In today’s world, film is an art form, but it is also a multi-billion dollar a year industry.  One of the highest forms of recognition a film, or those involved in creating a film, can receive is an Academy award.  Every year top films take the spotlight as millions of viewers across the globe tune in to see the outcome

On this day, May 11th, in 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was founded.  The organization was the brainchild of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer(MGM) head, Louis B. Mayer, who felt the film industry needed a party to mediate labor disputes and improve industry image.  The Academy quickly decided that its members would be admitted based on their merits in the five industry branches: actors, directors, writers, technicians, and producers.  In a few short years, the most esteemed members of the film community had joined the Academy.  In 1929, the Academy combined efforts with the University of Southern California to form the world’s first film school. The first academy awards were held on May 16th of the same year.

Today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences continues to play a key role in the film industry.  In addition to its world renowned award ceremony, the Academy also operates the Margaret Herrick Library and the Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study.  The Academy awards had nearly 15 million viewers in 2011.