#361 The Oscars: A History of the Academy Awards w/ Monica Sandler

About this episode

This episode explores the history of the Academy Awards with media expert Monica Sandler, discussing its evolution and cultural significance.

The Oscars hold a special place in popular culture, but the first Academy Awards ceremony, held in 1929, bore little resemblance to the spectacle most of us know today. In this episode, media expert Monica Sandler takes us from that first award ceremony – when both Los Angeles and the films made there struggled for respectability – to the modern extravaganza that draws tens of millions of viewers worldwide. Monica also breaks down the way voting has changed over time, the evolution of categories, and what she thinks was the greatest snub of all time. Dr. Monica Sandler is a film and media historian at Ball State University, specializing in the history of entertainment prizes and their influence on Hollywood. You can find out more about her at her website: MonicaSandlerPhD.com . Come find Ben & Bob on the road this summer! -Bob will be speaking about his new book, America's Founding Son (out March 10) at bookstores across the country. Click here for dates & locations! -Ben will be joining his friend Greg Jackson of History That Doesn't Suck for a history cruise on the Caribbean from May 18-22, featuring a live recording of The Road to Now ! Click here to find out more about a…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ben Sawyer, Bob

Guest: Monica Sandler

Topics covered

• Academy Awards
• film history
• media influence
• entertainment prizes
• Hollywood evolution

Keywords

• Oscars
• Academy Awards
• film history
• Monica Sandler
• Hollywood
• entertainment prizes
• voting changes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ball State University

Books & works: America's Founding Son

Places: Los Angeles

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