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B1 noun #14 most common 12 min read

oscars

Top 14

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips oscars in 30 Seconds

Explanation oscars in your Level:

The Oscars are very famous prizes for movies. Every year, people in Hollywood give these prizes to the best actors, the best directors, and the best films. You can see the Oscars on TV. It is a big party with many famous people. When a person wins, they get a small gold statue. This statue is called an 'Oscar'. Many people like to watch the Oscars because they want to see the beautiful clothes and find out which movie is the winner. If you like movies, you probably know about the Oscars. It is like a big competition for films. You can say, 'I like that movie. I hope it wins an Oscar.' It is a simple word for a very important prize in the world of cinema.

The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, are the most important awards for the movie industry. They happen once a year, usually in February or March. A group of experts called 'The Academy' chooses the winners. There are many categories, such as Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Picture. If a movie wins an Oscar, it means it is very high quality. Many people around the world watch the ceremony on television. Famous actors walk on a 'red carpet' before the show starts. You can use the word 'Oscars' to talk about the event or the trophy. For example, 'Did you watch the Oscars last night?' or 'He has two Oscars.' It is a proper noun, so always use a capital 'O'.

The Oscars are officially called the Academy Awards and are presented annually for excellence in cinematic achievements. They are considered the highest honor in the American film industry. The ceremony is a major media event, featuring a red carpet where celebrities show off designer fashion. To win an Oscar is a significant milestone in any filmmaker's career. The voting is done by members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which includes thousands of industry professionals. You will often hear people talk about 'Oscar nominations' or 'Oscar snubs' (when a good movie is ignored). It's a key term for discussing pop culture and the arts. When using it, remember that 'the Oscars' usually refers to the ceremony, while 'an Oscar' refers to the individual award.

The Oscars represent the pinnacle of professional recognition within the global film community. Beyond just being a set of awards, the Oscars are a cultural phenomenon that influences which movies get seen and which actors become superstars. The term 'Oscar-worthy' is frequently used to describe a performance or film of exceptional quality. The ceremony itself is known for its high production value, emotional speeches, and historical significance. Critics often analyze the Oscars to see how they reflect changing societal values or industry trends. For instance, discussions about diversity and inclusion have become central to the Oscars in recent years. Understanding the Oscars requires knowing not just the winners, but also the prestige and controversy that surround the event every year.

The Oscars, or the Academy Awards, function as the definitive institutional validator for cinematic merit. While often criticized for being overly commercial or traditional, they remain the industry's most influential honors. The 'Oscar campaign' is a sophisticated marketing process where studios spend millions to influence Academy voters. This highlights the intersection of art and business that the Oscars embody. Linguistically, the term is used to denote the absolute standard of excellence in various fields, often through the metaphor 'the Oscars of...'. In-depth discussions about the Oscars often involve technical categories like cinematography, film editing, and sound design, reflecting a comprehensive appreciation of the filmmaking craft. The word carries a weight of historical legacy and industry hegemony.

The Oscars serve as a complex barometer for the socio-political and aesthetic priorities of the motion picture industry. As an institution, the Academy Awards exercise a form of soft power, defining the 'canon' of great cinema for global audiences. To analyze the Oscars at a C2 level involves critiquing the meritocratic ideals they claim to represent versus the systemic biases that have historically shaped their outcomes. The discourse surrounding the Oscars often delves into the semiotics of the ceremony, the performative nature of acceptance speeches, and the economic ramifications of the 'Oscar effect' on independent versus studio productions. The term is inextricably linked to the concept of 'prestige cinema' and serves as a focal point for debates on the evolution of the medium in the age of streaming and digital transformation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

oscars in 30 Seconds

The Oscars are the top annual awards for the film industry, honoring the best movies, actors, and directors.
Officially called the Academy Awards, they are famous for the gold statuette given to winners and the glamorous red carpet ceremony.
Winning an Oscar is a major career milestone that often leads to increased fame and financial success for filmmakers.
The event is a global cultural phenomenon, broadcast to millions and sparking widespread discussion about art and society.

The term Oscars refers to the most prestigious awards ceremony in the global film industry, officially titled the Academy Awards. When people use this word, they are usually discussing the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, the glamour of Hollywood, or the competitive nature of the arts. The word serves as both a shorthand for the physical gold-plated statuette and the event itself. Historically, the name 'Oscar' was a nickname that became so popular it was officially adopted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1939. In modern discourse, 'the Oscars' represents more than just a prize; it symbolizes a cultural touchstone that dictates trends in filmmaking and honors the collaborative effort of thousands of professionals, from directors and actors to sound engineers and costume designers.

Formal Designation: The Academy Awards of Merit, presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Cultural Impact: Winning an Oscar often leads to the 'Oscar bump,' a significant increase in a film's box office earnings and a permanent elevation of a professional's career status.

Every year, millions of viewers tune in to watch the Oscars to see which film will take home the top prize.

The usage of 'Oscars' is ubiquitous during 'Awards Season,' which typically spans from January to March. During this time, the word is used in news headlines, social media debates, and casual water-cooler conversations. It is a word that carries weight; to be 'Oscar-nominated' is a lifelong credential. The word is also used metaphorically to describe the highest honor in any field, such as saying a certain prize is 'the Oscars of the culinary world.' This shows how deeply the term has permeated the English language as a synonym for excellence and ultimate recognition.

She gave an emotional speech after winning her first Oscar for Best Actress.

Furthermore, the Oscars are a site of intense public scrutiny regarding diversity and representation. In recent years, the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite sparked a global conversation about the lack of inclusion in the industry, leading to significant changes in the Academy's membership and voting procedures. Thus, the word 'Oscars' today also evokes discussions about social progress, equity, and the evolving standards of the film industry. Whether you are a cinephile or a casual viewer, the Oscars represent the intersection of art, commerce, and social commentary.

The Statuette: A knight rendered in Art Deco style holding a crusader's sword, standing on a reel of film with five spokes representing the original branches of the Academy.

The director was shocked when his indie film swept the Oscars, winning five awards.

Being snubbed by the Oscars can be a point of pride for some avant-garde filmmakers.

Common Verbs: Commonly paired with: win, host, boycott, nominate, present, sweep, and lose.

The red carpet at the Oscars is just as famous as the awards themselves.

Using the word Oscars correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior as a proper noun. It is most frequently used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the ceremony. For example, 'I am going to watch the Oscars tonight.' When referring to the award itself, it can be used as a countable noun: 'He has three Oscars on his mantelpiece.' It is important to note that the word is always capitalized, regardless of whether you are referring to the event or the trophy.

Noun Usage: Can function as the subject of a sentence: 'The Oscars celebrate the best in film.' Or as an object: 'She dreamed of winning an Oscar.'

The film received ten nominations at this year's Oscars.

In more advanced contexts, 'Oscar' can act as an attributive noun, modifying another noun to indicate a high level of quality or a specific association. Phrases like 'Oscar-winning performance' or 'Oscar-nominated director' are standard in film criticism and journalism. This usage helps to immediately establish the caliber of the person or work being discussed. Additionally, the word can be used in the possessive form: 'The Oscars' broadcast reached record numbers this year.'

Her Oscar-winning turn in the drama was hailed as a career-best.

When discussing the history of the awards, you might use the term in a temporal sense. 'The Oscars of the 1970s were known for their gritty, realistic winners.' This allows you to categorize eras of film history through the lens of the Academy's choices. Furthermore, you can use the word to describe the atmosphere of an event: 'The gala had an Oscars-like feel, with long gowns and bright lights.' This comparative usage highlights the word's status as the gold standard for formal recognition.

Prepositional Phrases: Commonly used with: at the Oscars, for an Oscar, during the Oscars, by the Oscars.

There was a lot of controversy surrounding the winners at last night's Oscars.

He thanked his parents while holding his Oscar tightly.

Adjective Form: Use 'Oscar-worthy' to describe a performance or film that you believe deserves to win.

Critics are already calling her performance in the new biopic Oscar-worthy.

The word Oscars is a staple of media and entertainment journalism. You will hear it most frequently on television news programs, especially in the 'entertainment' or 'lifestyle' segments. During the months of January and February, entertainment reporters will provide daily updates on 'Oscar buzz,' which refers to the rumors and predictions about who will be nominated. This is a prime example of the word being used to drive media cycles and public interest in the film industry.

Entertainment News: Outlets like E! News, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter use 'Oscars' constantly to discuss industry trends and award predictions.

'And the Oscar goes to...' is perhaps the most famous phrase in television history.

In addition to professional journalism, the word is incredibly common in social media spaces. Platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok explode with the word during the live broadcast of the ceremony. Fans use it to cheer for their favorite actors, criticize the Academy's choices, or comment on the fashion. The word often trends globally, demonstrating its reach far beyond the borders of the United States. You might also hear it in podcasts dedicated to film history or 'awards watching,' where experts analyze the technicalities of the voting process.

Social media was flooded with memes after the unexpected twist at the Oscars.

In everyday conversation, the word is used to express opinions about movies. You might hear a friend say, 'That movie was so good, it's definitely going to win some Oscars.' Or, conversely, 'I don't know why that film won an Oscar; it was so boring.' Here, the word acts as a benchmark for quality, even if the speaker disagrees with the Academy's decision. It is also heard in the context of fashion, where 'Oscars fashion' refers to the high-end, often custom-made gowns and suits worn by attendees, which are analyzed by style experts for weeks after the event.

Casual Conversation: Used to discuss movie recommendations or to debate the merits of a particular actor's career.

Are you hosting an Oscars viewing party this Sunday?

The documentary's win at the Oscars brought international attention to the cause.

Podcasts and YouTube: Film essayists and critics use the word to frame their analysis of a movie's success or failure.

He has been a seat-filler at the Oscars for three years in a row.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word Oscars is failing to capitalize it. Because it is a proper noun derived from a name, it must always start with an uppercase 'O'. Writing 'oscars' in lowercase is considered a grammatical error in formal writing. Another common error is confusing the Oscars with other major awards ceremonies, such as the Golden Globes or the Emmys. While they are all prestigious, the Oscars are specifically for film, whereas the Emmys are for television and the Golden Globes cover both.

Capitalization: Incorrect: 'he won an oscar.' Correct: 'He won an Oscar.'
Category Confusion: Don't say 'The Oscars for Best TV Show.' The Oscars do not have television categories.

Incorrect: I love watching the oscars every year. (Missing capitalization)

Another subtle mistake involves the use of articles. When referring to the ceremony, you should almost always use 'the'. Saying 'I am watching Oscars' sounds unnatural to a native speaker; it should be 'I am watching the Oscars.' However, when referring to the trophy, you can use 'an' or 'the' depending on the context: 'He won an Oscar' (one of many) or 'He held the Oscar he had just won' (a specific one). Furthermore, some people mistakenly use 'Oscars' as a singular noun when referring to the event, such as 'The Oscars is tonight.' While this is increasingly common in casual speech, 'The Oscars are tonight' is grammatically more traditional because it refers to a plural set of awards.

Incorrect: He was nominated for Academy Award. Correct: He was nominated for an Academy Award.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the possessive form. Since 'Oscars' ends in an 's', the possessive can be written as 'Oscars'' or 'Oscars's', though 'Oscars'' is more common in modern style guides. For example, 'The Oscars' red carpet was stunning.' A common mistake is to put the apostrophe before the 's' (Oscar's) when referring to the event as a whole, which would imply the event belongs to a single person named Oscar. Use 'Oscar's' only when referring to something belonging to a specific trophy or a person named Oscar.

Possessive Error: Incorrect: The Oscar's ceremony. Correct: The Oscars ceremony or The Oscars' ceremony.

The Oscars' history is full of surprising moments and legendary speeches.

Many people forget that the Oscars are actually called the Academy Awards.

Spelling: Make sure not to spell it 'Oskars' or 'Oscers'. The 'a' is essential.

She was so excited to be invited to the Oscars after-party.

While Oscars is the most common term, there are several synonyms and related terms used depending on the level of formality and the specific context. The most direct alternative is 'The Academy Awards.' This is the official name and is used in formal announcements, legal documents, and high-end journalism. Using 'Academy Awards' instead of 'Oscars' can make your writing sound more professional and authoritative. Another related term is 'statuette,' which specifically refers to the physical gold trophy given to the winners.

Academy Awards: The formal, official name of the ceremony. Use this in academic or professional contexts.
Accolades: A more general term for awards and honors. 'The film received many accolades, including three Oscars.'

The film's success at the Academy Awards was a surprise to many.

In the context of the 'Awards Season,' the Oscars are often compared to other major ceremonies. The 'Golden Globes' are often seen as a precursor to the Oscars, though they are voted on by a different group (the Hollywood Foreign Press Association). The 'BAFTAs' (British Academy Film Awards) are the UK equivalent and are also highly respected. In the United States, the 'SAG Awards' (Screen Actors Guild) are specifically for acting and are often strong predictors of who will win the acting categories at the Oscars. Understanding these distinctions is key for anyone wanting to discuss the film industry accurately.

After winning a Golden Globe, he is now the frontrunner for the Oscar.

You might also encounter the term 'Golds,' which is very informal industry slang for the Oscars. Conversely, 'laurels' is a term often used in the context of film festivals (like Cannes or Sundance) to describe awards, though it is rarely used for the Oscars themselves. When discussing the technical side, you might hear about 'Scientific and Technical Awards,' which are a subset of the Oscars given for innovations in filmmaking technology. These are still Oscars, but they are often presented at a separate, less-publicized ceremony.

Comparison: Oscars vs. Emmys: Oscars = Movies. Emmys = Television. Both represent the highest honor in their respective fields.

The actor is halfway to an EGOT, having already won an Emmy and an Oscar.

The Oscars remain the most coveted prize in the world of cinema.

Industry Slang: 'The Big Night' or 'Hollywood's Biggest Night' are common journalistic euphemisms for the Oscars.

Everyone is getting ready for Hollywood's Biggest Night.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The statuette is made of gold-plated bronze, but during World War II, due to metal shortages, the Oscars were made of painted plaster for three years.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɒs.kəz/

US /ˈɑːs.kɚz/

The stress is on the first syllable: OS-cars.

Rhymes With

Whiskers Vickers Kickers Liquors Slickers Snickers Tickers Flickers

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'O' like 'oh' (as in 'go').
Failing to pronounce the final 's' as a 'z' sound.
Adding an extra syllable like 'O-scar-as'.
Pronouncing the 'c' as an 's' (e.g., 'Ossars').
Stress on the second syllable (e.g., os-CARS).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is simple, but the context of the film industry can be complex.

Writing 2/5

Easy to use, just remember to capitalize it.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in casual conversation about movies.

Listening 2/5

Frequently heard in news and media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Movie Award Actor Film Prize

Learn Next

Nomination Cinematography Screenplay Director Producer

Advanced

Auteur Cinéma vérité Mise-en-scène Heuristic Canonization

Grammar to Know

Proper Nouns

Always capitalize 'Oscars' and 'Academy Awards'.

Definite Article with Events

Use 'the' when referring to the ceremony: 'The Oscars'.

Compound Adjectives

Use a hyphen for 'Oscar-winning' or 'Oscar-nominated'.

Plural vs. Singular

'The Oscars' (event) vs. 'An Oscar' (trophy).

Prepositions of Place

Use 'at' for the location/event: 'At the Oscars'.

Examples by Level

The Oscars are on TV tonight.

Les Oscars passent à la télé ce soir.

Use 'the' before Oscars when talking about the show.

He wants to win an Oscar.

Il veut gagner un Oscar.

'An Oscar' refers to one trophy.

Is that movie an Oscar winner?

Est-ce que ce film a gagné un Oscar ?

Oscar winner is a common compound noun.

I like the Oscars.

J'aime les Oscars.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

She has a gold Oscar.

Elle a un Oscar en or.

Adjective 'gold' describes the noun 'Oscar'.

The Oscars are in Hollywood.

Les Oscars sont à Hollywood.

Proper nouns (Oscars, Hollywood) are capitalized.

Who won the Oscar for best actor?

Qui a gagné l'Oscar du meilleur acteur ?

Question form using 'who' and 'the Oscar'.

The Oscars are very famous.

Les Oscars sont très célèbres.

Plural verb 'are' matches plural 'Oscars'.

The Oscars happen every year in the spring.

Les Oscars ont lieu chaque année au printemps.

Present simple for a repeating event.

Many actors dream of going to the Oscars.

Beaucoup d'acteurs rêvent d'aller aux Oscars.

Preposition 'to' indicates the destination/event.

She wore a beautiful dress to the Oscars.

Elle portait une belle robe aux Oscars.

Past tense 'wore' for a completed action.

The Academy gives the Oscars to the best films.

L'Académie donne les Oscars aux meilleurs films.

Indirect object 'to the best films'.

Did you see the red carpet at the Oscars?

As-tu vu le tapis rouge aux Oscars ?

Question using 'did' for past events.

My favorite movie didn't win any Oscars.

Mon film préféré n'a gagné aucun Oscar.

Negative form 'didn't win any'.

The Oscars are the most important movie awards.

Les Oscars sont les récompenses de cinéma les plus importantes.

Superlative 'the most important'.

He was very happy to receive his Oscar.

Il était très heureux de recevoir son Oscar.

Possessive adjective 'his' before 'Oscar'.

The film was nominated for three Oscars this year.

Le film a été nommé pour trois Oscars cette année.

Passive voice 'was nominated'.

Winning an Oscar can change an actor's life forever.

Gagner un Oscar peut changer la vie d'un acteur pour toujours.

Gerund 'winning' as the subject.

The Oscars ceremony is broadcast in many countries.

La cérémonie des Oscars est diffusée dans de nombreux pays.

Compound noun 'Oscars ceremony'.

There is always a lot of buzz before the Oscars.

Il y a toujours beaucoup de rumeurs avant les Oscars.

Uncountable noun 'buzz' used with 'there is'.

The director gave a moving speech at the Oscars.

Le réalisateur a prononcé un discours émouvant aux Oscars.

Adjective 'moving' describes the speech.

Many people disagree with the winners of the Oscars.

Beaucoup de gens ne sont pas d'accord avec les gagnants des Oscars.

Preposition 'with' after 'disagree'.

The Oscars are known for their long and glamorous history.

Les Oscars sont connus pour leur longue et prestigieuse histoire.

Adjective 'glamorous' describes 'history'.

She is the youngest person ever to win an Oscar.

Elle est la plus jeune personne à avoir jamais gagné un Oscar.

Infinitive 'to win' after 'youngest person'.

The Oscars are often criticized for lacking diversity.

Les Oscars sont souvent critiqués pour leur manque de diversité.

Present passive with 'often'.

Critics consider his performance to be Oscar-worthy.

Les critiques considèrent que sa performance mérite un Oscar.

Hyphenated adjective 'Oscar-worthy'.

The documentary's win at the Oscars surprised everyone.

La victoire du documentaire aux Oscars a surpris tout le monde.

Possessive 'documentary's' modifying 'win'.

He was snubbed by the Oscars despite his great work.

Il a été ignoré par les Oscars malgré son excellent travail.

The verb 'snub' is common in award contexts.

The Oscars' ratings have been declining in recent years.

L'audience des Oscars a diminué ces dernières années.

Present perfect continuous 'have been declining'.

The host of the Oscars made several controversial jokes.

L'animateur des Oscars a fait plusieurs blagues controversées.

Noun 'host' refers to the presenter.

The Oscars serve as a benchmark for cinematic excellence.

Les Oscars servent de référence pour l'excellence cinématographique.

Phrasal verb 'serve as'.

They spent millions on their campaign for the Oscars.

Ils ont dépensé des millions pour leur campagne pour les Oscars.

Preposition 'on' after 'spent'.

The Oscars are a testament to the industry's enduring glamour.

Les Oscars sont un témoignage du glamour durable de l'industrie.

Noun 'testament' used metaphorically.

Her Oscar win solidified her status as a Hollywood icon.

Sa victoire aux Oscars a consolidé son statut d'icône de Hollywood.

Verb 'solidified' indicates strengthening.

The Academy's voting process for the Oscars is quite complex.

Le processus de vote de l'Académie pour les Oscars est assez complexe.

Possessive 'Academy's' modifying 'process'.

The Oscars often reflect the political climate of the time.

Les Oscars reflètent souvent le climat politique de l'époque.

Verb 'reflect' used for abstract concepts.

Winning an Oscar is the ultimate validation for a filmmaker.

Gagner un Oscar est la validation ultime pour un cinéaste.

Noun 'validation' implies official approval.

The Oscars' influence on global cinema cannot be overstated.

L'influence des Oscars sur le cinéma mondial ne peut être surestimée.

Phrase 'cannot be overstated' for emphasis.

There was a backlash against the Oscars' lack of inclusion.

Il y a eu une vive réaction contre le manque d'inclusion des Oscars.

Noun 'backlash' for strong negative reaction.

The Oscars ceremony is a masterclass in live television production.

La cérémonie des Oscars est une leçon magistrale de production télévisuelle en direct.

Noun 'masterclass' used figuratively.

The Oscars perpetuate a specific narrative of cinematic merit.

Les Oscars perpétuent un récit spécifique du mérite cinématographique.

Verb 'perpetuate' means to make something continue.

The economic impact of the Oscars is felt across the entire industry.

L'impact économique des Oscars se fait sentir dans toute l'industrie.

Passive 'is felt' with 'across'.

The Oscars are a site of intersection between art and artifice.

Les Oscars sont un lieu d'intersection entre l'art et l'artifice.

Nouns 'art' and 'artifice' in contrast.

Academy members must navigate complex biases when voting for the Oscars.

Les membres de l'Académie doivent naviguer à travers des biais complexes lors du vote pour les Oscars.

Verb 'navigate' used for mental processes.

The Oscars' relevance is frequently debated in the age of streaming.

La pertinence des Oscars est fréquemment débattue à l'ère du streaming.

Noun 'relevance' refers to importance.

The Oscars' red carpet is a curated spectacle of high fashion.

Le tapis rouge des Oscars est un spectacle orchestré de haute couture.

Adjective 'curated' implies careful selection.

The Oscars represent the institutionalization of creative achievement.

Les Oscars représentent l'institutionnalisation de la réussite créative.

Noun 'institutionalization' is a complex concept.

Winning an Oscar often leads to a lifetime of industry hegemony.

Gagner un Oscar mène souvent à une vie d'hégémonie dans l'industrie.

Noun 'hegemony' refers to dominance.

Common Collocations

Oscar nomination

Oscar winner

Oscar buzz

Oscar-worthy

Sweep the Oscars

Oscar snub

Oscar speech

Oscar ceremony

Oscar campaign

Oscar night

Common Phrases

And the Oscar goes to...

— The traditional phrase used to announce a winner.

The presenter paused for dramatic effect before saying, 'And the Oscar goes to...'

Oscar-winning performance

— An acting role that was awarded an Oscar.

It was truly an Oscar-winning performance by the young actress.

Oscar-nominated film

— A movie that was selected as a finalist for an award.

We decided to watch an Oscar-nominated film this weekend.

The Oscar race

— The competition between films and people to win an award.

The Oscar race is heating up as the ceremony approaches.

Oscar gold

— A metaphorical term for the award or the success it brings.

The director is hoping to strike Oscar gold with his latest project.

Oscar glory

— The fame and prestige associated with winning.

She finally achieved Oscar glory after years of hard work.

An Oscar for...

— Specifying the category of the award.

He won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

The Oscars of...

— Comparing another award to the prestige of the Oscars.

The James Beard Awards are the Oscars of the food world.

Oscar-caliber

— Of a high enough quality to potentially win an Oscar.

The cinematography in this movie is definitely Oscar-caliber.

Post-Oscar career

— The professional life of an artist after winning an award.

Her post-Oscar career has been filled with diverse roles.

Often Confused With

oscars vs Emmys

The Emmys are for television, while the Oscars are for film.

oscars vs Golden Globes

The Golden Globes are awarded by journalists, while the Oscars are awarded by industry peers.

oscars vs Grammys

The Grammys are for music, not film.

Idioms & Expressions

"Oscar-worthy"

— Something of extremely high quality, deserving of the highest praise.

That meal was Oscar-worthy!

Informal/Metaphorical

"Sweep the board"

— To win all the prizes or awards available.

The movie swept the board at the Oscars.

Neutral

"The Oscar bump"

— The increase in sales or fame after winning or being nominated.

The small indie film saw a huge Oscar bump in ticket sales.

Industry Slang

"In the running"

— To be a serious contender for an award.

She is definitely in the running for an Oscar this year.

Neutral

"Steal the show"

— To be the most impressive part of an event.

The young actor stole the show at the Oscars.

Informal

"Frontrunner"

— The person or film most likely to win.

The biopic is the frontrunner for Best Picture.

Neutral

"Dark horse"

— A candidate who is not expected to win but might.

The low-budget horror film is a dark horse in the Oscar race.

Neutral

"To be snubbed"

— To be unfairly ignored or passed over for an award.

Fans were angry when the popular director was snubbed by the Oscars.

Neutral

"For your consideration"

— A phrase used in advertisements to ask Academy members to vote for a film.

The studio took out a 'For Your Consideration' ad in the newspaper.

Industry Specific

"Oscar bait"

— A movie that seems to have been made specifically to win awards.

Critics dismissed the historical drama as mere Oscar bait.

Informal/Critical

Easily Confused

oscars vs Academy

It can refer to any school or the specific group that gives the Oscars.

In the context of movies, 'The Academy' always refers to the Oscars' voting body.

The Academy announced the nominees this morning.

oscars vs Nomination

Learners might think it means winning.

A nomination means you are a finalist; you haven't won yet.

He has five nominations but zero wins.

oscars vs Statue

Often confused with 'statuette'.

A statue is usually large; a statuette (like an Oscar) is small and handheld.

The Oscar statuette is about 13.5 inches tall.

oscars vs Snub

Unfamiliar vocabulary for many learners.

A snub is a deliberate insult or omission in the context of awards.

The director's exclusion was seen as a major snub.

oscars vs Sweep

Usually means cleaning with a broom.

In awards, it means winning almost everything.

The movie swept the technical categories.

Sentence Patterns

The Oscars are [Adjective].

The Oscars are famous.

He won an Oscar for [Movie].

He won an Oscar for Titanic.

The film was nominated for [Number] Oscars.

The film was nominated for five Oscars.

Critics are calling it an Oscar-worthy [Noun].

Critics are calling it an Oscar-worthy performance.

The Oscars serve as a [Noun] for [Concept].

The Oscars serve as a benchmark for cinematic excellence.

The Oscars perpetuate a narrative of [Concept].

The Oscars perpetuate a narrative of artistic meritocracy.

She gave a speech after winning her Oscar.

The Oscars' influence is felt [Preposition] the industry.

The Oscars' influence is felt throughout the industry.

Word Family

Nouns

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high during January-March, moderate the rest of the year.

Common Mistakes

The oscars are tonight. → The Oscars are tonight.
Proper nouns must be capitalized.
He won an Academy Award for his TV show. → He won an Emmy for his TV show.
The Oscars/Academy Awards are for films, not television.
I am watching Oscars. → I am watching the Oscars.
The definite article 'the' is required when referring to the ceremony.
She gave an Oscar winning performance. → She gave an Oscar-winning performance.
Compound adjectives before a noun require a hyphen.
The Oscar's were very long this year. → The Oscars were very long this year.
Do not use an apostrophe for a simple plural.

Tips

Capitalization

Always capitalize 'Oscars'. It is a proper noun.

The Ceremony

Use 'the Oscars' when referring to the event.

Synonyms

Use 'Academy Awards' for a more formal tone.

Global Reach

The Oscars are recognized worldwide, even in non-English speaking countries.

Hyphens

Use hyphens for compound adjectives like 'Oscar-winning'.

Pronunciation

The final 's' in 'Oscars' sounds like a 'z'.

Awards Season

The word is most common between January and March.

Statuette

The physical award is often called a 'statuette'.

EGOT

An EGOT is someone who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'O' for 'Outstanding' and 'Scar' for a 'Mark' of excellence. An Oscar is an Outstanding Mark in film.

Visual Association

Imagine a shiny gold knight standing on a movie reel. The 'O' shape of the reel reminds you of 'Oscar'.

Word Web

Movies Hollywood Gold Statue Red Carpet Winners Nominations Academy

Challenge

Try to name five movies that have won an Oscar for Best Picture in the last ten years.

Word Origin

The term originated in the early 1930s as a nickname for the Academy Award statuette. The most popular story is that Academy librarian Margaret Herrick said the statue looked like her 'Uncle Oscar.' Another story credits Bette Davis with naming it after her first husband, Harmon Oscar Nelson. Regardless of its true origin, the name stuck and became a global brand.

Original meaning: A personal name of Germanic origin, meaning 'spear of the gods'.

Germanic / English

Cultural Context

Be aware of the 'Oscars So White' movement and discussions about the Academy's historical lack of diversity.

In the US and UK, the Oscars are a major cultural event, often discussed for weeks before and after the ceremony.

The 'Slap' heard 'round the world (Will Smith and Chris Rock). The 'La La Land' and 'Moonlight' Best Picture mix-up. Hattie McDaniel becoming the first Black person to win an Oscar.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Entertainment News

Oscar predictions
Red carpet fashion
Academy Award nominees
The race for Best Picture

Casual Conversation

Did you watch the Oscars?
That movie deserves an Oscar.
Who is hosting this year?
I loved her Oscar speech.

Film Criticism

Oscar-worthy performance
Technical achievement
Academy snub
Cinematic excellence

Social Media

#Oscars
Oscar winners list
Live tweeting the Oscars
Best dressed at the Oscars

History

First Oscar winner
Oscar history
Academy Award records
Legendary Oscar moments

Conversation Starters

"Who do you think will win the Oscar for Best Picture this year?"

"Do you think the Oscars are still relevant in the age of Netflix?"

"What is your favorite Oscar-winning movie of all time?"

"Who was the most surprising Oscar winner you've ever seen?"

"Would you ever want to attend the Oscars in person?"

Journal Prompts

If you could give an Oscar to any movie that didn't win one, which would it be and why?

Describe what you would say in your Oscar acceptance speech if you won for Best Director.

Do you think the Oscars accurately represent the best movies of the year, or is it just a popularity contest?

How have the Oscars changed over the last few decades in terms of diversity and inclusion?

Write about a movie that you think was 'Oscar-worthy' but was completely ignored by the Academy.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The Oscars are the most famous annual awards given for excellence in the film industry. They are officially known as the Academy Awards. Winners receive a gold-plated statuette.

Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences vote for the winners. This group includes thousands of professionals like actors, directors, and writers.

The ceremony usually takes place in late February or early March each year in Los Angeles.

Best Picture is the most prestigious category at the Oscars, awarded to the best overall film of the year.

Yes, there is a specific category for International Feature Films, and in 2020, 'Parasite' became the first non-English film to win Best Picture.

It was originally a nickname. The most common story is that an Academy librarian thought the statue looked like her Uncle Oscar.

The physical statue costs about $400 to make, but winners are legally required to offer to sell it back to the Academy for $1 before selling it to anyone else.

Walt Disney holds the record for the most Oscars won by an individual, with 26 awards.

An Oscar snub occurs when a film or person that many people believe deserved a nomination or a win is ignored by the Academy.

The 'Oscar bump' refers to the increase in ticket sales and popularity a movie receives after being nominated for or winning an Oscar.