#ThrowbackThursday – 16 May
It’s 16 May, and that means it’s time for another edition of Throwback Thursday! Today, we’re taking a look back at three prominent events that went down on this day in history:
1929 – Setting The Stage
Today marks the 95th anniversary of the 1st Academy Awards, one of the most prestigious events in film and entertainment history!
Held in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California, the first iteration of this event was unique: it was attended by 270 people, with tickets costing $5 each, and it wasn’t broadcast on TV or radio.
After a private dinner consisting of only broiled chicken on toast, sautéed fillet of sole, and a choice of cake and chocolate or vanilla ice cream for dessert, the ceremony commenced.
Unlike modern award ceremonies, though, this one only lasted for 15 minutes!
You see, the winners had already been announced three months prior to the ceremony, so you could say that this ceremony was just a mere formality to hand out the trophies – which weren’t known as Oscars yet – to the winners.
Honouring the mainly silent flicks that were released between 1 August 1927 and 1 August 1928, the first winner of the Best Picture award (known then as “Outstanding Picture”) was “Wings”. Directed by William Wellman, it tells the story of two airmen (played by Charles Rogers and Richard Arlen) who are fighting for the affections of a woman (played by Clara Bow).
Other winners from the 12 other categories included Janet Gaynor (Best Actress for her role in “7th Heaven”), Emil Jannings (Best Actor for his role in “The Last Command”) and Frank Borzage (Best Director for “7th Heaven”).
All in all, the 1st Academy Awards seems low-key compared to today’s iterations of the glitzy, star-studded and meme-worthy red carpet event, but its old-style glamour and charm set the stage for what would eventually become the celebration of cinematic excellence.
1985 – Rise of a Rookie
A year after joining one of the most famous pro basketball teams, a prodigy by the name of Michael Jordan earned himself the first of many accolades.
Drafted into the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1984 at the age of 21, young Jordan – who made a name for himself on the college basketball circuit – was making huge strides as a shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls. Starting in 82 games, he averaged 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.4 steals in his rookie season.
For his impressive performance on the court, the NBA bestowed Jordan with the Rookie of the Year award the following year.
“I think my year was very, very experimental for me. I achieved so much and hopefully next year will be more promising,” the now-22-year-old remarked in his acceptance speech on 16 May 1985. “If not, then maybe I’ll retire in two years.”
Luckily, Jordan didn’t retire. In fact, the NBA darling continued to dominate the game, helping the Bulls win six championships between 1991-93 and 1996-98. He also continued earning numerous accolades, including five MVP awards; plus, he was (and continues to be) endorsed by major brands such as Nike, Gatorade and Upper Deck.
Even after retiring from basketball in 2003, the legacy of Jordan – who has already cemented himself as one of the best NBA players in history – continues to grow, inspiring fans around the world.
1986 – “Top Gun” Tops All
What could be considered the spiritual successor to the award-winning flick “Wings” was released on this day in 1985!
Directed by Tony Scott, “Top Gun” premiered in public theatres across North America on 16 May. It starred upcoming actor Tom Cruise as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a cocky, young US naval aviator training at the elite Fighter Weapons School.
Along for the ride are Mitchell’s rival Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (played by Val Kilmer), his best friend Nick “Goose” Bradshaw (played by Anthony Edwards) and his love interest, Charlie Blackwood (played by Kelly McGillis).
Per the review by “The Hollywood Reporter”: “The film’s intensity mirrors the competitive and wild personalities of the pilots themselves. In this arena, the casting is on-target. Cruise is terrific as the prima donna sky star, charming and egocentric. Kilmer as the Iceman, the top ace is convincingly cool and controlled – in the best of gunslinger traditions.
“As the love interest, talented McGillis is well-cast and believable … An additional standout is Anthony Edwards as Cruise’s more level-headed but fun-loving partner.”
Raking in over $357 million worldwide against a budget of $15 million, “Top Gun” proved to be a hit among audiences for its intense, high-flying action sequences and charismatic performances, with Cruise going on to become a leading man in Hollywood. The film’s soundtrack, which features songs like “Danger Zone” and “Take My Breath Away”, has also become iconic in its own right.
Image Credit: Source
