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Whether you’re trying out Oscar Actors & Actresses With 3+ Nominations or Oscar Nominations to test your movie knowledge, these are going to be the most prolific answers.
Meryl Streep – 21 Nominations
Meryl Streep is the most nominated actor in Oscar history, with an unparalleled 21 nominations. She has won three Oscars: Best Supporting Actress for “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979) and Best Actress for “Sophie’s Choice” (1982) and “The Iron Lady” (2011). Known for her incredible versatility, Streep has portrayed a wide array of characters across many genres, from drama to musical comedy. Her extensive filmography includes iconic roles in “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Mamma Mia!” and “The Post.” Streep’s ability to transform herself for each role has cemented her status as a living legend in Hollywood.
Jack Nicholson – 12 Nominations
Jack Nicholson’s storied career in film has earned him 12 Oscar nominations, winning three Academy Awards. He took home the Best Actor Oscar twice, for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) and “As Good as It Gets” (1997), and won Best Supporting Actor for “Terms of Endearment” (1983). Known for his intense and charismatic performances, Nicholson has left an indelible mark on cinema with iconic roles in films such as “The Shining,” “Chinatown,” and “A Few Good Men.” His remarkable range and commitment to each character make him one of Hollywood’s greatest actors.
Katharine Hepburn – 12 Nominations
Katharine Hepburn, known for her fierce independence and spirited performances, received 12 Oscar nominations during her career, winning four Best Actress awards. She won for “Morning Glory” (1933), “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967), “The Lion in Winter” (1968), and “On Golden Pond” (1981). Hepburn’s career spanned over six decades, and she was known for playing strong, independent women. Her collaborations with Spencer Tracy, along with her work in both comedies and dramas, solidified her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and respected actresses.
Bette Davis – 11 Nominations
Bette Davis was one of Hollywood’s most daring and commanding actresses, earning 11 Oscar nominations throughout her career. She won the Best Actress award twice, for “Dangerous” (1935) and “Jezebel” (1938). Known for her intense and sometimes controversial roles, Davis became an icon of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her most famous roles include “All About Eve” and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” Davis’s willingness to embrace unglamorous and challenging characters made her a trailblazer for women in the film industry.
Laurence Olivier – 10 Nominations
Laurence Olivier is considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, known for his work both on stage and screen. Olivier received 10 Oscar nominations, winning Best Actor for his role in “Hamlet” (1948), a film he also directed. He was a master of classical Shakespearean roles, bringing them to life for cinema audiences. Olivier’s other notable nominations include “Wuthering Heights” (1939) and “The Entertainer” (1960). His legendary career influenced countless actors and solidified his status as a monumental figure in the history of film and theater.
Denzel Washington – 9 Nominations
Denzel Washington is one of the most respected actors of his generation, with nine Oscar nominations and two wins. He won Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989) and Best Actor for “Training Day” (2001). Washington’s ability to bring strength and complexity to his roles has made him a favorite among critics and audiences alike. His performances in films like “Malcolm X,” “Fences,” and “Flight” are standout examples of his range. Washington has also found success as a director, further demonstrating his impact on the film industry.
Paul Newman – 9 Nominations
Paul Newman earned nine Oscar nominations over his long career, winning Best Actor for “The Color of Money” (1986). Known for his blue eyes and undeniable charm, Newman starred in iconic films such as “Cool Hand Luke,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “The Hustler.” His performances often exuded both vulnerability and strength, making him one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading men. In addition to his acting career, Newman was a philanthropist, creating the Newman’s Own brand, which has donated millions to charity.
Al Pacino – 9 Nominations
Al Pacino has earned nine Oscar nominations, winning Best Actor for “Scent of a Woman” (1992). Pacino rose to fame in the 1970s with iconic roles in “The Godfather” series, “Serpico,” and “Dog Day Afternoon.” Known for his intense performances and commanding screen presence, Pacino became one of the leading actors of his generation. His career continued with critically acclaimed roles in films such as “Scarface” and “Heat.” Pacino’s powerful portrayal of morally complex characters has made him a legend in American cinema.
Spencer Tracy – 9 Nominations
Spencer Tracy, one of the most revered actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age, earned nine Oscar nominations throughout his career. He won the Best Actor Oscar twice, for “Captains Courageous” (1937) and “Boys Town” (1938). Known for his understated acting style and ability to convey deep emotion, Tracy’s career spanned four decades. His collaborations with Katharine Hepburn in films like “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” remain iconic. Tracy’s roles, often portraying honorable and complex men, made him a favorite of critics and audiences alike.
Robert De Niro – 8 Nominations
Robert De Niro is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, with eight Oscar nominations and two wins. He won Best Supporting Actor for “The Godfather Part II” (1974) and Best Actor for “Raging Bull” (1980). De Niro is known for his collaborations with director Martin Scorsese, with whom he worked on iconic films such as “Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas,” and “The Irishman.” De Niro’s dedication to his craft, including gaining and losing weight for roles, has earned him widespread acclaim and admiration in the film industry.
Cate Blanchett – 8 Nominations
Cate Blanchett is a versatile actress who has earned eight Oscar nominations, winning twice: Best Supporting Actress for “The Aviator” (2004) and Best Actress for “Blue Jasmine” (2013). Blanchett is known for her ability to transform into a wide range of characters, from Queen Elizabeth I in “Elizabeth” to Bob Dylan in “I’m Not There.” Her performances in films like “Carol” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy have solidified her place as one of the finest actresses of her generation. Blanchett’s career spans both blockbusters and critically acclaimed dramas.
Judi Dench – 8 Nominations
Dame Judi Dench is one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses, with eight Oscar nominations and one win for Best Supporting Actress in “Shakespeare in Love” (1998). Dench’s career has spanned more than six decades, with standout performances in both film and theater. Known for her commanding presence and versatility, Dench has delivered memorable roles in films such as “Mrs. Brown,” “Philomena,” and as M in the James Bond series. Her ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety has made her a beloved figure in British cinema and beyond. Despite being in her 80s, Dench continues to captivate audiences with her exceptional talent.
Glenn Close – 8 Nominations
Glenn Close is one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation, earning eight Oscar nominations but, remarkably, has yet to win. Known for her powerful performances in both film and television, Close has been nominated for roles in films such as “Fatal Attraction,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” and “The Wife.” Her ability to portray complex, emotionally driven characters has earned her critical acclaim. Close’s long and varied career has seen her excel in drama, thriller, and comedy, making her one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.
Peter O’Toole – 8 Nominations
Peter O’Toole earned eight Oscar nominations throughout his career but never won, making him one of the most-nominated actors without an Oscar. His most famous role is as T.E. Lawrence in the epic “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962), a performance that remains one of the greatest in film history. O’Toole’s career spanned more than five decades, and he was known for his magnetic screen presence and theatrical flair. He received an honorary Oscar in 2003 for his lifetime of achievement in film, acknowledging his profound impact on the industry.
Geraldine Page – 8 Nominations
Geraldine Page was an acclaimed stage and screen actress, earning eight Oscar nominations during her career. She won Best Actress for her role in “The Trip to Bountiful” (1985), a deeply emotional performance that remains one of her most celebrated. Known for her versatility and ability to inhabit deeply flawed and complex characters, Page worked across a wide range of genres, from drama to comedy. Her contributions to film and theater have left an enduring legacy, and she is remembered as one of America’s finest actresses.
Jack Lemmon – 8 Nominations
Jack Lemmon earned eight Oscar nominations throughout his career, winning twice: Best Supporting Actor for “Mister Roberts” (1955) and Best Actor for “Save the Tiger” (1973). Lemmon was known for his work in both comedy and drama, with standout performances in films like “Some Like It Hot,” “The Apartment,” and “The Odd Couple.” His ability to switch between humor and deeply emotional roles made him one of the most beloved actors of his time. Lemmon’s collaborations with Walter Matthau are legendary, and his contributions to film are celebrated to this day.
Marlon Brando – 8 Nominations
Marlon Brando, one of the most influential actors in cinema history, received eight Oscar nominations and won twice. He took home the Best Actor award for his iconic performances in “On the Waterfront” (1954) and “The Godfather” (1972). Known for his method acting and intense approach to his roles, Brando revolutionized acting in the 1950s. His performances in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Apocalypse Now,” and “Last Tango in Paris” are legendary. Brando’s impact on film and his influence on generations of actors are immeasurable, making him a true Hollywood icon.
