February 18, 2008
The Academy Awards were first awarded in 1929. It wasn’t until two years later that they were more commonly called Oscars. Margaret Herrick was a member of the Academy Awards in 1931. She noted how the little gold statues resembled her uncle Oscar.
The first ever person awarded an Oscar was Emil Jannings for Best Actor in his work on The Last Command and The Way of All Flesh.
Back in 1929, the winners of the Oscars knew days ahead of time that they won, unlike today when the suspense is finally satisfied upon the opening of the envelope. Emil Jannings, already knowing that he won his award before the ceremony, had already booked his passage to return to his native Germany. He wanted his prize early so that he may return to Germany as scheduled. His wish was granted, and, therefore, Jannings was the very first recepient of the Oscar.
There simply was no great importance for Jannings to actually attend the ceremony. The first radio broadcast of the Oscars wasn’t until 1944. The first televised broadcast was not until 1953.
Since 1941, the winners were not known ahead of time due to the first usage of the sealed envelope.
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Updated February 18, 2008
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So I ponder, why do we give so much credit to multi-millionaires? Aren't they happy enough that they never have to worry about getting their bills paid again? Do they have comparable ceremonies to, say, firefighters? How about landscapers, or house painters?
Recently, watching the Oscars is like watching a political debate. These "actors" are preaching about what is wrong with politics and how war is so bad. You know, if it wasn't for war, they wouldn't have such a fat bank account in this great country, for this country would not exist. Hollywood would simply be another Indian hangout with teepees. These people like to complain but they have no problem going to the bank to get their money to buy their Mercedes convertible. The only actors that I can think of that can rightly complain was Reagan and some California Governor named Arnold (I will not attempt to spell his name for fear I may offend some people).
