Viola Davis Just Joined This Group of Celebrated EGOT Winners

You’ve got to be a gem to achieve EGOT status in Hollywood—and Viola Davis is the newest member of this exclusive club.

The often-tossed-around acronym is used to describe entertainment artists who’ve earned at least one Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. So far, the elite group consists of icons like Audrey Hepburn and Rita Moreno, along with contemporary celebrities such as John Legend and Whoopi Goldberg. At the 2023 Grammy Awards, Viola Davis joined the ranks of EGOT winners with a win for best audiobook recording, honoring the recording of her memoir Finding Me, an Oprah's Book Club pick.

Whenever one of the four major award shows rolls around, chatter about who might be the next person to achieve an EGOT starts swirling. Many stars are close to earning their EGOT, including Cynthia Erivo, Billy Porter, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who need that coveted Oscar. From Cher to Helen Mirren to Dick Van Dyke, the list of three-out-of-four goes on.

There’s another distinction on the EGOT list: competitive vs. honorary awards. Some stars on this list, like Barbra Streisand and Liza Minelli, have EGOTs because they earned special awards (think Lifetime Achievement nods), while others earned all four awards competitively. If you’re curious what the existing mix of EGOT winners looks like, scroll to see the full list, which includes both competitive and honorary awards.

Viola Davis

Davis won at the 2023 Grammys, making her the third Black woman to win an EGOT.

• Emmys: Lead Actress in a Drama Series, How to Get Away with Murder, 2015

• Grammys: Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording, Finding Me, 2023

• Oscars: Best Supporting Actress, Fences, 2017

• Tonys: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, Fences, 2010; Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, King Hedley II, 2001

Jennifer Hudson

In 2022, Hudson became the second Black woman to win an EGOT.

• Emmys: Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program, Baba Yaga, 2021

• Grammys: Best Musical Theater Album, The Color Purple, 2017; Best R&B Album, Jennifer Hudson, 2009

• Oscars: Best Supporting Actress, Dreamgirls, 2007

• Tonys: Best Musical, A Strange Loop, 2022

Audrey Hepburn

Hepburn won her EGOT posthumously in 1994.

• Emmys: Outstanding Individual Achievement—Informational Programming, Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn, 1993

• Grammys: Best Spoken Word Album for Children, Audrey Hepburn’s Enchanted Tales, 1994

• Oscars: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 1993; Best Actress in a Leading Role, Roman Holiday, 1954

• Tonys: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, Ondine, 1954

Whoopi Goldberg

In 2002, Goldberg became the first Black woman to win an EGOT.

• Emmys: Outstanding Talk Show Host, The View, 2009; Outstanding Class Special, Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel, 2002

• Grammys: Best Comedy Album, Whoopi Goldberg (Original Broadway Show Recording), 1986

• Oscars: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Ghost, 1991

• Tonys: Best Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, 2002

Rita Moreno

Moreno won her EGOT in 1977 and was the first Latinx person to do so.

• Emmys: Outstanding Lead Actress for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series, The Rockford Files, 1978; Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in Variety or Music, The Muppet Show, 1977

• Grammys: Best Recording for Children, The Electric Company, 1973

• Oscars: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, West Side Story, 1962

• Tonys: Best Featured Actress in a Play, The Ritz, 1975

Barbra Streisand

Although Streisand's is an honorary EGOT, she was the first woman and youngest person to reach this achievement in 1970.

• Emmys: Outstanding Special Class Special, Reel Models: The First Women of Film, 2001; Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program, Timeless: Live in Concert, 2001; Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special and Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program, Barbra Streisand: The Concert, 1995; Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment – Actors and Performers, My Name Is Barbra, 1965

• Grammys: Lifetime Achievement Award, 1995; Grammy Legend Award, 1992; Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, The Broadway Album, 1987; Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, “Guilty,” 1981; Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, “Evergreen,” 1978; Best Vocal Performance, Female, My Name Is Barbra, 1966; Best Vocal Performance, Female, People, 1965; Album of the Year and Best Vocal Performance, Female, The Barbra Streisand Album, 1964

• Oscars: Best Original Song, “Evergreen,” 1977; Best Actress, Funny Girl, 1969

• Tonys: Special Award: Star of the Decade, 1970

John Legend

In 2018, Legend became the first Black man to win all four competitive awards.

• Emmys: Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program, Crow: The Legend, 2019; Outstanding Variety Special, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, 2018

• Grammys: Best R&B Album, Bigger Love, 2021; Best Rap/Sung Performance, “Higher,” 2020; Best Song Written for Visual Media, “Glory,” 2016; Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, “Hang on in There,” Best R&B Song, “Shine,” Best R&B Album, Wake Up!, 2011; Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, “Stay With Me (By the Sea),” 2009; Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, “Heaven,” Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, “Family Affair,” 2007; Best New Artist, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, “Ordinary People,” Best R&B Album, Get Lifted, 2006

• Oscars: Best Original Song, Selma, “Glory,” 2015

• Tonys: Best Revival of a Play, Jitney, 2017

James Earl Jones

After receiving an honorary Oscar in 2012, he became a non-competitive EGOT holder.

• Emmys: Outstanding Performer – Children's Special, Summer's End, 2000; Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, Heat Wave, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Gabriel’s Fire, 1991

• Grammys: Best Spoken Word Recording, Great American Documents, 1977

• Oscars: Academy Honorary Award, 2012

• Tonys: Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017; Best Leading Actor in a Play, Fences, 1987; Best Leading Actor in a Play, The Great White Hope, 1969

Liza Minnelli

Minnelli reached her honorary EGOT in 1990.

• Emmys: Outstanding Single Program – Variety and Popular Music, Liza with a 'Z.' A Concert for Television, 1973

• Grammys: Grammy Legend Award, 1990

• Oscars: Best Actress in a Leading Role, Cabaret, 1973

• Tonys: Best Special Theatrical Event, Liza’s at the Palace…!, 2009; Best Leading Actress in a Musical, The Act, 1978; Special Tony Award, 1974; Best Leading Actress in a Musical, Flora the Red Menace, 1965

Mel Brooks

When Brooks got his EGOT in 2001, he was the first to do so with an Oscar for screenwriting.

• Emmys: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, Mad About You, 1999, 1998, and 1997; Outstanding Writing Achievement in Variety, The Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris Special, 1967

• Grammys: Best Musical Show Album, The Producers, 2002; Best Long Form Music Video, “Recording 'The Producers': A Musical Romp with Mel Brooks,” 2002; Best Spoken Comedy Album, The 2000 Year Old Man in the Year 2000, 1999

• Oscars: Best Writing (Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen), The Producers, 1969

• Tonys: Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Musical, The Producers, 2001

Richard Rodgers

Rodgers was the original EGOT winner—he reached this achievement in 1962.

• Emmys: Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composed, Winston Churchill: The Valiant Years, 1962

• Grammys: Best Original Cast Show Album, No Strings, 1963; Best Show Album, The Sound of Music, 1961

• Oscars: Best Song, State Fair, 1946

• Tonys: Best Composer, No Strings, 1962; Best Musical, The Sound of Music, 1960; Best Musical, The King and I, 1952; Best Musical and Best Score, South Pacific, 1950

Helen Hayes

Hayes was the first woman, and second person, to win an EGOT, which she did in 1977.

• Emmys: Best Actress, Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, 1953

• Grammys: Best Spoken Word Recording, Great American Documents, 1977

• Oscars: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Airport, 1971; Best Actress in a Leading Role, The Sin of Madelon Claudet, 1932

• Tonys: Lifetime Achievement Award, 1980; Best Actress, Dramatic, Time Remembered, 1958; Best Actress, Dramatic, Happy Birthday, 1947

Sir John Gielgud

In 1997, Gielgud earned his EGOT, making him both the oldest to win and the first known LGBTQ winner.

• Emmys: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special, Summer’s Lease, 1991

• Grammys: Best Spoken Word, Documentary or Drama Recording, Ages of Man, 1980

• Oscars: Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Arthur, 1982

• Tonys: Best Director of a Drama, Big Fish, Little Fish, 1961; Special Tony Award, 1959; Outstanding Foreign Company, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1948

Marvin Hamlisch

Hamlisch reached his EGOT in 1995 and also holds a PEGOT, meaning he won the Pulitzer.

• Emmys: Outstanding Music Direction, Timeless: Live in Concert, 2001; Outstanding Music and Lyrics, "A Ticket to Dream," AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movies, 1999; Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music and Lyrics and Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music Direction, Barbra: The Concert, 1995

• Grammys: Album of Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special, The Way We Were, Best Pop Instrumental Performance, "The Entertainer," Song of the Year, "The Way We Were," Best New Artist, 1975

• Oscars: Best Original Dramatic Score, The Way We Were, Best Original Song, "The Way We Were," Best Original Song Score or Adaptation, The Sting, 1974

• Tonys: Best Original Score, A Chorus Line, 1976

Jonathan Tunick

Tunick, a composer, won his EGOT in 1997.

• Emmys: Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction, Night of 100 Stars, 1982

• Grammys: Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals, “No One Is Alone,” 1989

• Oscars: Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Adaptation Score, A Little Night Music, 1978

• Tonys: Best Orchestrations, Titanic, 1997

Mike Nichols

Nichols received his EGOT in 2001 and also counts as a PEGOT winner for holding a Peabody Award.

• Emmys: Outstanding Miniseries and Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special, Angels in America, 2004; Outstanding Made for TV Movie and Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special, Wit, 2001

• Grammys: Best Comedy Performance, An Evening with Mike Nichols and Elaine May, 1962

• Oscar: Best Director, The Graduate, 1968

• Tonys: Best Director, Play, Death of a Salesman, 2012; Best Director, Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, 2005; Best Director, Play, and Best Play, The Real Thing, 1984; Best Musical, Annie, 1977; Best Director, Dramatic, The Prisoner of Second Avenue, 1972; Best Director, Dramatic, Plaza Suite, 1968; Best Director, Dramatic, Luv and The Odd Couple, 1965; Best Director, Dramatic, Barefoot in the Park, 1964

Scott Rudin

Rudin, a producer, holds 21 awards in the EGOT categories and earned his in 2012.

• Emmys: Outstanding Children’s Program, He Makes Me Feel Like Dancin’, 1984

• Grammys: Best Musical Theater Album, The Book of Mormon: Original Broadway Cast Recording, 2012

• Oscars: Best Picture, No Country for Old Men, 2008

• Tonys: Best Play, The Inheritance, 2021; Best Revival of a Play, The Boys in the Band, Best Play, The Ferryman, 2019; Best Revival of a Musical, Hello, Dolly!, 2017; Best Revival of a Play, A View from the Bridge, Best Play, The Humans, 2016; Best Revival of a Play, Skylight, Best Play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, 2015; Best Revival of a Play, A Raisin in the Sun, 2014; Best Revival of a Play, Death of a Salesman, 2012; Best Musical, The Book of Mormon, 2011; Best Revival of a Play, Fences; 2010; Best Play, God of Carnage, 2009; Best Play, The History Boys, 2006; Best Play, Doubt, 2005; Best Play, The Goat, or Who Is Silvia?, 2002; Best Play, Copenhagen, 2000; Best Play, Passion, 1994

Quincy Jones

Another honorary EGOT holder, Jones earned his in 2016.

• Emmys: Outstanding Music Composition for a Series, Roots, 1977

• Grammys: Best Music Film, Quincy, 2019; Best Spoken Word Album, Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones, 2002; Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance, Miles & Quincy Live at Montreux, 1994; Album of the Year, Back on the Block, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, "Back on the Block," Best Jazz Fusion Performance, "Birdland," Best Arrangement on an Instrumental, "Birdland," Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals, "The Places You Find Love," Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), 1991; Record of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and Best Music Video, Short Form, "We Are the World," 1986; Best Arrangement on an Instrumental, "Grace," 1985; Record of the Year, "Beat It," Album of the Year, Thriller, Best Recording for Children, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), 1984; Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, "The Dude," Best Cast Show Album, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, Best Arrangement on an Instrumental Recording, "Velas," Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals, "Ai No Corrida," Producer of the Year, 1982; Best Instrumental Arrangement, "Dinorah, Dinorah," 1981; Best Instrumental Arrangement, "The Wiz Main Title," 1979; Best Instrumental Arrangement, "Summer in the City," Best Pop Instrumental Performance, Smackwater Jack, 1972; Best Instrumental Jazz Performance – Large Group or Soloist with Large Group, Walking in Space, 1970; Best Instrumental Arrangement, "I Can't Stop Loving You," 1964

• Oscars: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 1995

• Tonys: Best Revival of a Musical, The Color Purple, 2016

Robert Lopez

In 2013, Lopez became the first AAPI person to win an EGOT, and is also the first person to earn a double EGOT—a.k.a. two wins in each category.

• Emmys: Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, "Agatha All Along," WandaVision, 2021; Outstanding Music Direction and Composition, Wonder Pets!, 2010; Outstanding Music Direction and Composition, Wonder Pets!, 2008

• Grammys: Best Song Written for Visual Media, "Let It Go," Frozen, 2015; Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, Frozen, 2015; Best Musical Theater Album, The Book of Mormon: Original Broadway Cast Recording, 2012

• Oscars: Best Original Song, "Remember Me," Coco, 2017; Best Original Song, "Let It Go," Frozen, 2013

• Tonys: Best Book of a Musical, The Book of Mormon, 2011; Best Original Score, The Book of Mormon, 2011; Best Original Score, Avenue Q, 2004

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber

Webber earned an Emmy in 2018, giving him EGOT status.

• Emmys: Outstanding Variety Special, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, 2018

• Grammys: Grammy Legend Award, 1991; Best Contemporary Composition, Requiem, 1986; Best Cast Show Album, Cats, 1984; Best Cast Show Album, Evita, 1981

• Oscars: Best Original Song, “You Must Love Me,” Evita, 1997

• Tonys: Lifetime Achievement in Theater, 2018; Best Original Score and Best Musical, Sunset Boulevard, 1995; 1995; Best Musical, The Phantom of the Opera, 1988; Best Musical and Best Original Score, Cats, 1983; Best Original Score, Evita, 1980

Tim Rice

Rice also won his EGOT in 2018 along with Webber, his frequent collaborator.

• Emmys: Outstanding Variety Special, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, 2018

• Grammys: Best Musical Show Album, Aida, 2001; Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for TV and Song of the Year, "A Whole New World," Best Musical Album for Children, Aladdin, 1994; Best Cast Show Album, Evita, 1981

• Oscars: Best Original Song, "You Must Love Me," 1997; Best Original Song, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," 1995; Best Original Song, "A Whole New World," 1993

• Tonys: Best Original Score, Aida, 2000; Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical, Evita, 1980

Harry Belafonte

Belafonte reached his non-competitive EGOT in 2014.

• Emmys: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program, Tonight with Belafonte, 1960

• Grammys: Grammy Hall of Fame Award, 2000; Best Folk Performance, An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba, 1966; Best Performance – Folk, Swing Dat Hammer, 1961

• Oscars: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 2015

• Tonys: Best Featured Actor in a Musical, John Murray Anderson’s Almanac, 1954

Alan Menken

Menken, who holds 11 Grammy wins and eight Academy Awards, reached his EGOT in 2020.

• Emmys: Outstanding Original Song in a Children's, Young Adult or Animated Program – "Waiting in the Wings," Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure, 2020; Outstanding Contribution to the Success of the Academy’s Anti-Drug Special for Children, “Wonderful Ways to Say No,” Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue, 1990

• Grammys: Best Song Written for Visual Media, “I See the Light,” Tangled, 2012; Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or TV, “Colors of the Wind,” Pocahontas, 1996; Song of the Year and Best Song Witten for a Motion Picture or TV, “A Whole New World,” Aladdin, Best Musical Album for Children and Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for TV, Aladdin: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1994; Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or TV, “Beauty and the Beast,” Best Album for Children and Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for TV, Beauty and the Beast: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1993; Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or TV, “Under the Sea,” The Little Mermaid, Best Recording for Children, The Little Mermaid: Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack, 1991

• Oscars: Best Original Score, The Little Mermaid, Best Original Song, “Under the Sea,” 1990; Best Original Score, Beauty and the Beast, Best Original Song, “Beauty and the Beast,” 1992; Best Original Score, Aladdin, Best Original Song, “A Whole New World,” 1993; Best Original Musical or Comedy Score, Pocahontas, Best Original Song, “Colors of the Wind,” 1996

• Tonys: Best Original Score, Newsies, 2012

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