Oscar trophy gold statue

The Oscar, officially named the Academy Award of Merit, is a gold-plated statuette that represents the highest recognition in the global film industry.

About this subject

Created in 1928 by designer Cedric Gibbons and sculpted by artist George Stanley, the Oscar depicts a man holding a sword, standing on a film reel with five spokes, symbolizing the original branches of the Academy: actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers. The statuette is 34.3 centimeters tall, weighs 3.85 kilograms, and is made of bronze plated with 24-karat gold. Originally, it was solid bronze, but during World War II, due to metal shortages, the statuettes were made of painted plaster. Only in 1945, after the conflict, could winners exchange their plaster replicas for metal versions.

The origin of the nickname "Oscar" is uncertain, but the most accepted story is that Academy librarian Margaret Herrick, upon seeing the statuette for the first time, commented that it resembled her uncle Oscar. The nickname became official in 1939. Each statuette is manufactured by Polich Tallix in New York State, a process that takes about 20 hours of handcrafted work. Since 1950, winners sign an agreement forbidding the sale of the award without first offering it to the Academy for one dollar. This prevents Oscars from being freely traded, although some statuettes predating 1950 have been auctioned for millions of dollars.

The Oscar is not the only Academy Award, but it is the most iconic. Others include the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award and the Honorary Oscar. The annual ceremony attracts a global audience of hundreds of millions, establishing the statuette as a symbol of cinematic excellence. Interestingly, the statuettes were once stolen in 2000, just before the ceremony, when 55 Oscars disappeared from a warehouse. They were recovered days later thanks to a garbage collector who found them in a dumpster. This episode spawned a documentary and garnered media attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Oscar called Oscar?

The nickname originated when Academy librarian Margaret Herrick remarked that the statuette looked like her uncle Oscar. It stuck and became official in 1939.

What material is the Oscar statuette made of?

The statuette is made of bronze plated with 24-karat gold. During World War II, painted plaster versions were used due to metal shortages.

Can you buy a real Oscar?

Since 1950, winners sign an agreement forbidding sale without first offering it to the Academy for one dollar. Statuettes predating 1950 can be auctioned, but they are rare and expensive.