Back before we we all loved to hate the ceremony and black-and-white had become some retro novelty, the Oscars were a bit more fun. Take a look back through what LIFE deems their best Oscar photos from throughout the years. Some are rather funny.
Audrey Hepburn Before ...
Sitting beside her mother in the audience, the 24-year-old star of Roman Holiday nervously nibbles a finger as she waits to hear who will take home best actress in 1954.
Leonard Mccombe/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images.
... Audrey Hepburn After
After delivering a brief but touchingly sincere acceptance speech, the ecstatic young actress cradles her prize. Not counting the Jean Hersholt award for her humanitarian efforts, this would be the only Oscar she'd ever win.
Leonard Mccombe/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images.
Walt Disney Backstage, 1954
Producer Walt Disney, who won an unprecedented four Oscars at the 1954 Academy Awards, discovers that one of his trophies needs a little repair.
George Silk/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images.
Check Your Hat and Your Oscar, 1954
From Here to Eternity producer Buddy Adler left his best picture prize in the coat check closet at Romanoff's restaurant during a 1954 Oscar after-party.
Ed Clark/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images.
Ladies Room Chatter, 1954
Donna Reed and Esther Williams chat outside the ladies room at the Romanoff's after-party, the night Reed won best supporting actress for her performance in From Here to Eternity.
Ed Clark/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images.
Late for a Very Important Date, 1953
TV actress Sandra White's slip falls from underneath her gown as she rushes into the Oscars. Lucky for her she has a quick-witted date, who scoops it up.
Loomis Dean/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images.
Eva Marie Saint's Shock and Awe, 1955
In disbelief, the On the Waterfront actress walks to the stage to accept best supporting actress.
Michael Rougier/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images.
All About the Nominees, 1972
There really is an academy behind the Academy Awards. Pictured, a pile of research files on Oscar nominees.
