Wizard Of Oz Icon Will Be Part Of Academy Archives

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has acquired the iconic ruby slippers worn by Dorothy (aka Judy Garland) in THE WIZARD OF OZ for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio led a group of “angel donors” whose gifts to the Academy Foundation enabled the purchase. In addition to the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, specific donations came from producer-director Steven Spielberg,former studio head Terry Semel, and Yahoo!, along with other donors. “The ruby slippers occupy an extraordinary place in the hearts of movie audiences the world over,” said Bob Iger, President and CEO of the Walt Disney Company and chair of the capital campaign for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. “This is a transformative acquisition for our collection.” The MGM prop has been auctioned often many times over the years to private collectors. As Dorothy is told by Glinda The Good Witch at the end of the film, “There’s no place like home.”

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