10 Actors With More Than One Oscar & 10 You'll Be Shocked Have Never Won
The Most Prized Gold Statue
Even though it's an honor to be nominated for an Oscar, nothing quite beats winning one. After all, it is the most prized, prestigious award in all of acting! Every actor and actress dreams of having their big moment on stage, giving the speech they've been practicing since they first started. But do you know who's actually won before? While some names will seem obvious, you're going to be surprised by some that are missing from the list. Here are 10 impressive actors who have won multiple times, and 10 you'll be disappointed have yet to claim the title of "Academy Award Winner."
1. Meryl Streep
It shouldn't be surprising to hear the Queen of Acting's got several Oscars under her belt! Starring in various award-winning movies over the last five decades, Meryl Streep has won an impressive three Oscars throughout her career. Though she doesn't have the most wins in history, she does have the most nominations - sitting at a whopping 21 Academy Award nominations, which is far more than any other actor in history.
Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan on Wikimedia
2. Emma Stone
Though you might've grown up watching her in cult classics like Crazy, Stupid, Love and Easy A, Emma Stone has blossomed into a truly remarkable performer who has won two Oscars for Best Actress! Nowadays, you can catch her in all the best highly acclaimed films coming out in theatres. You always know you're in for a treat if she's starring!
3. Daniel Day-Lewis
Often considered one of the greats, Daniel Day-Lewis is tied with Meryl Streep for having won three Oscars in his career - all for Best Actor! His filmography is beyond amazing, with impressive acting credits for films like Gangs of New York, Phantom Thread, and The Age of Innocence. There's no doubt he's someone many aspiring young actors look up to for inspiration.
4. Jack Nicholson
Though he hasn't been seen on screen for many years, Jack Nicholson has cemented himself in Hollywood history as one of the best actors of the century. Not only has he starred in beloved films like One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, The Shining, and The Departed, he's got a total of three Oscar wins to prove his amazing talent (as if he needed them to show that!).
5. Michael Caine
Whether you know him as Batman's caring butler Alfred or Ebenezer Scrooge, Michael Caine has played an impressive array of characters throughout his career. While he's known for repeatedly working with Christopher Nolan in five of his fantastic films, this retired actor has credits that have spanned the last eight decades. And throughout this long and esteemed career, he's managed to claim two Academy Awards.
Manfred Werner / Tsui on Wikimedia
6. Adrien Brody
Our most recent multiple Oscar winner, Adrien Brody claimed the Best Actor win at the 2025 Oscars for his brilliant performance in The Brutalist. Combined with his win in 2003 for The Pianist, this two-time Academy Award winner has definitely got the acting chops to back his success.
7. Tom Hanks
Is there anybody on the planet who doesn't love Tom Hanks? Kids love him for his voice acting as Woody in the beloved Toy Story franchise, while adults adore him for his heartwarming performance in Forrest Gump! Having won two Oscars in his career, it's truly a testament to this man's versatility and ability to make every character his own. We still think he's got it in him to get one more!
Dick Thomas Johnson on Wikimedia
8. Cate Blanchett
It doesn't matter if you first fell in love with her as Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings or Hela from the Thor franchise, Cate Blanchett always nails whatever role she's given. And if you really needed extra convincing, perhaps her two shiny gold awards will help you understand that! Often seen as one of the greatest actresses of this century, her filmography alone speaks to her undeniable talent.
9. Sean Penn
As an actor and director, there's no questioning that Sean Penn was always destined for filmmaking. His intense performances have garnered him two Oscar wins throughout his career, but it's safe to say his acting credits are deserving of more. He's an icon in the world of Hollywood and will forever be remembered in the fantastic films he's starred in and made.
10. Denzel Washington
A favorite actor to many, Denzel Washington is so deserving of his two Academy Awards. He always knows how to steal a scene, and with credits for films like Training Day, Remember The Titans, and Fences, no one can ever question his success. He's definitely up there as one of the greats, and he continues to inspire working actors and actresses in the field to this day.
1. Ralph Fiennes
You likely know him as Lord Voldemort from the iconic Harry Potter franchise, but Ralph Fiennes has been in so many other great roles. Despite having amazing performances in movies like Schindler's List, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Conclave, he's yet to snag a golden trophy. But knowing how talented he is, we really hope he does soon.
Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan on Wikimedia
2. Amy Adams
Surprised to learn Amy Adams has never won an Oscar before? So are we! With such an amazing filmography to back her performances, this stunning actress has yet to hear her name called out at the Academy Awards. Though she's been nominated six times, we do hope she'll one day be able to take home the actual thing.
3. Willem Dafoe
Yes, we know you think of The Green Goblin and Norman Osborn when you see Willem Dafoe, and while it's certainly iconic, he's got other great credits all in his name. Starring in hits like American Psycho, his performances are definitely worthy of an Oscar win. And with four nominations, he's definitely got a chance given the right year and role!
Daniel Kruse from Berlin, Germany on Wikimedia
4. Glenn Close
With a career spanning over a long five decades, Glenn Close is no short of a Hollywood acting icon. She's beloved in the field, and though she's won numerous other awards along with eight Oscar nominations, she hasn't quite yet brought home the actual golden statue just yet.
MingleMediaTVNetwork on Wikimedia
5. Samuel L. Jackson
We've never met someone who disliked Samuel L. Jackson and we're betting you haven't either. Adored for his sassy and funny personality, this actor isn't just likable outside the screen, he's great in it too. From his performance in the Star Wars films to Marvel and original classics like Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight, he's starred in films that any generation can love and appreciate. Sadly, he's yet to win any Oscars for them.
Dick Thomas Johnson on Wikimedia
6. Angela Bassett
Always able to put on a striking performance, Angela Bassett is a fierce actress known for her commanding presence. Just look at her as Queen Ramonda in the Black Panther movies if you want proof! While she's had several Oscar-worthy performances throughout her career, she still hasn't won one yet despite her two nominations.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
7. Ian McKellen
A beloved actor to many, Ian McKellen has won over the hearts of movie fans all around the globe. From big box office films to lesser-known indie titles, he's done it all. But despite having done so many different genres, he still has no Oscar wins in his name. He's incredibly deserving of one though, so we're hoping the Academy recognizes his talent sooner than later.
8. Sigourney Weaver
Though she's had three Oscar nominations throughout her impressive career, Sigourney Weaver still has no official wins. Best known for her amazing performance as Ellen Ripley in the cult classic Aliens, she's since starred in numerous other acclaimed films. So though she doesn't have a golden statue to show off, her acting credits are more than enough to make anyone's jaw drop.
9. Bradley Cooper
We're still waiting for the day this talented actor and filmmaker gets his name called! Bradley Cooper is nothing short of fantastic when it comes to the film industry, and his talent is simply undeniable. He's been in everything from comedies to biopics and dramas, showing he's more than capable of being versatile. Hopefully this versatility while garner him another winning nomination soon!
Carlos González Santos from Madrid, España on Wikimedia
10. Johnny Depp
A chameleon on screen, Johnny Depp's greatest gift is completely transforming into somebody else when he takes over a character. Just think about his roles in the past: Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, Edward Scissorhands? This guy can play it all! Because if there was an Oscar that highlighted versatility, we know he'd win for sure.
