In Order To Win An Oscar, You Have To Go Through Upstate New York

The 2026 Oscars have finally come and gone, and it was one of the best we've seen in ages. From the first tie since 2012 to Paul Thomas Anderson winning his first award after 17 straight nominations, it was a night to remember.

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As the winners left the stage, though, I'm sure many were unaware that the golden statue they held is a product of Upstate New York.

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It Wasn't Always New York

When the Oscars started in 1929, the original statue used for the trophy was cast in solid bronze and plated with 24-karat gold. Unfortunately, times changed quickly, and in 1987, the Academy switched over to R.S. Owens, based in Chicago, who began using a gold-plated tin alloy for the award.

That ran all the way until 2015, when the Oscars decided it was time to go back to the weightier bronze sculpt. Well, R.S. Owens wasn't able to keep that up, so the Academy had to go looking, and their search brought them to beautiful Upstate, New York.

The Oscars Head to Upstate

In 2016, the Academy made their choice: The new manufacturers of the Oscars were Polich Tallix Fine Art Foundry, based in Rock Tavern, New York. They immediately brought back the original recipe for the award, and restored features from the original design by George Stanley.

Polich Tallix has remained the name behind the statue since, and manufactures each and every award that is handed out on Hollywood's Biggest Night. So congratulations Michael B. Jordan, you've got a piece of Upstate history on your hands.