In the week of the 95th Academy Awards it is worth reflecting that it was exactly 70 years ago, on 19 March 1953, that the awards, the 25th, were televised for the very first time and by NBC.
The awards were then held at the RKO Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Bob Hope was master of ceremonies and in 1953 there were still some separate categories for films in black & white and colour, including for art direction, cinematography, and even costume design. Best picture in 1953 went to Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Greatest Show On Earth.”
Oscars the Guide 