The Oscar statuette, standing 13.5 inches tall and weighing 8.5 pounds, depicts a knight holding a sword atop a film reel with five spokes (representing the Academy’s original branches: actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers.) for the Academy’s original branches. Designed in 1929 by Cedric Gibbons and George Stanley, it’s made of bronze and plated in 24-karat gold.
The 97th Academy Awards is all set to dazzle the world on March 2, 2025. But wait—did I just say Academy Awards? Is that the same as the Oscars? Yes, they’re one and the same! The term “Oscars” became a popular nickname over the years, though the official name remains the Academy Awards.
Little bit of history
First held in 1929, the Academy Awards is a Hollywood tradition, celebrating excellence in filmmaking across the globe. Organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the event honours the creativity, hard work, and brilliance that shape the magic of cinema. Winning an Oscar remains the pinnacle of success in the film industry.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences headquarters, 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California.
The Academy: Who votes?
The winners of the Academy Awards are chosen by the AMPAS, which is made up of over 10,000 members. This team is made up of professionals from various branches of the film industry, including actors, directors, writers, producers, editors, and more.
Each branch votes on nominees within its own category—actors vote for acting categories, directors for Best Director, and so on. All members, however, vote for the coveted Best Picture award. This diverse and experienced voting body ensures that the Oscars reflect a wide range of creative perspectives.
What is the nomination process
Held mostly during February or March in Hollywood, a neighbourhood in Los Angeles, California, the nomination process for the Academy Awards is a multi-step journey that begins with the submission of films and individuals by their respective studios, production companies, or agents. To be eligible, films must meet specific criteria, such as a theatrical release within the qualifying period. Once submitted, the voting process begins.
After the votes are cast, the films or individuals with the most votes become the official nominees for that category. These nominees then proceed to the final voting stage, where the winners are chosen. The entire process is confidential, ensuring an element of surprise when the Oscars are announced.
This year the voting and nomination process started on January 8 with the nominations announced on January 23rd.
Wings (1927) poster
In this Monday, April 11, 1983 file photo, British actor and director Richard Attenborough holds his two Oscars for his epic movie “Gandhi” at the 55th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Ca.
Indian members at the Academy
This team of film professionals from 19 branches, including actors, directors, producers, and craftspeople. AMPAS membership is international, with India represented by notable figures. In 2024, veteran actor Shabana Azmi, director SS Rajamouli, producer Ritesh Sidhwani, cinematographer Ravi Varman, filmmaker Rima Das, and costume designer Rama Rajamouli have joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. They join a distinguished list of Indian members, including A R Rahman, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Suriya, Vidya Balan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Ali Fazal, Aditya Chopra, Guneet Monga, Reema Kagti, Ekta Kapoor, and Shobha Kapoor.
Lights, camera, facts..
First Oscar-winning film
The very first Academy Awards, held in 1929, awarded Wings (1927), a silent World War I epic, the honour of Best Picture. It remains the only silent film to win the category until The Artist in 2012.
India’s first Oscar win
While no Indian film has won the Best Picture award, Gandhi (1982), a biographical film on Mahatma Gandhi directed by Richard Attenborough, swept the Oscars with eight awards, including Best Picture. The film had significant Indian involvement in its production.
India’s first competitive win
Slumdog Millionaire (2008), a film set in Mumbai, won eight Oscars, including Best Original Score and Best Original Song by A.R. Rahman and Best Sound Mixing by Resul Pookutty, making it a historic moment for Indian talent.
Cast members of “Slumdog Millionaire” celebrate on stage after the movie was named Winner for Best Movie of the Year at the 81st Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California on February 22, 2009.
Did you know?
On the big night of the Oscars, the results are kept a secret until the very last moment! PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is responsible for counting the votes and ensuring the confidentiality of the winners. PwC partners are the only ones who know the results, and they transport the sealed envelopes containing the names of the winners to the ceremony. Each envelope is delivered by hand to the presenters just moments before they announce the winner. This tight security ensures that no one knows the outcome until the Oscars are revealed live on stage!
This year, Emilia Pérez, became the most nominated film with 13 nods. It is a genre-blending musical crime drama directed by Jacques Audiard. Meanwhile, The Brutalist, a neo-noir thriller exploring the psychological impact of urban decay, and Wicked, a visually stunning adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, followed closely with 10 nominations each.
Published – February 10, 2025 12:03 pm IST
