10 A-list Actors Who Won Awards for Their First Films

It can often take an entire career for A-list actors to earn major acclaim for their work, but others manage to win awards with their first film. While the list of incredible actors who have yet to win an Oscar is long, it’s also surprising how many incredible performers did some of their best work in their debut film. These wins often helped major actors gain widespread recognition and helped propel popular careers that spanned multiple genres and styles.

Some of the best actors have won major awards for their film debuts, which has helped give them the fame and notoriety needed to become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after performers. While some of these awards were given to young actors just starting out in the industry, other performers brought a wealth of theater and television experience to their acting debuts. No matter what the backstory was, All of these performances were defining moments in the actor’s career. and won well-deserved praise.

10

lindsay lohan

The Parent Trap (1998)

Lindsay Lohan smiling as Annie and Hallie in The Parent Trap

The former child star Lindsay Lohan was just 12 years old when she played the dual role of identical twins Hallie Parker and Annie James in The Parent Trap. This Disney remake of a classic 1961 comedy saw the two brothers, separated at birth and raised separately by their biological parents, reunited and plotting to reunite their wayward mother and father. With writer and director Nancy Meyers at the helm and a healthy dose of fun, Lohan immediately showed off her incredible talent as she received praise for her fantastic performance.

For his role in The Parent TrapLohan won Best Breakthrough Performance at the Online Film & Television Association Awards and Best Performance in a Feature Film at the Young Artist Awards. Lohan’s role was so convincing that after she met then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner at the film’s premiere, he asked quizzically, “Where is your twin?” to which she replied that she didn’t have one, but “You should have paid me double“(through People.) After Lohan’s role in The Parent Trapshe starred in classics like Crazy Friday and Mean Girlsbecoming one of the biggest stars of the 2000s.

The Parent Trap is a family comedy about identical twin sisters, played by Lindsay Lohan, who are separated at birth and raised by their respective single parents. Meeting for the first time at summer camp, the sisters switch places to reunite their estranged parents, which leads to several comical and heartwarming moments. Directed by Nancy Meyers, the film is a remake of the 1961 classic of the same name.

Director: Nancy Meyers
Release date: July 29, 1988
Writers: Erich Kästner, David Swift, Nancy Meyers, Charles Shyer
Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, Elaine Hendrix, Lisa Ann Walter, Simon Kunz, Maggie Wheeler, Polly Holliday
Execution time: 128 minutes

9

Kate Winslet

Celestial Creatures (1994)

Kate Winslet as Juliet with Pauline from Heavenly Creatures looking intently at a gemstone

Kate Winslet’s extraordinary talent was on display from the start, as she defeated 175 other women (via Little White Lies) for her role as Juliet Hulme in Peter Jackson’s unusual biographical drama Celestial Creatures. Based on the notorious true story of the 1954 Parker-Hulme murder case in Christchurch, New Zealand, 17-year-old Winslet perfectly captured the themes of fantasy, friendship and obsession at the heart of Celestial Creatures. Winslet played a teenager who developed an unhealthy obsession with her best friend.Pauline, which tragically led to the murder of Pauline’s mother.

Winslet received widespread acclaim for the role and took home several major awards. These included Best British Actress at the Empire Awards, British Actress of the Year at the London Film Critics Circle and Best Foreign Act at the New Zealand Film and Television Awards. Winslet’s early career was truly spectacular, as she also earned her first Oscar nomination just a year later for Sense and Sensibility and has been nominated for an impressive seven Academy Awards throughout her career. However, it was not until The reader in 2008, she finally won her well-deserved Oscar for Best Actress.

In post-war New Zealand, teenagers Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme meet at school and develop a close but obsessive friendship. Their rich fantasy life, filled with characters and landscapes from their upbringing, is disrupted as their families become worried and decide to separate them, leading to the commission of a devastating crime.

Release date: October 15, 1994
Studio(s): MiraMax, WingNut Films, New Zealand Film Commission, Fontana Productions
Distributor(s): Miramax Films
Execution time: 109 minutes
Budget: US$5 million

8

Julie Andrews

Maria Poppins (1964)

Iconic English actress and singer Julie Andrews got her start on stage and appeared in the West End and Broadway as a child. This incredible start gave way to film roles during the 1960s, with her film debut being Mary Poppinsa role she would be associated with for the rest of her life. Like the magical nanny who appears in the lives of the dysfunctional Banks family, the way Mary Poppins Combined music, live action and animation made it a true Disney classic of all time.

It’s no surprise that Andrews gained wide acclaim for his role and even won an Oscar for Best Actress. Although that’s not all, as Andrews also received a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy for Mary Poppins. With so many prestigious awards, it was clear that Andrews’ talent on stage carried over seamlessly to the silver screen. While Mary Poppins was Andrews’ film debut, it should also be noted that she previously lent her voice to the English version of The Rose of Baghdadan Italian animated film renamed The singing princess.

Based on the classic book series by PL Travers, Mary Poppins stars Julie Andrews as the famous magical nanny, who arrives through mysterious means to care for the Banks children in early 20th century London. Considered one of Walt Disney’s greatest achievements, the film combines live action and animation with whimsical storytelling and music and has been a staple children’s film since its release in 1964.

Director: Robert Stevenson
Release date: June 18, 1965
Writers: Don DaGradi, Bill Walsh
Cast: Karen Dotrice, Glynis Johns, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Julie Andrews, Matthew Garber
Execution time: 139 minutes
Budget: US$6 million

7

Emma Stone

Too Bad (2007)

Seth and Jules in home economics class in Superbad

It was incredible to witness Emma Stone’s career as she started out in mainstream comedies like Easy A before winning major roles in acclaimed modern classics such as La La Terra and Poor thingsboth of which won him the Oscar. From superhero movies like The Amazing Spider-Man for idiosyncratic TV shows like ManicStone excelled in every genre he tackled and his career was defined by sheer variety. Although Stone has won major awards in recent years, her debut in Very bad hinted at the compliments to come.

For her role as Jules, the object of Jonah Hill’s character’s affection for whom he wants to buy alcohol, Stone won the Exciting New Face category at the Young Hollywood Awards. This early award hinted at Stone’s incredible subsequent career as it gained strength in the following years. With four Oscar nominations, including two wins at age 35, Stone has truly had an extraordinary career that will likely be filled with even more awards and accolades.

Written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and produced by Judd Apatow, Superbad follows high school seniors Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), two best friends who are desperate to attend a popular children’s party before go to college. After asking their friend Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) – aka McLovin – to use his fake ID to buy alcohol, Seth and Evan end up being drawn into a night of criminal misfortune that threatens the very fabric of their friendship.

Director: Greg Mottola
Release date: August 17, 2007
Execution time: 113 minutes
Budget: US$20 million

6

Emily Watson

Breaking the Waves (1996)

While Emily Watson began her career in theater, she made her film debut in Danish director Lars Von Trier’s intense psychological drama. Breaking the waves. Watson was hired to star as Bess McNeill, a woman whose life is plagued by guilt after her husband is paralyzed in an accident, after Helena Bonham Carter dropped out of the role just a week before filming began (through Bright lights.) Being a deeply challenging role, the role of Bess required a deep emotional range as she explored uncomfortable topics of sexuality and voyeurism.

Watson truly captured the wrenching sadness at the heart of this unconventional love story and received numerous accolades for her part, including an Oscar nomination she lost to Frances McDormand for Fargo. However, Watson won several major awards for Breaking the wavesincluding the London, Los Angeles and New York Film Critics Awards, the Bodil Award for Best Actress and the European Film Award for Best Actress. Watson’s total commitment to the challenging nature of Von Trier’s film was commendable and signaled the beginning of a film career filled with interesting and unusual roles.

5

Lupita Nyong’o

12 Years a Slave (2013)

Lupita Nyong'o speaking to someone off-screen in 12 Years a Slave

Lupita Nyong’o made her film debut in Steve McQueen’s film 12 years of slavery and immediately dubbed herself a huge A-list star. Nyong’o’s incredible performance as the enslaved Patsey was a powerful and emotional showcase of the horrors women suffered due to the sadistic and abusive treatment of slave owners. 12 Years a Slave was widely acclaimed, being nominated for nine Oscars and winning Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Nyong’o.

Nyong’o’s surprising debut carried over into franchises like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe Black Panther. With a talent for horror, Nyong’o also later starred in acclaimed releases like Jordan Peele’s Us and the prequel A peaceful place: first day. Nyong’o’s Oscar win gave her the opportunity to showcase her incredible range of genres, as she has excelled in action, comedy, drama, horror, and sci-fi films.

Directed by Steve McQueen and based on Solomon Northup’s 1853 memoir, 12 Years a Slave tells the story of Northrup, a free black man from New York who, in 1841, is captured and sold into slavery in the South. Separated from his family and forced to endure intense brutality at the hands of his new masters, Northrup works tirelessly to stay alive and regain his freedom. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Northrup, with a cast that includes Lupita Nyong’0, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Release date: January 9, 2014
Studio(s): spotlight images
Distributor(s): Summit Entertainment, Spotlight Images
Execution time: 134 minutes
Budget: US$22 million

4

Edward Norton

Primal Fear (1996)

Edward Norton as Aaron/Roy smiling arrogantly in his cell in Primal Fear

The casting call for Primal Fear saw 2,100 actors competing for the role of Aaron Stampler, which ultimately went to newcomer Edward Norton (via LA Times.) Norton won this breakout role ahead of other contenders like Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal by powerfully portraying an altar boy accused of murdering a Roman Catholic archbishop. This legal thriller saw Norton in a supporting role alongside Richard Gere, where he gained wide acclaim and quickly became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after celebrities.

Norton was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Primal Fear but lost to Cuba Gooding Jr. Jerry Maguire. However, Norton won several accolades, including a Golden Globe. The rest of the 1990s was a formative period for Norton, as he landed some of his most recognized roles, such as in American History and Fight Club.

Primal Fear follows a prestigious lawyer who defends a young altar boy accused of murdering a bishop. As the case unfolds, the lawyer discovers hidden complexities, questioning the boy’s involvement and suggesting the possible presence of a third party during the crime.

Director: Gregory Hoblit
Release date: March 6, 1996
Writers: Ann Biderman
Cast: Laura Linney, Richard Gere, Edward Norton, John Mahoney, Alfre Woodard, Frances McDormand, Terry O’Quinn, Andre Braugher, Steven Bauer, Joe Spano, Tony Plana, Stanley Anderson, Maura Tierney, Jon Seda, Reg Rogers, Kenneth Tigar, Brian Reddy, Christopher Carroll, Wendy Cutler, Ron OJ Parson, Dianne Burns, Linda Yu, Mary Ann Childers, Lester Holt, Greg Bronson
Character(s): Janet Venable, Martin Vail, Aaron, Shaughnessy, Shoat, Molly, Yancy, Goodman, Pinero, Stenner, Martinez, Rushman, Naomi, Alex, Connerman, Weil, Woodside, MC, Lou, Turner, WLS Anchor, WBBM Anchor, Banquet Patron (uncredited)
Execution time: 129 minutes

3

Anna Paquin

The Piano (1993)

New Zealand actress Anna Paquin became one of the youngest Oscar winners ever when she won Best Supporting Actress at age 11 in 1993 for The piano. Paquin auditioned for the film after seeing it in a newspaper advertisement (via LA Times) and impressed director Jane Campion so much that she won the role from more than 5,000 applicants. The piano showed Paquin’s incredible ability to deliver an emotive performance at a surprisingly young age, while demonstrating wisdom far beyond his years.

While Paquin never earned another Oscar nomination in the following yearsshe has had an impressive career. From roles like Rogue in X-Men franchise for his starring role in True BloodPaquin has had a varied and admirable career in Hollywood. This includes coming-of-age dramas such as The Squid and the Whale or, in more recent years, a stunning twist on Martin Scorsese’s gangster epic, The Irish. Having already won Hollywood’s most coveted award for her first film, Paquin was free to expand her talents across multiple genres.

The piano

Release date: February 11, 1994
Cast: Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, Anna Paquin

2

Whoopi Goldberg

The Color Purple (1985)

Whoopi Goldberg as Celie Harris-Johnson looks on solemnly in The Color Purple.

As part of a select group to achieve elite EGOT winner status, Whoopi Goldberg has received at least one of every major award in existence. With a career that has spanned more than 150 film appearances, Goldberg started strong with his Oscar-winning role in The color purple. This film directed by Steven Spielberg adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel it was a deeply effective exploration of race, gender and poverty.

Goldberg won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Celie Harris-Johnson in The Color Purple, her first film. While The color purple was a powerful drama that explored difficult subjects surrounding social and political issues, Goldberg’s subsequent career was characterized by great variety as she starred in musical comedies such as Sister Ato and even lent his voice to the Disney classic The Lion King. With numerous awards in various categories, Goldberg was the first black woman to earn the title of EGOT winner.

The Color Purple is a drama directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. Set in rural Georgia in the early 20th century, the film follows the life of Celie, played by Whoopi Goldberg, as she overcomes a series of hardships and personal struggles. Featuring notable performances from Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover, The Color Purple highlights themes of resilience, sisterhood and the search for self-identity.

Release date: December 18, 1985
Studio(s): Images from Warner Bros.
Distributor(s): Images from Warner Bros.
Cast: Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Oprah Winfrey, Willard E. Pugh, Akosua Busia, Desreta Jackson, Adolph Caesar, Rae Dawn Chong, Dana Ivey, Leonard Jackson, Bennet Guillory, John Patton Jr., Carl Anderson, Susan Beaubian, James Tillis, Phillip Strong, Laurence Fishburne, Peto Kinsaka, Lelo Masamba, Margaret Freeman, Howard Starr, Daphaine Oliver, Jadili Johnson, Lillian Njoki Distefano, Donna Buie, Leon Rippy, John R. Hart, David Thomas
Character(s): Albert, Celie, Shug Avery, Sofia, Harpo, Nettie, Young Celie, Old Mr., Squeak, Miss Millie, Pa, Grady, Preacher, Reverend Samuel, Corrine, Buster, Mayor, Swain, Adam, Olivia, Odessa, Young Harpo , young Olivia , young Adam , young Tashi , Daisy , clerk , mailman , road Gang leader
Execution time: 154 minutes
Budget: US$15 million

1

Hailee Steinfeld

True Courage (2010)

Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) smiling in True Grit

At just 13 years old, Hailee Steinfeld won the role of Mattie Ross in the Coen brothers’ remake of True courage over 15,000 hopeful girls auditioning. This extraordinary acting debut was made even more impressive when Steinfeld performed alongside veteran actors such as Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin. Steinfeld’s powerful performance made her a favorite during awards season, as she won everything from the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Young Performer to Best Supporting Actress at the Austin Film Critics Association Awards.

While Steinfeld was nominated for an Oscar for her work on True courageshe unfortunately lost the award to Melissa Leo in The fighter. The role of Mattie Ross has remained one of Steinfeld’s defining performances, although she has since appeared in everything from Pitch perfect for animated films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Steinfeld even managed a second career in music, having released two EPs and soundtracks on Pitch perfect franchise.

An adaptation of Charles Portis’ 1968 novel of the same name, True Grit tells the story of 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), who enlists the help of morally questionable lawman Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to avenge the death of her father. father when arresting criminal Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). They are joined by an arrogant Texas Ranger named Labeouf (Matt Damon), who insists on the bounty on Chaney’s head. The three travel the plains of Arkansas in search of Chaney, risking their lives against bandits and wild animals in search of justice.

Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Release date: December 22, 2010
Studio(s): Paramount Images
Distributor(s): Paramount Images
Writers: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Execution time: 110 minutes
Budget: US$38 million

Sources: People, Little White Lies, Bright lights, LA Times, LA Times

10 lindsay lohan