menu
HomeEntertainmentYoungest Oscar Winners in History

Youngest Oscar Winners in History

Anna Paquin, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at just 11 years old for her role in "The Piano," is one of the youngest winners in Oscar history. Marlee Matlin made history as the youngest Best Actress winner at 21 for her performance in "Children of a Lesser God." Joan Fontaine, who won the Best Actress Oscar for "Suspicion" at 24, is also notable for her early success. These actresses not only showcased exceptional talent at a young age but also paved the way for future generations in the film industry.

Advertisement

The youngest Oscar winners in history include several remarkable actresses who achieved significant recognition at a tender age. Joan Fontaine won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1942 for her role in "Suspicion," showcasing her exceptional talent early in her career. Anna Paquin made history in 1994 when she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in "The Piano" at just eleven years old, becoming the second youngest winner ever. Anne Baxter, who won the Best Supporting Actress award for "The Razor's Edge" in 1944, was also a notable young talent. Marlee Matlin, awarded Best Actress for "Children of a Lesser God" in 1987, was just twenty-one, while Tatum O'Neal remains the youngest winner ever, taking home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for "Paper Moon" at just ten years old. Each of these actresses left an indelible mark on cinematic history.

  • Tatum O'Neal
    Tatum O'Neal

    Tatum O'Neal - Youngest Oscar winner, acclaimed actress, notable for "Paper Moon."

    View All
  • Anna Paquin
    Anna Paquin

    Anna Paquin - Anna Paquin won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at age 11 for "The Piano."

    View All
  • Patty Duke
    Patty Duke

    Patty Duke - Patty Duke won an Oscar at 16 for her role in "The Miracle Worker."

    View All
  • Anne Baxter
    Anne Baxter

    Anne Baxter - Anne Baxter: Talented actress, won Oscar at 24.

    View All
  • Marlee Matlin
    Marlee Matlin

    Marlee Matlin - First deaf actress to win an Oscar.

    View All
  • Timothy Hutton
    Timothy Hutton

    Timothy Hutton - Youngest Oscar winner for "Ordinary People" at 20.

    View All
  • Adrien Brody
    Adrien Brody

    Adrien Brody - Youngest Oscar winner, acclaimed actor, known for "The Pianist."

    View All
  • Jennifer Jones
    Jennifer Jones

    Jennifer Jones - Jennifer Jones: Talented actress, youngest Oscar winner, captivating performances.

    View All
  • Joan Fontaine
    Joan Fontaine

    Joan Fontaine - Joan Fontaine: Acclaimed actress, won Oscar for "Suspicion."

    View All
  • Janet Gaynor
    Janet Gaynor

    Janet Gaynor - Janet Gaynor was the first-ever Best Actress Oscar winner in 1928.

    View All

Youngest Oscar Winners in History

1.

Tatum O'Neal

less
Tatum O'Neal is an American actress who made history as the youngest person to win an Academy Award. She achieved this remarkable feat at the age of 10 for her role as Addie Loggins in the 1973 film "Paper Moon," where she starred alongside her father, Ryan O'Neal. Tatum's performance was widely acclaimed, showcasing her exceptional talent at such a young age. Beyond her Oscar win, she has appeared in various films and television shows throughout her career. Despite facing personal challenges, including struggles with addiction, Tatum O'Neal remains a significant figure in Hollywood history.

Pros

  • pros Talented actress
  • pros Breakthrough role at a young age
  • pros Iconic performance

Cons

  • consLimited career opportunities
  • consTypecast in specific roles
  • consPersonal struggles

2.

Anna Paquin

less
Anna Paquin is a New Zealand-born actress who made history as the second youngest Oscar winner at the age of 11. She received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Flora McGrath in the 1993 film "The Piano," directed by Jane Campion. Paquin's performance was widely acclaimed, showcasing her remarkable talent at such a young age. Following her Oscar win, she continued to build a successful career in film and television, starring in projects like "True Blood" and "The Irishman." Paquin's versatility and dedication to her craft have made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Pros

  • pros Talented actress with diverse roles
  • pros Oscar winner at a young age
  • pros Strong advocate for social issues
  • pros Charismatic presence on screen
  • pros Versatile in both film and television

Cons

  • consLimited roles post-win
  • consTypecast in certain genres
  • consEarly career pressure

3.

Patty Duke

less
Patty Duke was an acclaimed American actress known for her remarkable talent and versatility. Born on December 14, 1946, she gained fame as a child star, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 16 for her role in "The Miracle Worker." Duke's career spanned several decades, during which she showcased her skills in film, television, and theater. She was also a prominent advocate for mental health awareness, sharing her own struggles with bipolar disorder. Duke's legacy continues to inspire many in the entertainment industry. She passed away on March 29, 2016.

Pros

  • pros Versatile actress with a wide range of roles
  • pros Iconic performances in film and television
  • pros Trailblazer for young actors
  • pros Strong advocate for mental health awareness
  • pros Inspiring legacy in the entertainment industry

Cons

  • consLimited film roles later in career
  • consPersonal struggles overshadowed achievements

4.

Anne Baxter

less
Anne Baxter was an American actress celebrated for her versatile performances in film and theater. Born on May 7, 1923, in Michigan City, Indiana, she gained prominence in the 1940s and 1950s. Baxter won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Razor's Edge" (1946), showcasing her talent and depth as an actress. Throughout her career, she appeared in a variety of genres, including drama, thriller, and comedy, earning critical acclaim for her work. Baxter's legacy endures as a significant figure in Hollywood's Golden Age, remembered for her captivating performances and strong screen presence.

Pros

  • pros Talented actress
  • pros Versatile performances
  • pros Iconic film roles
  • pros Lasting legacy

Cons

  • consLimited roles in later career
  • consTypecast in certain genres
  • consInconsistent film choices

5.

Marlee Matlin

less
Marlee Matlin is an acclaimed American actress and producer, best known for her groundbreaking role in the film "Children of a Lesser God," for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress at the age of 21, making her the youngest winner in that category. Born on August 24, 1965, Matlin is deaf, which has significantly influenced her career and advocacy work. She has appeared in numerous television shows and films, earning accolades for her performances. Beyond acting, Matlin is a passionate advocate for the deaf community, using her platform to raise awareness and promote accessibility in the entertainment industry.

Pros

  • pros Talented actress
  • pros Inspiring advocate for the deaf community
  • pros Trailblazer

Cons

  • consLimited roles offered
  • consTypecast due to disability
  • consCareer challenges faced

6.

Timothy Hutton

less
Timothy Hutton is an American actor and director, best known for his role in the film "Ordinary People," which earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at the age of 20, making him one of the youngest winners in Oscar history. Born on August 16, 1960, in Malibu, California, Hutton began his career in theater before transitioning to film. His performance in "Ordinary People" garnered critical acclaim and established him as a talented actor. Over the years, he has appeared in various films and television series, showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist.

Pros

  • pros Versatile actor with a wide range of roles
  • pros Academy Award winner at a young age
  • pros Charismatic screen presence
  • pros Strong performances in both film and television
  • pros Respected figure in the entertainment industry

Cons

  • consLimited recent visibility in major film projects
  • consTypecast in certain roles
  • consInconsistent box office performance
  • consMixed critical reception of later works
  • consStruggles with public image issues

7.

Adrien Brody

less
Adrien Brody is an American actor and producer, best known for his remarkable performance in the film "The Pianist," which earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2003 at the age of 29. This win made him the youngest male actor to receive the Oscar in that category. Brody's portrayal of the Polish-Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman showcased his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. Throughout his career, he has appeared in a diverse range of films, including "The Thin Red Line," "King Kong," and "Midnight in Paris," earning acclaim for his versatility and depth as an actor.

Pros

  • pros Versatile actor with diverse roles
  • pros Youngest Best Actor winner at 29
  • pros Strong emotional depth in performances
  • pros Unique and memorable screen presence
  • pros Acclaimed for both indie and mainstream films

Cons

  • consLimited range in roles
  • consControversial public persona
  • consInconsistent film choices

8.

Jennifer Jones

less
Jennifer Jones was an acclaimed American actress who gained fame in the 1940s and 1950s. Born on March 2, 1919, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress at the age of 24 for her role in "The Song of Bernadette" (1943), where she portrayed Saint Bernadette Soubirous. Known for her striking beauty and emotional depth, Jones starred in several notable films, including "Duel in the Sun" and "Love Letters." Her performances earned her critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in Hollywood, making her one of the most celebrated actresses of her time.

Pros

  • pros Talented actress
  • pros Iconic performances
  • pros Lasting legacy
  • pros Inspiring figure

Cons

  • consLimited roles after winning
  • consStruggled with typecasting
  • consPersonal challenges

9.

Joan Fontaine

less
Joan Fontaine was an acclaimed American actress known for her captivating performances in classic films. Born on October 22, 1917, in Tokyo, Japan, she moved to the United States as a child. Fontaine gained prominence in the 1940s, particularly for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's "Rebecca," which earned her an Academy Award nomination. In 1942, she won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in "Suspicion," making her one of the youngest winners in history. Fontaine's career spanned several decades, and she was celebrated for her versatility and ability to portray complex characters, leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood.

Pros

  • pros Talented actress with a diverse range of roles
  • pros Iconic performances in classic films
  • pros First actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress
  • pros Strong presence in both film and theater
  • pros Enduring legacy in Hollywood history

Cons

  • consLimited range of roles
  • consOften overshadowed by contemporaries
  • consStruggled with public image
  • consInconsistent box office success
  • consPersonal life controversies

10.

Janet Gaynor

less
Janet Gaynor was an American actress celebrated for her groundbreaking performances in the early days of Hollywood. Born on January 6, 1906, she became the first recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actress at the inaugural Oscars in 1929, recognized for her roles in three films: "Seventh Heaven," "Street Angel," and "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans." Gaynor's talent and versatility made her a prominent figure in the silent film era and the transition to talkies. She continued to act in films and television until her retirement in the 1970s, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.

Pros

  • pros Talented actress
  • pros Pioneered early cinema
  • pros Iconic performances
  • pros Lasting legacy

Cons

  • consLimited roles in later career
  • consovershadowed by younger actresses

Similar Topic You Might Be Interested In