

What was the initial aim of the Academy Awards according to the Academy's rule book?

The initial aim of the Academy Awards was to be considered the highest distinction attainable in the motion picture profession.

Where was the first Academy Awards ceremony held and what was its format?

The first ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's Blossom Room as a private dinner hosted by Douglas Fairbanks. It was a short event, running only about 15 minutes.

How were the winners of the first Academy Awards announced?

The winners of the first Academy Awards were announced three months ahead of the ceremony, and the results were published in newspapers at 11 pm on the night of the awards.

Why did the Academy Awards switch to announcing winners on the spot?

The Academy switched to announcing winners on the spot after the first ceremony to encourage nominees to attend the event, as they would not know the results in advance.

What was the significance of the 'studio basic agreement' in the context of the Academy's founding?

The 'studio basic agreement' was an agreement between the five major studios to negotiate wages, benefits, hours, and discuss grievances, which was intended to help prevent labor problems and control the industry.

How has the process of selecting Oscar winners evolved since the early days?

The process has evolved significantly, with the current system involving preferential voting for the Best Picture category and nominations being made by members of the 17 branches of the Academy, with final voting open to all members.

What is the symbolic meaning behind the Oscar statuette's design?

The statuette, designed by George Stanley from a design by Cedric Gibbons, holds a crusader sword and stands on a reel of film with five spokes, representing the original five branches of the Academy: actors, writers, directors, producers, and technicians.

Why did the name 'Oscar' become associated with the Academy Awards?

The name 'Oscar' was first used in 1934 by columnist Sidney Skolsky, and the Academy officially adopted it in 1939. The exact origin of the name is unclear, with several stories suggesting different inspirations, including a resemblance to an Academy librarian's uncle or to actress Bette Davis's first husband.