The Academy Award for Best Actor, introduced at the awards debut in 1929, is presented annually for the best achievement in acting by a leading actor in a film from the previous year.
The award is traditionally presented by the previous year's Best Actress winner. From 1929–31, actors were nominated for their work in all qualifying films released during the eligibility period—as many as three films. From 1932 on, actors have been nominated for a specific performance in a single film.
Sorted chronologically by awards year. Winners in BOLD. Acceptance speech linked in Notes (where available).
UPDATED: May 2026
─────
─────
AWARD RECORDS:
Most Awards: Daniel Day-Lewis (3)
Most Nominations: Laurence Olivier & Spencer Tracy (9)
Most Nominations Without a Win: Peter O'Toole (8)
─────
CATEGORY NAME HISTORY:
1929–1976: Academy Award for Best Actor
1977–Present: Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role
