February 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, February 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2012
Fantastic early Oscar for Norman Taurog in the category of "Best Directing" for "Skippy." Taurog won the directing award at age 32 making him, to this day, the youngest ever recipient. He accepted the accolade on only the fourth Oscar ceremony on 10 November 1932 at the Biltmore Hotel. The movie stars his then 9 year old nephew and Oscar nominee, Jackie Cooper. At the ceremony the young star famously fell asleep on the shoulder of Best Actress nominee, Marie Dressler, who won the award later that evening and had to move the sleeping Cooper to accept it. The child star noted in his autobiography, "Please Don't Shoot my Dog," that during filming Taurog threatened to shoot Cooper's dog to make the young actor cry for a scene. The film based on the comic strip by Percy Crosby, centers around the mischievous youngster, Skippy, who helps a new found friend living in a shantytown. Engraved plaque reads, "Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences / First Award / 1931". A circular plaque underneath the statue has the words engraved, "Academy First Award / to / Norman Taurog / for Direction / of / 'Skippy'". The figure and film reel, composed of gold-plated britannium measuring 10.5" tall, top the pedestal, bringing the total height to 12". The pedestal's diameter measures 5.25". The award weighs 7.5 pounds. Some expected wear to statue and green felt backing under the pedestal is wearing away around the edge. Overall in very good condition.
Norman Taurog 1931 Oscar -- "Best Director" for "Skippy" -- Only 4th Year of Academy Awards -- Youngest Ever Winner for Directing
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