| 1st | |
| Date: | Thursday, May 16, 1929 |
| Site: | Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Hollywood, California |
| Best Picture: | Wings |
| Most Wins: | Seventh Heaven (3) |
| Host: | Douglas Fairbanks William C. DeMille |
| Duration: | 15 minutes |
| Next: | 2nd |
The 1st Academy Awards were presented on May 16, 1929 at a private dinner held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Tickets cost $5 and fewer than 250 people attended. The whole ceremony lasted only 15 minutes. Unlike later events, the winners had been announced months prior to the ceremony. This was also the only Academy Award ceremony not to be broadcast in some way.
Unlike later ceremonies, awards could be granted to an actor or director for multiple works within a year. Emil Jannings, for example, was given the Best Actor award for his work in both The Way of All Flesh and The Last Command.
- For versatility and genius in acting, writing, directing and producing The Circus.- Though nominated for best actor, the academy decided to remove Chaplin's name from the competitive classes and instead award him a Special Award.
- For producing The Jazz Singer, the pioneer outstanding talking picture, which has revolutionized the industry.