Rare Historical Photos of the First Academy Awards Ceremony in 1929

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.

#1 The 1st Academy Awards banquet, on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

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#2 The 1st Academy Awards banquet, 1929

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#3 Best Director Dramatic Picture Frank Borzage poses with his award for “7th Heaven” in 1929

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#4 Blossom Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt in Los Angeles

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#5 Douglas Fairbanks, who hosted the ceremony, presents Joseph Farnham with his award in 1929

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#6 German actor Emil Jannings won Best Actor for won BEST ACTOR for “The Last Command” and “Way of All Flesh”

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#7 Janet Gaynor with her award for her performances in “7th Heaven,” “Street Angel,” and “Sunrise” in 1929

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#8 Lewis Milestone and his award of Best Director for a Comedy Picture for his 1927 film, “Two Arabian Knights” in 1929

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#9 The winners of the first ceremony, including Janet Gaynor for best actress, were announced a few months in advance. Douglas Fairbanks, president of the academy, handed out the honors

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#10 Vice president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, Conrad Nigel, presents the Oscar to actress Norma Shearer, 1929

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#11 Vice president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, Conrad Nigel, presents the Oscar to actress Norma Shearer, 1929

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#12 William C Demille, President Of The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences hands an Oscar to Mary Pickford (with Warner Baxter and Hans Kraly looking on) at the first ceremony in 1929

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#13 The 1st Academy Awards, May 16, 1929

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#14 The 1st Academy Awards Program

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#15 The 1st Academy Awards Guests of Honor

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