On this day in 1929: Hollywood hosted the first-ever Oscars ceremony
Archival information from the Margaret Herrick Library shows that the presentation lasted only 15 minutes. Around 270 guests from the film industry attended the event, with tickets priced at $5 each (~$95 adjusted for inflation).
On this day 97 years ago, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held its first awards ceremony in Hollywood, launching what would later become the Oscars.
According to official Academy records, the inaugural ceremony took place on 16 May 1929 during a private dinner banquet in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
Archival information from the Margaret Herrick Library shows that the presentation lasted only 15 minutes. Around 270 guests from the film industry attended the event, with tickets priced at $5 each (~$95 adjusted for inflation).
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There was no suspense surrounding the winners, as the Academy had already announced the results publicly on 18 February 1929, nearly three months earlier.
Historical records also show that the event remains the only Academy Awards ceremony never broadcast on either radio or television.
The silent war film "Wings" received the night's top honour for Outstanding Picture.
Academy records show that Janet Gaynor won Best Actress for her performances in "7th Heaven," "Street Angel," and "Sunrise."
Meanwhile, Emil Jannings received the Best Actor award for his roles in "The Last Command" and "The Way of All Flesh."
The ceremony was originally envisioned by Louis B Mayer as an initiative to unite the film industry. The brief private banquet later evolved into one of the world's most prominent entertainment events.
