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The statuette
Cedric Gibbons from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) designed the
statuette. The statue is that of a knight standing on a reel of
film and holding a sword in one hand. It was sculpted by sculptor
George Stanley and was for several years cast in bronze and then
given gold plating. These specifications underwent changes as
circumstances changed. Metal shortage during World War II saw these
statuettes being made of plaster. The current favorite is gold
plated britannium. The statuette that make the recipients stand tall
are 34.3 centimeters tall and weigh 3.8 kilograms.
A look over the shoulder
The Academy came into being in 1927. At that time, the Academy
busied itself with solving the myriad problems encountered by the
film industry. The Academy became the place where one could obtain
all the necessary information about film production like production
procedures, directing techniques and new technology.
In 1928, the Academy’s committee members voted on a proposal to
introduce awards as it would motivate the members of the industry
and bring forth more quality work. The suggestion was acted upon and
awards of merit were introduced for twelve categories.
The first Awards’ function had 250
attendees and the tickets to the function cost $10. One of the main
reasons for the low attendance was that the winners had been
announced three months earlier and in fact, even a few winners were
absent! The next year the Awards’ function was accompanied by a live
radio broadcast and the number of Oscars given actually came down to
seven. Several changes have been made in the
categories and in the eligibility conditions through the years.
Further changes are also not ruled out, as the Academy believes in
adapting to changing circumstances. One
interesting change has been in guarding the secrecy of the winners’
names. Earlier, the names would be given to the press under
stipulation that they were not to be revealed until the ceremony.
But the failure of the press to keep its promise in 1939 has led to
the names being guarded closely. The sealed envelope system has been
implemented and used since 1934. Every year
the ceremony shifted to bigger premises and had better media
coverage. The 25th Awards’ Ceremony was the first to be broadcast on
TV and for the first time on color in 1965. And now, as is common
knowledge, the awards ceremony is televised live all over the world
and everyone gets to know the winners’ names at the same time. |
