Synopses & Reviews
A deluxe, year-by-year chronicle of the Academy Awards, with an entertaining text, hundreds of star-studded photographs, and complete lists of the nominees and winners.85 Years of the Oscar, newly revised and expanded, is the official history of the Academy Awards. Following an introductory chapter on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the birth of the Oscars, the book presents the story of each year's awards, beginning with the very first, for the years 192728. Author Robert Osborne surveys the movies in competition, recounts the speculation on various winners, and describes events during the awards ceremony. He also provides a complete listing of the all the nominees and winners in every category.
Each year is illustrated with evocative stills from winning films and candid shots from the awards ceremony. Altogether, the book features more than 750 rare photographs, including original movie posters for every best picture. Drawing on Osborne's profound knowledge of film, the Academy's exceptional archives, and the personal reminiscences of stars from Katharine Hepburn to Clint Eastwood, 85 Years of the Oscar is unrivaled in illustration, accuracy, and completeness.
Review
Praise for the previous edition:
"It's gorgeous!" The New York Post
"A must-own for any serious fan of film." The Internet Movie Database
"This terrific resource on the Academy Awards offers all things Oscar... Visually stunning." Library Journal
Review
"[
85 Years of the Oscar] represents a separate sort of pantheon, an almost literal hall of fame that requires readers to set up shop in a sturdy chair and make sure the teapot is full, because they wont be getting up again anytime soon."
The New York Times
"But what [85 Years of the Oscar] truly is, in this age of websites and databases, is something gloriously old-fashioned a beautiful, hard-cover, painstakingly researched reference source on the Academy Awards and the classic movies they have honored. It's a four-star present for any cinephile."
The Star-Ledger
"Essential for any cineaste completist's library."
The Philadelphia Inquirer
"A must-read for movie buffs."
Booklist
"For an Academy that prides itself on honoring outstanding achievements in the film industry, this book lives up to the same standard in publishing.
With more than eight decades of history, the nonprofit organization certainly has a story to tell. And this one is worth reading."
Toledo Free Press
Good Morning America Anchors' Favorite Coffee Table Books of 2013: Lara Spencer's Pick
Selected for Oprah's 2013 holiday gift guide
Selected for Entertainment Weekly's 2013 holiday gift guide
"Robert Osborne keeps the legend of Hollywood alive and well!"
Drew Barrymore
"I say this softly, the Oscar along with the Academy or the Academy along with the Oscar, could not have a better film historian or human being who loves what the Academy and statue stands for."
A friend, Bill Cosby
"No one knows more about Oscar historyor chronicles it with greater enthusiasmthan the one and only Robert Osborne. I look forward to each new edition of this handsome and valuable book."
Leonard Maltin
"Robert Osbornes knowledge and love of movies is extraordinary! 85 Years of the Oscar is a must read for everyone who loves movies. Who doesnt love movies and who doesnt love Robert Osborne?"
Eva Marie Saint
About the Author
Robert Osborne is host of Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and serves as the official host for the TCM Classic Film Festival and the TCM Classic Cruise. For over 25 years, Osborne served as a reporter and columnist for
The Hollywood Reporter, one of the industrys most important newspapers. He has written a dozen books on the film world, many of them focused on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and has frequently served as host of the Academys in-person tributes, in both Beverly Hills and New York. Osborne earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006 and in 2008, received a special award from the National Board of Review for his contributions as a film historian.