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Joan Crawford dressed as Santa Claus ready to go down someone's chimney and deliver some presents (1926).   Janet Gaynor decorating a Christmas tree (c. 1930).     Eve Arden with an armful of presents (c. 1950).      Baby Liza Minnelli eating ice cream a children's Christmas party in the home of comedian Edgar Bergen (1948).   Shirley Temple sitting by her Christmas tree with a bunch of presents (1936).     Cyd Charisse with a model of Santa Claus (c. 1950).    Anna May Wong during the gathering of international film stars at the Christmas tree celebration in the Christy Hotel in Hollywood (1932).   Priscilla Lane standing next to a Christmas with an armful of presents (1941). Rosemary Lane (sister of Priscilla) with a pile of Christmas presents under the tree (1939).   Deanna Durbin dressed as a Christmas tree fairy (1945).   Arlene Dahl stepping out of a Christmas box (1947).     Gloria DeHaven sitting n...

The Academy Awards, widely known as the «Oscars,» are the most famous and prestigious competitive awards in the entertainment industry. Given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, they are an international recognition of excellence in cinematic achievements. In anticipation of the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, which will be held three weeks from today, on April 25, here is the story of how it all began.   Part I: Louis B. Mayer and the creation of the Academy In early January 1927, MGM studio chief Louis B. Mayer held a dinner party at his home. Later in the evening, while he was playing solitaire, he overheard actor Conrad Nagel and other guests discussing the advisability of creating an organization that would benefit the entire Hollywood movie industry. Mayer, the «filmmaking force of his time,» was interested in the idea and soon arranged a meeting with Nagel, director Fred Niblo, and producer Fred Beetson, the head of the Association of Motion Picture ...

Esther Williams looking fabulous as always. Loretta Young is struggling to carry all of her presents. Christmas with Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. Ann Blyth looking lovely and festive. Colleen Moore singing Christmas carols. Jean Harlow putting up her Christmas garland. Little Shirley Temple dressed in a little Santa costume. Carole Lombard sitting next to her gorgeous Christmas tree. Your tree looks great too, Janet Gaynor. Christmas at the Stewarts. That's James Stewart's wife Gloria, with their twin baby daughters, Judy and Kelly, and sons, Ronald and Michael. Merry Christmas to you too, Janet Leigh. And Merry Christmas to all of you. 

Douglas Fairbanks presents Janet Gaynor with the first ever Academy Award for Best Actress for her work in 7th Heaven (1927), Street Angel (1927) and Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927). Mary Pickford poses with her Oscar for Best Actress. She won for her work in Coquette (1929), her first talkie. Norma Shearer receives from Conrad Nagel the Oscar for Best Actress for The Divorcee (1930). Marie Dressler and Lionel Barrymore were the Best Actress and Best Actor winners at the 5th Academy Awards. She won for Min and Bill (1930) and he for A Free Soul (1931). MGM chief Louis B. Mayer presents producer Carl Laemmle with the award for Best Picture for All Quiet on the Western Front (1930). Helen Hayes proudly holds her Best Actress Oscar for The Sin of Madelon Claudet (1931). Shirley Temple gives Claudette Colbert the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in It Happened One Night (1934). It Happened One Night also earned Clark Gable th...