The Academy Awards, or Oscars, have a rich history spanning almost a hundred years, making it challenging for even the most avid cinephiles to recall every winner, especially those who have achieved multiple accolades. The prestigious award show has seen countless memorable moments, from triumphant speeches to significant social statements and even awkward mix-ups.

One such powerful moment occurred in 1973 when Sacheen Littlefeather famously rejected Marlon Brando's Oscar for "The Godfather" on his behalf, using the platform to highlight Hollywood's mistreatment of Native Americans. The ceremony has also delivered its share of unexpected events, such as the widely publicized "Moonlight"/"La La Land" best picture mix-up in 2017. Shorter, yet equally iconic, was Joe Pesci's brief acceptance speech, a testament to the diverse range of reactions winners have expressed. Individual achievements have also stood out, with Lupita Nyong'o winning an Oscar for her debut film, "12 Years a Slave," and Tom Hanks securing back-to-back wins for "Philadelphia" (1993) and "Forrest Gump" (1994).

While winning a single Oscar is a monumental accomplishment, a select group of actors has managed to secure two, three, or even four awards for their acting prowess. Conversely, some actors have controversially refused to accept their Oscars or even be nominated, adding another layer to the award show's complex history.

Leading the list of most awarded actors is Katharine Hepburn, who holds the unparalleled record of four Oscar wins. Remarkably, Hepburn chose to skip all four ceremonies where she was honored, reportedly considering the events "silly." Following closely is Meryl Streep, with three Oscar wins and an impressive 21 nominations, making her the most nominated actor in history. Jack Nicholson also boasts three wins and is recognized as the most nominated male actor, with 12 nominations to his name. Daniel Day-Lewis, another actor with three Oscar wins, initially retired from acting in 2017 but made a return for "Anemone" (2025), directed by his son. These individuals represent the pinnacle of acting achievement at the Oscars, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history.