Oscar Statuette's Design and Name May Have Ancient Egyptian Roots

New research suggests the iconic award could be inspired by the god Ptah, challenging long-held theories about its origin.

New research suggests the Oscar statuette may have been inspired by ancient Egyptian god Ptah, known for arts, crafts, and trade.
The design of the Oscar, created by Cedric Gibbons, bears a striking resemblance to statues of Ptah, with similar posture and attributes.
The nickname 'Oscar' could potentially trace back to Sokar-Osiris, a merger of ancient Egyptian deities, offering a new perspective on the award's name origin.
Historical theories on the origin of the 'Oscar' nickname include references to Margaret Herrick's uncle, Bette Davis's husband, and columnist Sidney Skolsky's writings.
Despite various theories, the true origin of the 'Oscar' nickname remains disputed, with the Academy acknowledging the lack of a definitive explanation.