These 20 Actresses won more than one Oscar

When you’ve got talent, success knows no bounds. However, it definitely takes more than talent to win not one but two or more Academy Awards. Often referred to as the Oscars, it is a celebration of an actor's passion and commitment to their art, earning widespread acclaim from audiences and critics. Many actresses in Hollywood have been nominated for the Oscars over the years, but only a select few have brought the trophy home more than once. Here are 20 phenomenal women of the industry who redefined brilliance on screen and owned it repeatedly.

1) Katharine Hepburn

The queen of Oscars, Katharine Hepburn, took home not one, not two, but four Academy Awards for Best Actress throughout her career. Her record remains unbroken by any other star in Hollywood. Hepburn’s iconic performances in Morning Glory (1933), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), The Lion in Winter (1968), and On Golden Pond (1981) not only earned her these four Oscars, but she quickly rose to be loved by all.

2) Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman, renowned for her undeniable grace and captivating aura, became a true Hollywood sensation and went on to win an impressive total of three Oscars. She was honored with the Academy Award for Best Actress for her stunning performances in Gaslight (1944) and Anastasia (1956), and her third Academy Award was for Best Supporting Actress in Murder on the Orient Express (1974).

3) Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand remains one of the finest actresses Hollywood has ever seen. She possesses the rare ability to bring her characters to life by truly becoming them. Her remarkable journey in cinema is adorned with three Academy Awards for Best Actress, a testament to her powerful and versatile acting skills in films like Fargo (1996), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), and Nomadland (2020).

4) Meryl Streep

This legendary actress is not only a three-time Oscar winner but has a staggering record of 21 nominations. Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the leading actresses of her time. She won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) and later claimed her second and third Oscars for Best Actress in Sophie's Choice (1982) and The Iron Lady (2011).

5) Maggie Smith

Whether you know her as Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter or the Dowager Countess of Grantham from Downton Abbey, Maggie Smith has had one of the most illustrious careers in Hollywood. She has bagged two Academy Awards during her lifetime, one for Best Actress in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and the other for Best Supporting Actress in California Suite (1978).

6) Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor became a household name in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema with her iconic performances. With her mesmerizing beauty and unmatched charm, Taylor won hearts around the globe. She earned the Academy Award for Best Actress not once but twice for her breathtaking portrayals in films like Butterfield 8 (1960) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966).

7) Bette Davis

This bold, unapologetic star played some of the strongest female leads in Hollywood history, and she was just as fierce in her real life as she was on screen. Over the course of her career, Davis was presented with two Oscars. She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her remarkable performance in Dangerous (1935) and her second in the same category for her commanding presence in Jezebel (1938).

8) Olivia de Havilland

With two Oscars proudly under her belt, Olivia de Havilland’s journey through the years was nothing short of extraordinary. Time and again, she proved her ability to excel in any role through her immense talent and unparalleled versatility. She earned her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her commendable performance in To Each His Own (1946) and her second for The Heiress (1949).

9) Vivien Leigh

Bringing to life some of the boldest and most profoundly moving characters ever seen on the silver screen, Vivien Leigh remains a timeless figure in cinematic history. She secured her place as one of the most esteemed actresses of her time, earning two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her unforgettable and captivating performances in legendary films like Gone with the Wind (1939) and A Streetcar Named Desire (1951).

10) Glenda Jackson

Glenda Jackson was deeply committed to her work, delivering some of the most riveting, impactful, and awe-inspiring performances of her career. She quickly won over the audiences with her powerful acting skills and claimed two Academy Awards for Best Actress in the industry. Her Oscar wins recognized her remarkable performances in Women in Love (1970) and A Touch of Class (1973).

11) Jessica Lange

An extraordinary talent in Hollywood, Jessica Lange is a proud holder of two Oscars. She is one of those fearless actresses who thrive on portraying complex roles with a charm uniquely her own. She earned her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Tootsie (1982) and her second Academy Award for Best Actress for her sensational performance in Blue Sky (1994).

12) Sally Field

Sally Field started in TV shows, but it wasn’t long before she became a beloved icon on the silver screen, earning widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Her journey in Hollywood has been nothing short of extraordinary. She won two Academy Awards during her career in the Best Actress category for her striking performances in Norma Rae (1979) and Places in the Heart (1984).

13) Renée Zellweger

This beautiful Hollywood icon has charmed the audiences with her remarkable performances in every role, snagging two prestigious Oscars for her exceptional acting skills along the way. Renée Zellweger claimed her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the critically acclaimed film Cold Mountain (2003) and later won her second Academy Award for Best Actress for her emotionally powerful role in Judy (2019).

14) Shelley Winters

Shelley Winters graced Hollywood with her talent for over seven remarkable decades. Owing to her on-screen brilliance, she made it to the Oscar not once but twice, bringing the trophy home both times. Shelley’s touching performance in The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) earned her the first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, while her stunning role in A Patch of Blue (1965) secured her second win in the same category.

15) Dianne Wiest

Dianne Wiest is a notable figure in cinema history, celebrated for her depth, subtlety, and dedication to every role she takes on. Over the course of her acclaimed career, Wiest has delivered some of the most intense and dynamic performances. She has been honored with two Academy Awards in the Best Supporting Actress category for her unforgettable presence in Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) and Bullets Over Broadway (1994).

16) Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda has consistently proven herself to be ahead of the curve. After snagging numerous accolades during her acting career, including two honorable Oscars, she shifted her focus to making a difference in society as a passionate activist. Fonda won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her sharp performance in Klute (1971) and her second for Coming Home (1978).

17) Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank is the perfect example of how passion and raw talent can open doors to greatness. Her path to the top of Hollywood is nothing short of inspirational. Delivering some of the most versatile and dynamic performances Hollywood has ever seen, Swank earned two Best Actress Oscars for her intensely gripping roles in Boys Don’t Cry (1999) and Million Dollar Baby (2004).

18) Jodie Foster

With her uncanny ability to steal every scene, Jodie Foster has two Oscars back at home. She achieved success at a very early age, widely recognized for her breakthrough role in Taxi Driver when she was just 14. She won Academy Awards for Best Actress for her intense performances in challenging films like The Accused (1988) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991).

19) Luise Rainer

One of the most glamorous actresses in Hollywood, Luise Rainer, poured her heart and soul into every role she played. She quickly became a recognized name in the industry, thanks to her dynamic and evocative performances that earned her Oscars two years in a row. She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for The Great Ziegfeld (1936) and her second for The Good Earth (1937).

20) Emma Stone

One of the most beloved and celebrated actresses of our time, Emma Stone, has undoubtedly proven that she has it all—talent, charm, and an incredible on-screen presence. Her remarkable journey to bring strong, versatile characters to life has been rightfully recognized with not one but two Academy Awards. Her Best Actress Oscars were presented to her for her jaw-dropping performances in La La Land (2016) and Poor Things (2023).