Behind the Oscars: The process and people deciding Hollywood's top honors

Rewinding nearly a century to 1927, we find the inception of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Spearheaded by influential producer Louis B. Mayer, owner of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the Academy's creation aimed to function as a de facto trade union. It sought to preclude the formation of independent groups among film crew disciplines advocating for enhanced rights.

In its founding year, Mayer convened a dinner for 36 invitees, setting the foundation of the Academy which quickly expanded to 231 members, encompassing actors, screenwriters, directors, technicians, and producers. Now, the Academy distinguishes 17 branches. Even in its early days, the group envisaged the concept of awarding accolades, with Mayer advocating for modest and inexpensive prizes. However, Douglas Fairbanks' vision of a grandiose celebration with impressive statuettes ultimately prevailed.

During times of tumult in Hollywood, marked by scandals, the conferral of these awards served as a strategic move to bolster the industry's image. The golden knight atop a pedestal symbolized the legitimacy of Hollywood's contributions and its commitment to productions of artistic merit. Quickly, the Academy transcended its role as a mediator, becoming a stalwart guardian of cinema's cultural legacy.

Who comprises the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences? Currently, it includes representatives from no more than one of the 17 branches, with actors forming the largest subgroup. Membership is either garnered through a prior Oscar nomination or by an invitation, endorsed by at least two current members. Once inducted, membership is lifelong, albeit with certain exceptions led by misconduct or reprehensible actions during the ceremony, leading to the expulsion of a few notable individuals.

The Academy, as of 2020 data, boasts around 10,000 members, though the exact figure remains speculative, based solely on the annual addition of new names. This year welcomes notable inclusions such as Joanna Kulig, celebrated for her role in the Oscar-nominated "Cold War." The Academy's demographics have notably evolved, particularly after 2012 studies revealed a predominance of white males within its ranks, prompting measures to enhance diversity in gender and race.

Oscar campaigns, pivotal for swaying Academy members, are known for their demanding nature. Success in securing the coveted award extends far beyond mere participation in a valuable artistic endeavor. It involves a combination of creative effort and strategic promotion. Historical precedence, demonstrated by Mary Pickford in 1929, showcased the efficacy of direct engagement with Academy members – a practice that has since evolved into intricate campaigns involving ads, re-releases, and even personalized outreach, despite being bounded by stringent regulations nowadays.

There have been attempts to decode what constitutes an "Oscar movie," often referring to productions that adhere to a certain formula involving significant subjects, physical transformations, and impressive performances. Yet, there is no foolproof strategy for winning an Oscar, with recent trends emphasizing specific thematic and character traits.

The climax of these endeavors is the final vote count. Dispelling the simplicity that surrounds the voting in most categories, the Best Picture award employs a preferential voting system, allowing for a nuanced selection process that reflects the collective preference of the Academy members.

The anticipation culminates on the night from Sunday to Monday, March 10 to 11, as the 96th Academy Awards ceremony unveils this year's champions. Broadcasted on Canal+ and Canal+ Online, this event marks the pinnacle of the film industry's annual celebrations.

For further insights and predictions on the Oscars, tune into episode 51 of the "Clickbait" podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Audiotece, or Open FM.