Oscars: What Happens After Winners' Names Are Revealed?

While the golden statuettes are the ultimate Oscar prize, the sealed envelopes holding the winners' names hold a unique place in awards show history. Designed by Marc Friedland in 2011, three sets of winner cards are created for each category. Two sets end up at the ceremony, with the lucky winner getting to keep their card and envelope as a memento.

For celebrities, these envelopes become cherished keepsakes. Catherine Zeta-Jones proudly displays her envelope for 'Chicago' framed alongside her statuette.  

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Steven Spielberg keeps all three of his winning envelopes displayed in his office. Some winners, like Christopher Lord and Phil Miller, even gift their envelopes to colleagues; they're going to their publicist. Unlike the statuettes, which cannot be sold without first being offered back to the Academy, there are no restrictions on what winners can do with their envelopes.

Auction houses have seen sales of past winner envelopes, including Gregory Peck's 'Best Actor' card for 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and the best picture envelope for 'The Bridge on the River Kwai.' For fans on a budget, there's even a more affordable option. Lupita Nyong'o's 2014 'Best Supporting Actress' envelope was once available for viewing for a $25 admission fee. 

So, while the golden statuettes remain the ultimate symbol of Oscar glory, the winner envelopes hold their unique place in awards show history, becoming cherished keepsakes or even a rare glimpse into Oscar night for dedicated fans.

-Sushmita Sarkar