Some of the most memorable moments in entertainment history have resulted from the fusion of music and film. Though most people identify the Academy Awards with an actor’s accomplishments in film, several musicians have also won the coveted golden statuette. Here are 10 famous singers and rappers with Oscar wins.
Cher, Moonstruck (1987)
Cher, the renowned pop star, successfully made the leap from singing to acting with her part in the romantic comedy "Moonstruck". In 1987, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her depiction of Loretta Castorini, a widowed accountant who faces a moral dilemma when she falls for her fiancé’s younger brother. With her natural acting chops, Cher ultimately saw Oscar triumph, and her inspirational win cemented her standing as a true multi-talented performer.
Barbra Streisand, Funny Girl (1968)
Barbra Streisand has had an illustrious career in both music and film. She won the Oscar for Best Actress in 1968 for her breakout performance in "Funny Girl,” playing the singer and comedian Fanny Brice from the 1920s. Streisand gave a performance that not only highlighted her vocal abilities but also her acting skills. Her "Funny Girl" win marked the start of an incredible dual career that has had an immeasurable impact on entertainment history.
Jamie Foxx, Ray (2004)
The acting performance of Jamie Foxx as the legendary Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic film "Ray" is widely regarded as masterwork. In addition to capturing the spirit of Charles’ musical brilliance, Foxx also dug into the complexities of the blind musician’s personal life. Jamie Foxx went from underdog to frontrunner that year, and he ultimately won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls (2006)
Jennifer Hudson's path is very inspirational, starting with her modest beginnings on "American Idol" and later continuing with an Oscar for her performance in 2006’s "Dreamgirls". The Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress went to Hudson for her outstanding portrayal of Effie White, a fictional member of the girl group The Dreams. Today, Hudson is also the 17th EGOT winner, having won awards in the four major categories of American entertainment.
Jared Leto - Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
Jared Leto made an unexpected transition from vocalist for rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars to actor in 2013, and he went on to win an Oscar for his supporting role in "Dallas Buyers Club". Leto's portrayal of Rayon, a transgender woman with HIV, was a game-changer in his career that garnered high praise from critics. Leto's versatility as an artist is seen in the variety of characters he has played in his films.
Eminem, 8 Mile (2002)
Rap legend Eminem, who is known for his honest and poignant lyrics, made waves in the film industry with his acting role in "8 Mile". The film was an exploration of Eminem's early hardships in the hip-hop world, and the semi-autobiographical film won him the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself". With this historic victory, rap music won an Oscar for the first time.
Lady Gaga, A Star is Born (2018)
A star in the music business already, Lady Gaga captivated audiences with the performance she gave in 2018’s “A Star Is Born". She was nominated in two categories that year—both in the Best Actress and Best Original Song categories—but she ultimately won in the latter for her song, "Shallow". Gaga thanked Bradley Cooper during her acceptance speech, crediting him as the reason she was cast in the lead actress role. Lately, Gaga has shown that she has the ability to switch between singing and acting, and her range as an artist has strengthened her reputation as a cultural icon.
Elton John, The Lion King (1994)
Disney's "The Lion King" soundtrack features songs by celebrated musician Sir Elton John, who won an Oscar. The Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1994 went to the immortal song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," which was co-written with Tim Rice. He also wrote other iconic songs on that soundtrack, including “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”. Beyond his pop and rock origins, Elton John has had an enduring impact on the film industry, as proven by his ability to compose music that resonates with a broad audience.
Will Smith, King Richard (2022)
Even though Will Smith is most recognized for his compelling acting, he has a long history in the music industry. His portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, in the film "King Richard" earned him the Oscar for Best Actor in 2022. Unfortunately, the shocking events of that Oscars night—when he stormed the stage and smacked host Chris Rock across the face for poking fun of Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith—would overshadow his victory.
John Legend, Common, Selma (2015)
John Legend, along with Common, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2015 for their song "Glory" from the film "Selma". The powerful anthem served as the soundtrack for the historical drama that depicted the Civil Rights Movement. The Oscar win not only highlighted Legend's talent but also underscored his commitment to using his art to address important social issues. By receiving this Oscar, Legend solidified his place as a socially-conscious artist who can seamlessly translate meaningful messages into compelling musical compositions.
Adele, Skyfall (2013)
Adele's victory at the 85th Academy Awards in 2013 was a pivotal point in her career. The eerie and stirring theme song for the James Bond movie of the same name, "Skyfall," which the British singer co-wrote and sang, won her an Oscar for Best Original Song. Adele's soulful voice in "Skyfall" not only mesmerized viewers, but the song also flowed naturally with the plot, elevating the whole cinematic experience. Adele's outstanding performance of the song, together with its timeless qualities, instantly established it as a classic and set it apart in the Bond catalog.
Billie Eilish, No Time To Die
Sister-and-brother duo Billie Eilish and Finneas became the first American songwriters to win Best Original Song. At the 94th Academy Awards, they were awarded golden statuettes for their work on “No Time To Die,” which is the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name. They are the newest additions to the growing list of musicians who have also won for writing, composing, and performing James Bond theme songs. “No Time To Die” was released back in February 2020 and still triumphed despite several COVID-related delays. Even more impressive, Eilish is one of the category’s youngest winners in history.
