The Academy Awards: The Complete History of Oscar

by Gail Kinn, Jim Piazza

Film buffs will celebrate the arrival of this definitive book on the Academy it is the biggest and best look at movie-making's winners from the 1920s to today. great stories; actors, actresses and directors at the pinnacle of their careers; the winners; who should have won; deserving films that did not get nominated; fascinating film facts; an inside look at film history spanning 75 years; The book contains a comprehensive list of all the nominations and winners for each year, and includes more than 500 movie stills. Each award ceremony is captured on a four-page spread filled with fascinating features, quotes from the movies and Oscar moments. More fun because it is completely unauthorised, the book also explores the gaffs and glorious moments from the award ceremonies, plus educated opinions about the winners and losers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, Reference, Media Tie In, Coffee Table Books

336 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although you can't tell from the cover picture here, this is absolutely one of the most beautifully bound "coffee table" books I've ever seen. The open letter is raised over the black sparkled background. The contents is pretty much limited to "just the facts", but if you've never had a really good look at Bjork's "swan dress", here's the place to see it. Or Cher's '88 stunner. In fact, "Complete History of Oscar Fashions" would almost be a more suitable title.

[E.H. Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down, the best, most thorough Oscar book I’ve ever come across. And for a movie buff such as myself, who has hosted or attended an Oscar party every year since I was five, that’s saying something.

I’ll get the one downside out of the way: it was published in 2002, so nowadays it’s no longer complete. The good news is Gail Kinn and Jim Piazza have revised the book several times, and there’s a 2014 version that will include more Oscar history.

That one blemish out of the way, it’s time to rave. This book is humungous, and every page is beautifully designed, with glossy photos and classy color combinations to please the eye. Every inch of the page is used, but not in a tacky or overwhelming way. The sides are used for listing every nominee of every category each year—so many Oscar books only list “important” nominees, leaving technical, documentary, music, and costume nominations out. This book leaves no nominee behind. Each Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, and Supporting Actress are given half a page of glory, with a photograph and few paragraphs on their career or their performance that particular year.

Another fantastic and beautiful addition is included at the start of every decade, entitled “The Look of the Decade” in which a two-page spread with glamorous fashion shots educates or reminds the reader what the stars were wearing at that time. During each year, the host(s) are listed, and backstage trivia is mentioned about the ceremony itself. Why were some years hosted by several people, and which years did it rain? Yes, the book will tell you.

So, although this particular version will only take you through Chicago, you can pick up a more updated version, which I highly recommend. The author duo has collaborated on several more film books together, and I enjoyed the thoroughness of this one so much, I’ll probably read another. For those who love the Oscars, you need to add this to your collection.

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[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very thorough book is part encyclopedia, part coffee table book, and part gossip column. The encyclopedia: It lists every single Oscar winner and nominee from every category from the award’s inception in 1927 through to 2000. Each winner and most honorary winners are given a short biographical sketch. The coffee table book: It is a large book filled with pictures from dozens of movies. The gossip column: Each year’s Oscar pages include a sidebar outlining behind the scenes info on the movies, the stars, and in some cases on those snubbed by the Academy. Some of the behind the scenes info is interesting tidbits about the movie industry, but a lot of it is about the stars’ private lives, loves, quarrels and controversies that would not be out of place in a supermarket tabloid. After a while, these entries get tedious. But I would say that this book has a place on the shelf of any movie buff if only to have every detail of almost 75 years of Oscar history at one’s fingertips.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't care for this author's way of organizing the information. She would often repeat her background on the actors, in the same exact words, gave no background on the films that won (not even a brief synopsis), and would talk about actors or films that had nothing to do with the decade she was in (for instance writing about Gone With the Wind when going over how Laurence Olivier won for Hamlet. Should have had that information on the 1939 page.)

[Stormy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my personal Oscar encyclopedia -- I purchased this treasured book on a bargain table in 2003 and have used it every year since then to stash my ballot. I fill out the winners as they are announced and can look up Best Picture or other major winner by going back through them.

[Kasey Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

lots of great facts. i red them all. ha.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous coffee table book, great for reference, it has a permanent place under our coffee table naturally.

[Maybama02 Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my college professors said that although reading is important, in today's American society, the knowledge found from books years ago is equally found in watching movies. This book is a history of the Academy Awards and from the beginning of the annual event, until now, it displays the historical significance of the film industry. In looking at the book as a whole, not only does it give interesting insight to the entertainment business' evolution, but also says a great deal about American culture.
I love films for the lifestyle the stars live to the hard-work demanded by the industry itself. I find the Academy Awards entertaining because of the apparel worn on the red carpet and because I appreciate the entertainment. I also think that the film industry's significance can be equated that of books. It is storytelling - in different forms. If you have a similar appreciation, you will love this book!

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best book about America's most famous movie award ceremony that I've come across. Sometimes hilarious, often shocking, it covers each year in depth without going overboard in minute detail. It's also an excellent reference book.

[Megan Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read different sections at random many many times

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great trivia, facts and images - although not endorsed by AMPAS. All movie buffs would enjoy this.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book! Awesome source for Oscar trivia, too!! :)

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent summary of each year of the Oscars.