36 Singers and Musicians Who Have Won Oscars

Mar. 15, 2025

Billie Eilish and Finneas in the press room during the 94th Annual Academy Awards on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California.Photo:Mike Coppola/Getty

Mike Coppola/Getty

Can you guess whatBillie Eilish,Jennifer Hudson,Sam SmithandLionel Richieshare in common? Yes, they’re all chart-topping singers— but did you know they’reAcademy Awardwinners too?While Oscars are often handed out for artistic achievements in the film industry, many singers have won a golden statuette (or two) not just for lending their musical talents to critically acclaimed movies but for their acting chops as well.From rappers to rockers to pop stars, here are 36 musicians you probably didn’t know have taken home an Oscar.

Can you guess whatBillie Eilish,Jennifer Hudson,Sam SmithandLionel Richieshare in common? Yes, they’re all chart-topping singers— but did you know they’reAcademy Awardwinners too?

While Oscars are often handed out for artistic achievements in the film industry, many singers have won a golden statuette (or two) not just for lending their musical talents to critically acclaimed movies but for their acting chops as well.

From rappers to rockers to pop stars, here are 36 musicians you probably didn’t know have taken home an Oscar.

01of 27Lady GagaLady Gaga.Eric McCandless/GettyLady Gagamay not have won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role inA Star Is Born(2018), but she didwalk away with Best Original Songin 2019 for the film’s big number, “Shallow.“The singer was previously nominated in 2016 for Best Original Song for “Til It Happens to You” from the documentary filmThe Hunting Ground(2015). She received another nomination in the same category in 2023 for “Hold My Hand” fromTop Gun: Maverick(2022).Fun fact:Barbra Streisandwon Best Original Song whensheplayed the woman leadand wrote the love theme “Evergreen” for the 1976 adaptation ofA Star Is Born.

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Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga.Eric McCandless/Getty

Lady Gagamay not have won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role inA Star Is Born(2018), but she didwalk away with Best Original Songin 2019 for the film’s big number, “Shallow.”

The singer was previously nominated in 2016 for Best Original Song for “Til It Happens to You” from the documentary filmThe Hunting Ground(2015). She received another nomination in the same category in 2023 for “Hold My Hand” fromTop Gun: Maverick(2022).

Fun fact:Barbra Streisandwon Best Original Song whensheplayed the woman leadand wrote the love theme “Evergreen” for the 1976 adaptation ofA Star Is Born.

02of 27AdeleJason Merritt/Getty ImagesAdelescooped up her first Oscar for Best Original Song in 2013 for “Skyfall,” the song from the 2012James Bondmovie of the same name. It was the first theme song from theBond franchiseto win an Oscar.

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Adele

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Adelescooped up her first Oscar for Best Original Song in 2013 for “Skyfall,” the song from the 2012James Bondmovie of the same name. It was the first theme song from theBond franchiseto win an Oscar.

03of 27Barbra StreisandTerry O’Neill/Getty ImagesIn 1969, Streisand tied — anextremely rare occurrenceat the Oscars — with the lateKatharine Hepburnfor Best Actress for her role inFunny Girl(1968). Streisand won her second Academy Award in 1977 for Best Original Song for “Evergreen,” the love theme fromA Star Is Born(1976).She was later nominated in 1992 for Best Picture for producing herThe Prince of Tides(1991) and for Best Original Song for “I Finally Found Someone” from Streisand’s self-directed movieThe Mirror Has Two Faces(1996).

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Barbra Streisand

Terry O’Neill/Getty Images

In 1969, Streisand tied — anextremely rare occurrenceat the Oscars — with the lateKatharine Hepburnfor Best Actress for her role inFunny Girl(1968). Streisand won her second Academy Award in 1977 for Best Original Song for “Evergreen,” the love theme fromA Star Is Born(1976).

She was later nominated in 1992 for Best Picture for producing herThe Prince of Tides(1991) and for Best Original Song for “I Finally Found Someone” from Streisand’s self-directed movieThe Mirror Has Two Faces(1996).

04of 27Bob DylanTIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty ImagesBob Dylanwon Best Original Song in 2001 for “Things Have Changed” from the dramedyWonder Boys(2000). The singer, who was touring Australia during the broadcast, performed the song (and later accepted the award) via satellite.

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Bob Dylan

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

Bob Dylanwon Best Original Song in 2001 for “Things Have Changed” from the dramedyWonder Boys(2000). The singer, who was touring Australia during the broadcast, performed the song (and later accepted the award) via satellite.

05of 27CherJohn Barr/LiaisonCherwon Best Actress in 1988 for her role as Loretta Castorini inMoonstruck(1987). She was previously nominated for Best Supporting Actress forSilkwood(1983).

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Cher

John Barr/Liaison

Cherwon Best Actress in 1988 for her role as Loretta Castorini inMoonstruck(1987). She was previously nominated for Best Supporting Actress forSilkwood(1983).

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Common and John Legend

Dan MacMedan/WireImage

In 2018, Common was nominated for Best Original Song along with singerAndra Dayfor their collaboration “Stand Up for Something” withDiane Warrenfrom Thurgood Marshall biopicMarshall(2017).

07of 27Elton JohnJim Smeal/WireImageElton Johnwon an Oscar in 1995 for Best Original Song for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from the Disney animated filmThe Lion King(1994). (His chances of winning were pretty high, considering he had three of the five nominations in the category.)In 2020, John won his second Academy Award for Best Original Song alongside his longtime music partnerBernie Taupinfor “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from his biopicRocketman(2019).

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Elton John

Jim Smeal/WireImage

Elton Johnwon an Oscar in 1995 for Best Original Song for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from the Disney animated filmThe Lion King(1994). (His chances of winning were pretty high, considering he had three of the five nominations in the category.)

In 2020, John won his second Academy Award for Best Original Song alongside his longtime music partnerBernie Taupinfor “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from his biopicRocketman(2019).

08of 27EminemVinnie Zuffante/Getty ImagesIn 2003, rapperEminemearned his first Oscar nomination — and win! — for “Lose Yourself” from8 Mile(2002). Em didn’t attend the ceremony, so his co-writer, Luis Resto, accepted the honor solo. However, Eminemperformed “Lose Yourself” at the Oscarsin 2020 in a surprise appearance 18 years after taking home the trophy.

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Eminem

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

In 2003, rapperEminemearned his first Oscar nomination — and win! — for “Lose Yourself” from8 Mile(2002). Em didn’t attend the ceremony, so his co-writer, Luis Resto, accepted the honor solo. However, Eminemperformed “Lose Yourself” at the Oscarsin 2020 in a surprise appearance 18 years after taking home the trophy.

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Juicy J, DJ Paul and Frayser Boy

Steve Granitz/WireImage

10of 27Jared LetoJeffrey Mayer/WireImageThirty Seconds to Mars musicianJared Leto’s portrayal of Rayon inDallas Buyers Club(2013) earned him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2014.

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Jared Leto

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Thirty Seconds to Mars musicianJared Leto’s portrayal of Rayon inDallas Buyers Club(2013) earned him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2014.

11of 27Jennifer HudsonSteve Granitz/WireImageTheAmerican Idolalum andEGOT recipientwon Best Supporting Actress in 2007 for portraying Effie White inDreamgirls(2006).

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Jennifer Hudson

TheAmerican Idolalum andEGOT recipientwon Best Supporting Actress in 2007 for portraying Effie White inDreamgirls(2006).

12of 27Lionel RichieRon Galella, Ltd./WireImageRichie’s “Say You, Say Me” from the musical dramaWhite Nights(1985) earned him the Best Original Song Oscar in 1986. That same year, Richie was also nominated in the same category for his song “Miss Celie’s Blues” fromThe Color Purple(1985), along withQuincy Jonesand the late songwriter and producer Rod Temperton.He’d previously been nominated for Best Original Song in 1982 for “Endless Love” from theBrooke Shields-led 1981 romantic drama of the same name.

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Lionel Richie

Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage

Richie’s “Say You, Say Me” from the musical dramaWhite Nights(1985) earned him the Best Original Song Oscar in 1986. That same year, Richie was also nominated in the same category for his song “Miss Celie’s Blues” fromThe Color Purple(1985), along withQuincy Jonesand the late songwriter and producer Rod Temperton.

He’d previously been nominated for Best Original Song in 1982 for “Endless Love” from theBrooke Shields-led 1981 romantic drama of the same name.

13of 27Melissa EtheridgeVince Bucci/Getty ImagesMelissa Etheridgewon Best Original Song in 2007 for “I Need to Wake Up” from the documentaryAn Inconvenient Truth(2006).

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Melissa Etheridge

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Melissa Etheridgewon Best Original Song in 2007 for “I Need to Wake Up” from the documentaryAn Inconvenient Truth(2006).

14of 27Phil CollinsDavid McNew/Getty ImagesForPhil Collins, the third time was the charm: After two previous nominations, the musician won Best Original Song in 2000 for “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s animated adventure flickTarzan(1999).His first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song was for “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” from the romantic thrillerAgainst All Odds(1984), while his second nomination in the category was for “Two Hearts” with the late singer-songwriterLamont Dozierfrom the crime comedyBuster(1988).

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Phil Collins

David McNew/Getty Images

ForPhil Collins, the third time was the charm: After two previous nominations, the musician won Best Original Song in 2000 for “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s animated adventure flickTarzan(1999).

His first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song was for “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” from the romantic thrillerAgainst All Odds(1984), while his second nomination in the category was for “Two Hearts” with the late singer-songwriterLamont Dozierfrom the crime comedyBuster(1988).

15of 27Sam SmithChristopher Polk/Getty ImagesThe British singer-songwriter collected the Best Original Song trophy in 2016 for “Writing’s on the Wall,” a song they co-wrote for the Bond filmSpectre(2015).

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Sam Smith

Christopher Polk/Getty Images

The British singer-songwriter collected the Best Original Song trophy in 2016 for “Writing’s on the Wall,” a song they co-wrote for the Bond filmSpectre(2015).

16of 27Stevie WonderStevie Wonder at the 57th Academy Awards in March 25, 1985.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/GettyStevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” fromThe Woman in Red(1984) scored Best Original Song in 1985.

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Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder at the 57th Academy Awards in March 25, 1985.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” fromThe Woman in Red(1984) scored Best Original Song in 1985.

17of 27Carly SimonMiguel Rajmil/IMAGES/Getty ImagesCarly Simon’sWorking Girl(1988) track “Let the River Run” earned her the Best Original Song Oscar in 1989.

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Carly Simon

Miguel Rajmil/IMAGES/Getty Images

Carly Simon’sWorking Girl(1988) track “Let the River Run” earned her the Best Original Song Oscar in 1989.

18of 27Bruce SpringsteenAP PhotoIn 1994,Bruce Springsteenwon Best Original Song for “Streets of Philadelphia” from theTom HanksandDenzel Washingtonlegal dramaPhiladelphia(1993).Two years later, Springsteen received a second nomination in the same category for the “Dead Man Walkin'” track from the crime dramaDead Man Walking(1995).

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Bruce Springsteen

AP Photo

In 1994,Bruce Springsteenwon Best Original Song for “Streets of Philadelphia” from theTom HanksandDenzel Washingtonlegal dramaPhiladelphia(1993).

Two years later, Springsteen received a second nomination in the same category for the “Dead Man Walkin'” track from the crime dramaDead Man Walking(1995).

19of 27Randy NewmanSGranitz/WireImageSinger-songwriterRandy Newman’s Academy Award win in 2002 for “If I Didn’t Have You” fromMonsters, Inc.(2001) was a cause for celebration — it came after Newman set a record for the most Oscar nominations (15!) without a single win.Newman was previously nominated for Best Original Song and Best Original Score for his work on films likeRagtime(1981),The Natural(1984),Parenthood(1989),Toy Story(1995),James and the Giant Peach(1996),A Bug’s Life(1998) andToy Story 2(1999).Luckily for Newman, he didn’t have to wait quite as long for his second win. He won his second Oscar in 2011 for Best Original Song for “We Belong Together” fromToy Story 3(2010).

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Randy Newman

SGranitz/WireImage

Singer-songwriterRandy Newman’s Academy Award win in 2002 for “If I Didn’t Have You” fromMonsters, Inc.(2001) was a cause for celebration — it came after Newman set a record for the most Oscar nominations (15!) without a single win.

Newman was previously nominated for Best Original Song and Best Original Score for his work on films likeRagtime(1981),The Natural(1984),Parenthood(1989),Toy Story(1995),James and the Giant Peach(1996),A Bug’s Life(1998) andToy Story 2(1999).

Luckily for Newman, he didn’t have to wait quite as long for his second win. He won his second Oscar in 2011 for Best Original Song for “We Belong Together” fromToy Story 3(2010).

20of 27PrinceABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/GettyIn 1985, thelate musicianPrincewon the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score — a rare category only offered on limited occasions when there are enough qualifying musicals — for his iconic filmPurple Rain(1984).

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Prince

In 1985, thelate musicianPrincewon the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score — a rare category only offered on limited occasions when there are enough qualifying musicals — for his iconic filmPurple Rain(1984).

21of 27H.E.R.Chris Pizzello-Pool/GettyH.E.R.won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2021 for her song “Fight for You” fromJudas and the Black Messiah(2021). She composed the song with producer Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II and singer-songwriter Tiara Thomas.

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H.E.R.

Chris Pizzello-Pool/Getty

H.E.R.won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2021 for her song “Fight for You” fromJudas and the Black Messiah(2021). She composed the song with producer Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II and singer-songwriter Tiara Thomas.

22of 27Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor and Atticus RossChris Pizzello-Pool/GettyJon Batiste— formerLate Show with Stephen Colbertbandleader and Grammy Award-winnerJon Batiste— won the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2021 for the Pixar filmSoul(2020). He received the award with his co-composers,Trent Reznorand Atticus Ross (better known as the rock group Nine Inch Nails).While it was Batiste’s first Oscar nomination, Reznor and Ross were actually competing against themselves in the category that year because they were also nominated for Best Original Score forMank(2020). A decade prior, though, the rock duo took Best Original Score in 2011 forThe Social Network(2010).Alongside esteemed songwriter Dan Wilson, Batiste earned his second Oscar nomination in 2024 for Best Original Song for “It Never Went Away,” which appears in his Netflix documentaryAmerican Symphony(2023).

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Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Jon Batiste— formerLate Show with Stephen Colbertbandleader and Grammy Award-winnerJon Batiste— won the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2021 for the Pixar filmSoul(2020). He received the award with his co-composers,Trent Reznorand Atticus Ross (better known as the rock group Nine Inch Nails).

While it was Batiste’s first Oscar nomination, Reznor and Ross were actually competing against themselves in the category that year because they were also nominated for Best Original Score forMank(2020). A decade prior, though, the rock duo took Best Original Score in 2011 forThe Social Network(2010).

Alongside esteemed songwriter Dan Wilson, Batiste earned his second Oscar nomination in 2024 for Best Original Song for “It Never Went Away,” which appears in his Netflix documentaryAmerican Symphony(2023).

23of 27Billie Eilish and Finneas O’ConnellABC/GettyWhen Eilish and her brother (and frequent collaborator)Finneas O’Connellwon the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2022 for “No Time to Die” from theeponymous 2021 Bond movie, the win came with two notable distinctions. The song was the third consecutive Bond theme to win Best Original Song, and Eilish was thefirst person born in the 21st centuryto win an Oscar.In 2024, Eilish received her second career Oscar nomination in the same category for “What Was I Made For?” fromBarbie(2023), which she also co-wrote with O’Connell.

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Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

ABC/Getty

When Eilish and her brother (and frequent collaborator)Finneas O’Connellwon the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2022 for “No Time to Die” from theeponymous 2021 Bond movie, the win came with two notable distinctions. The song was the third consecutive Bond theme to win Best Original Song, and Eilish was thefirst person born in the 21st centuryto win an Oscar.

In 2024, Eilish received her second career Oscar nomination in the same category for “What Was I Made For?” fromBarbie(2023), which she also co-wrote with O’Connell.

24of 27QuestloveMike Coppola/GettyThoughQuestloveis best known for his work in music and as the drummer in the Philadelphia rap groupThe Roots, he won an Oscar in 2022 for Best Documentary Feature for his directorial debut inSummer of Soul(2021). The film explores the Harlem Cultural Festival during the summer of 1969.

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Questlove

ThoughQuestloveis best known for his work in music and as the drummer in the Philadelphia rap groupThe Roots, he won an Oscar in 2022 for Best Documentary Feature for his directorial debut inSummer of Soul(2021). The film explores the Harlem Cultural Festival during the summer of 1969.

25of 27The BeatlesJeff Hochberg/GettyAlthough bandmatesPaul McCartney,John Lennon,Ringo StarrandGeorge Harrisonwon their first Oscar statuette together for Best Original Song Score in 1971 for their documentary filmLet It Be(1970), McCartney is the onlyBeatlesmember to be nominated solo.McCartney has also received two nominations for Best Original Song: one in 1974 for “Live and Let Die” from the 1973 spy flick of the same name, and another in 2002 for the titular track from theTom Cruise-starring filmVanilla Sky(2001).

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The Beatles

Jeff Hochberg/Getty

Although bandmatesPaul McCartney,John Lennon,Ringo StarrandGeorge Harrisonwon their first Oscar statuette together for Best Original Song Score in 1971 for their documentary filmLet It Be(1970), McCartney is the onlyBeatlesmember to be nominated solo.

McCartney has also received two nominations for Best Original Song: one in 1974 for “Live and Let Die” from the 1973 spy flick of the same name, and another in 2002 for the titular track from theTom Cruise-starring filmVanilla Sky(2001).

26of 27Annie LennoxAnnie Lennox at the 76th Academy Awards on February 29, 2004.Jeffrey Mayer/WireImageScottish singer-songwriterAnnie Lennoxbecame a first-time Oscar winner in 2004 when she claimed Best Original Song for “Into the West,” the closing-credits song she performed forThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King(2003).

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Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox at the 76th Academy Awards on February 29, 2004.Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Scottish singer-songwriterAnnie Lennoxbecame a first-time Oscar winner in 2004 when she claimed Best Original Song for “Into the West,” the closing-credits song she performed forThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King(2003).

27of 27Frank SinatraDonna Reed and Frank Sinatra at the 26th Academy Awards on March 25, 1954.Hulton Archive/GettyWhen he wasn’t making listeners swoon over the radio, the lateFrank Sinatrawas charming the Academy on the silver screen with a Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winning turn inFrom Here to Eternity(1953).

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Frank Sinatra

Donna Reed and Frank Sinatra at the 26th Academy Awards on March 25, 1954.Hulton Archive/Getty

Hulton Archive/Getty

When he wasn’t making listeners swoon over the radio, the lateFrank Sinatrawas charming the Academy on the silver screen with a Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winning turn inFrom Here to Eternity(1953).

source: people.com