Academy Award

American

Trademark.

an annual award given to a performer, director, technician, etc., of the motion-picture industry for superior achievement in a specific category: judged by the voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and symbolized by the presentation of an Oscar.

Academy Award British

noun

the official name for an Oscar

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Academy Award

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Academy Award

It is the director's first movie since 2023's Oppenheimer, which won the Academy Award for best picture.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

The film, adapted from Homer's epic ancient Greek poem, is Nolan's first since 2023's Oppenheimer, which won the Academy Award for best picture.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

Glover, who won an honorary Academy Award in 2022 in recognition of his humanitarian work, is a prolific actor with an impressive range.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

In the video, the Academy Award winner is shown giving clear directions to those gathered for his autograph or to snap a photo with him.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2026

The film grossed more than $7 million and was nominated for an Academy Award.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023