Cedric Gibbons: Biography

The name "Cedric Gibbons" is irrevocably linked to two august Hollywood organizations: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Dublin-born Gibbons was an architect and artist before joining the Edison Studios in 1915. Three years later he became art director for producer Sam Goldwyn, retaining his job when Goldwyn's studio merged with Louis Mayer's company to become MGM in 1924. During the silent and early sound era, Gibbons' set designs became the standard for the industry's "A" product, emphasizing the geometrics of Art Deco and the aesthetics of Impressionism. While his work never attempted to faithfully copy real life, Gibbons was the master of the glorious artifice that made MGM's films the slickest and most expensive-looking in the business. His contributions to 1934's Tarzan and His Mate were so extensive that Gibbons was given co-director credit. In 1927, at the behest of MGM-head Louis Mayer, Cedric Gibbons designed the statuette that would be given out during the first Academy Awards presentation. This gold figurine, popularly known as Oscar, was bestowed upon its creator twelve times during his long career. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide