Red Carpet Rundown: 96th Annual Oscars

The Oscars, officially known as The Academy Awards, are an annual set of awards given for artistic and technical merit in the film industry. The awards are an international recognition of excellence in cinematic achievements as assessed by the Academy’s voting membership.

The Oscars were first held in 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, attended by around 270 guests. The first Best Picture award was won by “Wings.” This event was created by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), founded in 1927, with the aim of honoring outstanding achievements in the film industry.

The ceremony has been broadcast since 1930, first on radio and then moving to television in 1953. This move significantly increased the Awards’ profile and became a major event watched by millions worldwide.

Over the years, the Academy has introduced new categories to reflect the evolving film industry, including awards for Best Animated Feature, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Visual Effects. The original number of categories was 12, and as of my last update, there are more than 20.

The Oscars have faced criticism over the years for a lack of diversity and inclusion. Notably, the #OscarsSoWhite campaign highlighted the underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities. In response, the Academy has taken steps to broaden its membership and selection processes.

The Oscars have had their share of memorable moments, from iconic acceptance speeches to unexpected incidents like the Best Picture announcement mix-up in 2017. Controversies and debates over snubs and wins are also a regular part of the conversation around the awards.

Winning an Oscar can significantly impact a film’s box office and an individual’s career, often leading to increased recognition and more opportunities.

The Academy has continued to adapt, including changes to eligibility criteria, especially in response to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to adjustments in how movies could qualify for consideration.

The Oscars remain one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the film industry, celebrating the best in cinema from around the world. My favorite looks were Lupita Nyong’o, Hailee Steinfeld and See all the red carpet arrivals inside and see if you have any favorites!