Who is the only person to win an acting Oscar and ‘Best Picture’ for the same movie?
In the world of acting and filmmaking, an Oscar is a pinnacle. Some performers try to pretend that its not, try to deny their desire to be up there, holding that award, but surely inside anyone who ever steps onto a film set, the dream is there.
“I know we’re in a subjective business, but the truth is, I’m really in pursuit of greatness,” Timothee Chalamet said as he won a SAG award, “I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats.” He’s one of the people who dare to make it clear. Chalamet wants to win an Oscar and with two nominations under his belt, it only makes him more motivated to strive towards a win.
The notoriety of the award and its importance it is seen year after year on the stage. At each annual ceremony, there are moving moments as even the world’s biggest names seem to buckle in awe at the fact that they’re holding that trophy. Olivia Colman was overcome when she won Best Actress in 2019, while Ke Huy Quan’s tearful acceptance speech from 2023 surely has to be one of the most emotional moments in the award’s history.
But as each year celebrates a range of powerful names amongst the broader movie making world, and celebrates the best projects from across a vast landscape, what you don’t often see is a sweep.
There have been instances, like when All About Eve won six times in one night back in 1950. But generally, the winners tend to be split up between movies. In particular, it seems rare that the person who wins an award for Best Actor or Actress also takes home the award for Best Picture.
There’s no real reason why, beyond theories, but for some reason, it’s only ever happened once.
Who is the only person to win an acting Oscar and ‘Best Picture’ for the same movie?
The only time the same performer has been back up on stage twice, taking home the night’s two most prestigious awards, was in 2021.
That year Nomadland, directed by Chloé Zhao, won big. It took home Best Picture, Zhao won best director and, it’s leading star also took home Best Actress.
So Frances McDormand became the only actor to win an Oscar for their leading role, and Best Picture, making history.
Back in 2018, McDormand also wrote herself into the history books with one of the most powerful speeches in the award’s legacy. “If I may be so honoured to have all the female nominees in every category stand with me in this room tonight,” she said, calling upon the actors as well as “The filmmakers, the producers, the directors, the writers, the cinematographer, the composers, the songwriters, the designers.” Creating an impactful moment celebrating the women of the industry, and calling directly for work by women to be financed and made.
