This detailed reference provides a complete record of Academy Award winners and nominees through 1991. All nominees in all categories are listed, and the volume includes recipients of special awards as well. Each award category begins with a short headnote that traces the development of the award and discusses significant facts about it. The award categories are divided into sections for each year. Within the listing for a particular year are the nominees for the award, related credits, and the winner of the award.

Shale begins with a short historical overview of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Part I lists Academy Award winners and nominees by award categories, with sections devoted to annual awards, other awards, and discontinued categories. Part II is a chronological index of Academy Awards. Thus full information for an award can be located through either the type of award or the year. Shale concludes with appendices of academy founders, presidents, and directors of best pictures; a selected, annotated bibliography; and an index. The result is the most comprehensive record of the Academy Awards available.