The Complete Oscar Experience on Satellite TV

The Oscars honor the best in film, the Emmys the best in television, and the Grammys the best in music. Other award ceremonies exist as well although they are not as well-known. Each event brings together tons of celebrities dressed in the latest fashions. While the main event is broadcast on network, watching the special programs on channels such as E!, available with satellite TV, make the experience much more complete.

The Oscars, the common term used for Academy Awards, are perhaps the most established of these ceremonies. The history stretches far back and the first awards were given out in 1928 for the films produced in 1927. This was the only time the event was not broadcast on either television or radio and it lasted just fifteen minutes. Most films at the time were still silent ones. This time period was also pivotal in the film industry as it was the year that the first 'talkie' was released. 'The Jazz Singer,' by Warner Brothers, was given a special award because it was realized immediately how much this film revolutionized the entire industry.

After the first event, radio brought subsequent Academy Award ceremonies into homes across America. Early versions were tiny compared to the spectacular celebrations of the past few decades transmitted into homes by satellite TV. However, people everywhere tuned in their radios to find out which actors, directors, and writers would take home the top awards. Until 1941, newspapers were given the information about winners ahead of time so that they could print it in their next editions. However, in that year one newspaper leaked the results, so that the system was changed. Now, the winner is top secret and sealed envelopes are used until they are opened during the ceremony.

Throughout the decades, the statuette has remained virtually unchanged since its original design for the first ceremony. It is made of a combination of metals on the inside, and then plated with gold. During World War II, it is reported that temporary statuettes were made of plaster so that they would not use metals important to the war effort. However, after the war was over, these were replaced by the traditional Oscar.

The switch to television broadcasting was done in 1953, in a decade where many families were starting to have color television sets in their home. When this change was made, people began to get excited about being able to view their favorite stars during this important ceremony. Owners of television sets were good sports, inviting people without TVs into their home to share in the experience.

This year's ceremony was full of surprises, such as the win by 'The Hurt Locker' for Best Picture instead of 'Avatar.' Best Actor was Jeff Bridges for his work in 'Crazy Heart,' while Sandra Bullock won Best Actress for her leading role in the drama sports film 'The Blind Side.' These three movies, along with many of the nominations, are excellent films and well worth viewing. And, with the premium movie channels on satellite TV, you can watch these top movies along with the movies that received nominations right in the comfort of your own home.

Enjoy the Oscars and many other award ceremonies, including behind-the-scenes coverage, with direct tv. Discover which of the directtv offers will bring Academy Award-winning movies into your living room today.