Includes bibliographical references and index.

"The early history of the formation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its most famous award-the Oscar-as told by its former executive director who reveals many previously unknown stories"-- $c Provided by publisher.

Now that story is finally being told. Bruce Davis, executive director of the Academy for over twenty years, was given unprecedented access to its archives, and the result is a revealing and compelling story of the men and women, famous and infamous, who shaped one of the best-known organizations in the world. Davis writes about the Academy with an intimate view of its workings, its awards, and its world-famous membership. Thorough and long overdue, The Academy and the Award fills a crucial gap in Hollywood history. Available now for the first time in paperback.