Top 10 Award Show Winners Who Broke Big Records
#10: Owen Cooper
Netflix’s limited series “Adolescence” scored a number of top prizes at the 2025 Emmys. But the most impressive win was Owen Cooper’s, as he took home the award for outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie. Why? Well, he’s only 15-years-old. This makes him the youngest male actor to ever win an Emmy! But this wasn’t the only historic win of the night. Tramell Tillman became the first black performer to win the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series. Interestingly, this was the only acting field that had yet to honor a black recipient in the show’s 77-year history. Well done, Mr. Milchik!
#9: Audra McDonald
A Tony awards darling, McDonald holds a number of incredibly impressive distinguishments! After being nominated for her work in Gypsy in 2025, McDonald soared past Julie Harris and Chita Rivera to a record-shattering 11 Tony noms! With all these nominations under her belt, it’s no surprise that she’s also the most awarded actor in Tony’s history. From “Carousel” in 1994 to “Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill” in 2014, McDonald has racked up 6 wins! But her recognition for the part of Billie Holiday holds an even more fascinating distinction. It made her the only performer to win top honors in all four acting categories: as a leading and featured actor in both plays and musicals.
#8: Aretha Franklin
The powerhouse vocalist's Grammy feat began on the night of the 1968 show, when she won best female R&B vocal performance for her massive single “Respect.” Amazingly, she would go on to win this award 8 years in a row! Other massive tracks to contribute to her incredible run include “Chain of Fools” in 1969, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in 1972, and “Master of Eyes” in 1974. In 1976, Franklin was snubbed of the nomination, and Natalie Cole took home the prize instead. The streak was over, but Franklin would win the category three more times in years to come.
#7: Hattie McDaniel
The Oscars is one of the most prestigious shows running. And Hattie McDaniel broke barriers in 1940 when she won the academy award for best supporting actress. This made her the first African American to win an Oscar. Although this performance as Mammy in “Gone With the Wind” is marred in controversy, her historic victory can’t be overlooked. After earning this important title, McDaniel would take a number of projects that challenged the very foundations of the role she became known for. She confronted racial issues in 1942’s “In This Our Life,” and became the first black actor to star in her own radio show in 1945.
#6: Wendy Carlos
Kim Petras is known as the first openly trans woman to win a Grammy, with 2023’s “Unholy.” However, trans woman Wendy Carlos won three Grammys in 1970 for her 1968 album “Switched On Bach.” The key difference is, Carlos wasn’t completely open about her transition at the time—only revealing this detail publicly in an interview 9 years later. The album was considered groundbreaking for the way it utilized the Moog synthesizer to create electronic renditions of classical compositions. However, no one fully understood just how groundbreaking Carlos’ win was when she grabbed the trophy all those years ago!
#5: Norman Lear
In 2020, Lear earned the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live). The recognition came thanks to his involvement in “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: 'All in the Family' and 'Good Times'.” In the TV special, Lear appears as the host to facilitate the live performances of two of his greatest works. What makes this win so extraordinary, is that he achieved it at 98-years-old! This made him the oldest person ever to win an Emmy, beating out his own record set the year prior. The first installment of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” won the category that year too, featuring a segment of “The Jeffersons.”
#4: Beyoncé
Who’s the most decorated Grammy artist of all time? *say my name, say my name* It’s Beyoncé, duh! Queen Bey has 99 total nominations at the prestigious event, and in 2023 she broke George Solti’s record number of trophies. When “Renaissance” scored a win for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2023, Beyoncé secured her 32nd Grammy. A number of singles from the record were honored as well, and in 2025 the artist’s “Cowboy Carter” wins brought her Grammy award total to 35. Her first Grammys were awarded in 2001 for “Say My Name”—a true testament to her staying power.
#3: Walt Disney
When it comes to the Oscars, Dennis Muren currently holds the title for most awards accrued by a living person. However, his total of 9 doesn’t even come close to the late and great Walt Disney. The pioneer has garnered 22 total awards, not to mention 59 nominations. Ready for some quick Disney history? Way back at the 5th Academy Awards, Walt’s animation “Flowers and Trees” won for Best Short Subject (Cartoon); his first Oscar. Interestingly, most of his wins were for animated shorts, with a number of nature documentaries sprinkled in. Walt’s final award was given in 1968 (two years after his death) for “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day.”
#2: Whitney Houston
Since we’re down to the final entries, it just feels right to honor the two most awarded stars of all time. First, Whitney Houston, who holds the Guinness World Record for most awarded female artist in history! Throughout her career, she has racked up over 400 wins. Contributing to this staggering accomplishment are 6 Grammy Awards, 22 American Music Awards, and 23 Billboard Music Awards. Some of Houston’s titles include “Album of the Year,” “Best Female Video,” and “Entertainer of the Year.” Whitney, we will always love you!
#1: Michael Jackson
It should come as no surprise that the King of Pop holds the record for most awarded male artist of all time. Get ready for this… he has over 800 wins! Jackson’s most decorated album, “Thriller” won a record-breaking 8 Grammys in 1984, the most ever in a single night! He’s also the most awarded performer in AMA history, with 26 wins. Jackson holds 39 Guinness World Records for his illustrious career, which earned him the title of “Most Successful Music Entertainer of All Time” in 2006.
Which of these historic wins made you tear up? Share your favorites in the comments!
