Academy’s First Best Picture, “Wings,” Returns to the Silver Screen

Photos © A.M.P.A.S.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will screen the first Best Picture winner, “Wings,” starring Clara Bow, Charles “Buddy” Rogers, Richard Arlen and Gary Cooper, as part of a celebration of Paramount Pictures’ 100th anniversary, on Wednesday, January 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The evening will premiere a restoration by Paramount Pictures in cooperation with the Academy Film Archive, with live musical accompaniment by Clark Wilson on the Allen Theatre Organ.

The Academy is pleased to return the Best Picture winner “Wings,” which first premiered in 1927, to the big screen in a vibrant and meticulously restored version that includes the original color tints and re-creates the Handschiegl color process used for additional visual effects. Organist Clark Wilson, who has accompanied silent films at theaters around the country including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, will offer live organ accompaniment that provides an authentic period recreation and also serves to bring the film’s emotional power to life for modern audiences.

In addition to its distinction for Outstanding Picture (1927/28), the film also took home an Oscar for Engineering Effects (Roy Pomeroy).

“Wings” is presented in conjunction with “Paramount’s Movie Milestones: A Centennial Celebration,” an exhibition of photographs, posters, design sketches and personal correspondence highlighting some of Paramount’s most celebrated films and filmmakers over the past 100 years. The exhibition will be open to the public from Friday, January 6, through Sunday, February 5, in the Academy’s Grand Lobby Gallery. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends, noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Tickets for “Wings” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID, and will be available for purchase now, online at www.oscars.org, in person at the Academy box office and by mail.

The Samuel Goldwyn Theater and the Academy Grand Lobby Gallery are located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Theater doors open at 6:30 p.m. All seating is unreserved. For more information, call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.

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