The 2003 Academy Awards on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, January 23, 2004. (photo courtesy of Dirk Fletcher, Museum of Science and Industry)

With much fanfare, a real red carpet and the glitter of 24 carat gold, the 2003 Oscar statuettes that were awarded at the 76th Annual Academy Awards ceremony, were unveiled at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This was the first time in Academy history that all of the Oscars were on display prior to Oscar Night.

In partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Oscar manufacturer R.S. Owens, the statuettes will be on display at the Museum beginning January 23, through February 18, 2004. The exhibit showcased the 50 world-famous statuettes, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award and the Scientific and Engineering Award. Additionally, the "From Mold to Gold" exhibit demonstrated the science and technology R.S. Owens uses to sculpt, mold, plate and polish each statuette.

"This is a thrilling time for the Museum and we're honored to be the first to display these prestigious awards," said Museum president and CEO David Mosena. "The Academy Awards honor those achievements in film that exemplify inventive and creative genius so it is only fitting that they are first displayed at the very Museum that strives to inspire that type of genius each day."

"This is a nice idea," the Academy's Executive Director Bruce Davis said. "It gives visitors a chance to see that Oscar himself is the product of a certain amount of artistry. If it were like making bowling trophies, we could have them made in Los Angeles. We've given the job to Owens because almost no one else in the country can do it. They have a small team of artisans who do a meticulous job with every step in the complex process of creating our statuettes."

The 76th Academy Award nominations were announced at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater on Tuesday, January 27, at 5:30 a.m. PST. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2003 were presented on Sunday, February 29, from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland® and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST, beginning with a half-hour arrival segment.

As part of the upcoming Action! An Adventure in Moviemaking exhibit scheduled to open May 28, 2004, the Oscar display was the first of many captivating artifacts that will take guests behind the big screen to learn about the art and technology of the film industry. Action! An Adventure in Moviemaking presents the inside story of filmmaking as told by the actual professionals who collaborate to bring a picture to the big screen. Guests will see artifacts from blockbuster films, try their hands at filmmaking by recreating special effects, look through a real movie camera, try on movie costumes, learn the latest stunt techniques, and "meet" the real industry professionals. Afterwards, guests will walk right into the action of a real movie sound stage and participate in the creation of their own film. Each of three real working Hollywood movie sets will teach a variety of exciting film techniques. Guests will have the opportunity to be in front of or behind the camera making a real mini-movie that will be professionally edited, screened and available to take home.

The Museum of Science and Industry's mission is to inspire the inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating and compelling experiences that are real and educational. Located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, the Museum is open every day of the year except December 25. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit the Museum's Web site at www.msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.

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01/23/2004 Oscar® Unveiled at The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry