Oscar trophy gold statue

The Oscar is a gold statuette symbolizing excellence in filmmaking, awarded annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

About this subject

The Oscar statuette, officially called the Academy Award of Merit, is one of the world's most iconic trophies. Designed by MGM art director Cedric Gibbons in 1928 and sculpted by George Stanley, the figure depicts a knight holding a sword, standing on a reel of film with five spokes representing the Academy's original branches: actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers. The first ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.

The statuette is made of bronze plated in 24-karat gold, stands 34.3 cm tall, and weighs 3.85 kg. During World War II, due to metal shortages, trophies were made of painted plaster. After the war, recipients could exchange their plaster versions for metal ones. The nickname 'Oscar' has uncertain origins, with a popular story crediting Academy librarian Margaret Herrick, who remarked the statuette resembled her Uncle Oscar.

The Oscar's symbolic value is enormous, but its material value is modest. The Academy enforces strict rules: winners cannot sell their statuettes without first offering them to the Academy for one dollar. In 2016, a Best Picture Oscar was sold at auction for 1.5 million dollars, but the Academy sued to block the sale. Over 3,000 statuettes have been awarded since 1929, and production is outsourced to a specialized foundry in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the award called Oscar?

The nickname's origin is uncertain, but a popular story credits Academy librarian Margaret Herrick, who said the statuette resembled her Uncle Oscar, and the name stuck among staff.

What is the value of an Oscar?

The material value is about US$400 in metals, but market value can reach millions at auction. However, the Academy forbids sales unless first offered to them for US$1.

How is the Oscar statuette made?

The statuette is made of bronze plated in 24-karat gold. Each piece is cast, polished, and plated by hand at a foundry in New York, taking about three months to complete.