The first Academy Awards ceremony was held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles on May 16, 1929. AMPAS president Douglas Fairbanks hosted the show, and the best films of 1927 and 1928 were honored. The entry fee was $5 at that time, and 270 people attended the event. The event and the presentation ceremony lasted 15 minutes.
The ceremony was not broadcasted on radio and 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.
Here below are some fantastic photos that capture a glimpse of the 1st Academy Awards ceremony in 1929.
