Watch Academy Award Winners: The First 50 Years

Academy Award Winners: The First 50 Years is a remarkable documentary series that takes us back in time to the glittering world of Hollywood's golden age. Produced by Multicom Entertainment Group (MEG) and hosted by Ned Lochman, this fascinating show delves into the history of the Oscars, and explores the movies, stars, and industry figures who helped shape the first five decades of the Academy Awards.

From the very first ceremony in 1929 up to 1977, the year of the 50th anniversary, Academy Award Winners: The First 50 Years is a comprehensive and entertaining look at the history of the Oscars, and it features clips from some of the most iconic movies of the time, as well as interviews with some of the biggest stars of the era. Ned Lochman, our knowledgeable host, guides us through each episode, providing insightful commentary and interesting trivia about the various films and personalities that have left their mark on Hollywood's most prestigious awards ceremony.

The first episode of the series takes us back to 1929, the very beginnings of the Academy Awards. This episode explains how the awards were initially created and some of the early obstacles faced by the Oscars, including issues with how to nominate and award films. We see clips of some of the earliest ceremony highlights, including Wings, the first film to ever win Best Picture. The episode goes on to explore the magnificent musicals and dramas of the 1930s and 1940s, and introduces us to some of Hollywood's biggest stars of the time, such as Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis.

The second episode of the series covers the 1950s, a decade celebrated for its epic, larger-than-life productions such as Ben-Hur, The Greatest Show on Earth, and The Ten Commandments. We see how the Academy Awards evolved during this era, and how films began to be recognized for their technical achievements. This episode also explores the emergence of young, fresh acting talent like Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor, who captivated audiences with their performances and style.

Moving forward in time, the third episode focuses on the 1960s, when Hollywood experienced a revolutionary shift in both the types of films produced and the type of actors who rose to fame. We see the development of more realistic, gritty films and how they reflected the social and political upheaval of the time. This period of experimentation and change gave birth to a long list of talented filmmakers, like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, who went on to become legends of the industry. The episode also features interviews with some of the most iconic actors of the time, including Sidney Poitier and Audrey Hepburn.

In the final episode of the series, we reach the 1970s, a decade where the Oscars began to branch out beyond the traditional dramatic genres and start recognizing work in horror, comedy, and other alternative movie styles. The era produced a range of unique films, such as The Godfather, The Exorcist, and Rocky, which have continued to captivate audiences for decades. In this episode, we explore some of the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, including how one of the most iconic songs in movie history, "The Way We Were," was created.

Academy Award Winners: The First 50 Years is an absolute treasure trove of insightful commentary, fascinating stories, and memorable clips that capture the essence of Hollywood's golden age. Host Ned Lochman is a perfectly suited guide for this journey, delivering an infectious enthusiasm and comprehensive knowledge that shines throughout each episode. Whether you're a movie buff, a history buff or simply someone who loves a good story, this series is an absolute must-watch for anyone looking to discover more about the Oscars and the history of Hollywood itself. It's sure to leave you feeling entertained, informed, and truly inspired.

Academy Award Winners: The First 50 Years is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (9 episodes). The series first aired on January 1, 1999.