The Oscars are the ultimate award in the film industry, recognizing the talent and hard work of a select few each year. While the award remains an honor that many strive to achieve, there are some unique stories behind the nominees who have broken the mold of the typical Oscar nominee. From nonagenarians to octogenarians, here are the 10 oldest first-time nominees of all time, ranked by age.
10. Viola Davis, 53 (Best Actress in a Leading Role, The Help, 2011)
Viola Davis kicked off the top 10 of oldest first-time Oscar nominees when she earned a nomination for her performance in The Help in 2011. The 53-year-old actress was awarded the Best Actress award, making her the first African-American woman to have won in that category.
9. Christopher Plummer, 82 (Best Supporting Actor, Beginners, 2011)
Christopher Plummer became the oldest actor to be nominated for an Oscar at 82 years old when he was recognized for his performance in Beginners in 2011. Although he was unable to take home the award, Plummer is remembered for his iconic role in the movie.
8. Jessica Tandy, 80 (Best Actress in a Leading Role, Driving Miss Daisy, 1989)
Jessica Tandy was 80 years old when she was nominated for her role in Driving Miss Daisy. She was the oldest actress to be nominated at the time, and she won the award, cementing her place in history as one of the oldest first-time nominees.
7. Hal Holbrook, 82 (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Into the Wild, 2007)
At 82 years old, Hal Holbrook earned a nomination for his performance in Into the Wild. Although he was unable to take home the award, he is remembered for his incredible portrayal of a fatherly figure in the movie.
6. Henry Fonda, 76 (Best Actor in a Leading Role, On Golden Pond, 1981)
Henry Fonda was the oldest actor to ever win an Oscar when he won for his performance in On Golden Pond in 1981. At 76 years old, Fonda was a surprise winner, but his incredible acting performance showed why he deserved the award.
5. Ruth Gordon, 79 (Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Rosemary’s Baby, 1968)
Ruth Gordon was 79 years old when she earned a Best Actress in a Supporting Role nomination for her performance in Rosemary’s Baby. She was unable to win the award, but her character of Minnie Castevet remains an unforgettable one in the horror classic.
4. Emma Thompson, 51 (Best Actress in a Leading Role, Howards End, 1992)
At 51 years old, Emma Thompson was the second oldest person to be nominated for a Best Actress in a Leading Role award. She won the award for her performance in Howards End, becoming the first British actress to have won the award in that category.
3. George Burns, 80 (Best Supporting Actor, The Sunshine Boys, 1975)
George Burns was the oldest actor to ever be nominated for an Oscar, at 80 years old, when he was recognized for his performance in The Sunshine Boys. Although he didn’t win the award, he became an Oscar nominee and master of comedy.
2. Gloria Stuart, 87 (Best Supporting Actress, Titanic, 1997)
Gloria Stuart was the oldest actress to ever be nominated for an Oscar at 87 years old when she earned a nomination for her performance in Titanic. She was unable to take home the award, but her unforgettable performance lives on in the movie and in the hearts of fans.
1. Daniel Day-Lewis, 76 (Best Actor in a Leading Role, Lincoln, 2012)
Daniel Day-Lewis became the oldest first-time Oscar nominee when he earned a nomination for his performance in Lincoln at 76 years old. He went on to win the award, making him the oldest actor to ever win a Best Actor award.
These 10 nominees have broken the mold of the typical Oscar nominee, showing that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. Their incredible performances will remain an inspiration to all who hope to one day be an Oscar nominee.