Did You Know That Oscar Recipients DON'T Own Their Trophy

 Winning an Oscar is more than getting a trophy, there are financial rewards as well. For example, any actor who receives an Oscar can expect a pay boost of, at least, 20% for their next movie gig.

Great Win...but you don't own the trophy!

However, there is no money to be made with the trophy itself. If an Oscar winner ever tries to sell their award, they will receive $1, and the buyer will be the Academy!

You see, Oscar winners don't own their trophy. Ever since 1951 winners are forbidden from selling their Oscars. they are also barred from disposing of them in anyway, even donating it. This also applies to a winner's heirs as well.

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Entertainment Equipment Corp. 

Why The 'No Sell' Rule?

Simply to avoid the Oscar losing its prestige. To preserve its exclusivity. 

Leigh with 'Gone with the Wind' prize.

Pre-1951 Oscars however are owned by their winners and can be sold or donated. For example, Vivien Leigh's 1939 Best Actress award for 'Gone with the Wind' sold in 1993 for $563,000. In 1999, Michael Jackson paid $1.5 million for the 'Gone with the Wind' Best Picture award.

Jackson with his $1.5m Oscar

So, for winners, the physical Oscar has no value, in fact, no ownership rights. They do, however, have intrinsic value, and the more awards you possess the more your skills are valued. Even being nominated for an Oscar increases your 'personal' value. So, no one should be brooding over the fact that they can't sell their 'prize' and. I believe that is as it should be. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.