Let’s be honest—sometimes, the best part of a movie isn’t the lead. It’s that one supporting character who walks into a scene, delivers a killer line or a quietly devastating moment, and completely steals the spotlight. Whether it's a loyal friend, a dangerous villain, or a quirky sidekick, supporting roles are often where the magic really happens.
Why Supporting Actors Steal the Show
That’s exactly why the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor matters so much. These awards go to the performances that add depth, energy, and surprise to a film. While leading roles tend to dominate the marketing posters, it’s often the supporting players who make a film unforgettable.
Since the category was introduced in the 1930s, the Best Supporting Actor Oscar has recognized dozens of unforgettable performances—from emotional powerhouses to scene-stealing comic relief. Think of Heath Ledger’s Joker, Christoph Waltz’s sly monologues, or even Brad Pitt just casually eating and owning every scene in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
So if you’re curious about who’s won over the years—or just want to relive some of the best “second banana” performances in movie history—you’re in the right place. Let’s dig in.
How the Award Began
The Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor was officially introduced at the 9th Academy Awards in 1937, honoring performances from the previous year (1936). Before that, there was no category specifically for supporting roles, which meant a lot of standout performances didn’t get the recognition they deserved.
To fix that, the Academy added two new awards: Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. It was a smart move—finally giving credit to the actors who may not be front and center, but whose performances often carry just as much emotional weight (sometimes more!).
Back then, winners didn’t even get the iconic gold statuette. Instead, the first few received plaques. Yep, plaques. Thankfully, the Academy caught on and eventually upgraded everyone to the real deal.
Over time, the idea of a “supporting role” has evolved. These days, it's less about screen time and more about impact. A character can be in the film for just a few scenes—as long as those scenes change the game.
Complete List of Winners – Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor
1930s & 1940s: The Category Kicks Off
This was the golden age of Hollywood, and the supporting actor category was still finding its place. These early winners helped shape what a great supporting performance could be.
- 1936 – Walter Brennan, Come and Get It
Hollywood’s first official supporting actor Oscar went to Brennan—who would go on to win three times in this category. - 1937 – Joseph Schildkraut, The Life of Emile Zola
His portrayal of Captain Dreyfus in this historical courtroom drama was understated but powerful. - 1938 – Walter Brennan, Kentucky
Yep, again. Brennan was already becoming a favorite of the Academy. - 1939 – Thomas Mitchell, Stagecoach
The same year he appeared in Gone with the Wind, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Only Angels Have Wings, The Hunchback of Notre Dame... and still won for Stagecoach. Iconic year. - 1940 – Walter Brennan, The Westerner
And there’s his third. No one’s done it since. - 1941 – Donald Crisp, How Green Was My Valley
His performance as the family patriarch was touching and grounded. - 1942 – Van Heflin, Johnny Eager
A charming and layered performance in a crime drama. - 1943 – Charles Coburn, The More the Merrier
Played an old matchmaker with perfect comic timing. - 1944 – Barry Fitzgerald, Going My Way
Fun fact: He was nominated for both Best Actor and Supporting Actor for the same role—rules were changed afterward. - 1945 – James Dunn, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
A bittersweet performance as a struggling father. - 1946 – Harold Russell, The Best Years of Our Lives
A real-life WWII veteran who lost both hands—his honest, moving performance made history. - 1947 – Edmund Gwenn, Miracle on 34th Street
Played Santa Claus himself and made us all believe. - 1948 – Walter Huston, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
Gritty, wild, and unforgettable—especially the gold dance. - 1949 – Dean Jagger, Twelve O’Clock High
A strong, moral center in a gripping WWII drama.
1950s: Character Actors Shine
The '50s leaned into character-driven dramas and epic storytelling. Supporting actors got a real chance to flex their skills in rich, layered roles.
- 1950 – George Sanders, All About Eve
Dry, sarcastic, and completely brilliant. - 1951 – Karl Malden, A Streetcar Named Desire
Helped balance out Brando’s raw intensity. - 1952 – Anthony Quinn, Viva Zapata!
Brought fire and soul to his revolutionary role. - 1953 – Frank Sinatra, From Here to Eternity
A major career comeback for Ol’ Blue Eyes—and well-earned. - 1954 – Edmond O’Brien, The Barefoot Contessa
Classic example of a narrator-style supporting character done right. - 1955 – Jack Lemmon, Mister Roberts
A breakout role with comic chops and charm. - 1956 – Anthony Quinn, Lust for Life
Yes, again—this time for playing Paul Gauguin opposite Kirk Douglas’ Van Gogh. - 1957 – Red Buttons, Sayonara
A tragic, nuanced role in a film tackling interracial love. - 1958 – Burl Ives, The Big Country
Folk legend and Academy Award winner? Yep. - 1959 – Hugh Griffith, Ben-Hur
Played a wild, hard-drinking sheikh with surprising heart.
1960s: Bold Characters and Bigger Risks
The 1960s saw a shift in storytelling—films became more daring, and supporting roles grew in complexity. These Oscar-winning performances often reflected broader social changes and emotional depth.
- 1960 – Peter Ustinov, Spartacus
A standout in a sweeping epic, Ustinov balanced wisdom and humor as a slave trader. - 1961 – George Chakiris, West Side Story
Played Bernardo with fierce energy and grace—bringing dance and drama together. - 1962 – Ed Begley, Sweet Bird of Youth
As a corrupt political boss, Begley brought authority and menace. - 1963 – Melvyn Douglas, Hud
His quiet, principled performance grounded Paul Newman’s rebellious title character. - 1964 – Peter Ustinov, Topkapi
His second win—this time for a comedic turn as a bumbling criminal. - 1965 – Martin Balsam, A Thousand Clowns
A classic “straight man” role delivered with warmth and wit. - 1966 – Walter Matthau, The Fortune Cookie
Dry, sarcastic, and totally magnetic—Matthau nailed the role. - 1967 – George Kennedy, Cool Hand Luke
Played the tough inmate “Dragline” with surprising heart. - 1968 – Jack Albertson, The Subject Was Roses
An emotionally complex father role, played with real tenderness. - 1969 – Gig Young, They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
A tragic emcee in a brutal dance marathon—dark and powerful.
1970s: Grit, Glory, and Breakthroughs
The ’70s were a golden age for character actors. Supporting roles weren’t just side dishes anymore—they were bold, central, and unforgettable.
- 1970 – John Mills, Ryan’s Daughter
Played a mute, mentally challenged man—silent but soul-shaking. - 1971 – Ben Johnson, The Last Picture Show
A former cowboy with a broken heart—quietly devastating. - 1972 – Joel Grey, Cabaret
His flamboyant Emcee was strange, magnetic, and deeply symbolic. - 1973 – John Houseman, The Paper Chase
Perfectly portrayed a stern, intimidating law professor. - 1974 – Robert De Niro, The Godfather Part II
Young Vito Corleone. Enough said. His first Oscar. - 1975 – George Burns, The Sunshine Boys
Old-school comedy meets emotional depth. A beloved late-career win. - 1976 – Jason Robards, All the President’s Men
As Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee, Robards was sharp, principled, and commanding. - 1977 – Jason Robards, Julia
Back-to-back wins. Few have done it, but Robards’ gravitas made it feel earned. - 1978 – Christopher Walken, The Deer Hunter
Haunting, fragile, unforgettable. That Russian roulette scene still chills. - 1979 – Melvyn Douglas, Being There
Played a dying tycoon with calm authority opposite Peter Sellers.
1980s: Scene-Stealers and Comebacks
The ’80s were big, bold, and full of personality—and the Best Supporting Actor winners followed suit. Many of these roles were so iconic, they’ve outshined the leads in pop culture memory.
- 1980 – Timothy Hutton, Ordinary People
At just 20 years old, Hutton became the youngest to win in this category, playing a grieving son with incredible emotional depth. - 1981 – John Gielgud, Arthur
As the dry, quick-witted butler to a spoiled billionaire, Gielgud delivered one of the best deadpan performances ever. - 1982 – Louis Gossett Jr., An Officer and a Gentleman
The first Black actor to win in this category, he was fierce and inspirational as a drill instructor. - 1983 – Jack Nicholson, Terms of Endearment
A retired astronaut with charm, swagger, and some serious emotional baggage. Classic Nicholson. - 1984 – Haing S. Ngor, The Killing Fields
A real-life doctor with no acting background, Ngor portrayed his own trauma during the Khmer Rouge regime—and it was heartbreaking. - 1985 – Don Ameche, Cocoon
Hollywood comeback alert! Ameche’s role as a rejuvenated retiree earned laughs and love. - 1986 – Michael Caine, Hannah and Her Sisters
Caine added warmth and complexity to a man tangled in family drama. - 1987 – Sean Connery, The Untouchables
The legendary Bond won his first (and only) Oscar playing a tough, mentoring cop. - 1988 – Kevin Kline, A Fish Called Wanda
Wild, ridiculous, and incredibly funny—Kline brought mad energy to the role. - 1989 – Denzel Washington, Glory
That single tear during the whipping scene? Chills. A powerful early win for a future icon.
1990s: Iconic Roles and Breakthroughs
This was a decade where supporting performances defined the films they were in. Whether comic relief or tragic figures, these roles left major marks.
- 1990 – Joe Pesci, Goodfellas
“Funny how?” That line alone made history. Pesci’s intensity was unmatched. - 1991 – Jack Palance, City Slickers
At 73, Palance played a grizzled cowboy—and proved age doesn’t dim charisma. - 1992 – Gene Hackman, Unforgiven
A corrupt sheriff brought to life with menace and steel-eyed cruelty. - 1993 – Tommy Lee Jones, The Fugitive
As the relentless U.S. Marshal, he brought grit and sarcasm—and totally stole the show. - 1994 – Martin Landau, Ed Wood
His performance as aging horror legend Bela Lugosi was both hilarious and heartbreaking. - 1995 – Kevin Spacey, The Usual Suspects
Before the controversies, this twisty, chilling performance as Verbal Kint was pure brilliance. - 1996 – Cuba Gooding Jr., Jerry Maguire
“Show me the money!” One of the most iconic catchphrases ever—and a career-making role. - 1997 – Robin Williams, Good Will Hunting
Williams brought warmth, pain, and kindness in a deeply human role. An emotional favorite. - 1998 – James Coburn, Affliction
A late-career win for a haunting role as an abusive father. - 1999 – Michael Caine, The Cider House Rules
His second Oscar. Understated, wise, and quietly moving.
2000s: Intensity, Villains, and Career Peaks
This decade saw a mix of unexpected winners, career breakthroughs, and pure cinematic electricity. From chilling villains to wise mentors, the Best Supporting Actor category was on fire.
- 2000 – Benicio del Toro, Traffic
A quiet, gripping performance as a conflicted Mexican cop caught in the drug war. Del Toro spoke mostly in Spanish—and still owned every frame. - 2001 – Jim Broadbent, Iris
Understated but moving, Broadbent played the devoted husband of a novelist battling Alzheimer's. - 2002 – Chris Cooper, Adaptation
Weird, funny, dark, and unforgettable—his role as a toothless orchid thief was bizarrely brilliant. - 2003 – Tim Robbins, Mystic River
A broken man haunted by childhood trauma. His pain lingered long after the credits rolled. - 2004 – Morgan Freeman, Million Dollar Baby
Warm, wise, and quietly powerful—Freeman finally got his Oscar and totally deserved it. - 2005 – George Clooney, Syriana
Clooney disappeared into a shadowy, conflicted CIA agent—gritty and gripping. - 2006 – Alan Arkin, Little Miss Sunshine
As a foul-mouthed but loving grandpa, Arkin brought laughs and heart to this indie gem. - 2007 – Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
One word: terrifying. As Anton Chigurh, Bardem created a villain for the ages. - 2008 – Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Legendary. Transformative. Iconic. Ledger's Joker redefined comic book movies—and won him a posthumous Oscar. - 2009 – Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Chillingly polite, intellectually intimidating, and completely captivating as Nazi Hans Landa.
2010s: Diversity, Power, and Precision
The 2010s gave us one of the most diverse and emotionally rich runs in this category's history. From soft-spoken fathers to brutal gangsters, the range was incredible.
- 2010 – Christian Bale, The Fighter
Unrecognizable as Dicky Eklund, Bale brought wild energy and emotional fragility to a once-great boxer’s downward spiral. - 2011 – Christopher Plummer, Beginners
At 82, Plummer became the oldest acting Oscar winner ever—for playing a man who comes out as gay late in life. Beautiful, subtle, and deeply human. - 2012 – Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained
His second Tarantino collaboration, and his second Oscar. A bounty hunter with charm and conscience. - 2013 – Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
As a transgender woman battling AIDS, Leto disappeared into the role with honesty and compassion. - 2014 – J.K. Simmons, Whiplash
"Not my tempo!" Simmons’ terrifying music teacher became instantly iconic. Equal parts brilliance and brutality. - 2015 – Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies
Quiet, thoughtful, and precise—Rylance’s subtlety stood out in a Spielberg film full of tension. - 2016 – Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
A drug dealer with a heart, Ali’s performance was short on screen time but long on emotional weight. - 2017 – Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
A racist cop who slowly unravels—Rockwell balanced rage, vulnerability, and unexpected growth. - 2018 – Mahershala Ali, Green Book
His second Oscar. Elegant, restrained, and full of soul as pianist Dr. Don Shirley. - 2019 – Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Cool, laid-back, and oddly touching. Pitt made Cliff Booth the definition of effortless screen charisma.
2020s So Far: Fresh Voices, Legacy Wins, and Quiet Power
Though we’re only a few years in, the 2020s have already delivered some deeply nuanced and memorable performances in the Best Supporting Actor category—showcasing rising talent, international recognition, and heartfelt storytelling.
- 2020 – Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah
As Fred Hampton, Kaluuya brought fire and soul to the screen. His commanding presence and impassioned delivery made him the clear standout in a powerful historical drama. - 2021 – Troy Kotsur, CODA
A groundbreaking win: Kotsur became the first deaf male actor to win an Oscar. His performance as a loving, funny, and frustrated father was pure heart—and had the entire audience in tears. - 2022 – Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Talk about a comeback story. The former child star (from Indiana Jones and The Goonies) returned with a role that was funny, emotional, and totally layered. His speech was as moving as his performance. - 2023 – Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer
In a career full of iconic roles, this might be his most subtle. Downey Jr. stepped away from superhero swagger to deliver a cold, calculated performance full of quiet menace. His long-awaited Oscar felt both earned and timely.
Most Wins, Records & Trivia
- Most Wins: Walter Brennan still leads with 3 wins—all from the 1930s and ’40s.
- Oldest Winner: Christopher Plummer (age 82) for Beginners.
- Youngest Winner: Timothy Hutton (age 20) for Ordinary People.
- First Black Winner: Louis Gossett Jr. for An Officer and a Gentleman (1982).
- First Deaf Winner: Troy Kotsur in CODA (2021).
- Posthumous Win: Heath Ledger’s 2008 win remains one of the most emotional Oscar moments ever.
- Back-to-Back Wins: Jason Robards in ’76 and ’77. Rare company.
- International Impact: Several recent wins (like Kaluuya and Kotsur) reflect the Academy’s growing embrace of global, diverse, and underrepresented talent.
Fan-Favorite Performances That Didn’t Win
For every Oscar winner, there are dozens of unforgettable supporting performances that didn’t take home the gold. Some were nominated. Some weren’t even recognized—but fans still love them:
- Alan Rickman in Die Hard (and Harry Potter) – never even nominated. Criminal, right?
- Steve Buscemi in Fargo – weird, wonderful, and totally overlooked.
- Sam Elliott in A Star is Born – that gravelly voice deserved a trophy.
- John Goodman in… well, almost everything. Especially The Big Lebowski.
- Donald Sutherland – decades of amazing roles and still no Oscar nod. (He finally got an honorary one!)
Oscar or not, these actors gave us moments that will stick forever.
Why Supporting Roles Are Sometimes the Best Ones
Let’s face it—supporting actors often get the juiciest scenes. They can be the emotional heart of the story, the comedic relief, or the unexpected twist. They’re not tied to carrying the whole film, so they get to take risks—and when it works, they steal the whole damn movie.
Think about it:
- Heath Ledger’s Joker wasn’t the main character—but he owned The Dark Knight.
- Mahershala Ali had just a few scenes in Moonlight, but made them count.
- Christoph Waltz made monologues into edge-of-your-seat moments.
Supporting roles are often where surprise, unpredictability, and brilliance happen. And when the Academy recognizes those performances, it reminds us just how important every character can be.
The Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor may not always grab headlines like Best Picture or Best Actor—but make no mistake, it’s where some of the most unforgettable moments in film live.
These actors didn’t need the spotlight to shine. They stepped into roles that elevated stories, deepened emotion, and—more often than not—made us sit up and say, “Whoa. That was incredible.”
From classic legends to modern greats, from comeback stories to history-makers, this list is a celebration of the roles that may not be leading—but are absolutely unforgettable.
So next time you watch an Oscar-winning film, keep an eye on the supporting actor. Chances are, they’re the one you’ll remember most.