The
Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are presented
annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to
recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including
directors, actors, and writers. The formal ceremony at which the awards are
presented is one of the most prominent award ceremonies in the world. It is
also the oldest award ceremony in the media, and many other award ceremonies
such as the Grammy Awards (for music), Golden Globe Awards (all forms of visual
media), and Emmy Awards (for television) are often modeled from the Academy.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences itself
was conceived by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio boss Louis B. Mayer.
The
1st Academy Awards ceremony was held Thursday, May 16, 1929, at the Hotel
Roosevelt in Hollywood
to honor outstanding film achievements of 1927 and 1928. It was hosted by actor
Douglas Fairbanks and director William C. deMille. The 82nd Academy Awards,
honoring the best in film for 2009, will be held on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at
the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood,
with actors Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin hosting the ceremony.
