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Hollywood Royalty: What Actor/Actress Has the Most Oscars?

Katherine Hepburn's Untouchable Record

Photograph of Katharine Hepburn, the actress who won 4 Academy Awards and earned 12 nominations, more than any other actor in Oscar history.

When it comes to Oscar history, Katharine Hepburn still wears the crown. She holds the record for four Academy Awards for Best Actress, a streak no one has beaten. Over her career, she earned 12 nominations, tying her with Jack Nicholson for second place in Academy history.


Her wins came for Morning Glory (1933), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), The Lion in Winter (1968), and On Golden Pond (1981).


And here is the twist: Hepburn never once attended the ceremonies to accept her trophies. She let the performances speak for themselves.


Other legends have tried to catch up:

  • Meryl Streep – 21 nominations, 3 wins

  • Jack Nicholson – 12 nominations, 3 wins

  • Bette Davis – 10 nominations, 2 wins

  • Laurence Olivier – 10 nominations, 1 win


Yet Hepburn’s record still stands strong after more than 90 years of Oscar history. With her unmatched combination of talent and independence, she remains the queen of Hollywood’s biggest night.

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