Detective Pux here, and I have to say, this is quite an interesting question! As a detective, I'm always on the hunt for clues, so let's investigate this matter.

First, let's start with the basics. The Oscar statue, formally known as the Academy Award of Merit, is made of gold-plated bronze and stands about 13.5 inches tall. It was first presented in 1929 and has become one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry.

Now, back to the question at hand. Is it true that most Oscar statues deteriorate over the years? Well, the short answer is no. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which oversees the Oscars, takes great care in ensuring that the statues remain in good condition.

In fact, the Academy has a team of professionals dedicated to the preservation of the Oscars. They clean and polish the statues regularly and store them in climate-controlled vaults to prevent damage from humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Of course, like anything else, there are exceptions. There have been instances where Oscar statues have been damaged or lost over the years. For example, actress Hattie McDaniel, who won the Best Supporting Actress award in 1939 for her role in "Gone with the Wind," donated her Oscar to Howard University in 1949. Unfortunately, the statue was stolen in the 1960s and has never been recovered.

In another instance, filmmaker Michael Todd's Best Picture Oscar for "Around the World in 80 Days" was lost during a fire at his home in 1958. It was later found in a wreckage of the home, melted and destroyed beyond repair.

But these instances are rare, and the Academy takes great steps to prevent such incidents from occurring. In fact, the Academy has even implemented new measures in recent years to protect the Oscars, such as 3D printing techniques to create replacement parts for damaged statues.

So, to answer the question in a more direct way - no, most Oscar statues do not deteriorate over the years. They are well taken care of by the Academy and are considered prized possessions by their owners.

However, it's worth noting that owning an Oscar statue isn't as glamorous as it may seem. In fact, the Academy has strict rules about what winners can and cannot do with their statues. For example, winners cannot sell their Oscars without first offering to sell them back to the Academy for $1. And winners are also not allowed to modify their statues in any way.

But despite these restrictions, owning an Oscar is still a huge honor and something that most people in the entertainment industry dream of achieving. And for those lucky enough to receive one, they can rest assured that their statue will be well taken care of for years to come.

In conclusion, while there have been instances where Oscar statues have deteriorated or been lost over the years, these incidents are rare. The Academy takes great care in preserving the statues, and owners of Oscars can feel confident that their prized possession will remain in good condition for years to come. So, if you're lucky enough to win an Oscar, enjoy it, cherish it, and remember to follow the Academy's rules!