• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
1st Oscar Award

1st Oscar Award: Unveiling Hollywood’s Glittering Beginnings

March 15, 2024
Panoramic view of the Pyramids of Giza, one of the best places to visit in Egypt

40 Best Places to Visit in Egypt: Ultimate Travel Guide

August 5, 2025
Raja Ampat's stunning islands and turquoise waters, one of the best places to visit in Papua

50 Best Places to Visit in Papua: Ultimate Travel Guide

August 5, 2025
Aerial view of Nauru island showing its coastline and interior - one of the best places to visit in Nauru

50 Best Places to Visit in Nauru: Complete Island Travel Guide

August 5, 2025
Forest elephants walking along the beach at Loango National Park, one of the best places to visit in Gabon

30 Best Places to Visit in Gabon

August 5, 2025
Panoramic view of Lake Malawi, one of the best places to visit in Malawi

50 Best Places to Visit in Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa

August 5, 2025
Panoramic view of Granada, one of the best places to visit in Nicaragua

50 Best Places to Visit in Nicaragua

August 5, 2025
Citadelle Laferrière fortress in Haiti, one of the best places to visit in Haiti

30 Best Places to Visit in Haiti: Cultural Gems & Natural Wonders

August 5, 2025
Panoramic view of Petra, one of the best places to visit in Jordan

40 Best Places to Visit in Jordan: Complete Travel Guide

August 5, 2025
Scenic view of Luang Prabang, one of the best places to visit in Laos, with temples and mountains in the background

50 Best Places to Visit in Laos: Ultimate Travel Guide

August 5, 2025
Scenic view of Malaysia's diverse landscape showing beaches, cities and rainforests - best places to visit in Malaysia

50 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

August 5, 2025
Scenic view of Malaysia's diverse landscape showing beaches, cities and rainforests - best places to visit in Malaysia

50 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

August 5, 2025
Panoramic view of Cyprus coastline showing beautiful beaches and crystal clear Mediterranean waters - one of the best places to visit in Cyprus

20 Best Places to Visit in Cyprus

August 5, 2025
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Lifestyle Metro
  • Home
  • Africa
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • North America
  • South America
  • Australia & Oceania
Advertise
No Result
View All Result
Lifestyle Metro
No Result
View All Result
Home Featured

1st Oscar Award: Unveiling Hollywood’s Glittering Beginnings

From Silent Films to Red Carpets: A Look Back at the 1929 Academy Awards

by Lifestylemetro
March 15, 2024
in Featured
1st Oscar Award
516
SHARES
1.5k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Dim the lights, roll the red carpet, and hush the crowd! Tonight, we’re not tuning into the glitz and glam of the modern Academy Awards. Instead, we’re taking a mesmerizing journey back to 1929, a time of silent films and flappers. Unveil the velvet curtain and discover the fascinating story behind the very 1st Oscar Award, a night that would forever alter the landscape of Hollywood.

This blog post dives into the fascinating details of the very first Academy Awards ceremony held in 1929.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Oscar Award
    • Why is the award called an Oscar?
    • What qualifies for an Oscar?
  • A Night That Changed Cinema: Unveiling the 1st Oscar Award
    • A Ceremony Long Overdue (and Low-Key)
    • An Intimate Gathering with a Price Tag
    • Douglas Fairbanks Takes Center Stage
    • Birth of the Golden Statuette
    • First Oscar Winning Movie: Wings Takes Flight
    • Breaking the Mold: Accolades and Categories
    • Fashionably Late: The Rise of Talkies and a Glimpse into 1929
    • Beyond the Ceremony: A Glimpse into 1929
    • Special Recognition: Honoring Innovation
  • 1st Oscar Award – Nominees and Winners
    • BEST ACTOR
    • BEST ACTRESS
    • ART DIRECTION
    • CINEMATOGRAPHY
    • BEST DIRECTING (COMEDY PICTURE)
    • BEST DIRECTING (DRAMATIC PICTURE)
    • ENGINEERING EFFECTS
    • OUTSTANDING PICTURE
    • SPECIAL AWARD
    • UNIQUE and ARTISTIC PICTURE
    • WRITING (ADAPTATION)
    • WRITING (ORIGINAL STORY)
    • WRITING (TITLE WRITING)
  • Oscars Winners 2024
    • Other notable wins include:
  • The Final Reel
  • 1st Oscar Award – FAQs
    • Who was the first person to win an Oscar for best actor?
    • Who won the first male Oscar?
    • Who is the only man to win an Oscar named Oscar?
    • Who is the youngest and oldest Oscar winner?
    • Who is the only man to win 3 Oscars?
    • Who was the first non American to win an Oscar?

Oscar Award

An Oscar is a small gold statuette awarded annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States. The awards recognize excellence in cinematic achievements, such as best movie, best actor, and best screenplay.

Why is the award called an Oscar?

When Margaret Herrick worked as the first librarian at the Academy, a copy of the trophy stood on an executive’s desk and she was formally introduced to it on her first day. “She regarded it a moment. “He reminds me,” she observed, “of my Uncle Oscar.

What qualifies for an Oscar?

Aside from the period of theatrical screenings, to be eligible for the Oscars a film must also have received its first public exhibition in a theatrical setting. If the film premiered on television, on a streaming site or on DVD, for example, it will not be eligible.

A Night That Changed Cinema: Unveiling the 1st Oscar Award

1st Oscar Awrd
image source – canva.com

The first Academy Awards ceremony took place on May 16, 1929, in the Hollywood Roosevelt. The ceremony lasted 15 minutes and included 12 categories, including:

  • Outstanding Picture
  • Best Unique and Artistic Picture
  • Best Directing (Comedy Picture)
  • Best Directing (Dramatic Picture)
  • Best Actor
  • Best Actress
  • Best Writing (Original Story)
  • Best Writing (Adaptation)
  • Best Art Direction

Savour memorable moments and the excitement of the 1st Academy awards

A Ceremony Long Overdue (and Low-Key)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), a fledgling organization, had a groundbreaking idea: celebrate excellence in filmmaking through annual awards. However, the first ceremony wasn’t exactly a live, televised extravaganza. In a surprising twist, the winners for the 1927/1928 film season were actually announced a full three months prior to the actual event! Held on May 16th, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, this intimate gathering felt more like an “after-party” with a touch of suspense already revealed.

An Intimate Gathering with a Price Tag

1st Oscar Award
image source – wikipedia

Imagine a far cry from the sprawling Dolby Theatre packed with A-listers. The first Academy Awards ceremony was a much more intimate affair, with a guest list of only 270 people, primarily members of the Academy. Interestingly, even guests of members were welcome, but for a small fee – a mere $5 tacked onto their host’s invitation! Even back then, a touch of Hollywood glamour came at a price, it seems.

Douglas Fairbanks Takes Center Stage

Academy president, the debonair Douglas Fairbanks, played a pivotal role. He donned the mantle of official presenter, handing out the twelve awards – a stark contrast to the plethora of categories we see today. Another difference? A whopping 20 certificates of honorable mention were given to runners-up in each category, a practice that wouldn’t last long.

Birth of the Golden Statuette

 Golden Statuette
image source – canva.com

The night wasn’t just about awards. It also marked the unveiling of the now-iconic Oscar statuette. Designed by MGM’s art director Cedric Gibbons, the knight holding a sword and film reel was brought to life by sculptor George Stanley for a fee of just $500! A far cry from the coveted golden prize it is today, this first statuette embodied the nascent spirit of the ceremony.

First Oscar Winning Movie: Wings Takes Flight

Making history, the silent film “Wings” soared to victory, becoming the very first recipient of the Academy Award for Best Picture (then called “Best Picture, Production”). This wasn’t “Wings'” sole recognition, however. It also won the award for Engineering Effects, showcasing the film’s groundbreaking aerial battle sequences. This win solidified “Wings'” place in cinematic history and cemented the Academy Awards’ commitment to honoring excellence in all aspects of filmmaking, from powerful performances to groundbreaking technical achievements.

Breaking the Mold: Accolades and Categories

1st Oscar Award
image source – canva.com

The first Academy Awards ceremony wasn’t afraid to break the mold. Unlike today’s specific categories, awards could recognize a single achievement, a collection of achievements, or even an entire body of work for the year. This resulted in some unique situations, like Janet Gaynor winning Best Actress for her collective performances in three films – a testament to the era’s focus on acting prowess. Another notable difference was the recognition of both dramatic and comedic direction, a distinction that has since been combined.

Fashionably Late: The Rise of Talkies and a Glimpse into 1929

The ceremony undoubtedly reflected the fashions of the Roaring Twenties, with attendees likely sporting the popular flapper dresses and cloche hats. Interestingly, the event took place amidst a significant shift in the film industry – the rise of “talkies” was challenging the dominance of silent films. While “Wings,” a silent film, triumphed at the first ceremony, the future of Hollywood was undoubtedly leaning towards sound pictures.

Beyond the Ceremony: A Glimpse into 1929

To truly capture the essence of the first Academy Awards, let’s set the scene with a glimpse into 1929:

  • The average movie ticket cost a mere 25 cents, making cinema a truly affordable entertainment option for the masses.
  • Technology was taking giant leaps forward, with the first transatlantic phone call connecting continents. This technological advancement foreshadowed the global reach that Hollywood films would soon achieve.
  • Hollywood glitz was already on display with the grand opening of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, a testament to the industry’s growing stature.
  • On the sporting front, the New York Yankees dominated baseball, showcasing America’s love for both entertainment and competition.

Special Recognition: Honoring Innovation

1st Oscar Award
image source – canva.com

The ceremony also acknowledged the turning point in the industry. A special award was presented to Charlie Chaplin for his multi-faceted talents in “The Circus,” a silent film masterpiece. Another special award went to Warner Bros. for “The Jazz Singer,” the groundbreaking “talking picture” that revolutionized filmmaking. These special awards recognized the immense contributions of both the past and the future of cinema.

The 1st Academy Awards ceremony may have been a far cry from the star-studded spectacles of today, but it laid the foundation for a tradition that continues to celebrate cinematic excellence. From the intimate gathering to the unveiling of the iconic statuette, this night in 1929 marked a pivotal moment in Hollywood history. It was a celebration of the past, a nod to the changing landscape of the industry, and a glimpse into the future of a glittering awards show that would captivate audiences for decades to come.

1st Oscar Award – Nominees and Winners

Oscar Nominees and Winners
image source – canva.com

Check out the  Nominees and Winners of the very 1st Oscar Awards

BEST ACTOR

EMIL JANNINGS – “The Last Command” (WINNER)

EMIL JANNINGS – “The Way of All Flesh” (WINNER)

RICHARD BARTHELMESS – The Noose

RICHARD BARTHELMESS- The Patent Leather Kid

BEST ACTRESS

JANET GAYNOR – “7th Heaven, Sunrise, Strest Angel” (WINNER)

LOUISE DRESSER – A Ship Comes In

GLORIA SWANSON – Sadie Thompson

ART DIRECTION

WILLIAM CAMERON MENZIES – “The Dove” (WINNER) 

WILLIAM CAMERON MENZIES – “Tempest” (WINNER)

ROCHUS GLIESE – Sunrise

HARRY OLIVER – 7th Heaven

CINEMATOGRAPHY

CHARLES ROSHER – “Sunrise” (WINNER)
KARL STRUSS – “Sunrise” (WINNER)
GEORGE BARNES – The Devil Dancer
GEORGE BARNES – The Magic Flame

BEST DIRECTING (COMEDY PICTURE)

LEWIS MILESTONE – “Two Arabian Knights” (WINNER)

TED  WILDE – Speedy

BEST DIRECTING (DRAMATIC PICTURE)

FRANK BORZAGE – “7th Heaven” (WINNER)

HERBERT BRENON – Sorrell and Son

KING VIDOR – The Crowd

ENGINEERING EFFECTS

ROY POMEROY – “Wings” (WINNER)
RALPH HAMMERAS – Nugent Slaughter

OUTSTANDING PICTURE

outstanding picture
image source – canva.com
PARAMOUNT FAMOUS LASKY –  “Wings” (WINNER)
THE CADDO COMPAMY – The Racket
FOX – 7th Heaven 

SPECIAL AWARD

1st Oscar Award
image source – canva.com

THE CIRCUS – “Special Award” (WINNER)

THE JAZZ SINGER – Special Award

UNIQUE and ARTISTIC PICTURE

FOX – “Sunrise” (WINNER)

METRO-GOLDWYN MAYER – The Crowd

PARAMOUNT FAMOUS LASKY – Chang

WRITING (ADAPTATION)

BENJAMIN GLAZER – “7th Heaven” (WINNER)

ALFRED COHN – The Jazz Singer

ANTHONY COLDEWAY – Glorious Betsy

WRITING (ORIGINAL STORY)

BEN HECHT – “Underworld” (WINNER)

LAJOS BIRO – The Last Command

WRITING (TITLE WRITING)

JOSEPH FARNHAM – “The Private Life of Helen of Troy” (WINNNER)

Gerald Duffy
George Marion, Jr.

Oscars Winners 2024

Oscars winners 2024
image source – canva.com

Big Wins at the 96th Academy Awards: A Night for Historical Epics and Returning Talent

The 96th Academy Awards ceremony, held on March 10, 2024, saw the historical epic “Oppenheimer” dominate the night, taking home seven awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Christopher Nolan. Cillian Murphy delivered a powerful performance, earning him the Best Actor award for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Other notable wins include:

  • Best Actress: Emma Stone for “Poor Things”
  • Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr. for his return to the big screen in “Oppenheimer”
  • Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph for “The Holdovers”

The ceremony also celebrated originality with wins for Best Original Screenplay (“Anatomy of a Fall”) and Best Animated Feature (“The Boy and the Heron”).

The Final Reel

The 1st  Oscar Awards ceremony marked a monumental shift in the film industry, establishing a prestigious tradition that continues to this day. From its humble beginnings to the global phenomenon it’s become, the Oscars have captivated audiences for nearly a century. So, the next time you witness the iconic golden statuettes awarded, remember the legacy of that inaugural night in 1929 – a testament to the enduring power of cinema.

1st Oscar Award – FAQs

Who was the first person to win an Oscar for best actor?

Emil Jannings was the first to win the Oscar Awards for best actor. He won the award for the movie – The Last Command and The Way of All Flesh

Who won the first male Oscar?

Actor Emil Jannings
The Best Actor award has been presented 95 times, to 85 actors. The first winner was German actor Emil Jannings for his roles in The Last Command (1928) and The Way of All Flesh (1927). The most recent winner is Brendan Fraser for The Whale; he is the first Canadian actor to win this award.

Who is the only man to win an Oscar named Oscar?

Lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II
Lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II is the only person named ‘Oscar’ to win at the Academy Awards. He was co-winner of two Oscar awards in the Best Original Song category. He won his first Oscar for the song ‘The Last Time I Saw Paris’ in 1942.

Who is the youngest and oldest Oscar winner?

List of oldest and youngest Academy Award winners and ...
Anthony Hopkins and Tatum O’Neal are the oldest and youngest winners of acting Oscars, winning at age 83 and age 10 respectively.

Who is the only man to win 3 Oscars?

Academy Award for best actor | Years, Winners, List, & Facts ...
Daniel Day-Lewis has won the most Academy Awards for best actor (three), and a number of actors have received two such Oscars, including Spencer Tracy and Tom Hanks, both of whom won in consecutive years.

Who was the first non American to win an Oscar?

Sophia Loren made history as the first actor to win an Oscar for a foreign language performance for her role in 1960’s Two Women.
Related Posts
Grammy Awards 2023 Nominations: List Of Nominees And Winners
Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Unity Ignites The Seine River!
Oscar 2024 Winners: The Academy Winners, Red Carpet & Highlights
Tags: Birth of the Golden StatuetteFirst Oscar Winning MovieOscar Award - MeaningOscar winner
Share206Tweet129
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
World's most beautiful women

30 Top Most Beautiful Women In the World (2024)

July 5, 2024
Benefits of Drinking Clove Water

10 Surprising Benefits of Drinking Clove Water

November 20, 2023
Benefits Of Okra Water

24 Health Benefits Of Okra Water and its Sexual Benefits

March 28, 2024
What are the biggest tech companies | LifestyleMetro

10 Biggest Tech Companies In 2023 – Newly Unveiled List

What will happen if robots are smarter than human | LifestyleMetro

What Happens When Machines Become Smarter than People: Humans vs. Their Creations

Who are the big 5 in technology | LifestyleMetro

What is Big Tech – Plus The Big 5 In Technology

Panoramic view of the Pyramids of Giza, one of the best places to visit in Egypt

40 Best Places to Visit in Egypt: Ultimate Travel Guide

August 5, 2025
Raja Ampat's stunning islands and turquoise waters, one of the best places to visit in Papua

50 Best Places to Visit in Papua: Ultimate Travel Guide

August 5, 2025
Aerial view of Nauru island showing its coastline and interior - one of the best places to visit in Nauru

50 Best Places to Visit in Nauru: Complete Island Travel Guide

August 5, 2025
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 Lifestyle Metro. All rights reserved.

Translate »
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Africa
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • North America
  • South America
  • Australia & Oceania

Copyright © 2025 Lifestyle Metro. All rights reserved.