Musicals frequently fly under the radar during the Academy Awards, yet there are standout performances that have left a lasting impact within the genre and on cinema as a whole. Notably, Chicago represents the most recent musical to clinch the coveted Best Picture award, with significant recognition often emerging from the acting categories. Several notable actors have shone in leading or supporting roles within what many consider to be the greatest musicals of all time. For example, Rita Moreno’s portrayal in West Side Story exemplifies a major Oscar success story where she was part of a larger triumph that year.
Some performers achieved singular glory, becoming the sole Oscar winners for their respective musical films on a particular night. Celebrated actors like Anne Hathaway, Jamie Foxx, and Liza Minnelli captivated both critics and audiences through their transformative portrayals, showcasing depths of character that redefined their careers. Additionally, newcomers like Jennifer Hudson and Barbra Streisand made remarkable debuts with Oscar-winning roles, indicating that these performances are significant not only for their immediate impact but also for their enduring legacy in film history.
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Joel Grey (Cabaret)
Best Supporting Actor Amongst a Golden Year for Cabaret
Although Joel Grey boasts a comprehensive filmography spanning film, television, and theater, his portrayal of the Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret resonates most profoundly. Grey originally played this iconic role on stage before transitioning to the film adaptation in 1972, where he captured the audience with his darkly comedic and mesmerizing performance. His work in the film earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, part of an impressive total of eight awards for Cabaret, which remains one of the highest Oscar-winning films that did not take home the Best Picture honor.
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Anne Hathaway (Les Misérables)
Best Supporting Actress for a Brief Yet Powerful Appearance
In the nearly three-hour epic Les Misérables, Anne Hathaway’s screen time amounts to just about 15 minutes, yet her dedication to the role of Fantine was more than sufficient to earn her an Academy Award. Hathaway’s emotional journey, punctuated by her live singing performance of “I Dreamed a Dream,”showcases her profound connection to her character. Her ability to express raw emotion while delivering hauntingly beautiful vocals left a lasting impression, solidifying her performance as one of the most memorable in Oscar history.
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Yul Brynner (The King And I)
Best Actor for a Role He Perfectly Recreated from Stage
Unlike most actors who move on to different projects after securing a role, Yul Brynner left an indelible mark through his portrayal of King Mongkut in The King and I. With two Tony Awards under his belt for the stage performance, Brynner took home the Oscar for Best Actor in the 1956 film adaptation, which also starred Deborah Kerr. Brynner’s remarkable dedication to the role, performing over 4,600 live shows, cements his legacy in the musical film genre.
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Reese Witherspoon (Walk The Line)
Best Actress for Capturing a Country Music Legend
Walk The Line, directed by James Mangold, stands as a benchmark in musical biopics with its compelling portrayal of Johnny Cash and June Carter by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. Witherspoon’s performance, marked by charm and emotional depth, secured her an Oscar for Best Actress. Her months of rigorous preparation, particularly focusing on her vocal performance, contributed to a role that resonated with audiences and critics alike, leading her to multiple accolades that year.
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Catherine Zeta-Jones (Chicago)
Best Supporting Actress in a Historic Musical Win
Chicago, an adaptation of the 1970s stage musical, garnered widespread critical acclaim and is the last musical to achieve Best Picture at the Oscars. Among its six wins, Catherine Zeta-Jones was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Velma Kelly, a character who showcases both ruthless ambition and infectious charisma. Her surprising musical prowess and undeniable on-screen chemistry with Renée Zellweger have continued to captivate audiences long after its release.
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Emma Stone (La La Land)
Best Actress in a Modern Musical Favorite
As one of the more contemporary musicals that resonated profoundly with critics and audiences, La La Land unfolds the aspirations of two artists, portrayed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Stone’s lively and heartfelt performance shines amidst the film’s visual splendor and memorable score. While the film’s dance sequences may be less demanding, Stone’s charismatic portrayal and emotional depth in the storyline earned her an Oscar, highlighting her significant impact in modern cinema.
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Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls)
Best Supporting Actress in an Impressive Film Debut
Inspiringly based on The Supremes, Dreamgirls captures the trials of an up-and-coming girl group in the 60s and 70s. Hudson, who rose to fame following her pre-existing American Idol recognition, offered a striking performance in her film debut alongside Eddie Murphy. Her emotional resonance and talent culminated in her winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and establishing her as a powerful new presence in Hollywood.
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Liza Minnelli (Cabaret)
Best Actress for Her Iconic Interpretation
Though Liza Minnelli’s body of work spans various genres, her portrayal of Sally Bowles in Cabaret remains her most illustrious. Drawing inspiration from the flapper culture, her dynamic performance is often regarded as a defining moment in her career, despite her previous experience in film and theater. The film garnered several Oscars, including Best Actress for Minnelli, which solidified her legacy as a leading figure in musical cinema.
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Jamie Foxx (Ray)
Best Actor While Nominated for Two Films
In portraying legendary musician Ray Charles, Jamie Foxx delivered an astonishing performance that transcended mere imitation. While he didn’t sing, Foxx embodied the essence of Charles with a compelling depth that earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. The same year, he received another nomination for his work in Collateral, marking him as one of the few actors to be nominated for roles in two separate films in the same Academy Awards cycle.
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Rita Moreno (West Side Story)
Best Supporting Actress in the Musical with the Most Oscars
Rita Moreno’s performance in West Side Story remains one of her hallmark achievements, representing a blend of talent and artistry. The film, derived from the 1957 Broadway musical, is a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, capturing the conflicts of rival gangs in New York City. Moreno’s character Anita delivers the electrifying “America” number, flawlessly combining song and dance. This performance played an integral role in the film’s historic sweep of ten Academy Awards, making it the musical with the most such wins.
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Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins)
Best Actress in a Timeless Classic
Mary Poppins harmoniously blends animation and live-action, showcasing Julie Andrews in the iconic role of a whimsical nanny who strives to enrich the lives of a troubled family. The film features memorable tunes and a sense of magic that has remained beloved over the decades. Despite her previous television and stage successes, Mary Poppins marked Andrews’ film debut, leading to an Academy Award for Best Actress, among other nominations and wins for the film.
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Barbra Streisand (Funny Girl)
Best Actress for a Debut That Redefined Stardom
Funny Girl, adapted from the life of comedian Fanny Brice, marks the film debut of Barbra Streisand, who reprises a role she had played successfully on Broadway. The production catapulted her into the spotlight, and despite not winning the Tony Award, the film established her as a powerhouse in the industry. Streisand’s skillful blend of comedy and musical performance earned her the Oscar for Best Actress, creating a legacy that would lead to another Academy Award for her work on the song “Evergreen”from A Star Is Born.
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