Oscar 2022: Why is the statuette called Oscar

The Oscar is the biggest prize in the world for films. Obtaining it is undoubtedly a great career goal for any producer, screenwriter, filmmaker, actress, actor and others who are part of an audiovisual production of the cinema type, but who created or invented the name of the Oscar and why is a statuette delivered? These and other doubts will be resolved below.

ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF THE OSCARS

According to the official Oscar website, the real name of the statuette and recognition is the Academy Award for Merit; however, the statuette has been called worldwide by his nickname that is Oscar.

The origin of the nickname (and which later became the name) is not clear, but what is known is that Margaret Herrick, who was a librarian at the Academy (and eventually executive director), when she saw the statuette, commented that she looked like her uncle Oscar and the name was left.

Oscar's name was not adopted officially until 1939, but by 1934 it was already well known by the nickname. Even in the last year of mention, Hollywood columnist Sidney Skolsky used the name in an article in which he referred to the Oscar winner for Best Actress in that year, actress Katharine Hepburn.

OSCAR MATERIAL

It is said that in the 1920s the statuette was designed with gold-plated bronze, years later it was replaced by britannia metal, which contains tin, antimony and copper.

However, during the Second World War, the material had to be replaced by gypsum and this was due to the lack of materials due to the war, but once the conflict was over Oscars made of plaster were replaced by the usual material.

The statuette is 35 centimetres tall and weighs around three and a half kilos. Each year 50 statuettes are made and take a preparation of three months and the cost per unit is $900 in each.

Throughout history, the Oscar has had certain modifications, as happened in 1945, where the size of the base changed and remains until today.

The Oscar design was made by Cedric Gibbons, which consists of the image of a knight standing on a film reel wielding the sword of a crusader. The meaning of this position is a symbol of protection and prosperity for industry.

As we mentioned, its manufacture is in bronze, plated in 24 carat gold.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST OSCAR AWARDED

The first Oscar celebration was held on May 16, 1929, in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and had 270 guests. By this time it was already known who the winners would be, because it was announced 3 months earlier.

To date, more than 3000 Oscars have been awarded.

FIRST CATEGORIES AND WINNERS

- Best Film: 'Alas'

- Best Director - Drama: Frank Borzage for 'The Seventh Heaven'

- Best Director - Comedy: Lewis Milestone for 'Brothers in Arms'

- Best Actress: Janet Gaynor for 'The Seventh Heaven'

- Best Actor: Emil Jannings for 'The Last Command' and 'The Fate of Meat'

- Best film for artistic quality: 'Amanecer'

- Best argument: Ben Hecht for 'The Law of the Underworld'

- Best adaptation: Benjamin Glazer for 'The Seventh Heaven'

- Best Cinematography: Charles Rosher and Karl Struss for 'Dawn'

- Best Art Direction: William Cameron Menzies for 'The Dove' and 'Tempest'

- Best engineering effects: Roy Pomeroy for 'Wings'

- Best Intertitle Writing: Joseph W. Farnham

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