The nickname "Oscar" originated informally, and its exact origin is debated:
* One popular story: Academy librarian Margaret Herrick saw the statuette and said, "It looks just like my Uncle Oscar!"
* Another story: Walt Disney jokingly called the award "Oscar" in his acceptance speech for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The Academy never officially adopted the nickname "Oscar," but it's been widely used since the 1930s, and is now considered a standard part of the awards' popular recognition.