The 3rd Academy Awards ceremony took place in 1930, only a few months after the second ceremony, which was held shortly after the eligibility period ended. The film "All Quiet on the Western Front " won both "Best Picture" and "Best Director," a feat that would become common in later years. Lewis Milestone became the first person to receive two Oscars, having already won "Best Director in Comedy" at the first Academy Awards.

"The Love Parade" received the most nominations, six, but failed to win in any category. This year also saw the introduction of "Best Sound Recording," the first new category since the Oscars' inception. The award went to Douglas Shearer, brother of "Best Actress" winner Norma Shearer, making them the first siblings to win Oscars in history.