(May/June 2025) The Southern California wildfires in January 2025 had devastating effects on the Los Angeles area, destroying more than 16,000 structures—including homes and businesses.

Among the items lost in the flames were countless memories, mementos, and—for a few—one of the most coveted trophies in the entertainment industry: the Oscar.

For those whose Oscar statuettes were destroyed in the fires, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has offered to provide replacements. Affected recipients can contact the Academy to begin the process. A small number of unengraved statuettes are currently available and can be personalized upon request.

The Oscar statuette, officially called the Academy Award of Merit, was first presented in 1929. It stands 13.5 inches tall, weighs 8.5 pounds, and depicts a knight holding a sword while standing on a reel of film with five spokes, representing the original branches of the Academy: actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers.

The statuette was originally cast in solid bronze and has been made from various materials over the years, including painted plaster during World War II due to metal shortages. Since 2016, the statuettes have returned to a solid bronze core, finished with 24-karat gold plating, and have been manufactured by Polich Tallix Fine Art Foundry, now operated by UAP Urban Art Projects, in Rock Tavern, New York.

The Academy has not confirmed how many replacement statuettes have been requested or issued.