70 Years of the Oscar

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Entertaining text and star-studded photographs present the story of the Academy Awards from their inception in 1927 to the return to Hollywood's golden age with Titanic at the 1998 ceremony. The Oscar captivates audiences like no other award, as evidenced by the record 87 million viewers in the U.S. alone on March 23, 1998. Since 1929, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized excellence in film, creating larger-than-life icons and reflecting the lives of countless moviegoers worldwide. This expanded and updated edition serves as the only official history of the Academy Awards, including the remarkable achievements of the 1997 ceremony. Combining Robert Osborne's insightful writing with the Academy's exceptional historical and photographic archives, it stands out for its illustration, accuracy, and completeness. The book begins with the Academy's founding, detailing its aims and the establishment of these coveted awards. Organized by decade, it offers lively overviews that document trends and significant developments in the film industry. Each year features a range of competing films, speculation on potential winners, and memorable moments from the ceremonies, concluding with complete lists of nominees and winners. Illustrated with nearly 700 rare photographs and original movie posters, this volume is an unparalleled resource for film enthusiasts and scholars alike.