Celebrity
11 Incredible actresses who didn’t accept their 1st Oscar until they hit 40
I can't believe the stars that re studding this list. 🤩
Jessica Adler
03.06.24

As the 2024 Oscars approach on March 10th, anticipation builds for Hollywood’s most glamorous night.

It’s not just the red carpet fashion or the tear-jerking speeches that captivate us, but also the recognition of talent that transcends age.

The story of perseverance in the entertainment industry is perhaps no more beautifully illustrated than by actresses who received their first Oscar late in the game, and you wouldn’t believe how many stars stud the list.

Below are 11 stellar actresses who we can’t believe bagged their 1st Oscar after 40.

Allison Janney

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Wikimedia commons

A chameleon of an actress, Allison may be best known for her regular role on the hit sitcom “Moms”, but it was the 58-year-old’s role in “I, Tonya” that earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.

Judi Dench

Wikimedia commons - Caroline Bonarde Ucci
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Wikimedia commons - Caroline Bonarde Ucci

Although Dench has been graacing silver screens since 1957 in her early 20s, she was 64 when she received her Oscar for a supporting role in “Shakespeare in Love,” a testament to her enduring excellence in acting.

Susan Sarandon

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Wikimedia commons - David Shankbone

At 49, Susan Sarandon’s performance in “Dead Man Walking” won her the Best Actress Oscar, highlighting her powerful portrayal of complex characters.

Kathy Bates

Wikimedia commons - Gage Skidmore
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Wikimedia commons - Gage Skidmore

Kathy Bates was 42 when she clinched the Oscar for her iconic role in “Misery,” a performance that has remained unforgettable in cinematic history.

Jessica Tandy

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Wikimedia commons

Jessica Tandy became the oldest actress to win the Best Actress Oscar at 80 for her role in “Driving Miss Daisy,” a milestone that celebrates longevity in creativity.

Shirley MacLaine

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Wikimedia commons - Georges Biard

49-year-old Shirley MacLaine won the Best Actress Oscar for “Terms of Endearment,” an accolade that recognized her dynamic talent and contribution to cinema.

Hattie McDaniel

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Wikimedia commons

At 44, Hattie McDaniel made history as the first Black actor to win an Oscar, with her win for Best Supporting Actress in “Gone with the Wind” breaking barriers and setting new standards.

Helen Mirren

Wikimedia commons - Luke Rauscher
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Wikimedia commons - Luke Rauscher

Helen Mirren was 61 when she won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen,” a role that showcased her regal acting prowess.

Viola Davis

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Viola Davis was 46 when she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Fences,” an achievement that highlighted her depth and strength as an actress.

Patricia Arquette

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Wikimedia commons - Frantogian

Arquette was 46 years old when she won an Oscar for her supporting role in “Boyhood,” a recognition of her commitment to portraying authentic and relatable characters.

Jamie Lee Curtis

At 64, Jamie Lee Curtis won an Oscar for her supporting role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” proving that talent only shines brighter with time.

Each of these actresses’ journeys to the Oscars is a testament to their unmatched talent and perseverance. They remind us that greatness knows no age.

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