The Oscars, formally known as the Academy Awards, are a prestigious set of awards for artistic and technical merit in the film industry. Established in 1929 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the Oscars honor outstanding achievements in cinema. The first ceremony was a private dinner held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel with about 270 guests. Initially, winners were announced three months in advance, but this changed to a sealed envelope system in 1941 to maintain suspense.
Over the decades, the Oscars have grown in scope and influence, reflecting changes in the film industry. Categories have evolved, including the addition of Best Animated Feature in 2001. Iconic moments, from Hattie McDaniel's historic win as the first African American to receive an Oscar in 1940, to "Parasite" winning Best Picture in 2020, highlight the Oscars' evolving recognition of diversity and global talent. Today, the Oscars are broadcast worldwide, celebrating the best in filmmaking each year.
10 notable films with The Academy Awards
Here are ten notable films that have won multiple Academy Awards:
- "Gone with the Wind" (1939) - Won 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.
- "The Godfather" (1972) - Won 3 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
- "Schindler's List" (1993) - Won 7 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
- "Titanic" (1997) - Won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Song.
- "Ben-Hur" (1959) - Won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
- "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003) - Won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
- "Forrest Gump" (1994) - Won 6 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
- "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975) - Won 5 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
- "La La Land" (2016) - Won 6 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Original Score.
- "The Shape of Water" (2017) - Won 4 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Production Design.
These films are celebrated not only for their award-winning achievements but also for their significant impact on cinema and popular culture.
Sponsors and brands of the Oscar
The Academy Awards, known for their prestige and wide viewership, attract sponsorship from top global brands. Here are some of the notable sponsors and brands associated with the Oscars:
- Dolby Laboratories - As the official sound partner, the Dolby Theatre has hosted the Oscars since 2002.
- Coca-Cola - Longtime advertiser, often sponsoring various elements of the telecast and surrounding events.
- Samsung - Known for high-profile advertising spots during the Oscars broadcast.
- Cadillac - Regular sponsor, frequently running commercials during the ceremony.
- Chanel - Often involved in sponsoring the red carpet coverage and dressing celebrities.
- Rolex - Official timekeeper of the Oscars, frequently highlighting its association with cinema in its advertising.
- Google - Recent years have seen Google as a prominent advertiser during the broadcast.
- American Express - A consistent sponsor, aligning its brand with the glamour and prestige of the Oscars.
- Louis Vuitton - Involved in dressing stars and sponsoring red carpet segments.
- Verizon - Often features in the Oscar telecast with high-profile advertising campaigns.
These brands leverage the massive global audience of the Oscars to enhance their visibility and prestige.