ROCK TAVERN, N.Y. — At Urban Art Projects in Rock Tavern, New York, each Oscar statuette embarks on a meticulous journey of craftsmanship that spans several months before making its way to Hollywood.

For the last ten years, this location has been the starting point for every Oscar statuette’s journey to the glitz and glam of Hollywood’s prestigious awards ceremony.

The iconic statuette stands at thirteen and a half inches tall and weighs eight and a half pounds. Each one requires approximately six months to complete from start to finish.

“It gives it a sense of timelessness. It’s this heavy object. It’s meaningful,” explained Ivan Goodman, the manufacturing manager, emphasizing the significance and weight of the Oscar.

The creation process begins with the Oscar molded as a wax figure. Every detail is carefully refined before it is prepared for a ceramic coating.

Once coated, the statuette is cast in bronze and then transported 70 miles south to New York City, where it is plated with a brilliant layer of 24-karat gold, completing its transformation into the iconic award.

Next, it returns to Rock Tavern for assembly to the base and finishing touches.

They are then shipped off to the Academy for the big night.

“I get overwhelmed with joy watching it on TV, you know, it’s a lot of sweat, hard work and talent that goes behind it,” said Finishing Team Lead Salvador Guzman, Jr.

Each Oscar statue has a unique serial number, which is stamped by AMPAS, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Don’t miss Hollywood’s biggest night: The Oscars on ABC!

Our live Oscar pre-show, “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars,” begins at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT and will feature live interviews with the nominees, red carpet fashion analysis and more!

Watch the 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and Hulu, followed by “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose.”