Every Best Actor Winner in Oscar History: From Sidney Poitier to Cillian Murphy
Since the very first Academy Awards in 1929, the Oscars have celebrated outstanding achievements in acting, recognizing performances that define cinematic history. Each year, five actors compete for the prestigious Best Actor award, honoring their exceptional portrayals in some of the most acclaimed films of the previous year.
Over the decades, this category has witnessed groundbreaking moments—from Sidney Poitier becoming the first Black actor to win Best Actor to Peter Finch making history as the only posthumous winner.
Most recently, Cillian Murphy took home his first Oscar in 2024 for his powerful portrayal of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. The film dominated the night, securing seven awards, including Best Picture.
Here’s a look at every Hollywood star who has earned the coveted Best Actor statuette through the years.