Best Picture: Cimarron
Cimarron also won Academy Awards for Art Direction (Max Rée) and Writing – Adaptation (Howard Estabrook)
The Scientific or Technical Awards were presented for the first time.
President Herbert Hoover sent Vice President Charles Curtis to attend the ceremony.
At the ceremony, nine-year-old Jackie Cooper, nominated for Best Actor in Skippy, fell asleep on the shoulder of Best Actress nominee Marie Dressler. When Dressler was announced as the winner, Cooper had to be eased onto his mother’s lap.
In August 1930, Betty Boop premiered in the animated film Dizzy Dishes.
On December 2, 1930, President Herbert Hoover gave his State of the Union Address, in which he asked for at least $100 million to fund a public works program to help generate jobs and stimulate the economy.
In February 1931, the original Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi, was released.
In March 1931, The Star-Spangled Banner was adopted as the national anthem of the United States.
In March 1931, Nevada legalized gambling.
On May 1,1931, New York City’s Empire State Building opened to the public.