Making the Oscar Statuettes (13 images)

The 2010 Oscar statuettes are manufactured by the R. S. Owens and Company in Chicago. Established in 1938, R.S. Owens pioneered many of the award industry’s technology breakthroughs, including being the first to use zinc instead of lead in metal castings. The Oscars will be presented at the 2010 Academy Awards March 7, 2010. UPI/David Banks

Metal is Poured into a mold to cast the statuette. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)

Metal is Poured into a mold to cast the statuette. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)

Metal is Poured into a mold to cast the statuette. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)

Luis Villalobos casts the Oscar statuettes at the R. S. Owen & Company factory. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)

Alvaro Landa polishes the 2010 Oscar statuettes. UPI/David Banks