Oscars 2024: Who gave the Academy Award its 'Oscar' nickname?

The origins of the nickname "Oscar" for the Academy Awards are shrouded in mystery, with several theories attempting to explain its origin. One of the most popular beliefs, as recounted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), involves Academy librarian Margaret Herrick. In the early 1930s, Herrick is said to have remarked that the statuette resembled her "Uncle Oscar," leading to the adoption of the nickname.

However, as Bruce Davis, a former AMPAS executive director and author of "The Academy and the Award," later revealed, Herrick's story evolved over time. While she initially claimed to have an uncle named Oscar, Herrick later admitted that she and her husband would jokingly refer to a fictional "Uncle Oscar." This playful remark eventually found its way into the Academy's lore.

Best Picture nominee Poor Things has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning 11 nominations at the 2024 Oscars. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, the film is a darkly comedic and bizarre exploration of womanhood and self-discovery. One of the key elements that sets Poor Things apart is its unique visual style. Lanthimos, known for his distinctive aesthetic, creates a world that is both familiar and unsettling. The film's cinematography, by longtime Lanthimos collaborator Thimios Bakatakis, is striking, with each frame carefully composed to enhance the film's surreal atmosphere. Read more here!

The film did not just explore innovative storytelling, it also challenged traditional norms and addressed relevant societal themes. Hence, I feel it should stand out in the eyes of the Academy. The film successfully resonated with diverse audiences and contributed to discussions around representation, feminism, and societal expectations. Outstanding cinematography, production design, costume design, and other technical aspects contributed to the film's overall quality and appeal. Read more here!
 

Christopher Nolan and his atomic drama Oppenheimer was a frontrunner for all major awards this year clinching monumental wins at different award functions. At the Academy Awards, Oppenheimer is leading with 13 nominations.

As we gear up for cinema's biggest night, we look back at Oppenheimer's success. Will it fetch Nolan his first Academy Award? Let's find out.

Oscars 2024 Live: This year's nominations race has been led by Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, which has dominated the award season and is competing in 13 different categories in the Academy Awards. The atomic drama is followed by Poor Things, which earned 11 nominations. Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon has received 10 nominations. 

With only a few hours left until the big night, here's a list of probable winners who may take a golden statue home. Read more here

Controversy has erupted surrounding the film The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson. The film, which is nominated for Best Original Screenplay, is now facing plagiarism accusations from Hollywood writer Simon Stephenson, known for his work on the film Luca. Read full story here.

Oscars 2024 Live Hollywood's biggest night is watched all over the world and organisers - in this case The Academy- tries its best to make the night memorable. This year, they are bringing back a format that they had tried 15 years ago - and one that was loved by cinema lovers world wide. Click here to know more 

Oscars 2024 Live: Over the years, the Academy has faced a huge backlash for the lack of diversity, which also led to the movement, #Oscarssowhite, which gained major global attention. Now, as we all gear up for another Oscars night, it's really strange to know that only six actors have won the golden trophy in the Best Actor or Actress category in the award's history. Read more

Oscars 2024 Live: The Academy tried something different last year as they rolled out a champagne-coloured carpet for the event. The Oscars this year don't want to toy around with a new idea and are going back to basics. We say that because they have rolled out the deep red carpet that we are familiar with. Read more here. 

Oscars 2024 Live: The 96th Academy Awards is approaching and like every year, this time also we have many potential history-making wins that we all are looking forward to. This year, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer is the biggest contender of the night, as it is competing in 13 different categories. If the atomic thriller manages to win in all those categories, it will make history by becoming the movie with the most wins in a single year.

As we gear up for the big night, it's time to turn the pages of the Academy book. Looking at Oppenheimer's domination at this year's Academy Awards, it's worth noting that three movies that hold the record for most wins are Ben-Hur, Titanic and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. All of the three movies have won 11 Oscars on a single night. 

Here is a list of the movies with the most Oscar wins before the 96th Academy Awards, where Oppenheimer may become the movie with the most wins. Check the list here

Oscars 2024 Live: According to reports in The New York Times, the LAPD has received intelligence suggesting that at least one group intends to disrupt the Academy Awards. This information was gleaned in part from social media posts. In response, the LAPD is taking proactive measures to address any potential disruptions. Read more here!

Oscars 2024 Live: Some Oscar nominees at the 96th Academy Awards will receive lavish gift bags curated by Lash Fary, featuring items valued at over $170,000. These "Everyone Wins" bags include a $50,000 trip to a luxury chalet in the Swiss Alps and nearly 60 indulgent items. Fary, of Distinctive Assets, has been assembling these bags for 22 years, exclusively for top acting and directing nominees. Click here to know more!