Awards season always delivers memorable moments, but one interesting detail about the film industry’s biggest night involves the name of its famous golden statuette. Today, almost everyone refers to the prize simply as the “Oscar.”

However, the award did not begin with that nickname. Its official title is the Academy Award of Merit, a formal name that reflects the prestige of the organization behind the honor.

Over time, the shorter name “Oscar” became far more common in everyday conversation. Fans, journalists, and even winners themselves now use the nickname naturally when discussing nominations, victories, and standout performances.

The exact origin of the word “Oscar” remains debated among film historians. One popular story credits Margaret Herrick, a librarian at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who reportedly said the statue resembled her Uncle Oscar.

Another theory points to Hollywood columnist Sidney Skolsky, who is believed to have used the term in a newspaper column during the 1930s. His playful reference may have helped spread the nickname to a wider audience.

Regardless of how it began, the name quickly became part of Hollywood tradition. Eventually, the nickname was embraced so widely that it became the most recognized way to refer to the award.

The buildup to the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026 also generated headlines. Host Conan O’Brien revealed that he and his writers struggled to craft a joke about Best Picture nominee Train Dreams.

Meanwhile, other stories kept the Oscars in public conversation. Kate Winslet amused fans by explaining she keeps her Oscar in the bathroom so guests can privately pretend to give acceptance speeches, a reminder that the ceremony blends prestige, humor, and lasting cultural fascination.