While the Academy Award statuette is famously known as 'Oscar,' its physical composition has changed over time. Since 1982, the figures have been made of 'Britannium' (a pewter-like alloy) and plated in 24-karat gold. However, during World War II, there was a severe shortage of metal due to the war effort. For three years (1943–1945), the Academy did not give out metal Oscars. Instead, winners were presented with statuettes made of painted plaster. After the war ended and metal became available again, the Academy invited all the winners from those years to exchange their plaster awards for the traditional gold-plated metal ones. This remains the only time in Hollywood history that the most prestigious award in cinema was made of common household building materials, symbolizing the industry's contribution to the national sacrifice.