What Happened On May 16th?
On May 16, 1929, Hollywood gathered for a legendary evening in the annals of cinema. The first Academy Awards ceremony took place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, where about 270 attendees, including industry luminaries, gathered for a private dinner. To celebrate the highest achievements in filmmaking, this event would grow into one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the world, the Oscars.
The Inception Of The Academy Awards
The idea for the Academy Awards was conceived by Louis B. Mayer, head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), who sought to create an organization that would mediate labor disputes and improve the industry’s image. In 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) was formed, and the concept of awarding excellence in cinematic achievements soon followed.
Douglas Fairbanks, the Academy’s first president, and a major star of the silent film era, hosted the first-ever ceremony. The awards, covering films released between the years 1927 and 1928, were presented in a straightforward 15-minute ceremony. Unlike today’s suspenseful announcements, the winners had been revealed to the public three months prior.
Who Won?
The first Academy Awards honored a variety of cinematic talents across 12 different categories. However, the top honors went to the best films and performances of the time.
Best Picture
The most coveted award of the evening, then known as Outstanding Picture, was awarded to “Wings,” a World War I epic directed by William A. Wellman. This film, notable for its aerial combat scenes, remains as a milestone in early filmmaking.
Best Actor
The award for Best Actor went to Emil Jannings for his roles in “The Last Command” and “The Way of All Flesh.” Jannings, a renowned actor of German cinema, was honored for his compelling performances that showcased his range and emotional depth.
Best Actress
On the other hand, Janet Gaynor received the Best Actress award for her roles in three films: “Seventh Heaven,” “Street Angel,” and “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans.” Gaynor’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength across diverse roles made her a standout performer of her time.
Best Director
Two awards were given for Best Director – one for drama and one for comedy. Frank Borzage won for “Seventh Heaven” in the drama category, while Lewis Milestone took home the award for “Two Arabian Knights” in the comedy category.
Real “Oscars” Facts
At the 7th Academy Awards in 1935, Shirley Temple received an honorary juvenile award, making her the youngest recipient of an Academy Award at just six years old. This special award recognized her outstanding contribution to screen entertainment during the year.
The iconic Oscar statuette, designed by Cedric Gibbons and sculpted by George Stanley, stands 13.5 inches tall and weighs 8.5 pounds. Officially named the Academy Award of Merit, it is widely known as the “Oscar.” The origin of this nickname is debated, but one popular story attributes it to Margaret Herrick, the Academy’s librarian, who remarked that the statuette resembled her Uncle Oscar.
The first radio broadcast of the Academy Awards took place in 1930 during the second ceremony. It wasn’t until 1953 that the awards were first televised, allowing millions of viewers across the United States to see the excitement of Hollywood’s biggest night.
Tatum O’Neal remains the youngest competitive winner in Oscar history, having won Best Supporting Actress at age 10 for her role in “Paper Moon” (1973). On the other end of the spectrum, James Ivory became the oldest winner at age 89. He won Best Adapted Screenplay for his film, “Call Me by Your Name” (2018).
How The Oscars Evolved
Since its beginning in 1929, the Academy Awards have evolved drastically. The ceremony has grown in scale, now broadcast to millions of viewers around the globe. More so, the number of categories has expanded, recognizing a broader range of cinematic achievements, including technical and behind-the-scenes contributions.
The Oscars have also become a platform for social and political statements. Acceptance speeches often address underlying issues such as civil rights, gender equality, and environmental concerns.
That being said, in 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first Black actress to win an Oscar. She received the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.” Despite being seated at a segregated table far from her co-stars, McDaniel’s win was a step forward in the history of the Academy Awards and in the civil rights movement.
As we look back on the first Academy Awards ceremony, it really is remarkable to see how far the Oscars have come. From a small gathering of Hollywood’s elite to a global celebration of cinematic excellence, the Oscars continue to honor and inspire the art of filmmaking. The stories behind the awards, the controversies, and the evolution of the ceremony itself all contribute to the enduring legacy of the Academy Awards.
