It’s the countdown to Oscar weekend, and the best films and performances in Hollywood are set to be honored with the coveted golden statuette. Since the first ceremony in 1929, the Academy Awards have given audiences many memorable moments by way of historic wins, inspiring winning speeches, and unforgettable performances on stage.
The stage has also seen its share of favorites who have had the privilege of winning the award mutiple times. While veteran star Meryl Streep and prolific composer John Williams have been Oscar recipients 3 and 5 times respectively, their achievements pale in comparison to the legendary Walt Disney, whose staggering record can never be surpassed.
Why Walt Disney Is The Undisputed King Of The Oscars
Winning an Oscar in a lifetime is a shining moment in any Hollywood actor’s career. Being honored with the award more than once is an even more remarkable feat that only a few celebrities have managed to achieve. Meryl Streep’s abundant talent has seen the star being nominated 21 times in her career with a total of 3 Oscar wins for Sophie’s Choice, Kramer Vs Kramer, and The Iron Lady.
Surpassing Streep in her feat is musical maestro and composer John Williams, whose background score has defined many blockbuster films. Williams has won a total of 5 Oscars for his work in Fiddler on the Roof, Jaws, Star Wars, E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, and Schindler’s List.
While it seemed impossible that these two prolific celebrities could be matched, a trip down memory lane will shed light on a staggering achievement by none other than the legendary Walt Disney who holds the record for the most Oscar wins in history. Disney has been credited with a total of 22 competitive Academy Awards from a whopping 59 nominations.
Among the various wins, the Mickey Mouse pioneer’s clean sweep in the Oscars 1954 is one to be remembered. He received the award for Best Short Subject (Cartoon), Best Short Subject (Two-Reel), Best Documentary Feature, and Best Documentary Short Subject. Disney was also recognized with many honorary awards apart from his 22 mainstream wins, including a posthumous honor for Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day in 1969.
Meryl Streep’s Beautiful Oscar Winning Speech Is One For The Books
Being up on the Oscar stage is a dream for many actors. But for Meryl Streep, who got the opportunity three times, it was a privilege like no other. The veteran actor, who is no stranger to accepting awards, still managed to deliver a heartfelt and honest speech when she won her 3rd Oscar for The Iron Lady.
Streep who expectedly stunned audiences and critics with her portrayal of the iconic Margaret Thatcher in the film, was deeply touched to be presented with the golden statuette once again in her glittering career, and expressed her gratitude in quintessential style.
Taking the stage, the Sophie’s Choice star gave a stirring speech that proved why she was one of the greatest actors of all time. An excerpt from the Academy Awards Acceptance Speech Database read,
“I look out here and, you know, I see my life before my eyes: my old friends, my new friends. And really, this is such a great honor, but the thing that counts the most with me is the friendships and the love and the sheer joy we have shared making movies together. My friends, thank you, all of you, departed and here, for this, you know, inexplicably wonderful career.”
While many viewers were of the opinion that Streep’s performance in The Iron Lady did not deserve the Oscar as much as for her efforts in The Devil Wears Prada or Julie and Julia, no one could argue with the celebrity’s memorable words of wisdom on the night.
