Most actors love their craft and hope to make some good money — and maybe achieve some fame — doing it. Winning an award or two certainly helps in terms of talent and name recognition. With many award ceremonies taking place each year, the truly talented find many opportunities to be honored for their work.
When it comes to awards, these amazing Hollywood stars have edged out their peers the most. For some of them, these numbers are sure to continue to grow along with their careers over the years.
30. Sigourney Weaver, 23 Awards
Sigourney Weaver kicked down the door for women in sci-fi as Ellen Ripley in the popular Alien franchise. At the time of casting, she faced off against college friend Meryl Streep for the part. The unfortunate death of a friend led to Streep stepping away from the role — and the rest is sci-fi history.
Weaver has earned 23 awards throughout her career. At the Saturn Awards, the actress won Best Actress for Alien and Best Supporting Actress for Avatar. At the 2010 Scream Awards, she earned the Heroine Award for her work in the sci-fi field.
29. Joaquin Phoenix, 30 Awards
Joaquin Phoenix started acting at a young age alongside his siblings. In the 2000s, he nailed his performances in Gladiator and Walk the Line. Interestingly, iconic singer Johnny Cash wanted Phoenix to portray him in the biopic after watching him in Gladiator.
Phoenix has landed 30 awards for his work so far. His role in Joker earned him a slew of Best Actor awards at events such as the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards and San Diego Film Critics Society Awards. At the Golden Globes, he earned two Best Actor wins for Joker and Walk the Line.
28. Matt Damon, 32 Awards
While Matt Damon only spoke one line in Mystic Pizza, it was enough to light the spark. Alongside longtime friend Ben Affleck, he worked on the film Good Will Hunting. The movie’s success led to a number of roles, including Jason Bourne in the billion-dollar Bourne franchise.
Damon has earned 32 awards so far in his career. His first major award was the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting. In 2010, he earned the American Cinematheque Award for his work in movies, and Affleck presented the award to him.
27. Robert Downey Jr., 35 Awards
In the ’90s, Robert Downey Jr. became a major box office player with roles in Chaplin and Natural Born Killers. In the late 2000s, the actor landed his unforgettable role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Director Jon Favreau originally had plans to give the role to a fresh face in Hollywood.
Downey Jr. has won an impressive 35 awards. His work on Ally McBeal landed him the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film. Thanks to his stellar performances as Iron Man, the actor has earned three Saturn Awards for Best Actor.
26. Nicolas Cage, 38 Awards
When you’re born into the iconic Coppola family, acting is already in your genes. Nicolas Cage continued his family’s legacy with box office successes like Face/Off and National Treasure. In 2007, he took on the role of Johnny Blaze for Ghost Rider and its 2012 sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
Cage’s storied career has earned him 38 awards. His work in Leaving Las Vegas got him an Oscar, Golden Globe and SAG Award for Best Actor. Cage also earned the most accolades at the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards — five consecutive awards.
25. Halle Berry, 40 Awards
In the early ’90s, Halle Berry quickly became a box office star with roles in Boomerang, The Flintstones and Jungle Fever. In 2000, she became the weather-controlling mutant Storm in X-Men. Before Berry, producers were looking at either Mariah Carey or Janet Jackson for the part.
Berry’s work has earned her a total of 40 awards. She became the first African-American actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress with Monster’s Ball. Her work on Monster’s Ball also landed her Best Actress wins at the BET Awards and SAG Awards.
24. Matthew McConaughey, 41 Awards
Matthew McConaughey kicked off the ’90s with smaller roles in Dazed and Confused and Angels in the Outfield. Before the decade’s end, he became a leading man with The Newton Boys and Contact. When he’s not acting, he works as a professor at his alma mater, University of Texas at Austin.
McConaughey is sitting pretty with 41 awards. His work in Dallas Buyers Club earned him Best Actor wins at the Oscars, Golden Globe Awards and Hollywood Film Awards. In 2006, he was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame for his work.
23. Helena Bonham Carter, 42 Awards
At the age of 16, Helena Bonham Carter began her acting career with a television commercial. In the ’90s, she starred in the biopics Fatal Deception: Mrs. Lee Harvey Oswald and The Early Life of Beatrix Potter. Harry Potter fans know her best as Bellatrix Lestrange in the popular film series.
Carter currently has 42 awards to her name. Her work in The King’s Speech landed her Best Supporting Actress win at the British Independent Film Awards and the Italian Online Movie Awards. Her only major award stateside is an Emmy in the category of Best Actress for Enid.
22. Reese Witherspoon, 49 Awards
In the early 2000s, Reese Witherspoon landed her most popular role as Elle Woods in the Legally Blonde franchise. To get ready for the film, the star studied how sorority girls acted on campus. In 2017, she got the role of Madeline Martha Mackenzie in HBO’s Big Little Lies.
Witherspoon currently has 49 awards under her belt. In 2006, she gained her first Oscar win in the category of Best Actress for Walk the Line. Her work on Big Little Lies earned her a Golden Globe and Emmy as an executive producer.
21. Anthony Hopkins, 51 Awards
Anthony Hopkins scared audiences silly as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs. Interestingly, he only landed the role after Sean Connery turned it down. While he’s mostly known for his film roles, Hopkins also commanded attention on HBO’s smash series Westworld as Dr. Robert Ford.
He is having his fava beans and a nice Chianti next to his 51 awards. At the BAFTA Awards, the actor has won four awards, including the BAFTA Fellowship Award in 2008. In 2006, he was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globe Awards.
20. Dustin Hoffman, 54 Awards
Although Dustin Hoffman was rejected for the Broadway musical The Apple Tree, director Mike Nichols saw something promising in him. Nichols gave him a co-starring role in The Graduate, which launched him into superstardom. Hoffman dominated the ’80s with performances in Tootsie, Rain Man and Death of a Salesman.
His 60-year career has earned him 54 awards. The actor has taken home five Golden Globe Awards, including two for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. His theater work also saw him winning three Drama Desk Awards, including Best Actor for Death of a Salesman.
19. Natalie Portman, 59 Awards
At the age of 11, Portman landed her first acting role in the film Léon: The Professional. Five years later, she etched her name into the Star Wars firmament as Padmé Amidala in the prequel trilogy, primarily because her work in Léon: The Professional caught George Lucas’ attention.
Portman has earned 59 awards for her diverse body of work. Her performance in Black Swan led to Best Actress wins at the Oscars, BAFTA Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Jackie in 2016 also gave the actress Best Actress wins at the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards.
18. Ben Affleck, 62 Awards
Ben Affleck made his acting debut at the age of seven for an independent film produced by a family friend. A run-in with director Kevin Smith landed him beloved performances in Mallrats, Chasing Amy and Dogma. Aside from performing on screen, Affleck directed a handful of films, including Gone Baby Gone, The Town and Argo.
The Massachusetts native is holding steady with 62 awards. He is six-for-six with his wins at the National Board of Review, including two for Special Achievement in Filmmaking. Argo has given Affleck the most accolades, including an Oscar for Best Picture.
17. Brad Pitt, 63 Awards
He originally wanted to work in advertising — can you imagine? — but Brad Pitt ultimately dropped out of the University of Missouri to pursue an acting career. Following 1991’s Thelma & Louise, he became a box office machine with roles in 12 Monkeys, Seven and Fight Club. In 2012, Pitt made his theater debut in Dustin Lance Black’s 8 the Play.
His body of work has led to 63 awards. As a producer, Pitt’s work on 12 Years a Slave gained him an Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA Award for Best Picture. The actor has also had four wins at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
16. Anne Hathaway, 64 Awards
In 1999, Anne Hathaway got a starring role in the Fox comedy-drama Get Real. While the show was canceled, the actress’ career began to blossom with various beloved roles. 2012 saw her portraying Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises and Fantine in Les Misérables. In 2014, she made her debut as a producer in Song One.
Hathaway’s impressive portfolio has netted her 64 awards so far. Her first major award was a Teen Choice Award for her breakthrough role in the comedy The Princess Diaries. For Les Misérables, she earned an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.
15. Sean Penn, 68 Awards
Sean Penn’s acting debut on Little House on the Prairie was directed by his father, Leo. The two continued working with each other in Hellinger’s Law and Judgement in Berlin. For The Crossing Guard, the tables turned, and Sean directed his father, who played Hank.
Penn has a whopping 68 awards to his name. Most of his accolades stem from 2003’s Mystic River and 2008’s Milk. For both films, Penn earned the Oscar for Best Actor. His directorial work in Into the Wild also earned him three awards, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival Award for Best Director.
14. Sandra Bullock, 71 Awards
Sandra Bullock became a household name after 1994’s Speed. The Virginia native continued her dominance with films such as While You Were Sleeping, A Time to Kill and The Proposal. In 2010 and 2014, Bullock was the highest paid actress in the world. She is also the owner of the production company Fortis Films.
Bullock is the proud recipient of 71 awards. After nearly 25 years of acting, she earned her first Oscar win for Best Actress with The Blind Side. At the Teen Choice Awards, the actress has won nine awards, including two for The Heat.
13. Tom Hanks, 74 Awards
Tom Hanks’ career could have been washed away following the cancellation of Bosom Buddies. Instead, the show led to Ron Howard casting him for the surprise hit comedy Splash. Howard and Hanks continued their working relationship on a slew of films, including 2016’s Inferno.
Hanks has taken home 74 awards in his admired career. While he is a major player in cinema, many of his accolades actually stem from TV. The actor has earned seven Emmy awards for his work, including five for Outstanding Limited Series. Hanks has also won the hearts of fans, evidenced by his eight People’s Choice Awards.
12. Marion Cotillard, 76 Awards
French actress Marion Cotillard broke onto American screens with 2003’s fantasy drama Big Fish. She continued taking over American cinema with roles in The Dark Knight Rises, Inception and Midnight in Paris. Aside from acting, Cotillard sang original songs on various film soundtracks.
She has accumulated 76 awards during her career. Her Oscar win for Best Actress (La Vie en Rose) made her the third French actress to win in the award’s history. With La Vie en Rose, she also became the only person to win an Oscar in a French-speaking film.
11. Jack Nicholson, 77 Awards
Jack Nicholson almost gave up on acting before landing the role of George Hanson in Easy Rider. Following the Dennis Hopper-produced film, the actor won career-making roles in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Shining and Batman. Outside of acting, he is known for his vast collection of art.
Nicholson has received 77 awards for his acclaimed work, including going six-for-six at the National Board of Review. At the Oscars, he has earned two awards for Best Actor and one for Best Supporting Actor. His 12 Oscar nominations are the most ever given to a male actor.
10. Kate Winslet, 78 Awards
After a slew of roles in England, Kate Winslet captivated the world as Rose DeWitt Bukater in Titanic. The role was originally offered to Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow, but they both passed on the gig. Former co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jude Law consider her to be one of the most gifted actresses in Hollywood.
Winslet has earned 78 awards in her own right. She dominates the Empire Awards with five wins for Best British Actress. In 2000, Winslet won her first Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children with Listen to the Storyteller.
9. Leonardo DiCaprio, 79 Awards
Leonardo DiCaprio earned his first big role as Luke Brower on Growing Pains. Following the show, the actor dominated in the ’90s with What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Romeo + Juliet and Titanic. Since 2004’s The Aviator, the Los Angeles native has spent more time behind the camera as a producer.
DiCaprio has earned 79 awards in his 30-year career. He achieved the most success at the National Board of Review, where he has earned four wins. In 2016, DiCaprio gained his first Oscar win for his work in The Revenant.
8. George Clooney, 85 Awards
A decade after the cancellation of CBS’s E/R, George Clooney found success with NBC’s ER. (Weird, right?) The drama catapulted the Kentucky native to the top of the list of biggest actors in the ’90s. After the show, he continued his success on the big screen with Good Night, and Good Luck and Ocean’s Eleven.
Through his work in TV and film, Clooney has earned 85 awards, including five at the Golden Globes, where he also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2015. His work on ER earned him four SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
7. Javier Bardem, 98 Awards
Hailing from Spain, Javier Bardem began acting in his home country at the age of six. His performance in 2000’s Before Night Falls led to actor Al Pacino leaving him a voicemail full of praise. Bardem continued his momentum with roles in Goya’s Ghosts and Biutiful.
With 98 awards, he is one of the most acclaimed Spanish actors of all time. Some of his awards came from No Country for Old Men, which landed him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. His win made him the first Spanish actor to win an Oscar.
6. Julianne Moore, 101 Awards
Julianne Moore got her big break as Frannie and Sabrina Hughes on As the World Turns. After leaving the show in 1988, the actress made her film debut in 1990’s Tales from the Darkside: The Movie. Moore’s work ethic led to her becoming the lead actress in acclaimed films such as Hannibal and Chloe.
Moore’s acting skills have earned her 101 awards. Her performance in Still Alice landed her an Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG Award and BAFTA Award for Best Actress. At the Venice Film Festival, she took home three awards for her work in Short Cuts and Far from Heaven.
5. Jennifer Lawrence, 114 Awards
Jennifer Lawrence became a franchise queen with her work in X-Men and The Hunger Games. Aside from action/adventure films, the actress gained praise for her performances in Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. Overall, her films have grossed a combined $6 billion worldwide, and she earned the title of highest paid actress in 2015 and 2016.
Before the age of 30, Lawrence earned an astounding 114 awards. Her work in Winter’s Bone and American Hustle landed her the most trophies. In 2012, she earned her first Oscar win in the category of Best Actress for Silver Linings Playbook.
4. Daniel Day-Lewis, 133 Awards
After a decade in theater, Daniel Day-Lewis walked away from the medium to focus more on film work. In the ’90s, he captivated fans with unforgettable roles in In the Name of the Father and The Boxer. Around that time, he became very selective about his roles, which resulted in only six performances since 2000.
The now-retired actor walked away with 133 awards to his name. His work led him to sweep the New York Film Critics Circle and National Society of Film Critics awards at one point. Day-Lewis has earned three Oscars for Best Actor, including one for There Will Be Blood.
3. Clint Eastwood, 137 Awards
In 1959, Clint Eastwood played his only major TV role as Rowdy Yates on Rawhide. Following the show’s cancellation, he made the big jump to movies, with acclaimed roles following at every turn. While he is known for acting, he has also released a slew of music over the decades.
Throughout his career, Eastwood has earned 137 awards. Out of 11 Oscar nominations, the actor won four awards, but none were for his acting abilities. The wins came for Best Director and Best Picture for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. Interestingly, Eastwood is the oldest person to win the Best Director award.
2. Cate Blanchett, 140 Awards
In 2001, Cate Blanchett landed her beloved role as Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings. Lucy Lawless was originally eyed for the role, but her pregnancy led to the gig going to Blanchett. Since 1992, she has also delivered excellent performances in theater, including the 2013 production of The Maids.
Blanchett has earned 140 awards for her work. Her biggest ones came from acting and include Oscar wins for The Aviator and Blue Jasmine. In her home country, she won six AACTA Awards. In France, Blanchett won the title of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.
1. Meryl Streep, 162 Awards
It’s hard to imagine Meryl Streep quitting acting to start a new career as a lawyer, but that was the case while she studied at Yale School of Drama. Fortunately, she persevered through some hardships and became one of the most acclaimed actresses of all time.
Throughout her illustrious career, Streep has won 162 awards. From her 21 Oscar nominations, she took home two statues for Best Actress and one for Best Supporting Actress. Outside of award ceremonies, Streep has earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Arts.
