A NIGHT AT THE SUMMIT OF CINEMA, SHINING FOR 97 YEARS

Founded in 1927 under the name Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, this organization set out with the idea of designing standards and creating rules in the world of cinema

The Academy Awards, also known as Ocsar Awards, which continue to be one of the most prestigious awards in the world of cinema, will meet their owners for the 97th time on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Today, let’s take a journey through the history of these awards and look at how the Academy Awards came to be, why the award statuette is called an Oscar, and how they have come to occupy a place in the world of cinema. AN ORIGIN STORY The Academy Awards’ roots date back to 1927. At that time, with Hollywood’s rise, there was a need for unity in the film industry.

Founded in 1927 under the name Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, this organization set out to design standards and create rules in the world of cinema. The first award ceremony was held on May 16, 1929. On that day, the awards, which started with only 12 categories, were presented to 270 guests. No one could have imagined that this ceremony would eventually turn into a spectacle that millions of people would eagerly follow.

THE BIRTH OF OSCAR

The first Academy Awards began, of course, by changing many things. The film industry began to be recognized not only as entertainment but also as an art form. Among the films that won Oscars at that time were “Wings” and “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans” which increased the value of the awards by emphasizing the artistic dimension of cinema. Over time, however, it became clear that the awards were more than just medals; they also reflected the social and cultural dynamics of the art of cinema. In its early years, the Oscars focused more on the silver screen, but over time it diversified and became a platform for everyone to watch.

MILESTONES AND CRITICISMS

One of the milestones in the history of the Oscars took place in the 1960s. During this period, Hollywood’s influential filmmakers began to focus more on social issues. Films such as 1969’s In the Heat of the Night, for example, sent a strong message against racism and increased the social responsibility of cinema. Productions like these showed that the Oscars could be more than just an award, but a vehicle for social change.

At times, the Academy Awards have been at the center of criticism. In 2016, the #OscarsSoWhite campaign highlighted Hollywood’s lack of diversity and created pressure on the Academy to become more inclusive. In particular, criticism that women and artists from different ethnic groups were overlooked caught the attention of the awards ceremony. As a result of this pressure, the Academy took steps to ensure greater diversity in the awards process.

OSCAR STATUETTE

The first official name of the statue was the Academy Achievement Award. However, since 1934, everyone has called the award Oscar. This is because when Academy librarian Margaret Herrick first saw the statue, she said it looked like her Uncle Oscar. The journalist who was near Herrick at the time heard this and “Oscar” became a household word. The name Oscar was first officially used by the Academy in 1939.

PRESENT PLACE AND IMPORTANCE

Today, the Oscars have become not just an awards ceremony, but also a reflection of the movie industry and a social event. Every year, millions of people wait for the Oscars and make predictions about which movies will win awards. The rise of platforms with digitalization has also been reflected in the world of cinema and film. Winning awards with ambitious films has become the primary goal. In recent years, the Academy has undertaken various reforms to make the awards more inclusive. New membership policies and diversity criteria are likely to allow us to see more diverse voices at the awards ceremony in the future.

OSCAR AWARDS AND TURKISH CINEMA

Türkiye’s Best International Film nominee is Zeki Demirkubuz’s “Hayat”. Announced by the General Directorate of Cinema of the Ministry of Culture, the film will compete for the Academy Award for Best International Film. Since 1947, “Hayat” has been nominated for the Oscars as an important representative of Turkish cinema in this category, which includes productions of 40 minutes or more, mostly non-English and outside the United States. In previous years, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, the famous director of “Once Upon a Time in Anatolia”, was on the long list. We look forward to seeing Zeki Demirkubuz’s “Hayat” at the Oscars again.

THE FUTURE OF OSCAR

Cinema’s sensitivity to social issues, diversity, and innovative narrative styles will shape the evolution of the Academy Awards in the coming years. Young directors and screenwriters will continue to create thought-provoking works with a greater focus on social issues. The Awards will continue to be a platform for social messages and change, not just for the art of film. The Academy Awards has taken its place in the history of cinema as an important organization representing the past, present, and future of cinema. The annual awards ceremony showcases not only successful films but also the evolution of cinema and the dynamics of social change. As the shining stars of the movie world dream of one day receiving the award statuette on the Oscar stage, we will always enjoy being witnesses of this magical journey. As long as the magic of cinema continues, the Oscars will always remain at the top.

THE BEST OF THE OSCARS:

Most Award-Winning Picture: Titanic (1997) and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – 11 Oscars

Most Best Director Award Winners: John Ford (4 times)

Most Best Actress Award Winners: Katharine Hepburn (4 times)

Most Best Actor Award Winners: Daniel Day-Lewis (3 times)

Most Best Supporting Actress Award Winners: Katharine Hepburn and Meryl Streep (2 times each)

Most Best Supporting Actor Award Winners: Walter Brennan (3 times)

These bests showcase the richness and diversity of Oscar history. The stories of the winners have become inspiring legends in the world of cinema.