The 1st Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), honored the best films of 1927 and 1928 and took place on May 16, 1929, at a private dinner held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California. AMPAS president Douglas Fairbanks hosted the show. Tickets cost $5 (which would be $74 in 2019, considering inflation), 270 people attended the event and the presentation ceremony lasted 15 minutes.
Awards were created by Louis B. Mayer, founder of Louis B. Mayer Pictures Corporation (at present merged into Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer). It is the only Academy Awards ceremony not to be broadcast either on radio or television. The radio broadcast was introduced during the 2nd Academy Awards.
During the ceremony, AMPAS presented Academy Awards – now colloquially known as the Oscars – in 12 categories. Winners were announced three months before the live event. Some nominations were announced without reference to a specific film.
These amazing photos captured wonderful moments of the 1st Academy Awards ceremony in 1929.
The 1st Academy Awards banquet, on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
The 1st Academy Awards banquet, 1929
Best Director Dramatic Picture Frank Borzage poses with his award for “7th Heaven” in 1929
Blossom Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt in Los Angeles
Douglas Fairbanks, who hosted the ceremony, presents Joseph Farnham with his award in 1929
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