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Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Cinema, Art Galleries [Edit]
8949 Wilshire BlvdBeverly Hills, CA 90211
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills
(310) 247-3000
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10 am - 5 pm
Sat-Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
15 reviews for Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences
15 reviews in English
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Review from Garrett G.
Tarzana, CA
2/1/2012
Whenever they have anniversary screenings of different films that have left an impact on pop culture, it is the highest standard of watching a film on the big screen anyone could ever experience. The sound is state of the art along with the picture itself. The academy's appreciation of motion pictures from silent era to the present are unprecedented and resonates an heir of excellence and high standards that is very hard to come by around the world.
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Review from Lily H.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 1/13/2012
It looks like will be the black Oscars again this year: Oprah Winfrey (humanitarian), James Earl Jones (honorary lifetime achievement), Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer.
Meanwhile, the Academy has nominated for only the third time in its entire 88-year history a French film, "The Artist." The only other times were in 1969 for "Z" and in 1933 for "Grand Illusion" while the it has nominated truckloads of domestic drek ("Dr. Dolittle," "Awakenings," etc). This to the nation that practically invented the cinema (the Lumiere Brothers...).
If "The Artist" wins, it will be the first foreign film to win the Best Picture Oscar ever.
Unfortunately, the Iranian "Separation," with a 100 rating on Metacritic, was relegated, as is usually the case with non-English-speaking films, to the Best Foreign Language Film" ghetto.
(Curiously, though, this year many of the other top contenders have a "French connection": "Hugo," "Midnight in Paris," "Tintin.").
"Beauty and the Beast," "Children of Paradise," "Grand Illusion" and other classics went unrecognized. Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu have been nominated only once in their entire careers.
To date, only 11 films exclusively financed outside the United States have won Best Picture (all by the U.K): Hamlet, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia, Tom Jones, A Man for All Seasons, Oliver!, Chariots of Fire, Gandhi, The Last Emperor, Slumdog Millionaire and The King's Speech.
This year the Academy nominated another moth-ball-worn, maudlin but popular film about black folk sitting at the back of the bus (joining a long list that stretches back half a century continuing through "The Blind Side" (2009) and "The Help."
You have to push just the right buttons with the Academy, which has a serious case of liberal-white guilt, and it obviously isn't THAT hard.
And Viola Davis in her pre-Oscar wins is already shamelessly re-channeling Halle Berry (and a dozen others) with her spiel: "This is a heartfelt tribute to all the women, my mother, grandmother and great grand-mother, who could not dare imagine having dreams of their own, much less realizing them. When an African-American actress is nominated in any year, she has to be grateful for the recognition."
How believable is it that the self-effacing, stoic, soulful black maid of the film could disappear totally, to be replaced a few years later by a termagant? Didn't we already see the same "help" in "Benjamin Buttons, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" and other films)?
And isn't Ms. Davis doing the same character she did in "Doubt"?
Actually the savvy actress is already campaigning directly to the Academy in media releases and "lesser awards" ceremonies. "She's working the town, sending hand-written notes to journalists" notes one observer.
All this for a supporting role in a clearly ensemble film. She and Octavia Spencer should BOTH be competing in the supporting category, but that, then, would split the votes.
If Ms. Davis doesn't get the Oscar, she can always say: "Well, it's back to the bus again for us African-American actresses. One Halle Berry, and the Academy is, like, saying 'Nuf is enough. Know your place, don't get uppity, O.K.?'
"Bitter? No...I'm thankful to the Academy, really...the way my character in 'Help' is. There's such a dearth of roles available to us black women. So we have to be content with a bone [a nomination] tossed to us. Despite Obama, Jim Crow days are still here."
If she doesn't win, imagine the following scenario:
Hollywood producer says, What about Viola in the lead of "The Rosa Parks Story"? Same character, different film. But this time she'll really be able to 'break out' of her chains!" Oscar slam-dunk.
She'll be the second black person to win Best Actress in just a decade (three African-Americans have won Best Actor in the same period).
In the past 10 years, 40 Oscars have been given for acting, of which 7 have gone to African Americans -- Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forrest Whitaker, Morgan Freeman, Halle Berry, Jennifer Hudson and Mo'Nique. 7 of 40 is 17.5%.
Since Blacks are 12% of the total U.S. population, itt's hard to same see how they have the right to portray the other 88%).
By contrast, Jean Dujardin,of "The Artist," is the 4th Frenchman in 85 years to ever receive an acting nomination.
During the past decade, Asian-Americans have been relegated to roles as exotic "foreigners" and Hispanics as hired help, with one nomination, no award to Asians, two nominations, one Oscar to a Hispanic. one nomination, no win, to a gay actor. Who has really not been coming to dinner?
But everyone knows what the Academy Award really means: PC + a successful P.R. campaign.
What about the other minorities? Hispanics, Asian-Americans, Native Americans, Gays, all of whom have never won an acting Oscar.
Practice what you preach, Academy: Equality.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/21/2010
The world is a global village, but you would hardly know it from the Oscars. This year was no… Read more »
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Review from Lori K.
Canyon Country, CA
9/29/2011
I recently attended the premiere for the Gerard Butler movie "Machine Gun Preacher" here along with a reception immediately following and I was quite impressed with this theater.
The theater itself is very clean, nice and spacious inside, very good sound and picture quality, but what really blew me away was the staff at the food & drink reception after wards. It almost seemed like for every guest there, there was an appointed waiter/waitress following them around to pick up any discarded plates, drinks, etc. Wow!!! I don't know if you have the same employees on hand for all events, but these particular one's were exceptional.
Security was tight too. There had been some controversy pertaining to the subject matter of the movie so I'm sure that was greatly appreciated by everyone there who was involved with the film.
What an excellent venue. I wish all premieres were here as opposed to the theaters in seedy Hollywood. -
Review from Tess M.
10/12/2011
"During the Depression, when the spirit of people is lower than at any other time, it is a splendid thing that for just 15 cents an American can go to a movie and look at the smiling face of a baby and forget his troubles." Franklin D. Roosevelt
Splendid, as well, is that The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is not just for members! http://www.oscars.org/...
Anyone can escape to feed their soul, to enjoy features like, "Read the Book, See the Movie", lectures, seminars, and exhibits, some free, some for a $5 general admission or $3 for students with a valid ID http://www.oscars.org/....
The Samuel Goldwyn Theater itself is a thoroughly red carpet experience, state of the art sound and screening, comfortable seats with unobstructed views and plenty of legroom. Dine or snack pre-performance as this venue is a no-nosh zone.
Complimentary parking is provided at: 8920 Wilshire Blvd. (enter off of La Peer) and 9025 Wilshire Blvd. (enter off Wetherly) http://www.oscars.org/... Surrounding residential streets are permit parking areas with one or two hour allowances, so read signs carefully. Ditto for meters.Listed in: Beverly Hills, Hungry Higher Self, Recession Recreation, The Flicks
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Review from Tony Y. Jr. Y.
Glendale, CA
6/16/2010 2 photos
....and the award goes to? Many awards were given out at the 37th Annual Student Academy Awards. I had the privilege of being invited to this occasion to witness some of the finest aspiring directors receive awards for their brilliant work. The students' fierce devotion to their craft garnered them some recognition from some powerful figures in the industry which should give them the green light to work on projects for the "big screen".
Standing next to that big golden statue felt great. As we walked throughout the building we were able to see framed posters of movies from the past and seen more of those prominent golden statues. Though the students weren't given golden statues as awards, mostly all of the recipients started their acceptance speech by saying, "I'd like to thank the Academy". The awards were given in various categories including awards for Honorary Foreign Film to Animation Awards. All films were well-done and many were rather intriguing.
It's an award in itself to be nominated for any Academy Award, so I congratulate all nominees. This venue is nice and The Student Academy Awards garners similar essence of the actual Academy Awards. Now, I look forward to being in attendance at the Oscars! -
Review from Jeremy F.
Los Angeles, CA
9/27/2011
What a venue! Beautiful and accommodations for 1K+ attendees
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Review from Todd P.
Los Angeles, CA
9/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It's the Academy !
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Review from Steven L.
Eagle Rock, CA
8/1/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This is an amazing theater to watch your favorite film on the silver screen. The theater is gorgeous adorn with two huge golden oscar statues on each side of the stage in front of the beautiful red curtain. Chairs are super comfy. The lobby of the theater also houses some of the most interesting gallery shows from rare movie poster designs to memorabilia. We were lucky enough to have experience some of our favorite film here on the beautiful large screen format like Stanley Kubrik's A Space Odessey: 2001, All That Jazz, Lawrence of Arabia, 50th Anniversary digitally remastered Breakfast at Tiffany's. If you ever have a chance to see a film here, do not hesitate. You will not be disappointed.
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Review from Kevin P.
4/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Generally a great company, I had the privledge of working with AMPAS for 4 years and was lucky to work with so many great people from the academy.
If you ever have a question about films or the award shows then they are more than happy to direct you to the right people, I know because when I coordinated for them I always got calls forwarded from people interested in working the shows.
The location is a little difficult to get to, but what company isn't hard to get to on Wilshire blvd!
They have a gallery too and they do screenings, you can also ren out their many theaters for events.
Hope you learned something new about the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences! -
Review from lionel t.
Los Angeles, CA
4/24/2010
Have seen almost 100 classic films in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. This little known theater is one of the premiere screening rooms on the West Coast, if not the world. This is the official screening room of the Academy, and it is capable of screening every Oscar nominated film regardless of format back to the 1920s. It seats over 1000, with plush, roomy seats. Food is not allowed and the theater and bathrooms are extremely clean.
They have a number of programs open to the public. I especially enjoyed the 75th Anniversary Festival where every Best Picture Oscar winning film was screened. I'm particularly excited about the film noir series up coming. Participants in the film, actors and movie-makers, are frequently present and "behind the scenes" panel discussions are common. If you aren't sold yet, here's the best part: the movies are only $5. Free parking nearby: call for address of lot. -
Review from Darrell P.
Laguna Niguel, CA
5/14/2010 8 photos
'Been to a couple of events at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and have been meaning to attend their many great screenings, some with Q&A sessions afterward. (I live in South Orange County.)
The first time I was at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences was for the "Marc Davis Lecture: Frank & Ollie Tribute - 2003," held in the beautiful Samuel Goldwyn Theater. These two animation giants, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston were the remaining two of Disney's original "Nine Old Men."
Frank & Ollie - http://www.frankanolli...
It was a great evening, one of the last times these two would appear together in public. It was an honor to have had been a part of that evening...
'Last night, 05/13/10, was no exception for the opening reception of AMPAS' latest exhibits, Chuck Jones: An Animator's Life From A to Z-Z-Z-Z, and The Fantastical World of Ray Harryhausen.
* Chuck Jones - http://chuckjones.com/
* Ray Harryhausen - http://www.rayharryhau...
Chuck Jones' exhibit(main lobby), had photographs and original artwork ranging from The Grinch That Stole Christmas, Bugs Bunny, Feed The Kitty, Wile E. Coyote, to What's Opera Doc?!, and much more.
The Ray Harryhausen exhibit(4th floor gallery), had drawings, photos, and stop motion figures from Mother Goose Stories, 20 Million Miles to Earth, Sinbad, Jason & The Argonauts, to the original Clash Of The Titans, plus some!
'Great turnout for two amazing exhibits. If you're familiar with the development and history of animation, these two men are another couple of huge contributors to this amazing art.
'Like a couple of yelp*ers already mentioned, it's a beautiful theater with great, affordable screenings that are available to the public. 'Doesn't get better than this!
- Aloha
Food: 4
Ambiance: 5
Service: 5
Value: 5+ -
Review from Jonathan C.
San Gabriel, CA
3/23/2010
The galleries in the lobby and the fourth floor are really nice and are always free when you go to an event at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The exhibits usually complement the event you just get out of. The only time I have been here and the exhibits were closed were around Oscar time, so who can blame them?
Good: It is free and it is something nice to look at after you get out of the theater.
Bad: Nothing really.
Final: A great place to look around after an event in the theater. -
Review from Stacy M.
11/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Very great venue. Saw the premiere of "127 Hours" here with an industry friend and liked the theater. Big, old school style. The reception in the lobby was well set and I like the big staircase. Nice venue.
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Review from Daniel D.
Los Angeles, CA
5/5/2009
This review is for the Academy's Grand Lobby and Fourth Floor Galleries, located at the Academy Headquarters in Beverly Hills. Both galleries offer free exhibitions that are open to the public, and IMO are "must sees" for any movie fan. Among the Academy's past exhibits were two that showcased a couple of my all time favorite directors, "Akira Kurosawa: Film Artist" and "Casting a Shadow: Creating the Alfred Hitchcock Film." Both exhibits were outstanding; the former displayed 100 of Kurosawa's stunning pre-production paintings, the latter delved into the collaborative process that went into Hitch's films. Most recently I went to "Fellini's Book of Dreams," a sampling of the remarkable writings and drawings that documented the director's dreams over a thirty year span. His original ledgers as well as electronic, browsable versions were on display. All of these shows were packed with behind the scenes items and info, film clips, and insightful essays. The Academy's next exhibit is devoted to anime, and I'm sure it will be just as amazing as the other exhibits I've seen.
The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is also located at the Academy Headquarters, and on almost any given night it serves as the venue for a special event or screening. -
Review from mike s.
Long Beach, CA
6/10/2010
I went here to see the Ray Harryhausen exhibition. They had a lot of the models on display that he used to create the stop motion effects for the numerous movies that the worked on (Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonauts, etc.). The cool thing was that they had clips of his movies playing right next to the models so you could see the finished product on the screen. I'm not a special effects geek by any means but I still liked it. They also had an exhibit of animator Chuck Jones's work (Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Wile E Coyote). If you're a fan of the old Looney Tunes cartoons it's well worth checking out. And it's all free. I even found free parking on one of the residential streets around the corner (read the signs!).
