Damien Bona Book order (chronological)

This extensive history of Hollywood's most glamorous night serves as a quintessential "unofficial" account of the Academy Awards, blending thorough research with entertaining gossip. Authors Mason Wiley and Damien Bona present the awards and their highlights through various perspectives, incorporating insights from Hollywood insiders and reporters. The book reviews every ceremony from the 1920s to the 1990s, dividing each year into three sections. The first section details the competing films, focusing on the aspirations and conflicts of the nominees. The second, "The Big Night," captures the ceremony's excitement, featuring memorable quips from presenters and standout celebrity outfits. The final section, "Aftermath," discusses press reactions and the subsequent paths of the winners. The narrative covers iconic moments, from the frenzy surrounding *Gone with the Wind* to the first televised awards and the infamous 1994 ceremony hosted by David Letterman. The 1970s emerge as a particularly memorable decade, marked by unexpected events like George C. Scott declining his Best Actor Award in 1970 and Marlon Brando sending a Native American activist to refuse his Oscar in 1972. The book is filled with captivating accounts that celebrate the anticipation, glamour, and surprises of the ceremonies, making it a delightful read from start to finish.