Bronze is one of the most popular metal alloys we use for casting sculpture recognition awards.Bronze is also one of the most prolific metal alloys in the history of mankind – in fact, an entire span of civilization is referred to as the “Bronze Age.” Since it is such an important alloy in past and present sculptures (including our awards), it is interesting to understand the role it has played throughout the centuries.It is fascinating that this material, and the methodology for casting it, has changed very little over the last 6 millenniums, and this adds to the richness and personality of the bronze awards that we create.

Everyone likes to win awards, right? And while you may have a box full of Little League and youth soccer participation awards kicking around in a closet somewhere let’s be honest, you aren’t busting those awards out anytime soon to impress people.

As one of the most recognized and prestigious awards in the world, we at Bennett Awards are really intrigued by the history of the Oscar statuette associated with the Academy Awards.

We are excited to roll out a new, complimentary website to Bennett Awards: Bennett Collectibles. Bennett Collectibles are unique, handcrafted collectibles and gifts that are sure to bring a smile to any face. These creative, handmade sculptures, jewelry and artwork are a joy to collect over the seasons, and are also a great platform for gifting that can span many years and occasions. All of these items are created by some of the same artists that design our awards!

Archeologists have uncovered bronze sculptures from Ancient Greece and Rome, the Shang Dynasty period in China, as well as from the Chola Dynasty in South India. Just about every major civilization in history created bronze sculptures at one point or another, using a process known as lost wax casting to create small and intricate pieces like jewelry and vases, all the way to life-size statues and replicas. 

When most people think of a bronze award they think of third place; gold for first, silver for second, and bronze for third, right? For the record, most of the world’s most famous golden awards aren’t actually made of solid gold. And bronze awards, especially custom-designed bronze awards, are actually a lot more special than their usual 3rd place spot makes them seem.

In 1939, playwright George Bernard Shaw was awarded the Academy Award for his screenplay for the movie version of Pygmalion. But Shaw wasn’t on hand to receive it. From England, he reportedly said, “It’s perfect nonsense! To offer me an award of this sort is an insult, as if they had never heard of me before — and it’s very likely they never had.” When Shaw died in 1950, his statuette was found to be in such bad shape that the curator who was turning his home into a museum used Oscar as a doorstop! Eventually, the statuette was repaired and is now displayed at the museum.