When we talk about the Oscars, we usually talk about the show, the nominees, and—of course—the recipients. But sometimes, it's interesting to talk about the literal Oscars themselves—as in all those little gold men everyone is vying to take home.
While we call the show "The Oscars" for short, its official name is actually "The Academy Awards." So how did the nickname come about? Hollywood lore points to no fewer than three people who have taken credit for it.
Hollywood columnist Sidney Skolsky claimed he coined the name after he got tired of writing "the gold statue of the academy" over and over again in his columns. He said he got the name "Oscar" from an old vaudeville joke.
Margaret Herrick
Margaret Herrick, former Academy librarian and later director, claimed she named the statue Oscar after an uncle of hers.
Bette Davis
Finally, Hollywood legend Bette Davis claimed she nicknamed the award because its butt (no joke) reminded her of her husband's when he got out of the shower. At the time, Davis was married to musician Harmon Nelson, whose full name was Harmon Oscar Nelson Jr.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the nickname came about around 1935, or roughly during the seventh or eighth Academy Awards. #TheMoreYouKnow
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
'Ransom Canyon' May Give Texas the Small-Town Drama Treatment, But That's Not Where It Was FilmedHere's what to know about the real-life ranches featured in the Netflix series.
-
I Predict These 23 On-Sale Wardrobe Staples From Nordstrom Will Be Sold Out Next Week23 Must-have shoes, tops, skirts, and more.
-
Fans Can't Stop Talking About This Rarely-Seen Royal After Easter AppearancePrince Edward and Duchess Sophie's son shocked royal watchers with his grown-up look on Easter.
-
Taylor Swift's Ex Just Teased His Interest in Playing the Next James Bond at 2025 OscarsWith speculation swirling about who could take over the iconic role, Joe Alywn told a red carpet reporter how he felt about playing the character.
-
Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet Kiss and Snap Selfies During Loved-Up Oscars Date NightThe duo finished out awards season on a high note.
-
Ariana Grande Teases a New Album Drop on Oscars Red Carpet: "Keep Your Eyes Peeled""The next step is...It means it must come out."
-
Timothée Chalamet Held Hands With Someone Other Than Kylie Jenner on the Oscars 2025 Red Carpet—Here's Who He Brought With HimLooks like Timmy's got two dates.
-
Jeff Goldblum Teases How Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Will "Devastate" Fans in Wicked Sequel"I don't want to be a tattletale or a spoiler."
-
A 'Titanic' Child Star Says a Devastating Scene Was Cut: "Heavily Rejected by Moms"\201cYou're still my best girl, Cora.\201d
-
Julia Roberts Turned Down a 'Notting Hill' Sequel, Calling It a "Very Poor Idea"Hugh Grant is ready to destroy the movie's happy ending, though.
-
How Zendaya’s 2015 Oscars Look Paved the Way for The CROWN Act"That one instance went on to actually change the way Black people’s hair was accepted in schools and the workplace."
