Oscar trophy gold statue

The Oscar is a gold statuette awarded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the ultimate symbol of global cinema.

About this subject

The Oscar, officially the Academy Award of Merit, is a statuette depicting a knight holding a sword, standing atop a film reel. Designed by art director Cedric Gibbons and sculpted by George Stanley, the trophy was first awarded in 1929. The statuette stands 34.3 cm tall and weighs about 3.85 kg, made of solid bronze plated with 24-karat gold. The base, originally black marble, was replaced by gold-plated metal from the 1940s onward. Each trophy is produced by Polich Tallix in New York state, a process taking approximately three months.

The Oscar's design was inspired by the MGM logo, but the knight figure has no specific model. Legend has it that actor Emilio Fernández posed nude for the statuette, though the Academy never officially confirmed this. Over the decades, the Oscar has undergone minor modifications: the base was lengthened and the face became more stylized. During World War II, trophies were made of painted plaster to conserve metal, later replaced by metal versions.

The origin of the nickname "Oscar" is uncertain. One popular theory credits Academy librarian Margaret Herrick, who said the statuette resembled her Uncle Oscar. Another version suggests actress Bette Davis named it after her first husband, Harmon Oscar Nelson. The Academy officially adopted the nickname in 1939. Today, the Oscar is one of the world's most prestigious awards, with a global audience of billions watching the annual ceremony.

Receiving an Oscar can transform an artist's career. The monetary value of the trophy is symbolic, but its cultural importance is immeasurable. Since 1950, the Academy requires winners to sign an agreement forbidding sale of the statuette without first offering it to the Academy for one dollar. This prevents open commercialization, though some have been auctioned under special circumstances, such as the Oscar for 'Casablanca' selling for over $600,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Oscars have been awarded?

As of 2023, over 3,000 statuettes have been awarded since the first ceremony in 1929.

Is the Oscar really made of gold?

Not solid gold. The statuette is bronze plated with 24-karat gold. During World War II, it was made of painted plaster.

Can I buy an Oscar?

Since 1950, winners cannot sell the trophy without first offering it to the Academy for one dollar. Auctions only occur in exceptional cases.