The Enigmatic Origins Of The Oscar Name: Unveiling The Truth Behind The Iconic Trophy

The Academy Awards are the most prestigious film awards in the world, but the prizes are seldom referenced by their proper name. The 8.5-pound, 13.5-inch tall golden trophy is much more commonly referred to as an Oscar, a nickname so common that even the Academy adopted it as an official name in 1939. But where did the Oscar name come from? That’s a question of some dispute, and the definitive answer may never be known. The nickname arose in the 1930s, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, but several different people claimed to have coined it.

Margaret Herrick: The First Librarian's Remark

One of the most recognized stories about the origin of the Oscar nickname centers around Margaret Herrick, the Academy’s first librarian. Herrick allegedly saw an award on an executive’s desk and remarked, “He reminds me of my Uncle Oscar.” This off-handed comment is thought to have inspired the term that would become synonymous with the prestigious award.

The “Oscar” in question was actually Oscar Pierce, a Texas fruit and wheat grower. Although she called him her “uncle,” he was, in reality, her first cousin once removed. Herrick’s comment was overheard by Academy staff, and it stuck, leading to the statuette being informally dubbed as Oscar.

Despite her connection to the nickname, the Academy has recognized Herrick as “among the lesser-known of cinema’s earliest champions.” She played a pivotal role in establishing the Academy’s research library, which documents the history, art, sciences, and industry of motion pictures. In 1943, she became the executive director of the Academy, taking over after her husband joined the military during World War II.

The Influence of Sidney Skolsky: A Columnist's Contribution

Another prominent theory attributes the nickname to famed Hollywood columnist Sidney Skolsky, who claimed he invented it while covering the 6th Academy Awards in 1934. Frustrated with the repetitive use of the term “gold statuette,” which he found pretentious, Skolsky sought to humanize the trophy. He aimed to create a name that would diminish its perceived snobbery.

Skolsky mentioned in his book, Don’t Get Me Wrong—I Love Hollywood, that he wanted to give the statuette a name reflecting its charm. He chose “Oscar” based on an old vaudeville joke where a comedian would ask, “Will you have a cigar, Oscar?” This clever twist on words helped the name gain traction, and it quickly became the accepted term.

While Skolsky’s column from March 16, 1934, is cited as the first newspaper reference to the award as an Oscar, questions remain about whether he truly coined the term. Notably, Walt Disney also used the term during the same 1934 ceremony, casting further doubt on Skolsky’s claim.

Bette Davis: The Legendary Actress's Anecdote

Another colorful theory suggests that the nickname was popularized by the iconic actress Bette Davis. Known for her powerful performances in films such as Now, Voyager and All About Eve, Davis also served as the first female president of the Academy in 1941. She is rumored to have referred to the statuette humorously as “little Oscar” after noticing its naked rear reminded her of her husband, Harmon Oscar Nelson.

Davis won her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1936 for her role in the drama film Dangerous. The anecdote about her husband became a part of Hollywood lore, but many believe that the nickname predates her win.

Despite the rumors surrounding Davis, the evidence shows that the Oscar nickname was already in circulation long before her victory. This has led to varying opinions on who truly deserves credit for the name.

Eleanore Lilleberg: The Unsung Heroine of Oscar

In more recent years, the theory proposed by former Academy Executive Director Bruce Davis has gained attention. His research for the book The Academy and the Award suggests that the Oscar nickname originated with Eleanore Lilleberg, an Academy secretary during the award's inception. Lilleberg was responsible for managing the awards and was rumored to have named them after a Norwegian army veteran she knew who “stood straight and tall.”

Some have mistakenly linked the nickname to Norway’s King Oscar II, but Davis clarifies that this is a misconception. The king, well-known due to his image on sardine tins, bore no resemblance to the trophy itself.

While still inconclusive, Davis claims to have found interviews and oral histories that support Lilleberg’s contribution to the Oscar name. One source stated that the credit for this renowned nickname should almost certainly belong to her.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of the Oscar Name

The Oscar trophy represents more than just an accolade; it embodies the rich history of cinema and the many individuals who have contributed to its legacy. As various theories about the name's origin continue to circulate, the true story remains a delightful mystery in the world of film. Each claim—whether from Margaret Herrick, Sidney Skolsky, Bette Davis, or Eleanore Lilleberg—adds to the charm and allure of the Oscars.

As we celebrate the achievements in filmmaking, we also honor the stories behind the trophies that recognize these accomplishments. The name Oscar will continue to evoke admiration and curiosity for generations to come.