The Oscar Statuette

I've always wondered how the Oscar statuette came about but I never bothered to make a research. I mentioned it today over lunch to my co-workers and it so happened that they share the same curiosity.

If you're wondering as well, then wonder no more. I made my research and here's what I found:

• It is also called as the Academy Award of Merit
• Made of gold-plated brittanium on a black metal case. 13.5 in tall, weights 8.5 lbs.
• It depicts a "knight" holding a crusaders sword standing on a reel of film with five spokes - the five spokes depicting the original branches of the academy : Actors, Writers, Directors, Producers and Technicians
• Statuette model is Mexican film director and actor Emilio "El Indio"Fernandez