The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a group of film industry professionals dedicated to the advancement and improvement of the art. It was originally founded in 1927 by some of the most influential people in cinema at the time. It was an idea that MGM studio head, Louis B. Mayer and three of his friends (Conrad Nagel, Fred Niblo, Fred Beetson) had to formulate an organized group to benefit the entire film industry. A week later they held a dinner an invited 300 guests. Out of the 300, 230 people joined and the academy was born. The academy organized screenings, educational events, and in 1928 would establish the first Academy Awards Ceremony. To this day, the Oscars is revered as the single most important night each year in the film and entertainment industry. Today the Academy is split into fifteen different governing branches that represent all aspects of the film industry. MORE

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Shows Online