Each year, as the Academy Awards ceremony concludes and the Dolby Theatre empties, an intriguing transformation occurs. The art deco columns of Ovation Hollywood, home to the Dolby Theatre, are quickly adorned with plaques commemorating the latest Best Picture winner. This tradition dates back to 1927 when "Wings" claimed the first Oscar for Best Picture. The pillars, known as the Awards Walk, showcase every recipient of this prestigious award. Curiously, these plaques appear almost instantly after the winner is announced, sparking speculation about how this feat is accomplished.
In reality, the process is a result of meticulous planning rather than any clandestine deal. Following the announcement of the Best Picture nominees, each potential winner's plaque is pre-designed by Print a Sign in Agoura Hills, California. Once the victor is revealed on stage, temporary plexiglass signs are swiftly installed. Within a few weeks, these are replaced by permanent stone plaques. Meanwhile, the plaques for the losing films are destroyed. The columns can accommodate Best Picture titles until 2071, leaving future generations to ponder what will happen next.
The Tradition of Honoring Film Excellence
The Dolby Theatre's iconic art deco columns have become a symbol of cinematic excellence. Each year, as the Oscars conclude, these pillars receive a new addition: a plaque celebrating the latest Best Picture winner. This tradition has been ongoing since 1927, when "Wings" took home the inaugural award. The Awards Walk, which spans from the entrance to the grand staircase, showcases all past winners, creating a historical timeline of film achievements. Attendees may marvel at how quickly these plaques appear, sometimes even before they leave the venue.
This rapid installation process might seem mysterious, but it is rooted in careful preparation. After the Best Picture nominees are announced, Print a Sign in Agoura Hills begins designing plaques for all potential winners. When the winner is finally revealed on stage, the team springs into action. Temporary plexiglass signs are immediately installed to mark the occasion. These are later replaced with permanent stone plaques within a few weeks. The plaques for the non-winning films are discarded, ensuring only the true victors are immortalized in this prestigious display.
The Future of the Awards Walk
The Dolby Theatre's columns not only honor past achievements but also look towards the future. Currently, the structure can accommodate Best Picture plaques until 2071, providing ample space for decades of cinematic history. This foresight ensures that future generations will continue to witness the evolution of film through this unique exhibit. Visitors often wonder about the logistics of such rapid installations, especially considering the secrecy surrounding the envelope's contents.
The actual process involves a combination of foresight and efficiency. Every year, following the nomination announcement, Print a Sign meticulously prepares designs for all possible winners. On the night of the Oscars, once the winning film is declared, the temporary signage is promptly installed. This immediate update allows visitors to see the newest addition to the Awards Walk without delay. Within a few weeks, the temporary signs give way to more durable stone plaques. The entire system is designed to maintain the integrity and continuity of this revered tradition, ensuring that each new winner is celebrated with the same pomp and circumstance as their predecessors.