American cinema has its origins in the late 19th century with Thomas Edison and his experiments with motion pictures. By the 1920s, the United States had become the world's leading producer and exporter of films, largely due to the success of the Hollywood studio system. Over subsequent decades, American films dominated global box office revenues driven by stars like Chaplin, musicals, animation, and blockbuster hits from directors like Spielberg and Lucas. The Academy Awards ceremony recognizes excellence in American film each year.