Despite its prestigious reputation, the Golden Globe is one of the lightest major awards, it weighs just 7.8 pounds. That’s about the same as a small bag of sugar. Not exactly a workout for the winners, right?

While it may not be as heavy as an Oscar or a SAG Award, it’s still one of the most recognizable trophies in Hollywood.

Image: MUILLU

The Golden Globe has been around since 1944, but in 2009, the award got a makeover. Its base was updated and they reinforced the top for a more durable design.

The refresh made sure this little trophy could withstand the excitement (and maybe the occasional after-party mishap). The new design kept its classic golden charm while making it sturdier for future winners.

Image: Kier in Sight Archives

Now, let’s talk materials: Did you think the Golden Globe is all gold? Not quite! Up to 2019, the trophy was coated in 24-carat gold, sitting on an exotic marble base. However, the new design is made of zinc, brass, and bronze. Goodbye, marble!

That mix of materials makes it both elegant and solid, though it’s still one of the lighter awards out there.

Image: Zlaťáky.cz

If you’ve ever bowled a strike, you’ve lifted something as heavy as a SAG Award. This trophy called "The Actor" is the bulkiest of the bunch, with a hefty 12 pounds.

Contrary to Golden Globe winners, SAG Award winners need a little arm strength to hoist it up for their acceptance speeches. But hey, considering how much actors work out for movie roles, a little extra weight shouldn’t be a problem!

Image: Venti Views

The SAG Award isn’t just heavy, it’s made of solid bronze originally developed for the US Navy.

The same material used in World War II for ship propellers and shell casings is now used to honor Hollywood’s finest, how about that?

Image: Scott Webb

Compared to other long-standing awards, The Actor is still the new kid on the awards block. The SAG Awards are only 30 years old, they are the youngest of the major Hollywood trophies.

However, they’ve quickly become one of the most respected honors in the industry. They acknowledge and reward actors and crews from TV shows and they are highly valued among artists.

Image: Tim Wildsmith

The Grammy Award almost had a very different name. Originally, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences considered calling it "The Eddie," after Thomas Edison, the inventor of the phonograph.

That’s clever, but eventually, they settled on "Grammy," inspired by the gramophone, an early record player.

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Unlike mass-produced trophies, each Grammy is handmade by John Billings and his small team in Ridgeway, Colorado.

It takes 15 hours to craft just one, making each award a true work of art. With only a few people in charge of making them, and only a few people in the world who can win it, there’s a special touch to every trophy.

Image: Randy Fath

Ever noticed how winners don’t immediately have their names on their Grammy Awards? That’s because they’re handed blank fake trophies during the ceremony!

After the show, Billings’ wife, Robin Meiklejohn, carefully engraves the real nameplates. That way, winners get their correctly labeled awards without any last-minute surprises. We bet you’ll be double-checking next time you watch it!

Image: Markus Spiske

Unlike the Grammy Awards, where nameplates are engraved after the winners are announced, the Academy Awards prepare nameplates for every nominee ahead of time. That means each nominee’s name is already printed and waiting backstage, ready to be attached. The losers’ nameplates? Well, let’s just say they don’t make it onto the trophies

Image: Serge Le Strat

Hollywood’s most coveted trophy isn’t just tall, it’s loaded with gold. The Academy Award has more gold than any other major trophy. So, to keep it shiny, the polishing work will require a little time!

It takes an hour of careful work to make sure each Oscar gleams on awards night. Because let’s face it, under those bright Hollywood lights, who wants a dull statue?

Image: Samuel Ramos

Have you ever wondered why the Oscar statue has a unique look? The base is designed as a five-section film reel, representing the Academy’s five core branches: actors, writers, directors, producers, and technicians.

It’s a nod to the many different talents that make a great film possible. A meaningful detail on Hollywood’s biggest prize, don’t you think?

Image: Carol Highsmith's America

Think an Oscar could get one a fortune? Think again! Since 1950, every Oscar winner must agree to offer the trophy back to the Academy for just $1 before selling it.

This rule prevents an underground market for Hollywood’s highest honor, naturally. So if you’re dreaming of buying one, you might need to win it the old-fashioned way: By making a great movie!

Image: Ilya Chunin

The name "Oscar" has a fun origin story. Legend has it that Margaret Herrick, a former Academy librarian, thought the statue looked like her Uncle Oscar, and the name just stuck! Maybe that’s not the real story, but it’s certainly better than calling it "The Academy Award of Merit."

Image: Mirko Fabian