This striking photo of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was taken on March 2, 1944. It was an auspicious night because it was the first time the Academy awards – technically known as the AMPAS Awards of Merit Ceremony – were held in a theater. Previously they’d been held at the Roosevelt, the Ambassador, or the Biltmore hotels. That night was the 16^th annual ceremony and this year (2016) will be the 88^th! (Thanks to Kurt at www.GraumansChinese.org for this gem)