The Academy Awards are given out every year to recognize outstanding work of movie actors, directors, and others who are part of the movies-making industry. These awards, called Oscars, are presented in a formal ceremony in Hollywood. Several people are nominated in specific categories, such as Best Movie, Best Actor, Best Music, Best Costumes. One person is chosen to receive an award in each category.

When the awards ceremony started in 1929, 15 awards were presented and the ceremony was attended by only 25 people. Tichkets cost $10, and anyone who could afford a ticket could attend. Today about two dozen Oscars are presented. Tickets are no longer sold to the general puclic; invitations are sent only to people involved in making the movies and to their guests. Today the awards are presented in the 3400-seat Kodak Auditorium in Hollywood.

Until 1941, the winners'names were already known before the ceremony and published in newspapers the night before the ceremony. Now the winners' names are placed in sealed envelopes and the envelopes are not opened until the night of the ceremony.

Since 1953, Oscar night has been televised and broadcast all over the world. This show is seen by hundreds of millions of people. Viewers watch as their favorite movie stars arrive looking beautiful and hopeful.

SANDRA N. ELBAUM