A Short Post about Nomenclature

The Academy, over the years, has changed its mind several times as to what to call its top honor. I've already written in the posts about Sunrise ("Best Unique and Artistic Production") and Wings ("Best Production") about the odd choice that first year to have two "Best Picture" honors. For the first two years of the Academy's existence, the award was (at times, retroactively) designated as "Outstanding Picture." From the 1929-1930 eligibility year to 1940, it was called "Outstanding Production." For three short years, 1941-1943, the Academy went with "Outstanding Motion Picture." The award became "Best Motion Picture" from 1944 to 1961. Since the awards for 1962 until the present day, it is simply known as "Best Picture." If I am consistent in calling it "Best Picture" for the sake of clarity, regardless of the year, I hope you will forgive me and understand.