16th Academy Awards

The 16th Academy Awards, in 1944, was the first Oscar ceremony held at a large public venue, Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Free passes were given out to men and women in uniform. The more theatrical approach makes it a forerunner of the contemporary Oscar telecast.

For the first time, supporting actors and actresses took home full-size statuettes, instead of smaller-sized awards mounted on a plaque.

This was the last year until 2009 to have 10 nominations for best picture.

Also The Ox-Bow Incident was the last film to be nominated for best picture and nothing else.