A series of theories surrounds the name change of the most important prize of the seventh art. According to various versions, the Hollywood Academy decided in 1939 officially adopt the name Óscarafter the popularization of the phrase The Oscar Among the nominees and collaborators of the institution.
Each awards season revives doubts about the origin of this name and inspiration behind the iconic statuette. Some versions indicate that it arose from a comparison made among those involved in the awards and released by a journalist. Other theories suggest that the name is due to a comment made by an actress.
In this note, we tell you the different versions about the birth of the name of the most prestigious cinema award.
Origin of the Prize and its name
Founded in 1929 in the United States, this award was born as a recognition of cinematographic excellence. Over time, he became popular in the film industry, until he positioned himself as the most prestigious award of the seventh art.
The creation of this award was devised and directed by Louis B. Mayer, who presided over the producer and distributor of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films. In 1927, Mayer pointed out the need to encourage innovation in cinema and to award those who exceeded the expectations of the audience.
A year after its foundation, rumors began to circulate on a comparison between the statuette granted and a character called Oscar. This term became popular thanks to a journalist who, in his articles, played with the idea of comparing the prize with that name. This led the Academy to modify its denomination in 1939.
The original name of the award was Merit Academy Awards (Academy Awards in English). However, his change has given rise to different theories about the origin of the name Óscar.
One of these theories indicates that the name comes from a comparison made by Margaret Herrick, a librarian of the Academy, who said that the statuette reminded his uncle called Óscar. According to articles by journalist Sidney Skolsky, this comment contributed to the popularization of the name among the awards attendees.
Another version attributes the name to the influence of actress Bette Davis, who, according to her biography, proposed to call it Óscar in honor of his first husband.
The third theory indicates that the secretary Eleanor Lilberg compared the statuette with King Óscar II of Sweden, ensuring that her silhouette resembled that of the monarch, only that bathed in gold.
What does the statuette represent?
According to the Academy, the statuette created by Cedric Gibbons and the sculptor George Stanley originally represents a gentleman holding a roll of film and a sword, inspired by the main elements of cinema.
Its symbolism is based on the five essential branches that the Academy established as criteria to qualify a film production: script, production, direction, interpretation and artistic techniques.
The film roll holding the statue symbolizes the film industry and its advances, while the sword represents the defense of artistic honor and victory.
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