See Every Best Actor Winner in the History of the Oscars (Including the Star Who's Taken Home 3 Golden Statuettes!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Cillian Murphy poses in the press room during the 96th annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024; Tom Hanks holds his Oscar during the 66th annual Academy Awards on March 21, 1994; Sidney Poitier holds his Best Actor Oscar backstage during the 36th annual Academy Awards on April 13, 1964.Photo:ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty; Bei/Shutterstock; Archive Photos/Getty

ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty; Bei/Shutterstock; Archive Photos/Getty

And the Oscar goes to …

Since 1929, theAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Scienceshas honored one of filmmaking’s most crucial elements: the acting. Five actors are nominated each year for their leading performances in some of the previous year’s most acclaimed films.

FromSidney Poitiermaking history as thefirst Black man to win the titleto Peter Finch becoming the only individual towin the category posthumously, here’s a list of every Hollywood star who has ever taken home the golden statuette for Best Actor over the years.

2024: Cillian Murphy,Oppenheimer

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty

Cillian Murphyclinched his first-ever Oscarfor portraying the titular physicist inChristopher Nolan’s 2023 historical dramaOppenheimer— a film thatdominated the night with seven wins, including Best Picture.

2023: Brendan Fraser,The Whale

2022: Will Smith,King Richard

Will Smithwon his first Oscarfor his performance asRichard Williams— father of tennis stars and sistersVenus WilliamsandSerena Williams— in the 2021 sports dramaKing Richard. The moment was overshadowed, though, as the actorslapped comedianand presenterChris Rockonstage earlier in the night following a joke about Smith’s wife,Jada Pinkett Smith.

2021: Anthony Hopkins,The Father

Anthony Hopkinsbecame the oldest star to winthe Best Actor title when he nabbed the prize for his performance in 2020’sThe Fatherat age 83.

2020: Joaquin Phoenix,Joker

Joaquin Phoenixwon the awardfor his role as the titular villain.The actor was not nominated for his reprisal in the movie’s 2024 sequel,Joker: Folie à Deux.

2019: Rami Malek,Bohemian Rhapsody

Rami Malek’s performance asFreddie Mercuryin the 2018 biographicalBohemian Rhapsody— about the bandQueen’s rise to stardom —earned him the trophyat the 91st Oscars.

2018: Gary Oldman,Darkest Hour

Gary Oldman accepts the award for Best Actor at the 90th annual Academy Awards in L.A. on March 4, 2018.Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock

Gary Oldmantook home the awardfor his role as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 2017’sDarkest Hour.

Eddy Chen/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

2016: Leonardo DiCaprio,The Revenant

More than two decades after his first Oscar nomination,Leonardo DiCapriotook home the award for Best Actor for his role as frontiersmanHugh GlassinThe Revenantin 2016.

2015: Eddie Redmayne,The Theory of Everything

Eddie Redmayneclinched the awardfor his performance as theoretical physicistStephen Hawkingin 2014’sThe Theory of EverythingalongsideFelicity Jones.

2014: Matthew McConaughey,Dallas Buyers Club

Matthew McConaughey accepts the award for Best Actor onstage during the 86th annual Academy Awards in L.A. on March 2, 2014.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

In 2014,Matthew McConaugheywon his first Oscar for his performance as Ron Woodroof inDallas Buyers Club. The film was based on Woodroof’s real-life story of being diagnosed with HIV and smuggling medicine into Texas to give to others living with the disease.

2013: Daniel Day-Lewis,Lincoln

Daniel Day-Lewis poses with his Oscar in the press room at Loews Hollywood Hotel on Feb. 24, 2013.Steve Granitz/WireImage

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Daniel Day-Lewisscored his third Oscar for Best Actor in 2013 for his performance as Abraham Lincoln — making him the winningest actor in the category’s history.

2012: Jean Dujardin,The Artist

In the silent, black-and-white filmThe Artist,Jean Dujardin’s role as screen star George Valentin won him the award in 2012.

2011: Colin Firth,The King’s Speech

Colin Firthwas named Best Actor in 2011 for his performance as King George VI inThe King’s Speech.

2010: Jeff Bridges,Crazy Heart

Jeff Bridges and Susan Geston arrive at the ‘Vanity Fair’ Oscar afterparty at Sunset Tower in West Hollywood, Calif., on March 7, 2010.Michael Buckner/WireImage

Jeff Bridges' portrayal of country singer Otis “Bad” Blake inCrazy Heartearned the actor the award in 2010. Bridges also sang on the soundtrack for the film, coveringJohnny Cash’s 1963 hit “Ring of Fire.”

2009: Sean Penn,Milk

Sean Penn accepts his Best Actor award for ‘Milk’ during the 81st annual Academy Awards at Kodak Theatre in L.A. on Feb. 22, 2009.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Sean Penn’s performance asHarvey Milk— California’s first openly gay elected official — won him his second Oscar for Best Actor in 2009.

2008: Daniel Day-Lewis,There Will Be Blood

Day-Lewis’second Oscarcame in 2008 for embodying the role of oil tycoon Daniel Plainview inThere Will Be Blood.

2007: Forest Whitaker,The Last King of Scotland

Forest Whitaker (left) and Kenn Whitaker attend the 2007 ‘Vanity Fair’ Oscar afterparty at Morton’s in L.A. on Feb. 25, 2007.Billy Farrell/Patrick McMullan/Getty

Billy Farrell/Patrick McMullan/Getty

Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of Uganda President Idi Amin inThe Last King of Scotlandearned him the award in 2007.

2006: Philip Seymour Hoffman,Capote

Philip Seymour Hoffman poses in the press room during the 78th annual Academy Awards on March 5, 2006.Steve Granitz/WireImage

Philip Seymour Hoffman’s first Oscar nomination also yielded his first and only win in 2006 for his performance as novelistTruman CapoteinCapote. The actor laterdied in 2014at the age of 46.

2005: Jamie Foxx,Ray

Jamie Foxxwon the award for portraying iconic musicianRay Charlesin the 2005 biopicRayin 2005.

2004: Sean Penn,Mystic River

Penn picked up his first Oscar for Best Actor in 2004 for his performance as ex-convict Jimmy Markum in theClint Eastwood-directed filmMystic River.

2003: Adrien Brody,The Pianist

Adrien Brody poses with his Best Actor Oscar for ‘The Pianist’ during the 75th annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, Calif., on March 23, 2003.Frank Micelotta/Getty

Adrien Brody’s performance as Polish music composer Wladyslaw Szpilman in the autobiography adaptation,The Pianist,earned him the awardin 2003.

2002: Denzel Washington,Training Day

Denzel Washington accepts his award for Best Actor onstage during the 74th annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, Calif., on March 24, 2002.TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

Denzel Washingtonwon his second Oscar in 2002 for his performance as police officer Alonzo Harris inTraining Day. In 2022, he received his 10th Oscar nomination for his work inThe Tragedy of Macbeth, extending his record asthe most-nominated Black actorin Academy Awards history.

2001: Russell Crowe,Gladiator

Russell Crowescored the award in 2001 for his role as the Roman general, Maximus, inRidley Scott’sGladiator.

2000: Kevin Spacey,American Beauty

Kevin Spacey holds his Best Actor Oscar for his role in ‘American Beauty’ in the press room at the 72nd annual Academy Awards in L.A. on March 26, 2000.Frank Trapper/Corbis/Getty

Frank Trapper/Corbis/Getty

Kevin Spacey’s performance as ad exec Lester Burnham inAmerican Beautyearned him the title in 2000.

1999: Roberto Benigni,Life Is Beautiful

Roberto Benigni poses with two Oscars, including a trophy for Best Actor for ‘Life Is Beautiful,’ in the press room at the 71st annual Academy Awards in L.A. on March 21, 1999.Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Italian actor and filmmaker Roberto Benigni both starred in and directed 1998’sLife Is Beautiful,which won him the award for Best Actor in 1999.

1998: Jack Nicholson,As Good as It Gets

Robin Williams (left) and Jack Nicholson pose with their Oscars for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor, respectively, at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. on March 23, 1998.HECTOR MATA/AFP via Getty

Jack Nicholson’s performance as romance novelist Melvin Udall inAs Good As It Getswon him his second Best Actor award — and third overall Oscar, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1984 for his performance inTerms of Endearment.

1997: Geoffrey Rush,Shine

Geoffrey Rush took home the award in 1997 for his role as piano prodigy David Helfgott inShine.

1996: Nicolas Cage,Leaving Las Vegas

Nicolas Cagewon the award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ben Sanderson — a Hollywood screenwriter with an alcohol problem — in the film adaptation of the eponymous novelLeaving Las Vegas.

1995: Tom Hanks,Forrest Gump

Tom Hankswon back-to-back awards in the category, first for his role in 1993’sPhiladelphiaand second for his performance as the titular character inForrest Gump.

1994: Tom Hanks,Philadelphia

Tom Hanks holds his Best Actor Oscar in the press room during the 66th annual Academy Awards in L.A. on March 21, 1994.Steve Starr/Corbis/Getty

Hanks took home his first Oscar in 1994 for his portrayal of Andrew Beckett — an associate attorney living with AIDS — inPhiladelphia.

1993: Al Pacino,Scent of a Woman

Al Pacino holds up his Best Actor Oscar for ‘Scent of a Woman’ onstage during the 65th Annual Academy Awards in L.A. on March 29, 1993.HAL GARB/AFP via Getty

Al Pacinowon his sole Oscar in 1993 for his performance inScent of a Womanas Lt. Col. Frank Slade, a blind veteran whose niece (Sally Murphy) hires a student (Chris O’Donnell) to be his caretaker during Thanksgiving weekend, which leads to an unexpected trip to New York City.

1992: Anthony Hopkins,The Silence of the Lambs

Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster pose with their respective Best Actor and Best Actress Oscars for ‘Silence of the Lambs’ during the 64th annual Academy Awards in L.A. on March 30, 1992.John Barr/Liaison/Getty

Portraying the psychopathic killer Hannibal Lecter, Hopkins' performance inThe Silence of the Lambsearned him the award in 1992.

1991: Jeremy Irons,Reversal of Fortune

Jeremy Irons holds his Best Actor Oscar for ‘Reversal of Fortune’ in the press room during the 63rd annual Academy Award on March 25, 1991.SCOTT FLYNN/AFP via Getty

SCOTT FLYNN/AFP via Getty

Jeremy Irons' starring role as British lawyer Claus von Bülow inReversal of Fortunewon him the title in 1991.

1990: Daniel Day-Lewis,My Left Foot

Daniel Day-Lewis poses in the press room with his Best Actor award for ‘My Left Foot’ during the 62nd annual Academy Awards on March 26, 1990.CHRISTOPHE D YVOIRE/Sygma via Getty

CHRISTOPHE D YVOIRE/Sygma via Getty

Day-Lewis took home his first Oscar in 1990 for his role as Christy Brown — a writer and painter living with cerebral palsy — inMy Left Foot.

1989: Dustin Hoffman,Rain Man

Dustin Hoffmanreceived his second Oscar in 1989 for his performance as autistic savant Raymond Babbitt inRain Man, costarringTom Cruiseas his older brother, Charlie.

1988: Michael Douglas,Wall Street

Michael Douglas' role in the firstWall Streetfilm as corporate raider Gordon Gekko won him the award for Best Actor in 1988. Douglas reprised the role over 20 years later in the 2010 sequelWall Street: Money Never Sleeps.

1987: Paul Newman,The Color of Money

After decades in the industry,Paul Newmanwon his first competitive Oscar in 1987 for his performance as pool player Eddie Felson inThe Color of Money. The year prior, he won an honorary award for his career.

1986: William Hurt,Kiss of the Spider Woman

William Hurt holds his Best Actor Oscar for ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ during the 58th annual Academy Awards on March 24, 1986.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

William Hurttook home the coveted trophy in 1986 for his role as Brazilian prisoner Luis Molina inKiss of the Spider Woman.

1985: F. Murray Abraham,Amadeus

F. Murray Abraham poses with his Oscar for Best Actor during the 57th annual Academy Awards on March 25, 1985.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

White LotusstarF. Murray Abrahamscored an Oscar in 1985 for his performance as composer Antonio Salieri — whose rival is none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

1984: Robert Duvall,Tender Mercies

Robert Duval with his Best Actor Oscar for ‘Tender Mercies’ at the 56th annual Academy Awards in L.A. on April 9, 1984.Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty

Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty

Robert Duvall’s portrayal of country singer Mac Sledge inTender Mercieswon the actor the award in 1984.

1983: Ben Kingsley,Gandhi

Ben Kingsleyreceived the Best Actor honor in 1983 for his performance as the titular Indian leader in the biographical film.

1982: Henry Fonda,On Golden Pond

Henry Fonda captured at home after Jane Fonda (right) presents him with the Best Actor award during the 54th annual Academy Awards on March 29, 1982.Bettmann Archive

ThoughHenry Fondawas unable to attend the 1982 ceremony in person, his daughter and actress,Jane Fonda, accepted the award on his behalf and delivered it to the actor for his role as Norman Thayer Jr. inOn Golden Pond. At the time, the then-76-year-old actor was the oldest actor to have received the honor.

1981: Robert De Niro,Raging Bull

Robert De Niro with his Best Actor Oscar for ‘Raging Bull’ at the 53rd annual Academy Awards on March 31, 1981.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Robert De Niro’s performance as professional boxer Jake LaMotta inMartin Scorsese’sRaging Bullwon the actor the title in 1981.

1980: Dustin Hoffman,Kramer vs. Kramer

Costars Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman pose with their respective Best Actress and Best Actor Oscars for ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ during the 52nd annual Academy Awards on April 14, 1980.Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty

Hoffman took home the Best Actor Oscar in 1980 for his performance as N.Y.C. ad exec Ted Kramer inKramer vs. Kramer. Meryl Streep also won Best Actress for her performance opposite Hoffman.

1979: Jon Voight,Coming Home

Jon Voightwas named Best Actor in 1979 for his role as Vietnam veteran Luke Martin inComing Home.

Richard Dreyfuss accepts his Best Actor Oscar onstage during the 50th annual Academy Awards on April 3, 1978.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

1977: Peter Finch,Network

Two months before he died at age 60, Finch won the award in 1977 for his role as anchorman Howard Beale inNetwork.

1976: Jack Nicholson,One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Jack Nicholson waves his Oscar for Best Actor for his role in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ in the press room during the 48th annual Academy Awards on March 29, 1976.Bettmann Archive

Nicholson won his first Oscar in 1976 for his performance as psychiatric patient Randle Patrick McMurphy inOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

1975: Art Carney,Harry and Tonto

Art Carney won the award in 1975 for his role as the titular widower, Harry Coombes, inHarry and Tonto.

1974: Jack Lemmon,Save the Tiger

Jack Lemmon’s portrayal of businessman Harry Stoner inSave the Tigerearned him the title in 1974.

1973: Marlon Brando,The Godfather

Sacheen Littlefeather (right) refuses the Oscar for Best Actor on behalf of Marlon Brando during the 45th annual Academy Awards on March 27, 1973.Bettmann Archive/Getty

Native American activistSacheen Littlefeatherfamously appeared onMarlon Brando’s behalf in 1973 andrefused to accept the awardfor his performance as mafia boss Don Vito Corleone inThe Godfatherdue to the film industry’s treatment of Native Americans.

1972: Gene Hackman,The French Connection

Gene Hackman poses with his Best Supporting Actor Oscar for ‘Unforgiven’ during the 65th annual Academy Awards on March 29, 1993.Avalon/Getty

Avalon/Getty

Gene Hackman’s performance as detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle inThe French Connectionwon him the award in 1972.

The prolific actor earned his second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1993 for his role asLittle Bill Daggettin the Eastwood-led Western filmUnforgiven. Hackmandied at the age of 95— alongside his wife,Betsy Arakawa, and their dog — on Feb. 27, 2025.

1971: George C. Scott,Patton

George C. Scott nabbed the award in 1971 for his performance as Gen. George S. Patton inPatton.

1970: John Wayne,True Grit

John Waynewon the Oscar in 1970 for his performance as U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn inTrue Grit.

1969: Cliff Robertson,Charly

Cliff Robertson’s portrayal of a man with an intellectual disability inCharlyearned him the award for Best Actor in 1969.

1968: Rod Steiger,In the Heat of the Night

From left: Claire Bloom, Rod Steiger and Bob Hope pose during the 40th annual Academy Awards on April 12, 1968.Bettmann Archive

Rod Steiger was named Best Actor in 1968 for his performance as police chief Bill Gillespie in 1967’sIn The Heat of the Night, costarring Poitier.

1967: Paul Scofield,A Man for All Seasons

Paul Scofield’s performance as Sir Thomas Moore — the 16th-century Lord Chancellor of England — inA Man for All Seasonswon him the award in 1967.

1966: Lee Marvin,Cat Ballou

Lee Marvin earned the award in 1966 for his performance as both of the main gunslingers, Kid Shelleen and Tim Strawn, inCat Ballou.

1965: Rex Harrison,My Fair Lady

Rex Harrison’s performance as Professor Henry Higgins alongsideAudrey HepburninMy Fair Ladywon the award in 1965.

1964: Sidney Poitier,Lilies of the Field

Sidney Poitier looks into a mirror and smiles while holding his Best Actor Oscar backstage during the 36th annual Academy Awards on April 13, 1964.Gene Lester/Getty

Poitier became thefirst Black man to win Best Actorin 1962 for his performance as Homer Smith — a handyman building a chapel in the desert — inLilies of the Field.

1963: Gregory Peck,To Kill a Mockingbird

Gregory Peck’s performance as lawyer Atticus Finch in the screen adaptation of Harper Lee’sTo Kill a Mockingbirdwon the award in 1963.

1962: Maximilian Schell,Judgement at Nuremberg

Maximilian Schell took home the award in 1962 for his portrayal of defense attorney Hans Rolfe inJudgement at Nuremberg.

1961: Burt Lancaster,Elmer Gantry

Burt Lancaster’s performance as the titular con man inElmer Gantryearned him the award in 1961.

1960: Charlton Heston,Ben-Hur

Charlton Heston holding his Best Actor Oscar after the 32nd annual Academy Awards on April 4, 1960.Bettmann Archive

Charlton Heston’s performance as Judah Ben-Hur — a Jewish prince of Jerusalem — inBen-Hurwon him the award in 1960.

1959: David Niven,Separate Tables

In 1959, David Niven took home the statuette for Best Actor for his performance as veteran Major Angus Pollack inSeparate Tables.

1958: Alec Guinness,The Bridge on the River Kwai

Alec Guinness won the award in 1958 for his performance as Colonel Nicholson — leader of British prisoners of war — in the war filmThe Bridge on the River Kwai.

1957: Yul Brynner,The King and I

Yul Brynner’s portrayal of King Mongkut in the film adaptation of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical,The King and I, earned him Best Actor in 1957.

1956: Ernest Borgnine,Marty

Ernest Borgnine poses backstage with his Best Actor Oscar for ‘Marty’ during the 28th annual Academy Awards at the RKO Pantages Theatre in L.A. on March 21, 1956.Earl LeafMichael Ochs Archives/Getty

Ernest Borgnine’s performance as the titular N.Y.C. butcher in the romance film,Marty, won the award in 1956.

1955: Marlon Brando,On the Waterfront

Brando’s role as former boxer Terry Malloy inOn the Waterfrontwon the actor his first Oscar.

1954: William Holden,Stalag 17

William Holden won the Best Actor award in 1954 for his leading role as Sgt. J.J. Sefton inStalag 17.

1953: Gary Cooper,High Noon

Gary Cooper’s performance as Hadleyville, N.M., marshal Will Kane inHigh Noon —alongsideGrace Kelly— won him the title in 1953.

1952: Humphrey Bogart,The African Queen

Humphrey Bogart receives a kiss from Claire Trevor backstage during the 24th annual Academy Awards on March 24, 1952.Hulton Archive/Getty

Humphrey Bogart’s role as courier Charlie Allnut inThe African Queenearned him the award in 1952.

1951: José Ferrer,Cyrano de Bergerac

1950: Broderick Crawford,All the King’s Men

Broderick Crawford’s portrayal of corrupt politician Willie Stark in 1949’sAll the King’s Menwon him the award the following year.

1949: Laurence Olivier,Hamlet

Laurence Olivier’s performance as the titular character inHamlet— which he also directed and wrote the screenplay for — won him the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The film also won the award for Best Picture.

1948: Ronald Colman,A Double Life

Loretta Young and Ronald Colman pose with their Oscars during the 20th annual Academy Awards on March 20, 1948.Bettmann Archive

Ronald Colman won the award in 1948 for his role as stage actor Anthony John inA Double Life.

1947: Fredric March,The Best Years of Our Lives

Frederich March’s performance as U.S. Army sergeant Al Stephenson inThe Best Years of Our Liveswon him the Oscar in 1947.

1946: Ray Milland,The Lost Weekend

Ray Milland’s starring role as N.Y.C. writer Don Birnam in the film adaptation of the novel of the same name earned the actor the award in 1946.

1944: Paul Lukas,Watch on the Rhine

Paul Lukas and Jennifer Jones hold their Oscars at the 16th annual Academy Awards on March 2, 1944.Archive Photos/Getty

Paul Lukas won the award for Best Actor for his performance as German engineer Kurt Muller inWatch on the Rhine.

1943: James Cagney,Yankee Doodle Dandy

At the 15th Academy Awards, James Cagney won the title for his portrayal of George M. Cohan — a real-life composer, playwright and performer — inYankee Doodle Dandy.

1942: Gary Cooper,Sergeant York

Cooper took home the award in 1942 for his role as American soldier Alvin C. York inSergeant York.

1941: James Stewart,The Philadelphia Story

James Stewart’s performance as reporter Macaulay Connor inThe Philadelphia StoryalongsideKatharine Hepburnwon him the Oscar in 1941.

1939: Spencer Tracy,Boys Town

Spencer Tracy and Bette Davis holding their Oscars at the 11th annual Academy Awards on Feb. 23, 1939.Bettmann Archive

Spencer Tracy won the award in 1939 for his performance as Irish priest Father Flanagan inBoys Town.

1938: Spencer Tracy,Captains Courageous

Tracy’s leading role as fisherman Manuel Fidello inCaptains Courageousearned him the trophy in 1938.

1937: Paul Muni,The Story of Louis Pasteur

In 1937, Paul Muni took home the award for his starring role as the titular French chemist inThe Story of Louis Pasteur.

1936: Victor McLaglen,The Informer

Victor McLaglen’s portrayal of Gypo Nolan, a disgraced member of the Irish Republican Army, inThe Informerearned him the award in 1936.

1935: Clark Gable,It Happened One Night

Clark Gable holds his Best Actor Oscar during the seventh annual Academy Awards at the Biltmore Bowl in L.A. on Feb. 27, 1935.Bettmann Archive

Legendary actorClark Gabletook home his first and only Oscar in 1935 for his performance as news reporter Peter Warne inIt Happened One Night —thefirstfilm to win in all five major categories.

1934: Charles Laughton,The Private Life of Henry VIII

Charles Laughton’s role as the titular king inThe Private Life of Henry VIIIwon him the award in 1934.

1933: Wallace Beery,The Champ

Wallace Beery earned the award in 1933 for his performance as a former heavyweight champion, Andy “Champ” Purcell, inThe Champ.

1932: Lionel Barrymore,A Free Soul

Marie Dressler and Lionel Barrymore hold their Oscars during the 1931 Academy Awards ceremony.Bettmann Archive

Lionel Barrymore received the honor for his role as defense lawyer Stephen Ashe in the 1931 crime dramaA Free Soul.

1931: George Arliss,Disraeli

George Arliss' portrayal of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli won the actor the title in 1931.

1930: Warner Baxter,In Old Arizona

Warner Baxter won the award for his performance as the Cisco Kid in the WesternIn Old Arizona.

1929: Emil Jannings,The Way of All FleshandThe Last Command

source: people.com