With Hollywood gearing up to celebrate some of the finest work of the film industry at the 2024 Oscars, discussions have emerged, with anticipation over potential winners and the chance to set new records. Among the topics of discussion is an Oscar milestone achieved by acclaimed actors Timothée Chalamet, his Dune: Part Two co-star Austin Butler and Paul Mescal. Notably, they are the only actors born in the 1990s to secure Oscar nominations for Best Actor.
However, with the constant rise of talented actors, this record could soon be surpassed, as a number of ’90s-born actors steadily advanced towards the illustrious Best Actor Oscar trophy.
Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler, Paul Mescal’s Unique Oscars Record
Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler, and Paul Mescal are widely acclaimed for their on-screen performances in multiple films, including Oscar nominations for Best Actor. And the three actors have a rare record for being the only actors born in the 90s to have a Best Actor Oscar nomination.
Chalamet, known for bringing depth and authenticity to his characters, has garnered widespread acclaim with his performances in films like Little Women and the Dune film series. He earned a Best Actor nomination for his 2018 film Call Me by Your Name.
Similarly, Austin Butler made waves throughout the film industry with his compelling portrayal of the King of Rock and Roll in the 2022 film, Elvis. Butler won a Golden Globe and BAFTA for his performance in the biographical drama. He also earned a nomination for Best Actor at the 2023 Oscars.
Paul Mescal, who had his breakthrough with the TV series Normal People, quickly ascended to prominence in the entertainment industry with All of Us Strangers and Aftersun, along with earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for the latter.
While they represent a new generation of actors in the film industry, many new talented stars are expected to join their ranks. As the industry continues to evolve, the stage is set for the emergence of additional stars poised to make their mark on Hollywood’s prestigious awards circuit.
Dev Patel
Starting his acting career with the teen drama Skins, Dev Patel has risen to become one of the highly acclaimed actors in Hollywood. He has received praise for his performances in films like The Green Knight, Slumdog Millionaire, and Lion, with the latter earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 89th Academy Awards.
The anticipation surrounding his upcoming film Monkey Man speaks volumes about his talent and storytelling prowess on the silver screen. With an Oscar nomination already to his credit, and considering the trajectory of his career, Patel is also expected to potentially transition into the Best Actor category in the future.
John Boyega
The 31-year-old British actor John Boyega made his cinematic debut with the 2011 film Attack the Block. However, he is popularly recognized for portraying the role of Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Since his breakout role in the epic space opera, he has showcased his acting prowess in several projects, including films such as The Circle, The Woman King and They Cloned Tyrone.
As Boyega’s career continues to ascend and he consistently showcases his acting strengths and captivating on-screen presence, the actor stands as a potential contender to break the Oscars record set by Chalamet, Butler, and Mescal.
Barry Keoghan
Barry Keoghan has recently been in conversation for his 2023 film Saltburn, along with his roles in superhero movies, including Marvel’s Eternals and DC’s The Batman. However, the acclaimed actor has also given incredibly exceptional performances under his collaborations with some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in Hollywood, including Christopher Nolan, Martin McDonagh, and David Lowery.
Keoghan has won a BAFTA for Martin McDonagh’s 2022 film The Banshees of Inisherin, along with earning an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. As Keoghan continues to grow and gain prominence in the industry, he could earn critical acclaim, including recognition from prestigious award bodies like the Oscars.
Jack O’Donnell
Skins has served as a launching pad for numerous talented actors, including English actor Jack O’Donnell, who initially gained recognition for portraying the role of James Cook in the teen drama. The actor later transitioned to the silver screen with his debut in the critically acclaimed British drama film This Is England.
Earning the BAFTA Rising Star Award, O’Connell has showcased his dynamics and potential as an actor in films like Unbroken and Trial by Fire. He is set to take on the role of Blake Fielder-Civil, Amy Winehouse’s ex-husband in the upcoming biopic, Back to Black. With his compelling performances, Jack O’Donnell stands as a strong contender for an Oscar nomination under the Best Actor category.
Alex Wolff
Throughout his career, Alex Wolff has starred in several highly acclaimed films, including the Jumanji film series and Christopher Nolan’s biographical thriller, Oppenheimer, in which he portrays a Nobel-winning physicist Luis Walter Alvarez, who worked on the Manhattan Project.
While the Hereditary star was in talks to potentially get an Oscar nomination for the 2018 psychological supernatural horror film, he did not earn a nomination. However, with his career trajectory consistently on the ascent, the opportunity for future Oscar recognition remains promising for the talented actor.
