Superhero movies tend to get put into boxes, wherein they’re seen as pure entertainment schlock, and though they might be fun to work on or watch, they’re not seen as prestige in the same way that a lot of other films are. Marvel has been able to buck this trend slightly in the past; though the movies are still often regarded as purely for entertainment, certain ones have been revered, withBlack Panthereven earning an Oscar nomination.
DC could be quick to follow this same path, as they find their footing and begin to learn what works for their universe and what doesn’t. Movies likeThe Batmanhave even shown that DC can put out films that are distinctive yet unique, which is what will really help them make their stamp on Hollywood. That being said, there are still a lot of individual performances that are excellent throughout eventhe most divisive DC movies. The DCEU also boasts a lot of Oscar winners in its pantheon of characters, some of whom the general public might have forgotten were DC alums. Here is every Oscar winner in the DCEU and what film (or films) they’ve won for.
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Jeremy Irons
While some might know him for his take onBatman’s ever-present butlerand support system Alfred inBatman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeandJustice League, Jeremy Irons has a long, illustrious career in Hollywood. Surprisingly, he’s only won one Oscar so far, for his work inReversal of Fortune. Irons won Best Actor at the 1991 Academy Awards for his portrayal of Claus von Bulow in the drama film.
Holly Hunter
Holly Hunter may have had a smaller role in the DCEU as Senator June Finch inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but she is well known to anyone who loves film, partially for her very distinct voice. Ironically, her Oscar win came from a role in which she is completely silent. In 1994, she won Best Actress for her performance inJane Campion’sThe Pianoas the mute character of Ada McGrath, who travels with her daughter to New Zealand in the mid-1800s for an arranged marriage to a frontiersman.
Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe was a big name to get forMan of Steelfor his turn as Jor-El, mostly because of the absolutelyiconic roles he’s conqueredin the past. Of these, one of the most well-known might also be the one that garnered him an Academy Award win. The 2001 Oscars awarded Crowe Best Actor for his work inGladiator, which also won several other awards that night, including Best Picture.
Nicole Kidman
A true queen of Hollywood, Nicole Kidman made her entry into the DCEU inAquamanas Atlanna. Though she’s been nominated 5 times to date, Kidman has only ever won one Oscar. At the 75th Academy Awards in 2003, she won Best Actress for her performance as Virginia Woolf inThe Hours.
Jared Leto
Love him or hate him, Jared Leto joins the league of actors who have managed to be award-winners while also getting to be in superhero movies (or in his case, supervillain movies). He is likely best known for his (very divisive) take onthe Joker inSuicide Squad, but he also won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2014 for his role as Rayon inDallas Buyer’s Club.
JK Simmons
Though he may be well-known for his work with Marvel asthe iconic J. Jonah Jameson, J.K. Simmons has dipped his toe into the DCEU as well, playing the iconic role of Commissioner Gordon inJustice League. He also won Best Supporting Actor at the 2015 Academy Awards for his work in Whiplash, playing a cut-throat drum instructor.
Viola Davis
As she’s one of the biggest names in Hollywood at the moment, it’s no surprise that Viola Davis has played a part in the DCEU. However, it might be shocking for some to learn that she’s only won one Oscar, despite many nominations. She has appeared inmultiple entries of the DCEUas Amanda Waller, and won Best Supporting Actress in 2017 for her captivating performance inFences.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck is one of the few DCEU stars who has collected multiple Academy Awards wins. Though DC fans might know him for his take on the Dark Knight throughout the DCEU, Affleck has obviously been in countless other films, some of which he had a hand in making. He was the recipient of Best Screenplay at the Oscars in 1998 forGood Will Huntingalongside collaborator Matt Damon, and he also got an Oscar in 2013 as a producer forArgo, which won Best Picture.
Kevin Costner
Costner is the other DC alum who has multiple awards, both of which are for more behind-the-scenes work rather than on-screen performance. In 1991, he won the Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for his filmDances With Wolves. In the DCEU, he appeared inMan of Steelas Jonathan Kent, Clark Kent’s adoptive father.
Will Smith
Will Smith is one of the biggest household names in the industry, and he has lent his talents to the DCEU as Deadshot inSuicide Squad. His Oscar win is the most recent, and perhaps one of the most infamous due to the events of the 2022 ceremony. Despite getting caught in a major controversy forslapping Chris Rock onstage, Smith still took home the Oscar for Best Actor for his work inKing Richardplaying the titular character.
Helen Mirren
As Dame Helen Mirren will be appearing inShazam! Fury of the Godswhich has not yet been released, she has not technically appeared in the DCEU yet, but as she’ll have a major role in the upcoming film, it still counts. Mirren is, of course, a celebrated actress in her own right, and has in fact taken home an Academy Award in 2007 for her performance inThe Queen, where she played Queen Elizabeth II.
