From Daniel Day-Lewis to Meryl Streep, 10 Legendary Actors Who Have Won Multiple Oscars

The Actors Who Have Dominated the Academy Awards

The Academy Awards, widely known as the Oscars, represent the apex of recognition within the film industry. Annually, actors, directors, and filmmakers worldwide aspire to secure one of these prestigious awards. There are also many from the industry who have received multiple nominations but haven't won the Oscars. Over the years, a select few exceptional talents have not only received several nominations but have also clinched multiple Oscar victories. Let's delve into the extraordinary paths and careers of these remarkable individuals who have risen as the most accomplished Academy Awards winners.

1. Jack Nicholson – 3 Oscars

Jack Nicholson stands as an iconic figure in the realm of cinema. Spanning several decades, his illustrious career has garnered him three coveted Oscars. His initial triumph came in 1976 when he was honored with the Best Actor award for his role in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." With humor and gratitude, Nicholson thanked his agent during his acceptance speech, recalling the agent's earlier skepticism about his acting prospects. Nicholson continued his winning streak with a Best Supporting Actor win for "Terms Of Endearment" in 1983 and another Best Actor accolade for "As Good As It Gets" in 1997.

2. Daniel Day-Lewis – 3 Oscars

Daniel Day-Lewis is renowned for his unwavering dedication and exceptional acting prowess. Having claimed three Oscars, he has left an indelible imprint on the film industry. His maiden Oscar triumph arrived in 1989 when he secured the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Christy Brown in "My Left Foot." This was followed by Best Actor victories for his performances in "There Will Be Blood" (2007) and "Lincoln" (2012). During his 2013 acceptance speech, the actor conveyed profound gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the fortunate turn his life had taken.

3. Walter Brennan – 3 Oscars

Walter Brennan occupies a distinctive position in Oscar history as the sole actor to clinch three Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a remarkably brief span of four years. His consecutive triumphs commenced with "Come and Get It" in 1936, followed by "Kentucky" in 1938, and culminated with "The Westerner" in 1940. Brennan's versatility and talent established him as a celebrated figure during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Walter Brennan's three Oscars in four years remain unmatched, solidifying his Hollywood legacy.

4. Katharine Hepburn – 4 Oscars

Katharine Hepburn is the only actor in the history of the Academy Awards to have won four Oscars. Her remarkable career includes wins for Best Actress in "Morning Glory" (1933), "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967), "The Lion in Winter" (1968), and "On Golden Pond" (1981). Katharine Hepburn was named the greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema by the American Film Institute in 1999. Hepburn's impressive Oscar collection reflects her dedication to her craft and her profound impact on cinema.

5. Meryl Streep – 3 Oscars

Meryl Streep, an iconic figure in the realm of acting, has clinched three coveted Oscars throughout her illustrious journey in Hollywood. Her initial triumph in 1979 bestowed her with the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in "Kramer vs. Kramer." Streep's undeniable talent continued to dazzle the Academy, leading to further victories for Best Actress in "Sophie's Choice" (1982) and "The Iron Lady" (2011). Her enduring excellence and unmatched versatility have firmly established her as one of the most revered and celebrated actors of her era.

6. Frances McDormand – 3 Oscars

Frances McDormand, celebrated for her authentic and compelling performances on the silver screen, boasts an impressive trio of Oscar wins. Her most recent triumph came in 2021, with her portrayal in "Nomadland," where she used her acceptance speech to champion the enchantment of cinema and the significance of communal theater experiences. McDormand's prior accolades include Best Actress honors for "Fargo" (1996) and "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" (2017). McDormand's unmatched talent continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying her iconic status.

7. Ingrid Bergman – 3 Oscars

Ingrid Bergman, the Swedish cinematic luminary, captured the hearts of audiences and the respect of the Academy with three Oscar victories during her illustrious career. In 1975, her third Oscar win was a gracious tribute to her fellow nominee Valentina Cortese, underscoring Bergman's humility and camaraderie within the film industry. Her triumphant moments on the Oscar stage include Best Actress recognitions for "Gaslight" (1944) and "Anastasia" (1956) as well as a Best Supporting Actress win for her role in "Murder on the Orient Express" (1974).

8. Anthony Quinn –​ 2 Wins (4 Nominations)

Anthony Quinn, the versatile Mexican-American actor, garnered four Oscar nominations throughout his illustrious career. While his talents earned him two Best Supporting Actor wins, he also secured nominations for Best Actor twice. Quinn clinched his Oscars for his remarkable performances in "Viva Zapata!" (1952) and "Lust for Life" (1956). Beyond acting, his contributions to cinema as a painter, writer, and film director have left an enduring legacy, solidifying his place in Hollywood history.

9. Gary Cooper – 2 Wins (5 Nominations)

Gary Cooper, renowned for his authentic acting style, amassed five Oscar nominations during his remarkable career. He clinched the Academy Award for Best Actor twice, displaying his exceptional talent in "Sergeant York" (1941) and "High Noon" (1952). Cooper's ability to infuse depth and authenticity into his characters endeared him to audiences and solidified his status as an iconic figure in the world of Hollywood. Gary Cooper's timeless performances continue to inspire actors and captivate movie lovers around the globe.

10. Gene Hackman – 2 Wins (5 Nominations)

Gene Hackman, boasting two Oscar wins and five nominations, enjoyed a remarkable film career spanning multiple decades. His Best Actor triumph in "The French Connection" (1971) and Best Supporting Actor win for "Unforgiven" (1992) underscore his versatility and skill as an actor. He was also nominated for Oscars in "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967), "I Never Sang for My Father" (1970), and "Mississippi Burning" (1988). Hackman's iconic performances across various genres firmly established him as a prominent and enduring figure in the ever-evolving landscape of cinema.