Oscars Arrive in Times Square
See the statuettes in GMA studio and discover how they're made.
Feb. 15, 2008 — -- A big box from Hollywood made its way to "Good Morning America's" Times Square Studio in New York this morning, packed full with 50 real-life Oscars.
The statuettes are part of this year's "Meet the Oscars, New York" special exhibit and will be presented to winners at a future Academy Awards.
"Meet the Oscars" is a free exhibit, open to the public at "GMA's" Times Square Studio from noon to 7 p.m. between now and Feb. 23.
Included in exhibition are the Oscars won by Gary Cooper for his performance as the title character in "Sergeant York," (1941) and Thelma Schoonmaker's for editing "The Departed" (2006).
How They're Made
Each Oscar weighs 8½ pounds and stands 13½ inches tall and is handmade by R.S. Owens & Co. in Chicago. The statuettes are made of britannia, a metal alloy and are plated in copper, nickel, silver and 24-karat gold.
Step 1: Each Oscar is hand cast in a steel mold from 960 degree molten britannia metal. In preparation for the polishing process all rough seams are lightly sanded off.
Step 2: The Oscar is hand polished to a bright mirror finish in preparation for plating. A gentle touch ensures that all Oscar's features stay in tact.
Step 3: Oscar is plated in copper.
Step 4: Oscar is plated in nickel.
Step 5: Oscar is plated in silver.
Step 6: Oscar is plated in a heavy coat of 24-karat gold, bringing "Oscar" to his final luster!
Step 7: All Oscar statuettes are personalized with the name of the winner after they are awarded.
The first Academy Awards were handed out on May 16, 1929, back when movies had just begun. Tickets cost $5 and the ceremony took place during an Academy banquet in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
The 2008 Academy Awards will be presented on Sunday, February 24, 2008, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PT, beginning with a half-hour arrivals segment. The Oscar presentation will also be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.Find out more at www.oscars.com
Come see Oscar in person at Times Square and be sure to get your picture taken with him!
Or if you're on the west coast, head to "Meet the Oscars, Los Angeles."