The Academy Award of Merit, commonly known as the Oscar, is an annual award presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). It recognizes excellence in cinematic achievements across various categories, including acting, directing, and writing. The awards are highly prestigious and are often seen as the pinnacle of success in the film industry. The first Academy Awards ceremony took place in 1929, celebrating films from the previous year. Winners receive a gold-plated statuette, which depicts a knight holding a sword and standing on a reel of film. The Oscars are celebrated globally and influence trends in filmmaking and popular culture.