February 08

On February 8, 1915, filmmaker D. W. Griffith premiered 'The Birth of a Nation' in Los Angeles. The silent epic depicted the Civil War and Reconstruction era with groundbreaking cinematic techniques. Griffith pioneered innovations in cross-cutting, large-scale battle sequences, and narrative scope. However, the film drew fierce criticism for its racist portrayal of African Americans and glorification of the Ku Klux Klan. Its commercial success and technical achievements deeply influenced the future of Hollywood filmmaking. The legacy of 'The Birth of a Nation' remains contested, balancing cinematic artistry with its controversial content.

On February 8, 1960, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce officially created the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The project aimed to celebrate achievements in film, television, music, radio, and later, theatre and live performance. Bronze stars bearing the names of celebrities were embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard. The first eight stars were unveiled on April 11, 1960, at a ceremony attended by pioneering figures of Hollywood's Golden Age. Over the decades, the Walk of Fame has become a beloved tourist attraction and cultural landmark. It reflects the evolving landscape of popular entertainment and honors both historical icons and contemporary stars. The selection process involves a committee, fan nominations, and sponsorship fees. Today, it remains one of Los Angeles's most visited sites, drawing millions of visitors annually.