In just a few weeks' time, the oldest and perhaps most prestigious film awards ceremony in the world turns 95. A true celebration of cinematic artistry, theOscarsacknowledge iconic films and acting talent, as well as recognizing the creative minds of those behind the lens.
Nearing its centennial, there have been some astonishing records held since the Oscars' inception in 1929, from the youngest and oldest winners to the most successful films of all time. Let’s take a look at some of the records set over the preceding 94 Academy Awards…
Most ‘Best Actor’ Wins: Daniel Day-Lewis (3)
After starring in the 1997 Irish sports dramaThe Boxer,Daniel Day-Lewistook a five-year hiatus from acting. It was at this time that he traveled to Italy and studied under the legendary Shoemaker, Stefano Bemer. For 10 months, Day-Lewis perfected his craft as a Cobbler in Florence.
Related:Best Daniel Day-Lewis Movies, Ranked
As for any actor, the lure of working with Martin Scorsese was far too tempting to turn down, and thus, the British-Irish actor returned to the big screen in 2002’sGangs of New York. That five-year break makes his unequaled feat of three Academy Awards for Best Actor (out of six nominations) even more impressive. His exceptional performances inMy Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, andLincolngarnered critical acclaim and deserved recognition from the Academy.
Most ‘Best Actress’ Wins: Katharine Hepburn (4)
With a staggering 12 nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress,Katharine Hepburnclaimed a breathtaking and unparalleled four wins for the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actress with her displays inMorning Glory, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Lion in Winter, andOn Golden Pond. Her persona and charisma was so great, that Cate Blanchett won an award for just playing Katherine Hepburn. Hepburn was recognized asthe Best Actress of all timeby the American Film Institute.
Most Nominations for a Film: All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land (14)
Three movies share the mantle for most nominations in Oscar history.James Cameron’sTitanic, Joseph L. Mankiewicz’sAll About Eve, and Damien Chazelle’sLa La Landtop the rankings with 14 nominations apiece.
Most Acting Nominations: Meryl Streep (21)
With a career spanning 45 years,Meryl Streepis undeniably a modern great, with a phenomenal three Academy Award wins for Best Actress to her name, just edged out by Katherine Hepburn. Her history of nominations is incomparable with a stellar 21, almost averaging a nomination every other year since her silver screen debut in 1977.Meryl Streep’s performancesare almost always unique, and she may just tie or top Hepburn’s record in the future.
Most Awards Won by a Film: Ben Hur, Titanic, and Lord of the Rings (11)
In a similar case to those nominated, the accolade for most awards won by a single film is an honor divided between three epics. William Wyler’sBen Hur, 1996’sTitanic, and Peter Jackson’s fantasy adventureLord of the Rings: Return of the Kingeach won 11 Oscars. Quite the trio, ey.
Most ‘Best Cinematography’ Wins: Joseph Ruttenberg and Leon Shamroy (4)
Known for their respective works onMrs. MiniverandCleopatra,Joseph RuttenbergandLeon Shamroywere filmmaking pioneers, winning four Academy Awards for Best Cinematography each. The decorated duo were prolific fromthe silent erain the 1920s to the transition into shooting in Technicolor in the 1950s and 60s.
Most ‘Best Director’ Wins: John Ford (4)
John Ford’s movie-making stylewas characterized by his frequent deployment of wide shots of vast, harsh terrain as seen in movies likeThe SearchersandThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, his distinct, expressionistic style, and his depiction of thrilling action. These attributes won him many admirers at the Academy, and would see him go on to claim four Oscars, an achievement yet to be rivaled.
Most Nominations for One Category in a Single Year: Elliott J. Clawson (4)
Elliott J. Clawsonis a name probably unfamiliar to many, yet he is a person of considerable significance within the realms of film and popular culture. Not only did he write four movies that were released in the same year, but they were all nominated for Oscars.
Related:The Powerful Story of the Only Actor to Win Two Oscars for the Same Performance
In a somewhat anomalous year for the Oscars, Clawson was nominated for four Academy Awards at the 1930 ceremony, all of which were in the same Best Screenwriting category. Clawson wrote and was nominated forThe Cop, Sal of Singapore, Skyscraper, andThe Leatherneck.Against all odds, none of these films would go on to win him the Oscar.
Most Supporting Actor Wins: Walter Brennan (3)
Beginning his acting life as a financially impoverished extra for Universal,Walter Brennan’s rise from minnow to household name was a rapid one. With three Best Supporting Actor prizes to his name, with outings inCome and Get It, Kentucky, andThe Westerner, he remains the only other actor besides Daniel Day Lewis to have won three Academy Awards.
Most Supporting Actress Wins: Dianne Wiest and Shelley Winters (2)
Two names sit atop of this esteemed list;Dianne WiestandShelley Winters. Wiest secured her two Oscar triumphs with her role as Holly in Woody Allen’s quirky dramatic comedy,Hannah and Her Sisters, as well as another Allen hit,Bullets Over Broadway. The sole record-holder for just shy of 30 years, Shelley Winters was sensational inThe Diary of Anne Frankand 1965’sA Patch of Blue.
Most Original Screenplay Wins: Woody Allen (4)
It is hardly surprising after one bears witness to the often peculiar characters and idiosyncratic dialogue of his array of classic pictures thatWoody Allenis the most prolific screenwriter in Oscar history. With four sword-bearing gold knights to his name, he is unequivocally beloved by the Academy, with 16 nominations, and is sometimes considered the best writer of his generation. .
Oldest Acting Oscar Winner: Anthony Hopkins
Aged 83 years and 117 days,Anthony Hopkinsdeservedly, and remarkably won his second Oscar for Best Actor for his rendition of a dementia sufferer in 2021’sThe Father, making him the oldest acting Oscar winner. Now, at the age of 85, the veteran actor is showing no sign of slowing down, appearing in five films in the past two years, andstarring in the upcomingGladiatorseries.
Youngest Acting Oscar Winner: Tatum O’Neal
Born in 1963,Tatum O’Nealachieved in 10 years, what many could only dream of in a lifetime. Not only was shenominated at such a young age, but she took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Addie Loggins in 1973’sPaper Moon.
