Taking place between roughly 1927 and 1969 (though some argue it was finished by the 1950s), The Golden Age of Hollywood was surely one of the most magical eras for cinema. Characterized by its glamour, experimental filmmaking, and iconic actors that endure as highly influential role models nowadays, Hollywood’s Golden Era introduced viewers to some of the most talented stars not only of their generations but also of those that had yet to come.
As such, it is no wonder why so many stars who have risen to fame during such an unforgettable period in time have more than one Academy Award under their belts. From the iconicElizabeth Taylorto the undeniably talentedKatherine Hepburn,these are the Golden Age actors with the most Oscars, ranked by wins.
10Elizabeth Taylor
Not only was Elizabeth Taylor among the most beautiful and charismatic actors of her generation — often praised for her looks, overall captivating appearance, and larger-than-life persona — but she was also among the most talented actors of her generation. Her astounding ability to bring three-dimensional and strong-willed characters to life established the Golden Age star as one of the most remarkable.
Even if they (arguably) aren’t amongTaylor’s best movies, her two deserved Oscar wins highlight this. Although it was poorly received by critics, the legendaryCleopatraactor elevatedDaniel Mann’s melodramaButterfield 8by portraying a New York call-girl and earned her first Oscar for it. Six years later, at only thirty-three, Taylor stepped into the shoes of a fifty-two-year-old woman inMike Nichols' adaptation ofEdward Albee’s play and earned her second award.
Year of Release
Nomination
‘Butterfield 8’
Best Actress in a Leading Role
‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf’
9Gary Cooper
Famous for his underplayed acting style and quiet image in mostly Western films (though he also had success in other genres), the five-time Academy Award nomineeGary Cooperwas one of the top film personalities in Hollywood’s Golden Age. In fact, The American Film Institute evenranked him in eleventh place on its list of 25 Greatest Male Stars of Classic Hollywood.
As for his two Academy Award wins,Cooper took home the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role in both 1941 and 1952. InSergeant York, the actor brought to life a pacifist who becomes a war hero. As forHigh Noon, he embodies Marshall Will Kane, the archetype American hero who must defend his town from a vengeful ex-convict.
‘Sergeant York’
Best Actor in a Leading Role
‘High Noon’
8Frederic March
On top of being a celebrated Hollywood star — and one of the most versatile, too, mastering both heavy dramas and lighthearted comedies —Frederic Marchwas also a talented stage actor who has won many accolades for his work. He rose to fame after landing leading roles in movies such asHonor Among Lovers,Les Misérables, andDesign for Living.
With five Oscar nominations under his belt, March was honored with his first Academy Award for the first time at the 5th Academy Awardsfor his role as a kind English doctor inDr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which is based on the Gothic novella of the same name. Years later, the actor charmed audiences with his impressive performance inThe Best Years of Our Lives.
‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’
‘The Best Years of Our Lives’
7Jack Lemmon
Nailing dramatic and comedic roles alike inhis compelling body of work, the unforgettableJack Lemmon is, too, among the Golden Age actors who have won the most Oscars, as well as one of America’s most poignant national treasures. Loved by audiences and critics alike, he is known forSome Like It HotandGrumpy Old Man, as well as recognized for his “middle-class every-man” screen persona.Lemmonwas one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation.
Furthermore, the old Hollywood star made history by being the first man to win Academy Awards as both Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor. InMister Roberts, he believably played a Naval officer. As for his role inSave the Tiger, a film about moral conflict in contemporary America, Lemmon is a troubled business executive.
‘Mister Roberts’
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
‘Save the Tiger’
6Marlon Brando
After all these years,MarlonBrandoendures an adored movie star all around the globe, as well as one of the most influential in the film industry — this also has to do with the fact that he was one of the first actors to bring the Stanislavski system of acting and method acting to mainstream audiences. Brando is best known for his roles inA Streetcar Named Desireand the Academy Award-winningThe Godfather.
Undeniably talented and a pioneer in the film industry, Brando was surprisingly not keen on the acting profession, as he detailed in his biography;he even made history byrefusing the Oscar he wonfor his performance in Francis Ford Coppola’sThe Godfatheras crime boss Vito Corleone, for which he had a woman namedSacheenLittlefeathershowing up to speak out on the mistreatment of Native Americans by America. Brando’s first Oscar win was in 1955, honoring his memorable role inOn the Waterfront.
‘On the Waterfront’
‘The Godfather’
5Spencer Tracy
Spencer Tracywas natural in his field anda proper lead in old Hollywood films, even being referred to as the greatest actor of his generation by iconic stars likeClark Gable,Humphrey Bogart, andKatherine Hepburn. Due to his seamless naturalism, he had an incredible career that spanned over thirty years and included 75 films.
A major star in Hollywood’s Golden Age,Tracy was the first actor to win two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role from nine nominations. In 1937, he was rewarded for his outstanding performance inCaptains Courageous, and the following year he was honored with another award for his efforts inBoys Town. Needless to say, these are two films worth checking, if only for Tracy’s talents.
‘Captains Courageous’
‘Boys Town’
4Bette Davis
Along withMarilyn Monroeand ElizabethTaylor,Bette Davisis, too, one of the most well-known, celebrated, and influential female actors of all time; her on-screen and public personas add to that. With an intense and confident acting style, Davis captured the attention of many with a few memorable roles inher body of workthrough the years, includingAll About EveandWhat Ever Happened to Baby Jane?.
Davis' characteristic mannerisms and versatility were two of the star’s most defining attributes which cemented her as one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood. As such, it is not surprising thatDavis rightfully earned two Academy Awards— one for her role as a has-been Broadway actress inDangerous, the other for her efforts as a Southern belle inJezebel.
‘Dangerous’
3Walter Brennan
Having won three Academy Awards for three different supporting roles, Walter Brennanremains, to this day, one of the most successful and recognizable character actors of all time, thanks to his distinctive voice and ability to bring to life a far-reaching range of different characters to the big screen. His portrayals range from Western sidekicks to wise older men, and he has starred in an extensive list of iconic movies such asTo Have and to Have NotandKentucky.
A testament to Brennan’s talent is the fact that he made history by being the first actor to ever win three Academy Awards for supporting roles, which further proves his versatility and undeniable gifts.Come and Get Itwas his first win, followed byKentuckyandThe Westerner.
‘Come and Get It’
‘Kentucky’
‘The Westerner’
2Ingrid Bergman
While born in Sweden, the talented and independent-mindedIngrid Bergmanwas mostly known for her roles in American cinema.Ranked as the fourth greatest female star of American cinemaby the American Film Institute, Bergman can be seen in massive hits, such asthe timeless love storyCasablanca, which is widely regarded as the best romance film of all time as well as one of the best movies ever made.
Given her astounding acting skills, Bergman has deservedly won 3 Academy Awards out of 7 nominations forGaslight, the period filmAnastasia, andMurder on the Orient Express, in which she had a tiny part but still managed to steal the spotlight. This is no wonder, especially considering that Bergman was said to be a very perfectionistic and intelligent professional.
‘Gaslight’
‘Anastasia’
‘Murder on the Orient Express’
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
1Katharine Hepburn
Katherine Hepburn not only takes the crown for being the Golden Age star with the most Oscarsbut also for being the actor with the most Oscars of all time. Equal parts outspoken and spirited, this old Hollywood actor is known for her talents and determination, which she has successfully showcased during her six-decade-long career.
Hepburn’s legacyis nothing short of incredible, and her four Oscar wins certainly add to that. While she has been in countless well-known projects such asThe Philadelphia StoryandBringing Up Baby, her wins were actually for her roles inMorning Glory,Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,The Lion in Winter, andOn Golden Pound, respectively.
‘Morning Glory’
‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’
‘The Lion in Winter’
‘On Golden Pound’
NEXT:The 10 Best Stars Who Won an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony
