​​What Were The Oscar Statuettes Made Of During World War II?

 ​​What Were The Oscar Statuettes Made Of During World War II?

Officially named the Academy Award of Merit, the statuette is better known by its nickname, Oscar. Throughout most of Academy Award history, the Oscar statuettes have been crafted of solid bronze and plated in 24-karat gold.

Oscar statuettes are 13.5 inches tall and weigh eight-and-a-half pounds. That's a hefty little metal guy to be clutching when you're emotionally overwhelmed and being broadcast live around the world. But for three years during World War II, Academy Award winners bore a lighter load when they accepted their statuettes.

However, due to a metal shortage during World War II, Oscars were made of painted plaster for three years. Following the war, the Academy invited recipients to redeem the plaster figures for gold-plated versions. The design of the statuette depicts a knight standing on a reel of film, holding a sword.