60 years of Oscars

Press, 22 July 1989, Page 24

60 years of Oscars

60 Years of the Oscar. By Robert Osborne. Thorson Publishing, Collins, 1989. 319 pp. Illustrations, index. $99.95. (Reviewed by Hans Petrovic)

As the official history of the Academy Awards, this 31cm by 24cm, illustrated history of ”60 Years of the Oscar” proves to be more than just a handsome coffee table ornament.

This definitive work, compiled by Robert Osborne, a columnist for the "Hollywood Reporter,” contains that full list of all Oscar nominees and winners I have always been looking for, plus much more. Osborne tells the story of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences right from its shakey beginnings in 1927, when the Hollywood film industry needed an all-encompassing body as a focal point for co-ordination and self-imposed censorship.

Included in the book are introductions for each decade of filmmaking, presenting the accomplishments, evaluating the trends, and tracking the latest developments. Also given is the range of films in competition, speculation about possible winners, and descriptions of the staging and memorable moments of each award ceremony. There are more than 600 photographs, 90 in colour, as well as “Oscar memories” from more than 120 winners, and a trivia section, telling us little gems such as the name of the only person to direct himself into an Oscar (Laurence Olivier, for “Hamlet”). “60 Years of the Oscar” is invaluable as a reference book to the movie buff, but should also prove of great appeal to all those who follow the fortunes of Hollywood.