A mere few actors have achieved the feat of earning three Academy Awards for acting, and each one did so by portraying iconic roles that symbolized distinct periods in cinema history. This select group encompasses both legendary stars from the studio era and contemporary iconic figures, having received accolades in both leading and supporting roles. It’s worth noting that Katharine Hepburn, who holds the record with four acting Oscars, is not part of this discussion.
The following six actors have triumphed three times, with the movies responsible for those trophies listed below, along with their most acclaimed performance. These choices represent general agreement within the industry, based on significant precursor awards and enduring effects on careers and cinematic history.
In this paraphrase, I’ve tried to make the language more conversational while still maintaining the original meaning. By using phrases like “triumphed” instead of “have three wins,” “long-term impact” instead of “careers and film history,” and “acclaimed performance” for “the defining achievement,” I hope to make the text easier to read and understand, while still conveying the information clearly.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis is the unique actor who has won the Best Actor title three times. He received these accolades for his remarkable transformative performances in ‘My Left Foot’, ‘There Will Be Blood’, and ‘Lincoln’. Throughout his career, he’s been nominated six times, with other nominations for ‘In the Name of the Father’, ‘Gangs of New York’, and ‘Phantom Thread’. His wins illustrate a journey from deeply immersing himself in physical roles to embodying historical figures. Known for extensive preparation and careful role selections, Day-Lewis has built a strong reputation in the film industry.
The performance in “There Will Be Blood” that is frequently hailed as his most deserved triumph had an impressive run during the awards season, earning top honors from prominent guilds and academies. This landmark film has significantly impacted modern cinema by altering how we discuss character studies, leaving a lasting impression in subsequent prestigious dramas. Furthermore, Day-Lewis’s performance in this movie is often referenced as the standard to beat in screen acting.
Frances McDormand
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at Frances McDormand’s remarkable career. With three Best Actress awards under her belt – for ‘Fargo’, ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’, and ‘Nomadland’ – she has proven her versatility, from mastering the nuances of dark comedy to delivering raw, intimate realism. But what truly sets her apart is her creative expansion behind the camera. With a Producer Oscar for ‘Nomadland’, it’s clear that she’s not just an exceptional actress but also a visionary shaping the future of filmmaking.
The performance in “Fargo” that is commonly acknowledged as the one she truly earned is widely acclaimed. Her portrayal of Marge Gunderson left a lasting impact on culture, receiving considerable recognition from guilds and a multitude of critic’s awards. This role served as a blueprint for grounded, empathetic leads in crime stories and is the performance most frequently linked to her name.
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep has won three Academy Awards, including one for Best Supporting Actress in ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ and two for Best Actress in ‘Sophie’s Choice’ and ‘The Iron Lady’. She holds the record for the most acting nominations ever received, demonstrating consistent brilliance throughout her career, encompassing drama, comedy, and portrayals of real-life figures.
The performance in ‘Sophie’s Choice’ that she is most recognized for was undoubtedly the one she truly earned. This exceptional act garnered her the highest accolades from the industry and critical acclaim, making it a mandatory study in acting courses. The mastery of technical aspects and wide emotional range displayed in this role are regularly highlighted when discussing her career, solidifying it as the standout performance that cemented her place in awards lore.
Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson won three Oscars: one for Best Actor in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘As Good as It Gets’, and another for Best Supporting Actor in ‘Terms of Endearment’. With more than ten nominations, he established a high standard for male actors in both leading and supporting roles spanning several decades.
Among all the awards he’s won, ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ is widely considered the role that Jack Nicholson truly earned with distinction. This movie, which clinched the Best Picture award and garnered numerous key industry accolades, significantly bolstered his reputation as a leading figure in 1970s American cinema. The enduring cultural impact of the character and the film’s continued relevance have made this performance the one most frequently associated with him.
Ingrid Bergman
Ingrid Bergman garnered three Academy Awards, including ‘Best Actress’ for ‘Gaslight’ and ‘Anastasia’, and ‘Best Supporting Actress’ for ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. Her nominations trace a career that spanned both Hollywood and European film industries, paving the way for intricate female characters.
As a devoted film enthusiast, I firmly believe that the role for which Ingrid Bergman most deservedly clinched the top spot is none other than ‘Gaslight’. At the time, this portrayal garnered immense critical acclaim and still stands as an exemplary demonstration of psychological depth on screen. It undeniably solidified her status as a formidable dramatic force, and to this day, it’s frequently brought up in conversations about iconic performances in timeless suspense films.
Walter Brennan
Walter Brennan made history by being the first actor to win three Academy Awards in the Best Supporting Actor category, with his victories coming from ‘Come and Get It’, ‘Kentucky’, and ‘The Westerner’. This streak cemented the importance of the supporting role for character actors, who often deliver captivating performances and add depth and authenticity to films through their memorable and nuanced portrayals.
Among all his victories, ‘The Westerner’ is commonly considered the one he truly earned. His portrayal of Judge Roy Bean opposite Gary Cooper has left an indelible mark on the screen, helping to solidify the iconic image of a legendary figure and significantly impacting the enduring archetypes of Western characters. This role is frequently highlighted as his greatest achievement, explaining his unparalleled number of accolades.
Please share below, in the comments section, your favorite standout performance from an actor and explain why it left a lasting impression on you.
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2025-08-23 04:17