Academy Award
Overview
The Academy Award, also known as the Oscar, is a set of awards for artistic and technical merit in the film industry. Given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the awards are an international recognition of excellence in cinematic achievements, as assessed by the Academy's voting membership. The various category winners are awarded a copy of a golden statuette, officially known as the "Academy Award of Merit", but more commonly referred to by its nickname, the "Oscar".
History
The Academy Awards were first held in 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The ceremony ran for 15 minutes, winners were announced to media three months earlier; however, that was changed for the second ceremony in 1930. Since then, for the rest of the first decade, the results were given to newspapers for publication at 11:00 pm on the night of the awards.
Awards
The awards are divided into 24 categories as of 2019. The categories include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and so on. The statuettes presented at the initial ceremonies were gold-plated solid bronze. Within a few years, the bronze was abandoned in favor of Britannia metal, a pewter-like alloy which is then plated in gold.
Selection process
The selection process for the nominees involves a series of ballots. The members of the various branches of the Academy nominate for those in their respective fields while all members may submit nominees for Best Picture. The winners are then determined by a second round of voting in which all members are then allowed to vote in most categories, including Best Picture.
Controversies
Over the years, the Academy Awards have faced several controversies and criticisms, including allegations of bias, commercialism, and corruption. The awards have also been criticized for their lack of diversity and representation.
Impact
Despite the various criticisms, the Academy Awards remain a significant event in the global film industry. The awards have a substantial cultural impact, often influencing film production, box office receipts, and public recognition.