The Academy Awards

Founded in 1929, the Academy Awards, more commonly known as the Oscars, are considered to be the most prestigious awards in the world of cinema, and one of the most eagerly awaited days in Los Angeles. They are awarded each year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences during a veritable American-style show featuring concerts, performances and witty remarks by the master or mistress of ceremonies. All winners - each in a separate category - are presented with a gold-plated bronze statuette by sculptor George Stanley. Symbolizing the notion of "merit", it depicts a knight holding a sword, standing on a film reel. As access to the event is private, fans crowd long hours against temporary barriers set up around the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center, hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars.

Originally held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the ceremony took the form of a private dinner, a luxurious gathering for members of the film industry. The following year, in 1930, it was broadcast on radio, then on television from 1953. And so it became a national, and soon international, affair.

Among the highlights of the Oscars' history is the postponement of the event two days after its original date - April 8, 1968 - due to the assassination of Black rights activist Martin Luther King on April 4. We also recall Marlon Brando's refusal to accept the statuette for his role in The Godfather in 1973. At issue: the film industry's mistreatment of and discrimination against Native Americans. More recently, the 2018 edition was impacted by the scandal of the Weinstein Affair, which splashed Hollywood in October 2017, highlighting the abuse of power, harassment and sexual assault committed by numerous producers and actors on women working in film. The following year, the ceremony took place without an official presenter - a first since 1989 - replaced by several personalities who took turns on stage. Another noteworthy event was the first Korean film to win an award, Parasite, in 2020. Despite the pandemic, the 2021 Academy Awards were able to proceed - almost - normally, and kept their promise of diversity and mix. Finally, in 2022, the event was marked by the now-famous slap given to Chris Rock by Will Smith. The comedian had mocked his wife.