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The notion of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences ( AMPAS ) began with Louis B. Mayer, head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ( MGM ).

He wanted to create an organization that would mediate labor disputes and improve the industry ’ s image.

So, on a Sunday evening, Mayer and three other studio big-wigs-actor Conrad Nagel, director Fred Niblo, and the head of the Association of Motion Picture Producers, Fred Beetson-sat down and discussed these matters.

The idea of this elite club having an annual banquet was tossed around, but there was no mention of awards just yet.

They also established that membership into the organization would only be open to people involved in one of the five branches of the industry: actors, directors, writers, technicians, and producers.