Hollywood Weekly Covers the 97th Academy Awards

How It All Began

The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, were first held on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The event was an intimate dinner attended by around 270 guests, and the winners had already been announced three months in advance. Unlike today’s grand ceremonies, the first Oscars lasted just 15 minutes, honoring the best in silent films and early talkies.

Illustration: A historical black-and-white illustration of the first Academy Awards in 1929, showing elegantly dressed guests at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

The Driving Force Behind the Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) was founded in 1927 by MGM studio chief Louis B. Mayer as a way to unify the film industry and avoid labor disputes. The Oscars were introduced as a means to recognize outstanding achievements in filmmaking and elevate the prestige of the motion picture industry.

Early Winners and Categories

The very first Best Picture winner was Wings (1927), a silent film about World War I aviators. Other notable winners included Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) for Unique and Artistic Picture, and Emil Jannings, the first-ever recipient of the Best Actor award. Janet Gaynor won Best Actress for her performances in three films (7th Heaven, Street Angel, and Sunrise).

A Tradition is Born

Though the first ceremony was modest, it set the stage for what would become the most prestigious and anticipated night in Hollywood. Over the decades, the Oscars have evolved into a global spectacle, watched by millions around the world.

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