Before They Were Oscar Nominees

  • Before embodying the King himself, Butler got his start on Nickelodeon (Zoey 101, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide) and the Disney Channel (Wizards of Waverly Place, Sharpay's Big Adventure) before going on to star on Switched at Birth and in The Bling Ring in 2011. Two years later, he scored a leading role on The Carrie Diaries, which ran for two seasons.
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    Austin Butler - Then

    Before embodying the King himself, Butler got his start on Nickelodeon (Zoey 101, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide) and the Disney Channel (Wizards of Waverly Place, Sharpay's Big Adventure) before going on to star on Switched at Birth and in The Bling Ring in 2011. Two years later, he scored a leading role on The Carrie Diaries, which ran for two seasons.
    D Dasilva/Shutterstock
  • Ten years later, the actor is up for his first Academy Award for his role as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic, Elvis.
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    Austin Butler - Now

    Ten years later, the actor is up for his first Academy Award for his role as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic, Elvis.
    Warner Bros/Moviestore/Shutterstock
  • The daughter of Psycho star — and original scream queen Janet Leigh — Curtis got her start as ultimate final girl Laurie Strode in 1978's Halloween. The Freaky Friday actress went on to portray Laurie on and off in the franchise through 2022.
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    Jamie Lee Curtis - Then

    The daughter of Psycho star — and original scream queen Janet Leigh — Curtis got her start as ultimate final girl Laurie Strode in 1978's Halloween. The Freaky Friday actress went on to portray Laurie on and off in the franchise through 2022.
    Moviestore/Shutterstock
  • Jamie Lee (whose father is late actor Tony Curtis) scored her first-ever best supporting actress Oscar nomination with 2022's Everything Everywhere All at Once.
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    Jamie Lee Curtis - Now

    Jamie Lee (whose father is late actor Tony Curtis) scored her first-ever best supporting actress Oscar nomination with 2022's Everything Everywhere All at Once.
    A24 Films
  • In the '90s, Fraser was most well-known for his starring turns in George of the Jungle, The Mummy, a fan favorite appearance in Now and Then and more.
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    Brendan Fraser - Then

    In the '90s, Fraser was most well-known for his starring turns in George of the Jungle, The Mummy, a fan favorite appearance in Now and Then and more.
    Moviestore/Shutterstock
  • After taking a hiatus from the industry, Fraser came back with a vengeance in 2022's The Whale, immediately garnering Oscar buzz for his role as an overweight teacher trying to reconnect with his daughter. He scored his first best actor Oscar nomination in 2023.
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    Brendan Fraser - Now

    After taking a hiatus from the industry, Fraser came back with a vengeance in 2022's The Whale, immediately garnering Oscar buzz for his role as an overweight teacher trying to reconnect with his daughter. He scored his first best actor Oscar nomination in 2023.
    Moviestore/Shutterstock
  • Yeoh began starring on the big screen in the mid-'80s, scoring her breakout role in 2000 with the critically acclaimed Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
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    Michelle Yeoh - Then

    Yeoh began starring on the big screen in the mid-'80s, scoring her breakout role in 2000 with the critically acclaimed Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
    Columbia/Sony/Kobal/Shutterstock
  • After more and more blockbusters came her way — including Memoirs of a Geisha, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Crazy Rich Asians and more — Yeoh was recognized by the Academy when she scored her first Oscar nomination for 2022's Everything Everywhere All at Once.
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    Michelle Yeoh - Now

    After more and more blockbusters came her way — including Memoirs of a Geisha, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Crazy Rich Asians and more — Yeoh was recognized by the Academy when she scored her first Oscar nomination for 2022's Everything Everywhere All at Once.
    A24 Films
  • Coming onto the scene in the late '90s and early '00s as an action star — and heartthrob — some of Farrell's most memorable films from the beginning of his career include 2002's Minority Report, 2003's The Phone Booth and 2008's In Bruges.
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    Colin Farrell - Then

    Coming onto the scene in the late '90s and early '00s as an action star — and heartthrob — some of Farrell's most memorable films from the beginning of his career include 2002's Minority Report, 2003's The Phone Booth and 2008's In Bruges.
    Moviestore/Shutterstock
  • After years of dominating the big screen in such dramas as The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Batman, fan favorites as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and comedies like Horrible Bosses, Farrell got his due when he was nominated for the best actor Academy Award for 2022's Banshees of Inisherin.
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    Colin Farrell - Now

    After years of dominating the big screen in such dramas as The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Batman, fan favorites as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and comedies like Horrible Bosses, Farrell got his due when he was nominated for the best actor Academy Award for 2022's Banshees of Inisherin.
    Searchlight Pictures/Moviestore/Shutterstock
  • In 2014, Pugh broke into the industry starring alongside Maisie Williams in the British mystery film The Falling.
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    Florence Pugh - Then

    In 2014, Pugh broke into the industry starring alongside Maisie Williams in the British mystery film The Falling.
    Aimee Spinks/Independent/Cannon And Morley Prods/Bbc/Bfi/Metrodome/Kobal/Shutterstock
  • The actress landed her first Oscar nomination in 2020 for her role in Little Women.
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    Florence Pugh - Now

    The actress landed her first Oscar nomination in 2020 for her role in Little Women.
    Wilson Webb
  • After she began acting in 1973, Dern earned rave reviews for her parts in Mask, Blue Velvet, and Wild at Heart.
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    Laura Dern - Then

    After she began acting in 1973, Dern earned rave reviews for her parts in Mask, Blue Velvet, and Wild at Heart.
    Moviestore/Shutterstock
  • In 1991, Dern landed her first Oscar nomination for her role in Rambling Rose. She was nominated again in 2015 for her part in Wild and in 2020 for her role in Marriage Story.
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    Laura Dern - Now

    In 1991, Dern landed her first Oscar nomination for her role in Rambling Rose. She was nominated again in 2015 for her part in Wild and in 2020 for her role in Marriage Story.
    Wilson Webb/Netflix/Kobal/Shutterstock
  • The Canada native's first regular series role was on 1997 teen comedy drama Breaker High.
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    Ryan Gosling - Then

    The Canada native's first regular series role was on 1997 teen comedy drama Breaker High.
    Courtesy Everett Collection
  • 10 years after being nominated for 2007's Half Nelson, Gosling scored a Best Actor nod for musical comedy drama La La Land.
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    Ryan Gosling - Now

    10 years after being nominated for 2007's Half Nelson, Gosling scored a Best Actor nod for musical comedy drama La La Land.
    Dale Robinette/Lionsgate
  • Williams shot to fame as Jen Lindley on Dawson's Creek, which she starred in alongside Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek and Joshua Jackson.
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    Michelle Williams - Then

    Williams shot to fame as Jen Lindley on Dawson's Creek, which she starred in alongside Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek and Joshua Jackson.
    Sony Pictures Television/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Williams received her fourth nomination (she got previous nods for Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine and My Week With Marilyn) for Best Supporting Actress in Manchester by the Sea.
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    Michelle Williams - Now

    Williams received her fourth nomination (she got previous nods for Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine and My Week With Marilyn) for Best Supporting Actress in Manchester by the Sea.
    Capital Pictures
  • Before playing How to Get Away with Murder's lead Annalise Keating, Davis starred as nurse Lynette Peeler on short-lived series City of Angels.
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    Viola Davis - Then

    Before playing How to Get Away with Murder's lead Annalise Keating, Davis starred as nurse Lynette Peeler on short-lived series City of Angels.
    Courtesy Everett Collection
  • After losing out on Best Supporting Actress for Doubt in 2009 and Best Actress for The Help in 2012, Davis received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2016's Fences.
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    Viola Davis - Now

    After losing out on Best Supporting Actress for Doubt in 2009 and Best Actress for The Help in 2012, Davis received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2016's Fences.
    David Lee/Paramount Pictures
  • Before she shot to fame in the Star Wars franchise, Portman appeared in her first feature-length film Leon: The Professional in 1994.
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    Natalie Portman - Then

    Before she shot to fame in the Star Wars franchise, Portman appeared in her first feature-length film Leon: The Professional in 1994.
    Columbia Pictures/Photofest NYC
  • Portman earned a nomination for her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in Jackie. The actress scored a Best Actress win for 2011's Black Swan and was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Closer in 2005.
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    Natalie Portman - Now

    Portman earned a nomination for her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in Jackie. The actress scored a Best Actress win for 2011's Black Swan and was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Closer in 2005.
    Pablo Larrain/2016 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
  • Emma Stone rose to fame in 2010's Easy A, in which she played provocative high school student Olivia.
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    Emma Stone - Then

    Emma Stone rose to fame in 2010's Easy A, in which she played provocative high school student Olivia.
    Adam Taylor
  • Stone was previously nominated for 2015's Birdman and is in the running for a Best Actress win for La La Land.
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    Emma Stone - Now

    Stone was previously nominated for 2015's Birdman and is in the running for a Best Actress win for La La Land.
    Capital Pictures
  • From 1982-1988, Washington starred in TV series St. Elsewhere as Dr. Philip Chandler.
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    Denzel Washington - Then

    From 1982-1988, Washington starred in TV series St. Elsewhere as Dr. Philip Chandler.
    NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • The two-time Oscar winner earned a Best Actor nomination for 2017's Fences.
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    Denzel Washington - Now

    The two-time Oscar winner earned a Best Actor nomination for 2017's Fences.
    David Lee/Paramount Pictures
  • Garfield starred alongside Jesse Eisenberg in 2010's The Social Network.
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    Andrew Garfield - Then

    Garfield starred alongside Jesse Eisenberg in 2010's The Social Network.
    Merrick Morton/Columbia Pictures
  • Garfield earned his first Oscar nomination for 2017's Hacksaw Ridge.
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    Andrew Garfield - Now

    Garfield earned his first Oscar nomination for 2017's Hacksaw Ridge.
    Mark Rogers/Lionsgate
  • The British hunk became one of Hollywood's hottest young actors after he starred in 2011's My Week with Marilyn alongside Michelle Williams.
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    Eddie Redmayne — Then

    The British hunk became one of Hollywood's hottest young actors after he starred in 2011's My Week with Marilyn alongside Michelle Williams.
    Weinstein Company/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Redmayne was nominated for his first Oscar in 2015 after starring in 2014's The Theory of Everything, where he remarkably portrayed famous physicist and ALS patient Stephen Hawking.
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    Eddie Redmayne - Now

    Redmayne was nominated for his first Oscar in 2015 after starring in 2014's The Theory of Everything, where he remarkably portrayed famous physicist and ALS patient Stephen Hawking.
    Liam Daniel/Focus Features
  • Long before she was winning awards, Arquette made her film debut in 1987 thriller A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
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    Patricia Arquette - Then

    Long before she was winning awards, Arquette made her film debut in 1987 thriller A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
    New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • The actress garnered a bevy of awards for her performance in Boyhood, including a Golden Globe and SAG Award, and a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2015 Oscars.
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    Patricia Arquette — Now

    The actress garnered a bevy of awards for her performance in Boyhood, including a Golden Globe and SAG Award, and a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2015 Oscars.
    IFC Films/Photofest
  • Bend and snap! America's sweetheart Reese Witherspoon channeled her inner blonde as Elle Woods in 2001's Legally Blonde.
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    Reese Witherspoon - Then

    Bend and snap! America's sweetheart Reese Witherspoon channeled her inner blonde as Elle Woods in 2001's Legally Blonde.
    MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Jim Toth's wife scored her first Oscar in 2006 for her role in Walk the Line. The actress is also up for an Oscar in 2015 for her role in Wild.
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    Reese Witherspoon - Now

    Jim Toth's wife scored her first Oscar in 2006 for her role in Walk the Line. The actress is also up for an Oscar in 2015 for her role in Wild.
    Anne Marie Fox/Fox Searchlight
  • Those bangs! Moore filled living rooms opposite Hugh Grant in 1995's Nine Months before going on to be nominated for her first Oscar for Boogie Nights in 1998.
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    Julianne Moore - Then

    Those bangs! Moore filled living rooms opposite Hugh Grant in 1995's Nine Months before going on to be nominated for her first Oscar for Boogie Nights in 1998.
    20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Moore scored another nomination in 2015 for her role as a woman dealing with early onset Alzheimer's in Still Alice.
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    Julianne Moore - Now

    Moore scored another nomination in 2015 for her role as a woman dealing with early onset Alzheimer's in Still Alice.
    Sony Pictures Classics
  • The comedian won over hearts for years on NBC's The Office before switching up his roles to more serious ones.
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    Steve Carell - Then

    The comedian won over hearts for years on NBC's The Office before switching up his roles to more serious ones.
    Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
  • After years in the business, the funnyman finally scored an Oscar nomination for his performance in Foxcatcher, where he looks unrecognizable in prosthetics as the wealthy John du Pont.
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    Steve Carell - Now

    After years in the business, the funnyman finally scored an Oscar nomination for his performance in Foxcatcher, where he looks unrecognizable in prosthetics as the wealthy John du Pont.
    Sony Pictures Classics
  • There she is! Octavia Spencer played a small role opposite Drew Barrymore as Cynthia in the 1999 teen flick Never Been Kissed.
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    Octavia Spencer - Then

    There she is! Octavia Spencer played a small role opposite Drew Barrymore as Cynthia in the 1999 teen flick Never Been Kissed.
    20th Century Fox
  • Fast-forward and Spencer was crowned with a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in The Help in 2012.
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    Octavia Spencer - Now

    Fast-forward and Spencer was crowned with a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in The Help in 2012.
    Dale Robinette
  • Meryl Streep scored her first Oscar nomination for her role in 1979's The Deer Hunter. The drama also starred Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage.
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    Meryl Streep - Then

    Meryl Streep scored her first Oscar nomination for her role in 1979's The Deer Hunter. The drama also starred Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage.
    Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Nineteen Oscar nominations later and Streep has transformed herself into everything from a horrific boss in Devil Wears Prada to the Witch in 2014 musical Into the Woods, a role which landed her a nomination (her 20th overall!) for Best Supporting Actress.
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    Meryl Streep - Now

    Nineteen Oscar nominations later and Streep has transformed herself into everything from a horrific boss in Devil Wears Prada to the Witch in 2014 musical Into the Woods, a role which landed her a nomination (her 20th overall!) for Best Supporting Actress.
    Peter Mountain/Disney Enterprises, Inc
  • Ben Affleck scored an Oscar for penning the acclaimed 1997 drama Good Will Hunting's screenplay, in which he starred in and wrote with pal Matt Damon.
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    Ben Affleck - Then

    Ben Affleck scored an Oscar for penning the acclaimed 1997 drama Good Will Hunting's screenplay, in which he starred in and wrote with pal Matt Damon.
    Miramax/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • He went on to score an Oscar for Best Motion Picture of the Year for his flick Argo in 2013.
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    Ben Affleck - Now

    He went on to score an Oscar for Best Motion Picture of the Year for his flick Argo in 2013.
    Claire Folger
  • In 2009, a lesser known Jennifer Lawrence made a name for herself in The Burning Plain alongside Oscar winners Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger. Her role as a troubled teenager led her to land larger roles like Winter's Bone and Silver Linings Playbook.
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    Jennifer Lawrence - Then

    In 2009, a lesser known Jennifer Lawrence made a name for herself in The Burning Plain alongside Oscar winners Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger. Her role as a troubled teenager led her to land larger roles like Winter's Bone and Silver Linings Playbook.
    Magnolia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • The blonde actress scored an Oscar in 2013 for her role in Silver Linings Playbook and a nomination in 2014 for American Hustle. Following her success, she became a global star starring in The Hunger Games franchise.
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    Jennifer Lawrence - Now

    The blonde actress scored an Oscar in 2013 for her role in Silver Linings Playbook and a nomination in 2014 for American Hustle. Following her success, she became a global star starring in The Hunger Games franchise.
    Murray Close
  • The Titanic star scored his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1994 for What's Eating Gilbert Grape.
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    Leonardo DiCaprio - Then

    The Titanic star scored his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1994 for What's Eating Gilbert Grape.
    Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Twenty-two years and four nominations later, DiCaprio finally took home the golden statue in 2016 for his role in The Revenant. He was nominated again in 2020 for his part in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
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    Leonardo DiCaprio - Now

    Twenty-two years and four nominations later, DiCaprio finally took home the golden statue in 2016 for his role in The Revenant. He was nominated again in 2020 for his part in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
    Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Anne Hathaway won over hearts when she played Mia, an ordinary girl who learns she's actually a princess in 2001's The Princess Diaries.
    49/76

    Anne Hathaway - Then

    Anne Hathaway won over hearts when she played Mia, an ordinary girl who learns she's actually a princess in 2001's The Princess Diaries.
    Walt Disney Pictures/Ronald Grant/Courtesy of Everett Collection
  • Taking on a whole new role — and look — Hathaway scored her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (but a lot of online backlash) for her outstanding performance in Les Miserables in 2013.
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    Anne Hathaway - Now

    Taking on a whole new role — and look — Hathaway scored her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (but a lot of online backlash) for her outstanding performance in Les Miserables in 2013.
    Universal Pictures
  • In 1975, the actor scored his first Oscar for his pivotal role in The Godfather: Part II after initially being turned down for the role of Sonny Corleone in the first crime film The Godfather.
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    Robert De Niro - Then

    In 1975, the actor scored his first Oscar for his pivotal role in The Godfather: Part II after initially being turned down for the role of Sonny Corleone in the first crime film The Godfather.
    Courtesy Everett Collection
  • The two-time Oscar winner scored another nomination for his role in Silver Linings Playbook, in which he starred opposite Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
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    Robert De Niro - Now

    The two-time Oscar winner scored another nomination for his role in Silver Linings Playbook, in which he starred opposite Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
    JoJo Whilden/Weinstein Company/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Before she became an Oscar winner and style icon, the actress starred in a sexually charged MTV Base Africa soap opera called Shuga.
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    Lupita Nyong'o - Then

    Before she became an Oscar winner and style icon, the actress starred in a sexually charged MTV Base Africa soap opera called Shuga.
    Us Weekly Editors
  • The newcomer was shocked when she won her first Oscar for her role in 12 Years a Slave in 2014. "When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every child, no matter where you're from, your dreams are valid," she told the audience during her acceptance speech.
    54/76

    Lupita Nyong'o - Now

    The newcomer was shocked when she won her first Oscar for her role in 12 Years a Slave in 2014. "When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every child, no matter where you're from, your dreams are valid," she told the audience during her acceptance speech.
    Francois Duhamel/Fox Searchlight
  • Before Hollywood's hunk scored his first Oscar for his role in Syriana in 2006, the ER actor starred as a reporter in 1996's One Fine Day.
    55/76

    George Clooney - Then

    Before Hollywood's hunk scored his first Oscar for his role in Syriana in 2006, the ER actor starred as a reporter in 1996's One Fine Day.
    20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Amal Alamuddin's husband nabbed another Oscar nomination for his role alongside Shailene Woodley in The Descendants in 2012, although he lost the award to Jean Dujardin in The Artist.
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    George Clooney - Now

    Amal Alamuddin's husband nabbed another Oscar nomination for his role alongside Shailene Woodley in The Descendants in 2012, although he lost the award to Jean Dujardin in The Artist.
    Merie Wallace/Fox Searchlight
  • In 1998, Blanchett made a name for herself when she portrayed Elizabeth Tudor in Elizabeth. The role won her several awards, including a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.
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    Cate Blanchett - Then

    In 1998, Blanchett made a name for herself when she portrayed Elizabeth Tudor in Elizabeth. The role won her several awards, including a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.
    Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • After scoring her first Oscar in 2005 for her role in The Aviator, Blanchett took home her second golden trophy as Best Actress in a Leading Role for 2014's Blue Jasmine.
    58/76

    Cate Blanchett - Now

    After scoring her first Oscar in 2005 for her role in The Aviator, Blanchett took home her second golden trophy as Best Actress in a Leading Role for 2014's Blue Jasmine.
    Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Leto made a name for himself when he took on Requiem for a Dream in 2000, a psychological drama film based off the novel by the same name.
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    Jared Leto - Then

    Leto made a name for himself when he took on Requiem for a Dream in 2000, a psychological drama film based off the novel by the same name.
    Artisan Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • The actor equally transformed himself for his role as an HIV-positive transgender in Dallas Buyers Club in 2014, a role which earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
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    Jared Leto - Now

    The actor equally transformed himself for his role as an HIV-positive transgender in Dallas Buyers Club in 2014, a role which earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
    Anne Marie Fox/Focus Features
  • Before McConaughey started snagging deeper roles, he became a well-known, rascally southern hunk in romantic comedies like 2001's The Wedding Planner.
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    Matthew McConaughey - Then

    Before McConaughey started snagging deeper roles, he became a well-known, rascally southern hunk in romantic comedies like 2001's The Wedding Planner.
    Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Ditching his How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days roles, the actor scored his first Academy Award in 2014 for his outstanding — and completely transformative — performance in Dallas Buyers Club.
    62/76

    Matthew McConaughey - Now

    Ditching his How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days roles, the actor scored his first Academy Award in 2014 for his outstanding — and completely transformative — performance in Dallas Buyers Club.
    Anne Marie Fox/Focus Features
  • In 1997, Wahlberg ditched his Calvin Klein's and transformed into Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights.
    63/76

    Mark Wahlberg - Then

    In 1997, Wahlberg ditched his Calvin Klein's and transformed into Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights.
    New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Wahlberg scored his first Oscar nomination in 2007 for his role in The Departed, a role which also landed him a Globen Globe nomination.
    64/76

    Mark Wahlberg - Now

    Wahlberg scored his first Oscar nomination in 2007 for his role in The Departed, a role which also landed him a Globen Globe nomination.
    Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Firth won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for The King's Speech at the 2011 Oscars.
    65/76

    Colin Firth - Then

    Firth won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for The King's Speech at the 2011 Oscars.
    Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Firth is nominated in the Best Actor category for his turn as King George VI in The King's Speech; The film is up for 12 awards.
    66/76

    Colin Firth - Now

    Firth is nominated in the Best Actor category for his turn as King George VI in The King's Speech; The film is up for 12 awards.
    The Weinstein Company/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • The actress learned to ride dirt bikes (and apparently forgot how to use a hairbrush!) for the 1983 Australian flick BMX Bandits.
    67/76

    Nicole Kidman - Then

    The actress learned to ride dirt bikes (and apparently forgot how to use a hairbrush!) for the 1983 Australian flick BMX Bandits.
    Headpress/Everett Collection
  • The real-life mom of four portrayed grieving mother Becca Corbett in Rabbit Hole (opposite Aaron Eckhart). Kidman is nominated in the Best Actress category.
    68/76

    Nicole Kidman - Now

    The real-life mom of four portrayed grieving mother Becca Corbett in Rabbit Hole (opposite Aaron Eckhart). Kidman is nominated in the Best Actress category.
    Entertainment Pictures
  • Not a career high: Renner, then 24, played a party-boy stoner in 1995's National Lampoon's Senior Trip.
    69/76

    Jeremy Renner - Then

    Not a career high: Renner, then 24, played a party-boy stoner in 1995's National Lampoon's Senior Trip.
    New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • The California native is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his turn as a Boston criminal in The Town. Last year, Renner scored a Best Actor nomination for The Hurt Locker.
    70/76

    Jeremy Renner - Now

    The California native is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his turn as a Boston criminal in The Town. Last year, Renner scored a Best Actor nomination for The Hurt Locker.
    Jonathan Olley/Summit Entertainment
  • For 2001's Planet of the Apes, Bonham Carter went to "ape school" to learn simian behavior.
    71/76

    Helena Bonham Carter - Then

    For 2001's Planet of the Apes, Bonham Carter went to "ape school" to learn simian behavior.
    20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Nine years and two children since filming Planet of the Apes, the saucy Brit scored a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her work in The King's Speech.
    72/76

    Helena Bonham Carter - Now

    Nine years and two children since filming Planet of the Apes, the saucy Brit scored a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her work in The King's Speech.
    See Saw Films/Entertainment Pictures
  • "I have two balls; why can't I have two Rolexes?" Bardem says in 1993's drama Golden Balls.
    73/76

    Javier Bardem - Then

    "I have two balls; why can't I have two Rolexes?" Bardem says in 1993's drama Golden Balls.
    UIP/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • The first-time father is nominated in the Best Actor category for Biutiful. The movie is also up for Best Foreign Language Film.
    74/76

    Javier Bardem - Now

    The first-time father is nominated in the Best Actor category for Biutiful. The movie is also up for Best Foreign Language Film.
    Jose Haro/ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
  • One of the actress' first roles? A poor man's Sarah Michelle Gellar in 2000's direct-to-video Cruel Intentions 2.
    75/76

    Amy Adams - Then

    One of the actress' first roles? A poor man's Sarah Michelle Gellar in 2000's direct-to-video Cruel Intentions 2.
    Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
  • Adams scored a Best Supporting Actress nomination for The Fighter. In 2008, she was nominated in the same category for Doubt (she lost to Penelope Cruz).
    76/76

    Amy Adams - Now

    Adams scored a Best Supporting Actress nomination for The Fighter. In 2008, she was nominated in the same category for Doubt (she lost to Penelope Cruz).
    ZUMA PRESS
Before embodying the King himself, Butler got his start on Nickelodeon (Zoey 101, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide) and the Disney Channel (Wizards of Waverly Place, Sharpay's Big Adventure) before going on to star on Switched at Birth and in The Bling Ring in 2011. Two years later, he scored a leading role on The Carrie Diaries, which ran for two seasons.
Ten years later, the actor is up for his first Academy Award for his role as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic, Elvis.
The daughter of Psycho star — and original scream queen Janet Leigh — Curtis got her start as ultimate final girl Laurie Strode in 1978's Halloween. The Freaky Friday actress went on to portray Laurie on and off in the franchise through 2022.
Jamie Lee (whose father is late actor Tony Curtis) scored her first-ever best supporting actress Oscar nomination with 2022's Everything Everywhere All at Once.
In the '90s, Fraser was most well-known for his starring turns in George of the Jungle, The Mummy, a fan favorite appearance in Now and Then and more.
After taking a hiatus from the industry, Fraser came back with a vengeance in 2022's The Whale, immediately garnering Oscar buzz for his role as an overweight teacher trying to reconnect with his daughter. He scored his first best actor Oscar nomination in 2023.
Yeoh began starring on the big screen in the mid-'80s, scoring her breakout role in 2000 with the critically acclaimed Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
After more and more blockbusters came her way — including Memoirs of a Geisha, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Crazy Rich Asians and more — Yeoh was recognized by the Academy when she scored her first Oscar nomination for 2022's Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Coming onto the scene in the late '90s and early '00s as an action star — and heartthrob — some of Farrell's most memorable films from the beginning of his career include 2002's Minority Report, 2003's The Phone Booth and 2008's In Bruges.
After years of dominating the big screen in such dramas as The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Batman, fan favorites as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and comedies like Horrible Bosses, Farrell got his due when he was nominated for the best actor Academy Award for 2022's Banshees of Inisherin.
In 2014, Pugh broke into the industry starring alongside Maisie Williams in the British mystery film The Falling.
The actress landed her first Oscar nomination in 2020 for her role in Little Women.
After she began acting in 1973, Dern earned rave reviews for her parts in Mask, Blue Velvet, and Wild at Heart.
In 1991, Dern landed her first Oscar nomination for her role in Rambling Rose. She was nominated again in 2015 for her part in Wild and in 2020 for her role in Marriage Story.
The Canada native's first regular series role was on 1997 teen comedy drama Breaker High.
10 years after being nominated for 2007's Half Nelson, Gosling scored a Best Actor nod for musical comedy drama La La Land.
Williams shot to fame as Jen Lindley on Dawson's Creek, which she starred in alongside Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek and Joshua Jackson.
Williams received her fourth nomination (she got previous nods for Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine and My Week With Marilyn) for Best Supporting Actress in Manchester by the Sea.
Before playing How to Get Away with Murder's lead Annalise Keating, Davis starred as nurse Lynette Peeler on short-lived series City of Angels.
After losing out on Best Supporting Actress for Doubt in 2009 and Best Actress for The Help in 2012, Davis received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2016's Fences.
Before she shot to fame in the Star Wars franchise, Portman appeared in her first feature-length film Leon: The Professional in 1994.
Portman earned a nomination for her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in Jackie. The actress scored a Best Actress win for 2011's Black Swan and was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Closer in 2005.
Emma Stone rose to fame in 2010's Easy A, in which she played provocative high school student Olivia.
Stone was previously nominated for 2015's Birdman and is in the running for a Best Actress win for La La Land.
From 1982-1988, Washington starred in TV series St. Elsewhere as Dr. Philip Chandler.
The two-time Oscar winner earned a Best Actor nomination for 2017's Fences.
Garfield starred alongside Jesse Eisenberg in 2010's The Social Network.
Garfield earned his first Oscar nomination for 2017's Hacksaw Ridge.
The British hunk became one of Hollywood's hottest young actors after he starred in 2011's My Week with Marilyn alongside Michelle Williams.
Redmayne was nominated for his first Oscar in 2015 after starring in 2014's The Theory of Everything, where he remarkably portrayed famous physicist and ALS patient Stephen Hawking.
Long before she was winning awards, Arquette made her film debut in 1987 thriller A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The actress garnered a bevy of awards for her performance in Boyhood, including a Golden Globe and SAG Award, and a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2015 Oscars.
Bend and snap! America's sweetheart Reese Witherspoon channeled her inner blonde as Elle Woods in 2001's Legally Blonde.
Jim Toth's wife scored her first Oscar in 2006 for her role in Walk the Line. The actress is also up for an Oscar in 2015 for her role in Wild.
Those bangs! Moore filled living rooms opposite Hugh Grant in 1995's Nine Months before going on to be nominated for her first Oscar for Boogie Nights in 1998.
Moore scored another nomination in 2015 for her role as a woman dealing with early onset Alzheimer's in Still Alice.
The comedian won over hearts for years on NBC's The Office before switching up his roles to more serious ones.
After years in the business, the funnyman finally scored an Oscar nomination for his performance in Foxcatcher, where he looks unrecognizable in prosthetics as the wealthy John du Pont.
There she is! Octavia Spencer played a small role opposite Drew Barrymore as Cynthia in the 1999 teen flick Never Been Kissed.
Fast-forward and Spencer was crowned with a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in The Help in 2012.
Meryl Streep scored her first Oscar nomination for her role in 1979's The Deer Hunter. The drama also starred Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage.
Nineteen Oscar nominations later and Streep has transformed herself into everything from a horrific boss in Devil Wears Prada to the Witch in 2014 musical Into the Woods, a role which landed her a nomination (her 20th overall!) for Best Supporting Actress.
Ben Affleck scored an Oscar for penning the acclaimed 1997 drama Good Will Hunting's screenplay, in which he starred in and wrote with pal Matt Damon.
He went on to score an Oscar for Best Motion Picture of the Year for his flick Argo in 2013.
In 2009, a lesser known Jennifer Lawrence made a name for herself in The Burning Plain alongside Oscar winners Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger. Her role as a troubled teenager led her to land larger roles like Winter's Bone and Silver Linings Playbook.
The blonde actress scored an Oscar in 2013 for her role in Silver Linings Playbook and a nomination in 2014 for American Hustle. Following her success, she became a global star starring in The Hunger Games franchise.
The Titanic star scored his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1994 for What's Eating Gilbert Grape.
Twenty-two years and four nominations later, DiCaprio finally took home the golden statue in 2016 for his role in The Revenant. He was nominated again in 2020 for his part in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Anne Hathaway won over hearts when she played Mia, an ordinary girl who learns she's actually a princess in 2001's The Princess Diaries.
Taking on a whole new role — and look — Hathaway scored her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (but a lot of online backlash) for her outstanding performance in Les Miserables in 2013.
In 1975, the actor scored his first Oscar for his pivotal role in The Godfather: Part II after initially being turned down for the role of Sonny Corleone in the first crime film The Godfather.
The two-time Oscar winner scored another nomination for his role in Silver Linings Playbook, in which he starred opposite Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
Before she became an Oscar winner and style icon, the actress starred in a sexually charged MTV Base Africa soap opera called Shuga.
The newcomer was shocked when she won her first Oscar for her role in 12 Years a Slave in 2014. "When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every child, no matter where you're from, your dreams are valid," she told the audience during her acceptance speech.
Before Hollywood's hunk scored his first Oscar for his role in Syriana in 2006, the ER actor starred as a reporter in 1996's One Fine Day.
Amal Alamuddin's husband nabbed another Oscar nomination for his role alongside Shailene Woodley in The Descendants in 2012, although he lost the award to Jean Dujardin in The Artist.
In 1998, Blanchett made a name for herself when she portrayed Elizabeth Tudor in Elizabeth. The role won her several awards, including a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.
After scoring her first Oscar in 2005 for her role in The Aviator, Blanchett took home her second golden trophy as Best Actress in a Leading Role for 2014's Blue Jasmine.
Leto made a name for himself when he took on Requiem for a Dream in 2000, a psychological drama film based off the novel by the same name.
The actor equally transformed himself for his role as an HIV-positive transgender in Dallas Buyers Club in 2014, a role which earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Before McConaughey started snagging deeper roles, he became a well-known, rascally southern hunk in romantic comedies like 2001's The Wedding Planner.
Ditching his How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days roles, the actor scored his first Academy Award in 2014 for his outstanding — and completely transformative — performance in Dallas Buyers Club.
In 1997, Wahlberg ditched his Calvin Klein's and transformed into Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights.
Wahlberg scored his first Oscar nomination in 2007 for his role in The Departed, a role which also landed him a Globen Globe nomination.
Firth won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for The King's Speech at the 2011 Oscars.
Firth is nominated in the Best Actor category for his turn as King George VI in The King's Speech; The film is up for 12 awards.
The actress learned to ride dirt bikes (and apparently forgot how to use a hairbrush!) for the 1983 Australian flick BMX Bandits.
The real-life mom of four portrayed grieving mother Becca Corbett in Rabbit Hole (opposite Aaron Eckhart). Kidman is nominated in the Best Actress category.
Not a career high: Renner, then 24, played a party-boy stoner in 1995's National Lampoon's Senior Trip.
The California native is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his turn as a Boston criminal in The Town. Last year, Renner scored a Best Actor nomination for The Hurt Locker.
For 2001's Planet of the Apes, Bonham Carter went to "ape school" to learn simian behavior.
Nine years and two children since filming Planet of the Apes, the saucy Brit scored a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her work in The King's Speech.
"I have two balls; why can't I have two Rolexes?" Bardem says in 1993's drama Golden Balls.
The first-time father is nominated in the Best Actor category for Biutiful. The movie is also up for Best Foreign Language Film.
One of the actress' first roles? A poor man's Sarah Michelle Gellar in 2000's direct-to-video Cruel Intentions 2.
Adams scored a Best Supporting Actress nomination for The Fighter. In 2008, she was nominated in the same category for Doubt (she lost to Penelope Cruz).
Us Weekly

Long before they were toting Oscars, A-listers were making a name for themselves in everything from soap operas to romantic comedies and everything in between. Leonardo DiCaprio was nominated four times before he finally won an Oscar for his fifth nod, for his part in The Revenant, at the 2016 ceremony. However, even before his first nod in 1993 for the heartbreaking part he played in What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, the actor had already made a name for himself. He started acting in 1979, guest-starring on multiple TV shows before landing a supporting role on Parenthood in 1990. In 1991, he landed a leading role in Growing Pains, launching his massive career. Meryl Streep, the actor with the most Oscar nominations of all time, also had quite the career before earning her first nod in 1978. She made her stage debut in Trelawny of the Wells in 1975 and the following year, earned a Tony Award nomination for her role in 27 Wagons Full of Cotton and A Memory of Two Mondays. She first appeared on screen in 1977. Tom Hanks, one of the most famous actors in Hollywood history, has also had quite the journey to the Oscar. He made his acting debut on film in 1979; the following year, he landed the starring role in the TV series Bosom Buddies and later appeared on an episode of Happy Days. In 1984, he was in the box-office hit Splash. In 1989, Hanks earned his first Oscar nomination for Big. While he lost, he went on to win consecutive Oscars for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. He was nominated again in 1999, 2001 and 2020.Sign up for Us Weekly's free, daily newsletter and never miss breaking news or exclusive stories about your favorite celebrities, TV shows and more! Click through the gallery below to see where stars like Austin Butler, Jamie Lee Curtis, Brendan Fraser and many more were before they were nominated for an Academy Award.

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