The 90th Academy Awards will air Sunday, which is a landmark achievement. It has been a long time since the first ceremony, so here’s a look into how it was conducted nearly a century ago.
It’s the only one not broadcasted
No one heard or saw the first Academy Awards. Since the second ceremony, which was on radio, there has been some form of broadcasting of the annual event.
The amount of people in attendance could fit in a lecture hall
There were only 270 guests in attendance, and they paid $5 to enter the black tie affair. At the 2016 Oscars, there were 3,300 guests.
25 total films were nominated
The number of films represented at the Oscars has more than doubled. This year, there were 59 films nominated. All of the films in 1929 were silent. There were only 13 categories, and the Best Directing categories were split for dramatic and comedic film. Now there are 24 categories.
Wings won Best Picture
The war film cost $2 million and was the most expensive movie of its time. Adjusted for inflation, the movie cost more than $28 million. The most expensive Best Picture nominee this year is Dunkirk, which has an estimated budget of $100 million.
The statues weren’t called Oscars
The nickname for the ceremony and the statue was first called the Oscar in 1934. A popular story suggests the statue was named after someone’s uncle.
The ceremony only lasted 15 minutes
Well, wouldn't that be a nice idea. Now it’s on for at least three hours and usually goes past that threshold. Some speeches even feel longer than 15 minutes.
The 90th Academy Awards will air Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
