No Red Carpet, No Caviar — What Happened at the First Oscars

As the excitement over Oscars 2018 continues, let’s rewind to 1929, when the awards weren’t even called “Oscars”.

William C Demille, President of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, presenting an Oscar to Mary Pickford, as Warner Baxter and Hans Kraly look on, at the first Oscars ceremony in 1929.

(Photo courtesy: Facebook/Todd Ven Stein)

It’s that time of the year again when the ladies and gentlemen of Hollywood put on their over-expensive suits and shimmering gowns to walk down a red carpet in LA. Yes, I am talking about the Oscars!

But back in 1929, when the Oscars weren’t even called “Oscars”, a mere 250 guests attended this black tie event, which was not broadcast anywhere and lasted only 15 minutes!

Shocking, right?

What is more shocking is that the guests that night weren’t nervous to know the results. Because the names of the 12 winners and the 20 films that were given an honorary scroll of commendation were already announced three months before the ceremony, according to The Telegraph.

All of this may seem a bit hard to imagine in 2018, when millions of viewers tuned in to watch the Hollywood glitz and glamour of Dolby Theatres. But back in the day, we were not gaga over this award ceremony.

So while the ‘Oscars fever’ is still on, let’s take you back to the black and white era of 1929.

(Photo courtesy: Altered by The Quint)

(Photo courtesy: Altered by The Quint)

(Photo courtesy: Altered by The Quint)

(Photo courtesy: Altered by The Quint)

(Photo courtesy: Altered by The Quint)

(Photo courtesy: Altered by The Quint)

(Photo courtesy: Altered by The Quint)

(Photo courtesy: Altered by The Quint)

Well, now when you know where it all began!