I’d like to thank the Academy . . . a surprising look at the history behind the Academy Awards.

Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel with 270 attendants

I admit it . . . I haven’t watched ANY of the movies nominated for best picture by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. In fact, I haven’t tuned into the star-studded gala for years. For me, the history of this icon of American movie-making is far more interesting than the 3-hour long telecast has ever been. Here’s some interesting tidbits:

The Awards didn’t start out as a big event:

in 1929 Dougla...