The Youngest Actors Ever Nominated For An Oscar
The Oscars are often seen as the pinnacle of achievement for seasoned Hollywood stars—but every once in a while, a young actor storms into the spotlight and steals the show. Whether in emotionally raw dramas, heartfelt indies, or even chilling thrillers, these talented kids didn’t just deliver impressive performances—they earned a seat at the biggest awards show on Earth. From age 21 down to a record-breaking 8, here’s a look at the youngest actors and actresses ever nominated for an Academy Award. Spoiler: some of them even took home the gold.
Jennifer Lawrence – Silver Linings Playbook (Age 22)
While best known now for The Hunger Games, Jennifer Lawrence earned her first Oscar nomination at just 20 for Winter’s Bone, and later won for Silver Linings Playbook at 22. Her blend of wit, grit, and vulnerability made her one of the youngest Best Actress winners ever.
The Weinstein Company, Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Marlee Matlin – Children Of A Lesser God (Age 21)
At just 21 years old, Marlee Matlin stunned the world with her Oscar-winning performance in Children of a Lesser God (1986). Not only did she win Best Actress, she became the youngest person ever to win in that category, and remains the only deaf performer to win an Oscar to date.
Paramount, Children of a Lesser God (1986)
Leonardo DiCaprio – What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (Age 19)
Before Jack and Rose sailed the Titanic, a teenaged Leo earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination at 19 for his unforgettable turn as Arnie in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993). The performance was raw, sincere, and wise beyond his years—a harbinger of an Oscar-laden future.
Sal Mineo – Rebel Without A Cause (Age 17)
At 17, Sal Mineo gave a tender and groundbreaking performance as Plato in Rebel Without a Cause (1955). His Best Supporting Actor nomination helped open doors for more emotionally nuanced portrayals of adolescence in American film.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Hailee Steinfeld – True Grit (Age 14)
In the Coen Brothers’ gritty western reboot, Hailee Steinfeld wowed audiences as Mattie Ross and landed a Best Supporting Actress nomination at 14. Her whip-smart delivery and commanding presence made her more than a match for Jeff Bridges.
Linda Blair – The Exorcist (Age 14)
At 14 years old, Linda Blair gave a terrifying performance as the possessed Regan in The Exorcist (1973). Her Best Supporting Actress nomination recognized not just her intense acting, but also her bravery in a role that demanded everything—vomit, profanity, and all.
The Exorcist 4K | The Demon Inside Regan | ClipZone: Horrorscapes, ClipZone: Horrorscapes
Keisha Castle-Hughes – Whale Rider (Age 13)
At only 13, Keisha Castle-Hughes became the youngest Best Actress nominee at the time for her stirring performance in Whale Rider (2002). As a Maori girl challenging tradition, her emotional depth and quiet resilience wowed critics and voters alike.
South Pacific Pictures, Whale Rider (2002)
Saoirse Ronan – Atonement (Age 13)
Saoirse Ronan was just 13 when she earned her first of many Oscar nominations for Atonement (2007), playing the tragically misguided Briony Tallis. Her piercing eyes and aching guilt made her a breakout star—and she hasn’t slowed down since.
Keira Knightley And James McAvoy's Romance Sparks | Atonement, Critic Picks
Haley Joel Osment – The Sixth Sense (Age 11)
“I see dead people”—and apparently, Oscar voters saw talent. Haley Joel Osment received a Best Supporting Actor nod at 11 years old for The Sixth Sense (1999), delivering a hauntingly mature performance in a thriller that became an instant classic.
Anna Paquin – The Piano (Age 11)
Anna Paquin’s jaw-dropping work in The Piano (1993) earned her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at just 11 years old. Her win made her the second-youngest person ever to take home an acting Oscar, and her shocked, tearful acceptance speech is still heart-melting.
Anna Paquin in the Piano, Persona
Brandon deWilde – Shane (Age 11)
In the classic western Shane (1953), Brandon deWilde was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at age 11. His final shout of “Come back, Shane!” remains one of the most quoted child performances in cinema history.
Shane, Come Back! - Shane (8/8) Movie CLIP (1953) HD, Movieclips
Patty McCormack – The Bad Seed (Age 11)
Patty McCormack turned evil into art as the chilling Rhoda Penmark in The Bad Seed (1956), scoring a Best Supporting Actress nomination at 11. She proved that even pint-sized villains could earn big-time recognition.
Abigail Breslin – Little Miss Sunshine (Age 10)
Abigail Breslin brought her full quirky, wide-eyed charm to the indie darling Little Miss Sunshine (2006), earning a Best Supporting Actress nomination at age 10. As Olive, she made us laugh, cry, and awkwardly dance along at every beat of that unforgettable road trip.
Big Beach, Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Mary Badham – To Kill A Mockingbird (Age 10)
Playing Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), Mary Badham’s performance embodied innocence and justice with poise far beyond her 10 years. Her Best Supporting Actress nomination remains one of the most iconic in Oscar youth history.
Quinn Cummings – The Goodbye Girl (Age 10)
At 10 years old, Quinn Cummings received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her hilarious and heartfelt performance in The Goodbye Girl (1977). With a sharp tongue and deadpan delivery, she brought a fresh and funny energy to the big screen.
Warner Bros., The Goodbye Girl (1977)
Jackie Cooper – Skippy (Age 9)
Jackie Cooper became a Hollywood legend when he was nominated for Best Actor—not supporting, lead actor—at just 9 years old for Skippy (1931). This made him the youngest nominee in a lead acting category in Oscar history, and a true pioneer of child acting.
Skippy (1931) - Les larmes de Jackie Cooper, Plan-B Cinema
Quvenzhané Wallis – Beasts Of The Southern Wild (Age 9)
Quvenzhané Wallis was only 9, but she carried Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) with the wisdom and heart of someone decades older. Her Best Actress nomination in 2013 made her the youngest nominee ever in that category, and the first born in the 21st century.
Cinereach, Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Justin Henry – Kramer Vs. Kramer (Age 8)
And here’s your record-holder: Justin Henry, nominated at 8 years old for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), is the youngest person ever nominated for any acting Oscar. His role as the emotionally torn Billy was heartbreaking and completely unforgettable.
Kramer vs. Kramer (3/8) Movie CLIP - Billy Acts Out (1979) HD, Movieclips
Tatum O’Neal's Moment Of Victory Soured By Jealousy
Tatum O’Neal didn’t just get nominated—she won. At just 10 years and 148 days old, she claimed the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Paper Moon (1973), and she still holds the record as the youngest Oscar winner in an acting category. Unfortunately, what should have been a moment of immense pride for her family turned into bitter jealousy. She recalled her father's physical violence toward her and telling her, "I just don’t like you, Tatum."
Final Curtain Call
From Matlin to Henry, these talented young stars proved that brilliance knows no age. Whether they won or just got the nod, they each made history and inspired generations of young actors to reach for gold. Their performances weren’t just impressive for their age—they were timeless, unforgettable, and Oscar-worthy in every sense. In an industry known for its glitz and grown-up glamour, these youthful powerhouses reminded us that sometimes the most profound storytelling comes from the smallest voices.
$20 Bill - Paper Moon (5/8) Movie CLIP (1973) HD, Movieclips
You May Also Like:
2025's Biggest Box Office Flops So Far
The Funniest Sit-Coms Of The 21st Century (So Far)
