And the Oscar Goes to... (1929) Quiz

Answer: Douglas Fairbanks and William C. deMille

Fairbanks was the first president of AMPAS (The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) at the time. He is best known for his swashbuckling roles in such silent films as "The Thief of Bagdad" (1924), "Robin Hood" (1922), and "The Mark of Zorro" (1920).

William C. deMille was the elder brother of the more famous Cecil B. DeMille (who altered his last name, claiming that it fit better on Marquees), but William was a respected film director in his own right. Unfortunately, many of his films are now considered lost films.

Other early members of the Academy were D. W. Griffith, Ernst Lubitsch, Irving Thalberg, and Darryl F. Zanuck.

The dinner was attended by 270 invited guests, and the awards presentations lasted a grand total of fifteen minutes.

Answer: Emil Jannings

Emil Jannings was awarded the Oscar for Best Actor for his work in two different movies, "The Way of All Flesh" (1927), and its sequel "The Last Command" (1928). Jannings was a German actor who, interestingly, starred in several films during the time of the Third Reich to promote Nazism.

"The Way of All Flesh" is a movie that is now considered a lost film, as there are no known copies any longer in existence. It is the only Oscar-winning film where that is the case. The movie was remade in 1940 starring Akim Tamiroff, Gladys George, and William Henry.

Richard Barthlemess was nominated for his roles in "The Noose" (1928), and "The Patent Leather Kid" (1927).

Answer: Barbara Stanwyck

And the Oscar went to... Janet Gaynor for her work in "7th Heaven" (1927), "Street Angel" (1928), and "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" (1927).

The other two ladies nominated for Best Actress were Gloria Swanson for "Sadie Thomson" (1928), while Louise Dresser received a nod for "A Ship Comes In" (1928).

Answer: Charles Rosher and Karl Struss for "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans"

"Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" (1927) was one of the two films at this inaugural Academy Awards presentation to win three Oscars, the other being "7th Heaven" (1927). The story of "Sunrise" has a married farmer falling under the spell of a woman from the city, who tries to convince him to kill his wife.

Answer: Underworld

After strong word-of-mouth recommendations, the movie went on to become a hit. "Underworld" was released in 1927.

The only other nominee in this category was Lajos Biro for "The Last Command" (1928).

"The Private Life of Helen of Troy" (1927) was nominated for "Best Writing, Title Writing", a category that only existed in this first ceremony. It didn't win.

"The Dove" (1927), along with "Tempest" (1928), won William Cameron Menzies the Oscar for 'Best Art Direction.'

Answer: False

The Oscar for Best Writing, Adapted Story went to Benjamin Glazer for "7th Heaven" (1927). The Oscar-winner for Outstanding Picture, Production was "Wings" (1927).

The two unsuccessful nominees were Alfred A. Cohn for "The Jazz Singer" (1927), and Anthony Coldeway for "Glorious Betsy" (1928).

Answer: Charlie Chaplin

The award was presented to Chaplin "For versatility and genius in acting, writing, directing and producing "The Circus"."

In a career that spanned over 60 years in the movie business, Chaplin only received three Oscars, with two of them being Honorary.

Answer: Lewis Milestone

Milestone directed 47 films over his career, which spanned 45 years, with his first film in 1918 and his last in 1963.

Ted Wilde had the other nomination in this category, for his direction of "Speedy" (1928).

Benjamin Glazer and Lajos Biro received nominations in other categories.

Answer: 7th Heaven

In total, "7th Heaven" (1927) received five nominations and won three Oscars: Best Actress in a Leading Role (Janet Gaynor); Best Writing, Adapted Story (Benjamin Glazer); and Best Director (Frank Borzage). The movie is about a Paris street cleaner who saves the life of a prostitute, and then prevents her from being arrested by claiming that she is his wife. Afterwards, as they live out the facade he has created, their relationship grows... until the Great War intervenes.

The other nominees in this category were King Vidor for "The Crowd" (1928), and Herbert Brenon for "Sorrell and Son" (1927).

Answer: Wings

"Wings" (1927) was a silent film about World War I fighter pilots; one rich, one middle class, who fall in love with the same woman. The main actors were Charles "Buddy" Rogers and Richard Arlen, vying for the affections of actress Jobyna Ralston. The shy 'girl next door' in love with Rogers' character was played by Clara Bow.

The other two nominees were "7th Heaven" (1927) and "The Racket" (1928).