Oscar

   Each spring millions of television viewers watch the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences's elaborate ceremony at which Oscars (golden trophies) are bestowed on the best performers and other professionals in various categories involved in movie production. The Oscar is a ten-inch statuette, weighing seven pounds, bronze on the inside and gold-plated on the outside. It was designed by Cedric Gibbons, a subsequent sixtime winner of an Oscar for best art design.

   The statuette was first presented in 1927, but it was nameless until 1931. In that year, a new librarian, Mrs. Margaret Herrick, was employed by the Academy. When shown one of the trophies, she noted its resemblance to her uncle. A newspaper reporter sitting nearby overheard the comment, liked it, published it, and thus initiated a permanent name for the prized trophy. Her remark was, "He reminds me of my Uncle Oscar."

   Uncle Oscar has been a somewhat shadowy figure. He was supposed to be Oscar Pierce, a wealthy Texan, but that fact has never been satisfactorily established.