‘Cin-Emma Extra’ behind the Oscars: A look at the history and nomination process

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Since the academy awards show is set for Sunday, March 10, we are counting down to the ceremony. But first, KOIN 6 resident film buff Emma Jerome takes us back to how the awards show began and how it all works.

According to the Oscars, in 1927, Canadian-American film producer Louis B. Mayer, known for co-founding MGM Studios, created a club called the Association of Motion Picture Producers. Their goal was to mediate labor disputes and improve the film industry’s image – essentially a union.

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Shortly thereafter, they rebranded as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and one of their chief goals was to devise a method to honor outstanding achievement in film.

That led to a banquet in 1929 where the first award was given out, awarding Best Actor to Emil Jannings for his role in the films The Way of All Flesh and The Last Command. Since then, more than 3,000 statuettes have been given out.

Originally, membership was only granted in one of the five branches of the industry: Actors, directors, writers, technicians, and producers. That list has since grown to 18 and includes make up artists, costume designers, cinematographers and more. All members of The Academy vote for a winner, however only members in their respective categories can nominate and to become a member, you must be invited.

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Last year, nearly 400 industry insiders were invited to join, including actors Selma Blair, Austin Butler, Paul Mescal, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu and Keke Palmer. In the music branch, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd were also invited.

Also, why is it called an Oscar? Apparently no one story has been unanimously agreed on. But the most accepted explanation is Margaret Herrick, the academy librarian, thought it resembled her uncle Oscar and the rest is history.

After the history lesson, Jerome notes which Best Picture nominee from this year she recently watched and called, “incredible.”

Additionally, you can check out this year’s nominees for Best Live Action and Animated Short playing now at the Hollywood Theater.

Check out the full video in the player above.

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