Winning an Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is a big deal in the movie world. Many people spend their entire careers hoping to get one, but only a few achieve this prestigious honor. Some actors, however, managed to win an Oscar for their very first movie role. Let’s take a look at 15 actors who accomplished this remarkable feat.
Shirley Booth: Shirley Booth played Lola Delaney in her debut film, “Come Back, Little Sheba.” Her portrayal of a lonely and depressed wife earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Harold Russell: In “The Best Years of Our Lives,” Harold Russell played a disabled veteran struggling to reintegrate into civilian life after World War II. His moving performance won him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Jennifer Hudson: Jennifer Hudson’s first film role was in “Dreamgirls,” where she played Effie White, the lead singer of an all-Black girl group. Her powerful performance earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Gale Sondergaard: Gale Sondergaard made her film debut in “Anthony Adverse,” a historical drama set during the Napoleon era. Her performance as the villainous Faith Paleologus won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Mercedes McCambridge: Mercedes McCambridge’s first film role was in “All the King’s Men,” a political drama. Her portrayal of Sadie Burke, a ruthless political aide, earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Barbra Streisand: Barbra Streisand’s film debut was in “Funny Girl,” where she played Fanny Brice, a comedic actress and singer. Her performance won her an Oscar for Best Actress.
Jo Van Fleet: Jo Van Fleet’s first film role was in “East of Eden,” a historical drama based on a novel by John Steinbeck. Her portrayal of Kate, the estranged mother of the protagonist, earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Anna Paquin: Anna Paquin’s breakout role was in “The Piano,” where she played a mute woman in an arranged marriage. Her performance won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Katina Paxinou: Katina Paxinou’s first film role was in “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” a war film based on a novel by Ernest Hemingway. Her portrayal of Pilar, a guerrilla fighter, earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Eva Marie Saint: Eva Marie Saint’s film debut was in “On the Waterfront,” where she played Edie Doyle, the sister of a murdered man seeking justice. Her performance won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Haing S. Ngor: Haing S. Ngor’s first film role was in “The Killing Fields,” a biographical drama about journalists covering the Cambodian civil war. His portrayal of Dith Pran, a Cambodian journalist, earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Tatum O’Neal: Tatum O’Neal’s film debut was in “Paper Moon,” a dramedy about a con man and a young girl on a road trip. Her performance as Addie, the young girl, earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Marlee Matlin: Marlee Matlin’s breakout role was in “Children of a Lesser God,” where she played a Deaf custodian at a school for the Deaf. Her performance won her an Oscar for Best Actress.
Lupita Nyong’o: Lupita Nyong’o’s first major film role was in “12 Years a Slave,” a biographical drama about a free Black man sold into slavery. Her performance as Patsey, a slave, earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Julie Andrews: Julie Andrews’ film debut was in “Mary Poppins,” where she played the titular character, a magical nanny. Her iconic performance won her an Oscar for Best Actress.
These actors proved that talent knows no bounds, and sometimes, success comes early in one’s career. Winning an Oscar for their first movie role is a testament to their exceptional abilities and dedication to their craft.
