All About Oscar The History and Politics of the Academy Awards Book

All About Oscar: The History and Politics of the Academy Awards by Emanuel Levy (2003) provides a text that is carefully divided into very logical increments regarding the history and politics surrounding the Academy Awards. Beginning with the events that led up to the establishment of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Levy presents a history of the Oscars and how they have become the most popular and prestigious awards in the film industry. In 'All About Oscar', Levy also describes why filmmakers strive to win this prominent award and how it can have a vast impact upon their future success. Furthermore, he describes the requirements imposed by the Academy in order to be nominated for an Oscar and compete for the top award. Throughout the remainder of this book, he cites various theories relative to how important a film's genre and subject matter is in order to increase the potential for winning an Oscar. In doing so, he addresses the Academy's view of bio-pictures, problem dramas, historical epics, comedies, and musicals. In summary, Levy's book 'All About Oscar' offers the reading audience a broad collection of facts that demonstrate the historical, cultural, and political contexts of Academy Award winning films. He examines the Oscars from many different perspectives (genre, subject matter, popularity figures, etc.). Levy offers the reader with realistic observations coupled with sound reasoning for what actually constitutes an Oscar winning film in the eyes of the Academy membership. He also concludes his book with various informative charts including, to include: Best Picture Winners and Nominees by Genre from 1927-2001, Best Picture Winners by Year and Date of Release, and Best Picture Winners by Year and Running Time. This book is an interesting read for anyone who is interested in learning more about this prestigious, annual, Hollywood award.