The Oscars are often framed as a celebration of the year’s best performances, but over nearly a century, the ceremony has also quietly tracked something else: age. From child actors barely old enough to read their own nominations to industry legends earning recognition late in life, the Academy’s records reveal a striking range of extremes. Looking at the youngest and oldest nominees and winners ever offers a fascinating snapshot of how Hollywood talent can emerge early, endure for decades, or peak at completely unexpected moments.
Oldest Oscar Nominee Overall: Christopher Plummer (Age 88)
Source: IMDb
Christopher Plummer became the oldest Oscar nominee in any acting category at age 88 for All the Money in the World (2017). The nomination marked yet another late-career milestone for the veteran actor, whose decades-long résumé continued to earn recognition well into his final years.
Oldest Actor Nominee: Christopher Plummer (Age 88)
Source: IMDb
In addition to holding the overall record, Plummer also remains the oldest nominee specifically in the actor categories. His nomination underscored how sustained excellence can resonate with Academy voters regardless of age.
Oldest Actress Nominee: Gloria Stuart (Age 87)
Source: IMDb
Gloria Stuart earned an Academy Award nomination at age 87 for Titanic (1997), becoming the oldest nominee in the actress categories. The recognition came more than half a century after her early Hollywood success, turning her nomination into one of the most celebrated late-life returns in Oscar history.
Oldest Oscar Winner Overall: Anthony Hopkins (Age 83)
Source: IMDb
Anthony Hopkins set the record as the oldest Oscar winner when he won Best Actor at age 83 for The Father (2020). His win was widely praised for honoring a restrained, emotionally devastating performance late in an already legendary career.
Oldest Actor Winner: Anthony Hopkins (Age 83)
Source: IMDb
Hopkins’ victory also made him the oldest winner ever in the actor categories. The achievement reinforced the idea that powerful leading performances aren’t limited to any specific stage of life.
Oldest Actress Winner: Jessica Tandy (Age 80)
Source: IMDb
Jessica Tandy became the oldest actress to win an Academy Award when she took Best Actress at age 80 for Driving Miss Daisy (1989). Her win remains a defining example of the Academy celebrating maturity and experience on screen.
Oldest Director Nominee: Martin Scorsese (Age 81)
Source: IMDb
Martin Scorsese earned his record-setting nomination as the oldest director nominee at age 81 for The Irishman (2019). The nod further cemented his status as one of cinema’s most enduring and influential filmmakers.
Oldest Director Winner: Clint Eastwood (Age 74)
Source: IMDb
Clint Eastwood became the oldest winner of the Best Director Oscar at age 74 for Million Dollar Baby (2004). The win capped a successful evolution from screen icon to acclaimed filmmaker.
Youngest Oscar Nominee Overall: Justin Henry (Age 8)
Source: IMDb
Justin Henry holds the distinction of being the youngest Oscar nominee ever, earning a Supporting Actor nomination at just eight years old for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979). His performance remains one of the most striking child acting turns ever recognized by the Academy.
Youngest Actor Nominee: Justin Henry (Age 8)
Source: IMDb
Henry’s nomination also makes him the youngest nominee in the actor categories. Decades later, his record still stands unmatched.
Youngest Actress Nominee: Quvenzhané Wallis (Age 9)
Source: IMDb
At age nine, Quvenzhané Wallis became the youngest Best Actress nominee for her role in Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012). Her nomination marked a historic moment for youthful performances in leading roles.
Youngest Director Nominee: John Singleton (Age 24)
Source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
John Singleton earned a Best Director nomination at age 24 for Boyz n the Hood (1991), making him the youngest director nominee in Oscar history. The recognition launched a groundbreaking career and signaled a major generational shift in Hollywood storytelling.
Youngest Oscar Winner Overall: Tatum O’Neal (Age 10)
Source: IMDb
Tatum O’Neal remains the youngest Oscar winner of all time, winning Best Supporting Actress at age 10 for Paper Moon (1973). Her record has endured for more than five decades.
Youngest Actress Winner: Tatum O’Neal (Age 10)
Source: IMDb
O’Neal’s victory also makes her the youngest winner in the actress categories, a benchmark that has yet to be challenged.
Youngest Actor Winner: Timothy Hutton (Age 20)
Source: IMDb
Timothy Hutton became the youngest male acting winner when he won Best Supporting Actor at age 20 for Ordinary People (1980). His win marked a rapid rise to prominence early in his career.
Youngest Director Winner: Damien Chazelle (Age 32)
Source: IMDb
Damien Chazelle set the record as the youngest Best Director winner at age 32 for La La Land (2016). The win positioned him among the Academy’s youngest filmmaking elites.
