Home About Us Ad Info Coming Soon Your Account Feedback The Marquee Movie Links News and Events Now Showing Reader Reviews VIP Service

News & Events
Oscar® to Visit The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry

2003 Academy Awards® to be Displayed for First Time Prior to Oscar Night®

Photo by Dirk Fletcher Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago, IL - The Oscar statuettes to be awarded at the 76th Annual Academy Awards ceremony will be on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry beginning January 23, through February 18. This is the first time in Academy history that the Oscars will be on display prior to Oscar Night.

The Oscars are made in Chicago by R.S. Owens and Company.

"We are honored to have these prestigious awards on display at the Museum," said David Mosena, Museum president and CEO. "The Academy Awards honor those achievements in film that exemplify inventive and creative genius so it is only fitting that they are first displayed at the very Museum that strives to inspire that type of genius each day."

"We're delighted that the Museum of Science and Industry is doing an exhibition describing the process of making our famous Oscar statuettes," said Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' President Frank Pierson. "After all, it's a hometown process. We're also delighted to give the public a chance to see close up the Oscars that will be presented on the Kodak Theatre stage. Maybe, if they seem to enjoy it, we'll take this exhibition on the road next year."

The 76th Academy Award nominations will be announced at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, January 27, at 5:30 a.m. PST. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2003 will be presented on Sunday, February 29, from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland® and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST, beginning with a half-hour arrival segment.

As part of the upcoming Action! Adventures in Moviemaking exhibit, scheduled to open May 28, the Oscar-making display will be the first of many captivating artifacts that will take guests behind the big screen to learn about the art and technology of the film industry.

Action! An Adventure in Moviemaking presents the inside story of filmmaking as told by the actual professionals who collaborate to bring a picture to the big screen. Guests will see artifacts from blockbuster films, try their hands at filmmaking by recreating special effects, look through a real movie camera, try on movie costumes, learn the latest stunt techniques, and "meet" the real industry professionals. Afterwards, guests will walk right into the action of a movie sound stage and participate in the creation of their own film. Each of three working Hollywood movie sets will teach a variety of exciting film techniques. Guests will have the opportunity to be in front of or behind the camera making a real mini-movie that will be professionally edited, screened and available to take home.

Made by Chicago's R.S. Owens since 1982, the Oscar statuette is an international symbol of excellence in filmmaking. But how do they make it? How heavy is it? Find out as the Museum presents "How They Make The Oscar" alongside the display of the 50 Oscar statuettes. See how the statuette is sculpted, molded, plated and polished - and all the steps in between!

Photos by Dirk Fletcher -- Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry's mission is to inspire the inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating and compelling experiences that are real and educational. Located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, the Museum is open every day of the year except December 25. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit the Museum's Web site at www.msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.

©A.M.P.A.S.®

Source: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Press Release