The Academy Awards (Oscars)
Hollywood's yearly film awards, given since 1929 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
What the paper can ask
- Indian winners: Bhanu Athaiya was the first (1983, for Gandhi); Satyajit Ray (Honorary Award, 1992); A. R. Rahman (two in 2009, score and song, with lyricist Gulzar); Resul Pookutty (sound mixing, 2009); M. M. Keeravani and Chandrabose ('Naatu Naatu', 2023); and a 2023 documentary short by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga.
- Indian nominees for Best International Feature: Mother India (1958), Salaam Bombay! (1989), Lagaan (2002).
- The ceremony has been held at the Dolby Theatre since 2002 and moves to the Peacock Theater from 2029.
- 98th Academy Awards (15 March 2026): Best Picture 'One Battle After Another'. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Why exams ask
Setters ask the first Indian winner and her category, Rahman's two awards, and the latest Best Picture.
The full story
The Academy Awards, or Oscars, are given each year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievement in film. The first ceremony was in 1929; today it is held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Categories include Best Picture, the acting and directing awards, Best International Feature Film (each country submits one film) and craft awards such as sound and original song. Only a handful of Indians have won.
In the news
Test yourself
1.Bhanu Athaiya became the first Indian to win an Academy Award (1983) for the film Gandhi. In which category?
Correct. She shared the 55th Academy Award for Best Costume Design with John Mollo for Gandhi (1982).
Not quite. She shared the 55th Academy Award for Best Costume Design with John Mollo for Gandhi (1982). It goes into your error book.
2.A. R. Rahman won two Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2009 for which film?
Correct. Rahman won Best Original Score and Best Original Song (Jai Ho) for Slumdog Millionaire; RRR's Naatu Naatu won Best Original Song in 2023.
Not quite. Rahman won Best Original Score and Best Original Song (Jai Ho) for Slumdog Millionaire; RRR's Naatu Naatu won Best Original Song in 2023. It goes into your error book.
3.Which Indian production won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film in 2023?
Correct. Kartiki Gonsalves's The Elephant Whisperers won in 2023, the same night Naatu Naatu from RRR won Best Original Song.
Not quite. Kartiki Gonsalves's The Elephant Whisperers won in 2023, the same night Naatu Naatu from RRR won Best Original Song. It goes into your error book.