What was once just a small social gathering for film studio executives to congratulate each other’s investments has become the film industry’s equivalent of the Super Bowl (just less Bud Light and more red carpet GLAM).
Believe it or not, there is actually a history behind the Oscars (which was once considered the derogatory term for the Academy Awards). Here are some fun facts behind one of Hollywood’s grandest commercials.
Who Is the Youngest Male Lead Academy Award Winner?
A then 29-year-old Adrien Brody, who was just 22 days shy of becoming 30 before winning an Academy Award for his role in The Pianist, which made him the youngest male winner. The youngest nomination went to Jackie Cooper at nine years old for his role in the 1930 film Skippy.
Who Is the Most Nominated Academy Award Actress?
This goes to Meryl Streep with 16 nominations (and as she is still living) in which she has time to accumulate more.
Who Was the First Academy Juvenile Award Winner?
Shirley Temple (April 23rd, 1928 – February 10th, 2014) at age six in 1934. The award was discontinued in 1960.
What Was the First X-Rated Film to Win Best Picture?
Midnight Cowboy in 1969 was the first X-rated motion picture to win Best Picture.
What Three Films Have Won the Most Academy Awards?
Ben-Hur in 1959, Titanic in 1997, and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King in 2003. All films won 11 Academy Awards.
Who Has Hosted the Most Academy Awards?
Billy Crystal, currently at eight which was trailed by Johnny Carson at five hosting gigs.
Most Academy Awards Won by a Man?
Mickey Mouse’s dad Walt Disney at 22 Academy Awards.
Who Was the First Woman to Win Best Director?
Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker in 2008
Who Waited for an Academy Award for a Performance in a Film 20 Years Previously?
Charlie Chaplin for Limelight 1952 and won an Academy Award in 1972. According to the Academy Awards the film had to play at a theater in Los Angeles in order for it to be recognized for an Oscar.
These trivia and fun facts are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes towards the Academy Award history. Whether you’re rooting for Scorsese or Russell for best picture this year impress your friends with your extensive knowledge regarding the Academy Awards (to make up for the lack of sports knowledge you may have put on display during the Super Bowl.) Let the Hunger Games begin!
