The most common story is that of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences librarian Margaret Herrick commenting that it resembled her Uncle Oscar. The AMPAS official name for the statuette is the Academy Award. The story goes that Herrick, upon seeing the statuette sitting on a table exclaimed "it looks just like my Uncle Oscar!" The name stuck and it has been called by that name ever since.
Another common story involves the amazing actress and two-time Academy Award winner Bette Davis, who reportedly named it after her ex-husband, Harmon Oscar Nelson, Jr. Columnist Sidney Skolsky, perhaps the first to use the name in print, claimed that the name came from an old music hall joke, "Will you have a cigar, Oscar?" (This is my favorite version of the 2 stories!)
Although we don't know the name's true origin, we do know that it quickly gained popularity. In 1934 Hollywood reporter Sidney Skolsky used the name in reference to Katherine Hepburn's win that year. Walt Disney is also reported to have called it by that name in the same year at the Awards ceremony. By 1939 the Academy itself was using the name officially.
So there you have it! Now for my favorites of the night:
Best dresses:
Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab - Gorgeous old Hollywood Glamour!!!
Gwyneth Paltrow is stunning is this Tom Ford white gown.
I LOVED Emma Stone's gorgeous red gown with bow. Could care less if Nichole Kidman had one similar 5 years ago. Really people? Emma was real cute on stage presenting and has a great comedic side. Look forward to seeing more of her in the movies.
Angelina's Versace dress was just amazing on her. Far better than the one she wore to the Golden Globes (in my opinion). Of course, her and Brad are pretty much gorgeous in anything they wear! But I do have to say the leg pose thing was a bit odd.
Brad and George are always handsome and brilliant, but it was that sexy french guy - Jean Dejaurdin - that I loved to see win.
A lot of great moments! Loved seeing Octavia, Meryl Streep, and Christopher Plumber take home the Oscars, too. So many great movies I want to see now! The Artist and The Descendants at the top of my list.
