How the Oscars Became Hollywood’s Biggest Night

The Academy Awards, best known as the Oscars, is one of the most famous award shows where, every year, actors, directors, and filmmakers come together to celebrate the best movies of the year. Today, the Oscars are watched by millions of people around the world, but the event actually started very small. As the 98th ceremony approaches in 2026, the Oscars have almost 100 years of history and have become an important part of film culture.

The first Oscars ceremony took place on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Compared to the huge shows people watch today, the first ceremony was very simple. Only about 270 people attended the event, and tickets cost around five dollars. The whole ceremony lasted about 15 minutes, which is surprising because today the show usually lasts several hours. The event was created by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize the best work in filmmaking and to encourage the movie industry to keep growing.

As movies became more popular, the Oscars started to grow too. In 1953, the ceremony was shown on television for the first time, which allowed millions of people to watch it from home. This was a big change because it helped turn the Oscars into a national event. Eventually, the ceremony started being broadcast internationally, making it something people all over the world watch every year. Over time, the Oscars also became known for the red carpet, celebrity fashion, and performances during the show.

The Oscars have also been connected to important moments in film history. In 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first Black actor to win the Best Actor award for his role in Lilies of the Field (1963). This was an important moment because it showed progress in an industry that had not always been inclusive. Many years later, in 2002, Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball (2001). Moments like these helped start more conversations about diversity in Hollywood.

Over the years, the Oscars have also had some surprising moments. For example, in 1973, Marlon Brando refused to accept his Best Actor award for The Godfather (1972). Instead, Sacheen Littlefeather went on stage and spoke about the treatment of Native Americans in the film industry. Another memorable moment happened in 2017 when the wrong movie was accidentally announced for Best Picture. At first, La La Land (2016) was announced as the winner, but it was later corrected, and the real winner was Moonlight (2016). Moments like these show that the Oscars can sometimes be unpredictable.

Throughout the years, the Oscars have continued to change as the movie industry changes. New award categories have been added to recognize things like animation, visual effects, and editing. The Academy has also tried to improve diversity among voters and nominees in recent years. These changes show how the film industry continues to grow and adapt.

Today, the Oscars are more than just an awards ceremony. It celebrates the creativity and hard work that go into making movies. Winning an Oscar can have a huge impact on a filmmaker’s career and can bring a lot of attention to a movie. From a short 15-minute dinner in 1929 to a huge international event today, the Oscars have become one of the most important traditions in the movie industry. As the 98th Academy Awards approach, the ceremony continues to celebrate the art of filmmaking and the stories that movies share around the world.