The Greats: Actors and Actresses with the Most Academy Awards

Throughout the golden age of Hollywood, several actors and actresses have distinguished themselves with multiple Academy Award wins, cementing their status in cinematic history. Each of these accolades represents not just a moment of recognition, but a career milestone that transcends the silver screen.

Multiple Academy Award Winners

As of 2023, a total of 45 actors and actresses have won multiple Academy Awards for acting. Among these, some have achieved remarkable milestones, winning more than one or even three Oscars in their careers. Here is a comprehensive look at the record holders:

Female Actors with the Most Wins

Katharine Hepburn - 4 Oscars for Best Actress Frances McDormand - 3 Oscars for Best Actress Ingrid Bergman - 3 Oscars, 2 for Best Actress, 1 for Best Supporting Actress Meryl Streep - 3 Oscars for Best Supporting Actress, and 17 Oscar nominations for Best Actress, leading with the most nominations by any actor, male or female

Male Actors with the Most Wins

Adaptability and Versatility: Daniel Day-Lewis - 3 Oscars for Best Actor, spanning different decades and genres Legendary Versatility: Walter Brennan - 3 Oscars for Best Supporting Actor, showcasing his incredible range Masculine Mastery: Meryl Streep, though she is considered a female, significantly impacted male winners - 3 Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor, leading with the most nominations by any actor, male or female Defying Genre Expectations: Jack Nicholson - 3 Oscar nominations

Notable Records and Milestones

Katharine Hepburn stands out as the female actor with the highest number of Academy Awards, having won four Best Actress Oscars. Her achievements include:

Morning Glory (1934) Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1968) The Lion in Winter (1968) On Golden Pond (1982)

Btw, Katharine's first and second awards were spaced 30 years apart, and she received a further eight nominations in between, making her twelve overall nominations.

Ingrid Bergman's Triple Crown

Ingrid Bergman is another actor to note for her three Academy Awards, achieving both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, over a span of 26 years. Her notable performances include:

Gaslight (1944) Anastasia (1956) Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

She was nominated as Best Actress a further four times throughout her career.

Walter Brennan's Supporting Act

Walter Brennan is famous for his three Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor, winning during the Golden Era. His career highlighted his versatility and skill in supporting roles, notably:

Coming and Get It (1936) Kentucky (1938) The Westerner (1940), and another nomination in 1941

Other Notable Three-Time Winners

Other actors and actresses who have won three Oscars include:

Jack Nicholson - 3 nominations Frances McDormand - 3 nominations for Best Actress Daniel Day-Lewis - 3 nominations for Best Actor Jodie Foster - 1 for Best Actress, 2 for Best Supporting Actress

Conclusion

The list of actors and actresses who have won multiple Oscars for acting is a who's who of extraordinary talent. From the timeless performances of Katharine Hepburn to the versatile careers of Daniel Day-Lewis and Meryl Streep, these starring roles reflect the enduring legacy of excellence in the film industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains a testament to their talent and the enduring impact of their work.