Extremely rare Academy Award medal, measuring 1.75″ in diameter, given to Clarence Sinclair Bull in 1942 for his outstanding achievement in Hollywood photography. Front features the words “Annual Still Photography Medal” and an Academy Award statuette in relief, with text on the reverse reading, “Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, First Award to Clarence Bull, For Outstanding Achievement, Class 7, 1942.” The lustrous gold-plated award features a beautiful mirror-like finish. In fine condition.
Remembered for his portraits of the stars during Hollywood's 'Golden Age,' Clarence Sinclair Bull served as head of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer stills department for nearly forty years, helping to develop and refine the art of the Hollywood glamour shot. Among the silver screen icons who sat for him were Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Hedy Lamarr, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Marion Davies, Grace Kelly, Katharine Hepburn, and Gary Cooper. Official awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences are nearly impossible to obtain, making this handsome medal—awarded to one of Hollywood's most famous photographers—an exceedingly desirable piece.
