Mystery Behind the Academy Awards’ “Oscar” Name Revealed

The origin of the term “Oscar” for the Academy Award remains a mystery. Though the trophy was introduced in 1929, it wasn’t called the Oscar until 1979. Several theories exist: Actress Bette Davis claimed in her autobiography that the statuette resembled the backside of her husband, Harmon Oscar Nelson, which led her to nickname it “Oscar.” However, research shows the term was used in newspapers before Davis’s account. Hollywood columnist Sidney Skolsky also claimed to have coined the name in a 1934 column, explaining it was a shorthand for the award. A third theory suggests that Academy librarian Margaret Herrick said the statuette resembled her uncle, Oscar, sparking the nickname. Despite these theories, the true origin remains unclear.