Cinema represents art in motion and for every form of art there lies at least some form of recognition. In terms of movies, the honor of being the most coveted prize for anyone involved in filmmaking goes to the Oscars. On March 10, 2024, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will host its 96th edition of what it terms the Academy Awards, with a queue of studded films and artists in line for the top prize with many firsts also in the mix.

In light of the ceremony coming within a knocking distance, a look down the pages of history reveals its origin and the very reason for its existence.

Why did the Oscars happen in the first place?

On May 16, 1929, the newly formed Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held its first-ever awards ceremony as a private function and handed out a mere 15 statuettes in just 15 minutes. While it exploded in recognition and respect ever since, the reason the Oscars ever happened in the first place comes across as a need for unification. In order to foster collaboration, respect, and unity between the actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers, then considered the five spokes of the industry.

The times of the Oscars also coincided with labor strikes across several other industries. As its move to provide all under its umbrella, a collective objective to work towards and ensure everyone received proper recognition, the Oscars stood as a ray of hope. Additionally, the Oscars also ensured a level of quality control brought forward by the need to now compete for a singular highest degree of unanimously accepted seal of respect from the film industry.

In the 96 years of its existence, since, the Oscars have played host to several firsts and milestones, and, 2024 has the potential to add a few more.

The milestones and firsts for the 96th Academy Awards

Firstly, the 2024 Oscars will see the maximum allowed number of participants, capped at ten, compete for the Best Film category. However, the jam-packed list only marks the beginning as, after already creating history with her nod, Killers of the Flower Moon’s Lily Gladstone may become the first-ever Native American actress to win the Oscars. In another show of women’s equality, Greta Gerwig became the first director ever to have her first three solo feature films Lady Bird, Little Women, and Barbie nominated for Best Picture.

On another end, Colman Domingo might become the first-ever openly gay African-American actor to win the Oscars, having already vouched for his dedication to the craft. Thereafter, music composer John Williams extended his Oscars tally to 55 to break his own record of the only living person with the most nods and behind only Walt Disney’s 59. With many more milestones in tow, the 2024 Oscars stand as a spectacle waiting to unfold.

What are your thoughts on the reason for the existence of the Oscars? Let us know in the comments below.