A Nicholas Sparks must-read is "The Longest Ride," which follows two interconnected love stories: Ira Levinson, an elderly man reflecting on his lifelong love for his late wife, Ruth, and Sophia Danko, a college student who falls for Luke Collins, a professional bull rider. As Sophia and Luke navigate their own relationship and the obstacles in their path, Ira's memories unfold alongside theirs, revealing parallels between the two couples.

The New York Times bestseller, released in 2013, deftly weaves these two love stories together, creating a feeling that is deeply personal. The contrast between Ira and Ruth's enduring, decadeslong relationship and Sophia and Luke's more immediate, uncertain romance adds emotional depth and complexity.

The book shows how love can evolve over time through loss and amid difficult choices. There's also something moving about how art, memory, and sacrifice tie everything together, giving the novel a more reflective, lasting impact.

If you love the book as I do, the movie — released in 2015 and starring Clint Eastwood and Britt Robertson — is equally good.

"The Longest Ride" had a modest box-office performance, grossing about $63 million worldwide against a $34 million budget, making it a mild financial success but not a major hit, according to Box Office Mojo.

Plus, who doesn't want to stare at Scott Eastwood in a cowboy hat?

"The Last Song" is another Nicholas Sparks classic that balances romance with a deeper, more emotional story about family, forgiveness, and growing up.

The New York Times bestseller, released in 2009, follows Ronnie Miller, a rebellious teenager sent to spend the summer with her estranged father in a small beach town. Initially resistant, Ronnie slowly begins to reconnect with him through their shared love of music while also forming a relationship with a local boy, Will. As the summer unfolds, secrets are revealed, and relationships deepen, leading Ronnie to confront difficult truths about love, family, and loss.

Ronnie's journey feels especially real — she's not instantly likable, but watching her slowly open up, reconnect with her father, and find love makes the story more meaningful. It's not just about the relationship; it's about healing and second chances, giving it a different kind of emotional weight than a typical romance. The mix of love, music, and loss made it a story that really stayed with me.

The movie, released in 2010, stands out because it brings the story's emotion to life, with Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. Their on-screen chemistry feels genuine, especially given their real-life relationship that followed (but eventually ended).

"The Last Song" was a box-office success, earning about $89 million worldwide against a $20 million budget, driven largely by strong domestic performance, per Box Office Mojo data.

"Dear John" is another of my favorites by Sparks because it captures that specific kind of love that feels intense, real, and a little bit out of reach. The New York Times bestseller was released in 2006.

The story follows John Tyree, a soldier on leave, who falls in love with Savannah Curtis, a college student, during a brief summer together. As John returns to the Army, the two maintain their relationship through letters, navigating the challenges of distance and changing life circumstances.

Over time, their love is tested by duty, personal growth, and unexpected choices, turning their story into a bittersweet exploration of what it means to love someone even when life pulls you in different directions.

This feels like a realistic story: John and Savannah's relationship is affected by distance, timing, and real-life responsibilities.

There's something especially emotional about the way their connection unfolds through letters, giving their love story a sense of intimacy and longing. It's not a perfect or easy romance, and that's part of why it resonates — it shows how love can be powerful even when it doesn't work out the way you hope.

The "Dear John" movie keeps the book's emotional heart, while making the romance feel more like Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried brought the characters to life. Seeing their story play out in the 2010 film adds another layer to the longing and heartbreak, making the film hit just as hard as the novel.

The "Dear John" movie earned about $115 million worldwide against a $25 million budget, per Box Office Mojo, driven by a strong opening weekend despite mixed reviews.

"A Walk to Remember" is another Sparks staple, released in 1999. It tells a simple, heartfelt story that somehow hits incredibly hard.

The New York Times bestseller follows Landon Carter, a popular but aimless high school senior, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he's forced to participate in a school play and ends up spending time with Jamie Sullivan, the quiet, deeply religious daughter of the town's minister.

As their relationship grows, Landon begins to see the world and himself differently through Jamie's kindness, faith, and unwavering sense of purpose.

What starts as an unlikely connection develops into a profound love story, ultimately revealing deeper truths about compassion, sacrifice, and the lasting impact one person can have on another.

It doesn't rely on grand twists — it's the emotional buildup and inevitability of the ending that really stayed with me. It's one of those books that feels tender and honest, and it lingers long after you finish.

Not only is the book one to remember, but so is the film, which was released in 2002.

Mandy Moore and Shane West bring Jamie and Landon to life in a way that highlights their growth and chemistry, making their relationship feel authentic. These roles couldn't have been cast better.

According to Box Office Mojo, "A Walk to Remember" earned about $47.5 million worldwide against a $11.8 million budget.

If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, I'd highly recommend it. Don't forget the tissues.

"The Notebook" is, hands down, my favorite Nicholas Sparks book. Who doesn't love Noah and Allie's love story?

"The Notebook" was released in 1996. The two young lovers from very different backgrounds fall deeply in love one summer in North Carolina. When life pulls them apart, years pass, and they build separate lives, but their connection never fully fades.

The New York Times bestseller is framed by an older Noah reading their story to Allie in a nursing home, a level of devotion hard to top, turning the novel into something not just about falling in love, but about choosing it again and again.

The love between Noah and Allie feels both idealized and grounded, spanning years, obstacles, and, ultimately, memory loss, making it more powerful than a typical love story. I really admired Noah's strength and patience.

The movie adaptation of "The Notebook" is one of those rare cases where the film is just as good as the book.

It captures the same sweeping romance and emotional depth, while adding a layer of intensity through Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams' unforgettable chemistry.

Iconic moments like the rain-soaked reunion bring the story to life in a way that feels just as powerful as it does on the page.

The movie, which earned about $118 million worldwide against a $29 million budget, doesn't just complement the novel — it stands right alongside it.

In my opinion, "Nights in Rodanthe" is worth skipping because it feels less emotionally developed than Sparks's stronger novels.

I know some Sparks fans love this one, but "Nights in Rodanthe" didn't fully hold my attention. The New York Times bestseller felt a bit thin, with a romance that unfolds too quickly to feel deeply immersive or memorable.

The book "Nights in Rodanthe " was published in 2002, and a film adaptation was released in 2008, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane.

Adrienne and Paul's relationship never quite reaches the emotional depth of Sparks' more layered love stories, which made it harder for me to fully invest in their connection. While the novel includes his signature themes of longing and heartbreak, I think it ultimately lacks the lasting impact that defines his best work.

"Dreamland," one of Sparks' more recent novels and a New York Times bestseller released in 2022, follows two intertwining storylines — a man navigating a complicated relationship and a single father trying to protect his young son — as it explores themes of love, risk, and second chances.

To me, "Dreamland" felt more scattered than cohesive, juggling multiple storylines without fully developing any of them. While it touches on heavier themes, the emotional payoff didn't land as well for me as in Sparks' best novels, which made it hard for me to stay invested.

Compared to his more focused, deeply romantic stories, this one feels less memorable and a bit uneven overall.

"The Wish," which came out in 2021, follows Maggie Dawes, a successful photographer, as she reflects on a life-changing teenage romance and the choices that shaped her future, moving between her past and present to explore love, loss, and second chances.

Yes, the New York Times bestseller has the elements of romance and reflection you'd expect, but the story can feel predictable, and the emotional moments didn't hit me as hard as in his stronger novels.

In my opinion, compared to his best work, it lacks that lasting impact that really stays with you.

The next Nicholas Sparks book I'd skip is one of his newer books that came out in 2024, "Counting Miracles."

The New York Times bestseller follows a group of characters whose lives intersect as they grapple with love, loss, and the idea of fate, ultimately exploring how small, unexpected moments can shape a life.

I felt like "Counting Miracles" tried a little too hard to be emotional, without the depth that makes Sparks' best books stand out. Rather than being moving and uplifting, the story and characters felt pretty predictable, which made it harder for me to stay interested or really connect with it.

It just wasn't my favorite, to be honest.

My final skip goes to "The Return," released in 2020. The book follows Trevor Benson, a wounded Army doctor who returns home to North Carolina after his grandfather's death.

While adjusting to a quieter life, he becomes involved with a local sheriff's deputy, Natalie, and forms an unexpected bond with a young girl named Callie, who may hold answers about his grandfather's past. As Trevor navigates love and unanswered questions, the story explores themes of healing, trust, and second chances.

The New York Times bestseller feels less emotionally gripping and more predictable than Nicholas Sparks' strongest novels. While it has all the familiar elements — romance, mystery, and personal growth — it doesn't quite come together in a way that feels fresh or especially memorable, which made it hard for me to stay fully invested.

Ultimately, this story didn't give me the chills like "The Notebook" or "A Walk To Remember" did.

Jaafar's father, Jermaine, was one of the original members of the Jackson 5, along with his brothers, Jackie, Tito, Marlon, and Michael.

Jermaine was the group's second lead vocalist (Michael was first) until he left to pursue solo stardom in 1975. He was replaced by his youngest brother, Randy, and the group rebranded to The Jacksons.

Jaafar's mother, Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, was born in Colombia. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in fashion design and marketing, per her LinkedIn, and more recently launched Alejandra Jackson Designs.

Before Jermaine and Alejandra began dating, she was in a relationship with Jermaine's brother, Randy. Although they never married, Alejandra and Randy had two children together: a daughter, Genevieve, who was born in 1989, and a son, Randy Jr., born in 1992.

"Randy didn't treat me like I was the one," Alejandra told the New York Post's Stacy Brown. "I just thought that Jermaine was different, that he was more family-oriented."

Jermaine and Alejandra married on March 18, 1995, per People. They welcomed Jaafar on July 25, 1996, followed by his brother, Jermajesty, in 2000.

Jermaine filed for divorce from Alejandra in 2004. It was finalized in 2008 with Alejandra winning physical custody of Jaafar and Jermajesty, TMZ reported at the time.

"Michael" producer Graham King and casting director Kimberly Hardin conducted a worldwide search before offering the role to Jaafar, per NME.

One major snag? Jaafar had no formal dance training or acting credits before "Michael," save for one episode of "The Jacksons: Next Generation," a 2015 reality show that followed the lives of his cousins, Taj, Taryll, and TJ (then known as the R&B-pop trio 3T).

Jaafar has said he rehearsed for three years — two of which were part of the audition process — and worked with Michael's former choreographers, Rich and Tone Talauega, to learn his uncle's signature dance moves.

"We had to take that syllabus and then infuse it into Jaafar," Rich said on the KTLA 5 Morning News. "But let me tell you, man, he's a Jackson, you know, he has this talent deep down inside his DNA. It just took us some time, but we pulled it out of him, and the work that he put into it was exceptional."

Jaafar already shared his uncle's musical ambitions; he began playing the piano at age 12 and released his debut single, "Got Me Singing," in 2019. His website cites Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, and "his own family's rich musical heritage" as key influences.

Bucking the recent biopic trend of actors singing live on set — like Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen — Jaafar did not rely on his own voice to carry the musical scenes in "Michael."

Instead, the hit songs featured in the movie are "gloriously remastered and superbly lip-synched," according to Deadline's chief film critic Pete Hammond.

When it came to dancing and choreography, Jaafar said his goal was not to impersonate his uncle, but rather to embody his performance style.

"That was a challenge," Jaafar told Entertainment Tonight. "Hitting every moment, every beat, but also having the energy and the showmanship behind the moves, too."

Jaafar named "Billie Jean" — specifically Michael's 1983 performance of the song on the TV special "Motown 25" — as the hardest sequence to nail while filming.

When Jaafar landed the lead role in "Michael," he received a vote of confidence from a core member of his family: Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson.

"Jaafar embodies my son," Katherine said in a press release. "It's so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers."

The movie's executive producers include Michael's eldest son, Prince Jackson, and three of his brothers: Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon.

All four men attended the Los Angeles premiere of "Michael" at the Dolby Theatre, alongside Michael's middle sister, LaToya Jackson — a strong show of support from the Jackson family.

"It was a process that I really had to earn, and it really proved to the filmmakers and myself and my family that I can get to that point where I can pull it off," Jaafar told Today. "I honestly wouldn't be able to pull this off if I didn't have the support."

Michael's other three siblings — his eldest sister, Rebbie Jackson, his youngest sister, Janet Jackson, and his youngest brother, Randy — were not in attendance and will not be portrayed in the biopic. (Michael's father, Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo, died in 2018. Michael's brother Tito, played by Rhyan Hill, died in 2024.)

"I wish everybody was in the movie," LaToya told Variety on the red carpet. On Janet's absence specifically, LaToya added, "She was asked, and she kindly declined, so you have to respect her wishes."

Meanwhile, Michael's daughter, Paris Jackson, has criticized the biopic as "sugar-coated" and clarified that she had "zero percent involvement" in the production.

Paris said she was asked to read one of the first drafts of the "Michael" script and gave notes about details that she felt were "dishonest," but she was told that her notes wouldn't be addressed.

"I just butted out and left it alone because it's not my project," Paris wrote on Instagram. "They're going to make whatever they're going to make. A big reason why I haven't said anything up until this point is because I know a lot of you guys are gonna be happy with it."

"A big section of the film panders to a very specific section of my dad's fandom that still lives in the fantasy," she added.

Neither Paris nor her younger brother, Bigi Jackson, joined Prince at the film's star-studded Los Angeles premiere — although Bigi did make a rare appearance to attend the "Michael" premiere in Berlin earlier in the month.

Paris is now involved in a complicated legal battle with the Jackson estate over the movie's financials. The estate has fired back that Paris has "a complete lack of understanding about how the motion picture industry works and the role of producers in it."

One of the most successful bands of all time, Alabama has sold over 56 million records, per the The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and has scored 43 No. 1 hits. It also has 11 multi-platinum albums and two Grammys. The band, which formed in Fort Payne, Alabama, sold more records during the '80s than any other band. Not only is their success impressive by any measure, but they also did a lot to make country music popular in the mainstream.

Jeff Cook, a founding member, lead guitarist, and fiddler for the band, died at 73 in 2022, at his Florida home, leaving behind a legacy as a key architect of the group's signature sound.

Alaska was far away from the rock 'n roll scene that defined the late 1960s and continued into the '70s in the continental United States, and rarely have any bands found success beyond the state's borders. That is, until Portugal. The Man exploded into the alt/indie rock scene.

Since releasing its debut album "Waiter: You Vultures!" in 2006, the band from Wasilla, Alaska, has become an indie-rock phenom, hitting major stops on the festival circuit and collaborating with artists including "Weird Al" Yankovic, Tom Morello, and Danger Mouse.

The band's biggest claim to fame is its 2017 hit single "Feel It Still," which dominated the airwaves and earned the group its first and only Grammy Award for best pop duo/group performance.

The first of the many shock-rock bands of the '70s, Alice Cooper kept fans entranced with their gender-bending outfits and dark onstage theatrics — concert-goers could expect performances to include stunts like Cooper's faux-beheading via guillotine.

But it's the music that kept fans coming back for more, and their riff-heavy brand of hard rock produced a string of hits, including "School's Out" and "Be My Lover." Alice Cooper was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Despite the goth-metal style that now defines Evanescence, they got their start as a Christian rock band after forming in Little Rock, Arkansas. In fact, their 2003 debut album, "Fallen," which produced hits "Bring Me to Life" and "My Immortal" and won the band two Grammys, was released during their religious days, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Top Contemporary Christian chart.

However, following a profanity-laden article in Entertainment Weekly in which band founders Amy Lee and Ben Moody renounced their affiliation with Christian music, polarizing many Christian fans, Evanescence turned toward a more secular fan base.

The band has released a total of five studio albums, with a sixth in the works, and they announced a worldwide tour that will start in summer 2026.

During the '60s and '70s, the Laurel Canyon scene in Los Angeles was home to some of the rock world's biggest hits, including Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, The Eagles, and The Byrds. Then you had the Bay Area, the epicenter of the counterculture movement, which spawned the careers of Janis Joplin and Jefferson Starship.

But no one was quite as popular as the Grateful Dead.

In addition to some of the best songwriting in rock history, the band's free-flowing jams, Jerry Garcia's epic guitar solos, and the cosmic drum duets from Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart earned the Dead one of the most devout fanbases of all time: the Deadheads. Unlike other bands on this list, The Dead didn't win stacks of awards or sell a record-breaking number of albums. For Jerry and the band, it was all about the live experience; there was just this spiritual energy of seeing the Dead live that no other band has matched since.

Other major bands from California include The Eagles, Van Halen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Go-Go's, Green Day, No Doubt, and Maroon 5.

In 2015, OneRepublic's third album, "Native," reached 1 million in sales, Billboard reported, following the example of their 2007 debut, "Dreaming Out Loud," which also hit 1 million. In 2024, they released their sixth studio album, "Artificial Paradise."

They were nominated for a Grammy for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals for their single "Apologize," with Timbaland, in 2009.

The band, which formed in Colorado Springs, is best recognized for singles "Stop and Stare," "Good Life," and "Counting Stars," all of which became Top 40 hits.

Brother and sister team Richard and Karen Carpenter, who were born in New Haven, endeared themselves to the world throughout the 1970s with classic hits like "Top of the World" and "Rainy Days and Mondays."

The pair went on to win three Grammys and host their own variety show on NBC for a short period.

Though Karen died in 1983, her legacy lives on through a previously unreleased solo album released in 1996.

Though often looked down on by blues purists, George Thorogood and the Destroyers' catchy blues-pop sound earned them widespread popularity and five gold albums throughout the '80s, including 1982's "Bad to the Bone." And they can thank their home state for launching their career — the band's first gig together was a show at the University of Delaware in 1973.

The band will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville as part of the 2026 class.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' career spanned almost 40 years and included classic hits like "American Girl," "Refugee," and "Don't Do Me Like That." Their third album, "Damn the Torpedoes," went platinum and cemented the Gainesville band as bona-fide rock stars.

Petty, who died in 2017, was also known for taking a stand against the music industry, most notably by declaring bankruptcy to get out of a contract in 1979 and later threatening to withhold his new album until the label lowered its price, per History.com.

Other famous bands from Florida include Lynyrd Skynyrd, NSYNC, and the Backstreet Boys.

Hailing from Athens, Georgia, R.E.M. was founded in 1980 after drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and lead vocalist Michael Stipe all met as students at the University of Georgia.

Between 1982 and 2012, when the band amicably broke up, R.E.M. released 15 albums, six of which went platinum; many others reached gold. The band has won three Grammys from 13 nominations and has released countless songs that have broken into the Billboard Top 10 and Top 40, including "Losing My Religion" and "The One I Love."

Thanks to Buck's iconic 12-string arpeggios, Stipe's cerebral lyrics, and efficient yet catchy rhythms from Berry and Mills, R.E.M. is celebrated as a pioneering alternative rock band that paved the way for '90s grunge and post-punk icons, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Pepper might be from Hawaii, but don't expect any classic island tunes from the alt-rock trio. The band combines elements of pop, reggae, and punk for a raw yet lively sound.

Pepper released its first full-length album, "Give'n It," in 2000, but found mainstream success with 2002's "Kona Town" and its breakout hit "Give It Up."

Built to Spill formed in Boise in 1992 and first gained critical attention with 1994's "There's Nothing Wrong with Love."

After signing with Warner Brothers in 1995, they released "Perfect from Now On," which diverged from the band's signature short, poppy sound. But the band continued to plug away, and, despite a rotating cast of members and a short hiatus, they're still making music.

In 2022, they released their ninth album, "When the Wind Forgets Your Name."

Earth, Wind & Fire is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed bands of the '70s. The band's breakthrough album, "That's the Way of the World," released in 1975, introduced the hit single "Shining Star" and was followed by a stream of five consecutive multiplatinum albums. Earth, Wind & Fire has also taken home six Grammys out of an impressive 17 nominations, and the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

Earth, Wind & Fire has lost several key members over the years — including founder Maurice White, drummer Fred White, saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk, and guitarist Sheldon Reynolds — but the band continues to perform and tour, carrying on its legacy with longtime members, such as Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, and Verdine White, and other long-serving bandmates.

Other famous bands from Illinois include Chicago, The Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, and Styx.

Composed of five brothers — Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, and Michael — the Jackson 5, from Gary, Indiana, made music history in 1970 as the first recording artist whose first four Motown singles all became No. 1 hits.

The brothers immediately rose to stardom and sold out 20,000-seat venues within the year, performing hits like "ABC," "I Want You Back," and "I'll Be There."

One of the most prominent nu-metal bands of the '90s, Slipknot was known as much for its image as its music. The band, which is from Des Moines, performed in matching black jumpsuits and horror-themed Halloween masks and used numbers as stage names.

Their self-titled debut album went platinum in 2000, making them the first band on their label, Roadrunner Records, to do so. The band's annual festival, Knotfest, has turned into the world's most popular hard rock and metal festival.

Best known for hits "Carry on Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind," Kansas formed in Topeka in 1973. Throughout their 40-year career, the rock legends have sold over 23 million records, per RIAA, and produced 12 gold albums and five multi-platinum albums.

A fun fact: "Dust in the Wind" has been played on the radio more than 3 million times.

My Morning Jacket formed in Louisville in 1998 and released their alt-country debut album, "The Tennessee Fire," the following year.

Their 2005 album "Z" marked a major turning point in the band's history: "Z" laid the foundation for the dreamy jams off "Evil Urges" and the two "Waterfall" albums and paved the way for My Morning Jacket to become one of the most successful contemporary rock bands.

The Jacket is also known for its legendary live performances and made history in 2008 after delivering a nearly four-hour show at Bonnaroo.

The Neville Brothers are an R&B group famously known for embracing their hometown of New Orleans. They won a Grammy in 1989 for best pop instrumental performance and have closed out the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for years.

Though their last record together was released in 2004, the brothers reunited for a farewell show in NOLA in 2015, USA Today reported. Charles Neville died in 2018, and Art Neville died the following year.

All Portland natives, the Rustic Overtones formed over 30 years ago and released their third full-length — but first commercially successful — album, "Rooms by the Hour," in 1998.

Its 2007 album "Light At The End" was the fastest-selling local album in the state of Maine's history, the Portland Press Herald reported at the time. Perhaps Rustic Overtones' biggest claim to fame is being the first band ever broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio.

The band has a unique style of indie rock pulling from blends of soul music, punk, and jazz. Rustic Overtones has worked with an array of artists over the years, including Imogen Heap and Funkmaster Flex.

In more recent years, The Ghost of Paul Revere, a Portland-based folk trio, has risen to prominence in the state, with its song "Ballad of the 20th Maine" becoming the state's official ballad in 2019.

Good Charlotte is a pop-punk band from Maryland that rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their catchy hooks and angst-driven lyrics.

Formed by brothers Joel and Benji Madden, the group broke through with their 2002 album, "The Young and the Hopeless," which featured major hits such as "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous," "The Anthem," and "Girls & Boys." The RIAA certified it as quadruple platinum in 2025.

The band's awards over the years have included an MTV Video Music Award and Teen Choice Awards, indicating their mainstream success.

Other Maryland bands include The Orioles and All Time Low.

Aerosmith might be known as the "bad boys from Boston," but since they actually got their start in New Hampshire, arena-rock band Boston is the most famous band formed in Massachusetts.

The group released their eponymous debut album in 1976, which sold more than half a million copies in just a week, jumping straight to the top of the charts and spawning several hits, including "More Than a Feeling" and "Peace of Mind." The album was so successful that Boston became the first band in history to play its debut concert at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Tommy DeCarlo, Boston's lead vocalist who rose from devoted fan to frontman after Brad Delp's death, died at 60 on March 9, following a brief battle with brain cancer.

One of the most successful Black vocal groups of all time, the Temptations, originally known as the Elgins, formed in Detroit in 1961 when two groups merged — Otis Williams and the Distants and the Primes.

Now considered a classic example of Motown's signature sound, the group rose to prominence with hits like "My Girl" and "Since I Lost My Baby," produced under the inimitable Smokey Robinson. Taking a nod from Sly and the Family Stone, the group released the 1968 psychedelic soul hit single "Cloud 9," which won the group and Motown their first Grammy Award.

During its heyday with Motown in the 1960s and '70s, The Temptations produced 37 Top 40 hits, 15 Top 10 hits, and four No. 1 hits. And that was only on the pop charts; the group dominated the R&B charts with 15 No. 1 singles and 17 No. 1 albums.

Several members of The Temptations' classic lineup have died over the years, including David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Dennis Edwards.

Though Prince and the Revolution had achieved considerable success beforehand, it was the 1984 film release of "Purple Rain" — and Prince's accompanying soundtrack — that launched the group into superstardom. The "Purple Rain" album sold over 13 million copies, spent 24 weeks at the top of the charts, and produced hits "When Doves Cry," "Purple Rain," and "Take Me with U."

Prince was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, his first year of eligibility. He died in 2016, aged 57, at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota.

Three Doors Down, from Escatawpa, Mississippi, hit it big in the early 2000s with radio-friendly singles "Here Without You," "Kryptonite," and "When I'm Gone."

The post-grunge band saw three albums go multi-platinum, including 2000's "The Better Life," which has gone platinum seven times and became one of the best-selling albums of the year, per Billboard.

Ike and Tina Turner were a wildly successful duo for nearly 20 years, topping R&B and pop charts, touring with the Rolling Stones, and winning a Grammy for their song "Proud Mary." In 1976, Tina left what she described as an abusive relationship with Ike and went on to build her own successful solo career.

Tina Turner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2021. She died in 2023, at age 83. Ike Turner died in 2007.

The nearly 20-year career of Silkworm, who formed in Missoula, was cut short in 2005 when their drummer, Michael Dahlquist, was killed in a car accident.

In February 2013, filmmaker Seth Pomeroy released "Couldn't You Wait?" a documentary that tells Silkworm's story from their start as childhood friends to their final days together.

The remaining band members went on to form a new band called Bottomless Pit.

Bright Eyes is the main creative vehicle for Omaha-born Conor Oberst. The band has had some notable success on the charts: In 2005 its album "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and its 2007 album "Cassadaga" peaked at No. 4. A

After a nine-year hiatus, the band released a new album, "Down In the Weeds, Where the World Once Was," in 2020. In 2024, it released "Five Dice, All Threes."

In 2015, Imagine Dragons earned its first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart with "Smoke + Mirrors."

The Las Vegas band entered the spotlight with their Grammy Award-winning single "Radioactive," from their 2012 debut album. The song held the record for the longest time on the Hot 100 — 87 weeks, or almost two years — until The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" overtook it in 2021.

Other famous bands from Nevada include The Killers and Panic! At The Disco.

Aerosmith is one of the most recognizable '70s rock bands and one of the biggest comeback stories in rock history. Aerosmith was flying high and on its way to rock royalty after the release of "Toys in the Attic" and "Rocks" in 1975 and 1976, respectively.

But the band's struggle with drug and alcohol abuse took its toll, leading guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford to temporarily leave the band. Aerosmith seemed to be on the brink of no return until Run-D.M.C. released a cover of "Walk This Way" and catapulted the band back to the mainstream.

Though they're billed as the "bad boys from Boston," many people don't know that Aerosmith formed in New Hampshire before making it big. Lead singer Steven Tyler and Perry spent summers together as children, and the band played at small venues and high school proms throughout the state before making a name for themselves nationally.

Bruce Springsteen himself inducted the E Street Band into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, in celebration of the 40 years they spent working together. One of America's most beloved musicians, Springsteen — also known as "The Boss" — is most famous for the work he did with the E Street Band, whom he met in Asbury Park.

Springsteen has released multiple albums that have gone platinum — including his first, 1972's "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J." — and achieved global fame after the release of the 1975 album "Born to Run." He got his own biopic in 2025, "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere."

Other famous bands from New Jersey include Bon Jovi, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, My Chemical Romance, and The Jonas Brothers, who were recently inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Frontman James Mercer started The Shins as a side project in 1996 in Albuquerque, but it quickly evolved to be the state's most notable rock band.

After the soundtrack of the 2004 film "Garden State" included the songs "Caring Is Creepy" and "New Slang," the Shins began earning a significantly larger audience. The band's next album after the movie, 2007's "Wincing the Night Away" peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, cementing The Shins as the Southwest's indie darlings.

Other famous bands from New Mexico include The Fireballs and Xit.

There are plenty of famous bands from New York — The Beastie Boys, The Velvet Underground, and KISS, to name a few — but few have the influence and reputation of The Ramones, who have innumerable hits, including "Blitzkrieg Bop," "I Wanna Be Sedated," and "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker."

There's even a street in Manhattan named Joey Ramone Place, after the lead singer who died of cancer in 2001.

Wilmington's The Charlie Daniels Band, with its rotating cast of musicians, has been an icon of country music since the 1970s.

Their eclectic blend of Southern rock and hardcore country has earned them numerous awards and recognitions, including a Grammy Award.

The band's most famous contribution to the annals of rock and country music is without a doubt "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," which features one of the best fiddle solos ever performed.

Bobby Vee and The Strangers, originally called The Shadows, first performed publicly on "The Day the Music Died" — the group filled in for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper at a gig in Moorhead, Minnesota, after the three famous musicians were killed in a plane crash in 1959.

The then-15-year-old Vee would go on to earn two gold albums, 38 songs in the Billboard Top 100, six gold singles, and 14 Top 40 hits.

Twenty One Pilots, from Columbus, Ohio, is made up of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. They are known for fusing alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic elements.

They broke into the mainstream with the 2015 album Blurryface, which produced major hits like "Stressed Out," "Ride," and "Heathens." The band has earned significant recognition, including a Grammy Award for best pop duo/group performance in 2017 for "Stressed Out," as well as multiple Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards.

Other famous bands from Ohio include the Isley Brothers and The Black Keys.

The Flaming Lips, formed in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1983, have only had one hit single in the US, "She Don't Use Jelly," released in 1993.

However, they have earned three Grammy Awards, multiple hit singles in the UK and Europe, and a large indie following.

The band is known for its energetic live performances that feature mesmerizing light shows and wacky stage props like giant robots and laser hands.

No band embodies the woodsy vibe of Portland, Oregon, better than The Decemberists. Since forming in 2001, the band has earned a Grammy nomination and performed at Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign stop in Portland.

The Decemberists' sonic architecture — founded on strong lyric writing and a diverse range of folk textures — and whimsical live performances, which usually feature a historical reenactment of sorts, have helped the band become darlings of folk-pop music.

Frontman Colin Meloy and co. scored their biggest success to date with the 2011 studio album "The King Is Dead," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Duo Daryl Hall and John Oates formed Hall & Oates in the early '70s and released their debut album, "Abandoned Luncheonette," in 1973.

Hailing from Philadelphia, the pair garnered national attention throughout the '70s and '80s with hits such as "Maneater" and "Sara Smile."

The band won three American Music Awards in the early '80s. More recently, both members released solo albums amid a now-resolved but lengthy legal battle.

Best known for their hits "Psycho Killer," "Life During Wartime," and "Once in a Lifetime," Talking Heads were successful with audiences and professional critics.

Though they rose to fame in New York, the three founding members, David Byrne, Chris Frantz, and Tina Weymouth, began practicing together at the Rhode Island School of Design before becoming Talking Heads.

The band added their fourth member, guitarist Jerry Harrison, shortly before releasing their first single, "Love Goes to Building on Fire"/"New Feeling," in 1976.

Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim Sonefeld formed Hootie & The Blowfish after meeting in the late 1980s at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Over the next 10 years, they attracted a following throughout the East Coast before releasing their 1994 debut album, "Cracked Rear View," which sold over 16 million copies in the US.

Formed in Sioux Falls in 2002, the pop-punk quartet The Spill Canvas has toured with big-name acts including Motion City Soundtrack, Plain White T's, and OneRepublic.

After a nearly two-year hiatus, The Spill Canvas funded their 2012 comeback album, "Gestalt," with the help of fans on Kickstarter.

The Tennessee Three began as the Tennessee Two, with Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant backing Johnny Cash, and expanded to the Tennessee Three with the addition of drummer W.S. Holland in 1958.

During the 1980s, the band's lineup changed and expanded, and they were called The Great Eighties Eight. Though Johnny Cash participated in various group and solo ventures throughout his long career, with the Tennessee Three, he achieved mega-hits such as "I Walk the Line" and "Folsom Prison Blues."

The band played with Cash through 1999. After the singer's death, the group reformed and released the tribute album "The Sound Must Go On." They've toured the globe playing to Cash fans and in 2012, released the album "All Over Again." Cash won a myriad of awards for his music, most of which feature the Tennessee Three as the backing band.

Other famous bands from Tennessee include Kings of Leon, Paramore, Little Big Town, The Band Perry, and Lady A.

Hailing from Houston, ZZ Top was one of the biggest rock acts of the '80s, with huge hits such as "Legs," "Sharp Dressed Man," and "Gimme All Your Lovin'."

In 2004, the bearded, sunglasses-wearing duo, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill, and their drummer, Frank Beard, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The four older siblings from the Mormon musical group from Salt Lake City made their big debut on the "Andy Williams Show" in 1962, with the others joining later.

Some of the Osmond siblings, most notably Donny, Marie, and Jimmy, dabbled in solo careers, yet continued to collaborate with the group. The Osmonds have reportedly sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.

Jam band Phish has a cult following that rivals that of the Grateful Dead. The original members — Jon Fishman, Trey Anastasio, and Jeff Holdsworth (who left the band in 1986) — met at the University of Vermont and were later joined by bassist Mike Gordon and keyboardist Page McConnell. The band was officially formed in 1983.

In 1997, the band hosted The Great Went, a music festival in Limestone, Maine, which drew a crowd of 62,000 and was the top-grossing concert of that summer.

The Charlottesville-based Dave Matthews Band quickly grew a strong fan base after releasing their live debut album in 1991. "Remember Two Things," their 1993 independently released live album, debuted at No. 1 on the college charts and was later certified platinum.

Today, Dave Matthews Band has sold over 30 million records worldwide and became the first band to have six consecutive studio albums that debuted at No. 1 on Billboard, Billboard reported.

Nirvana rocketed to fame with their single "Smells Like Teen Spirit" off the 1991 album "Nevermind," which brought grunge-rock to the mainstream.

The band officially formed a few years earlier, in 1987, when guitarist and vocalist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic began performing at local parties in the Seattle region.

In 1990, Dave Grohl joined Nirvana as the drummer. The band's tragic end came in 1994 with Kurt Cobain's suicide, though their music continued to inspire and impact the grunge movement.

Other famous bands from Washington include Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters.

Minor Threat's song "Straight Edge" pioneered (and named) the drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle — one that goes against the wasted-punk-rocker stereotype. The band formed among a wave of punk bands in Washington, DC, and though Minor Threat's career lasted only three years, its influence can still be found in punk music to this day.

After the band's dissolution, frontman Ian MacKaye played with numerous groups before forming Fugazi in 1987.

Asleep at the Wheel got their start in Paw Paw, West Virginia, in 1970, when they opened for Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna.

Since then, they have continued to dominate American country and Western music, winning eight Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement in Performance, not to mention a few chart-topping songs along the way. They continue to tour.

When the Violent Femmes released its critically acclaimed eponymous debut album in 1983, the band was nothing more than an underground sensation — in fact, it took eight years for the album to go platinum, Pitchfork reported. But over the years, the band has evolved into one of the most important and popular post-punk groups, as proven not only by its music but also by the fact that the Femmes' acoustic style inspired the MTV show "Unplugged."

In 2015, the Femmes released their first album in 15 years, "We Can Do Anything" — though the critical reception was not too warm — and followed it up with 2019's "Hotel Last Resort."

Teenage Bottlerocket released their debut album, "Another Way," in 2002 on Laramie's communal label, One Legged Pup.

The twin Carlisle brothers behind the group — Ray on bass and vocals, and Brandon on drums — cycled through various guitarists before finding Kody Templeman.

The band has become a pop-punk mainstay over the years, playing major events like Warped Tour, and is known for its iconic skull-and-rocket logo.

Editor's note: A version of this story was first published in 2022 and was most recently updated in March 2026.

Taylor, who was nominated for best supporting actress for "One Battle After Another," donned a white Chanel gown for the after-party.

The front of the slip-style, floor-length dress was simple, with a V-neckline and ruched bodice, while the plunging back was anything but. The straps were adorned with gold thread, and stars were embroidered on each strap. It was a celebratory and sexy look.

She hit the carpet in a black, sleeveless romper and semi-sheer tights. The Dior piece had a cowl neckline, a small mesh cutout across the chest, and extra-short shorts.

It was so simple that it didn't match the actor's standout Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace or her bow-shaped hat.

The "Sinners" star celebrated winning his first Oscar in a brown suit, which included a double-breasted jacket and wide-legged trousers.

Three brooches on his lapel and brown sunglasses made the outfit pop.

Her golden Stella McCartney gown, which was sleeveless and form-fitting, looked glamorous on the actor.

Unfortunately, it was lined with thick brown faux fur along its hem, which contrasted with the glimmering material and distracted from the overall look.

Jenner's Chanel gown hugged her figure. It had a scooped neckline and spaghetti straps, and sparkly embellishments covered the dress from head to toe. Larger embellishments on the neckline and waistline added even more drama.

She paired the gown with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and Gianvito Rossi shoes. It was simultaneously effortless and stylish.

The supermodel arrived at the Vanity Fair party wearing a yellow gown designed by Chrome Hearts. It had a plunging halter neckline and hip-high slits, all covered in embroidered mesh.

The latter detailing didn't work for her. A classic yellow gown without the slits and mesh would have looked more streamlined and elegant.

Tamara Ralph designed Ashley's glittering, floor-length gown. The standout feature of the form-fitting gown was its bejeweled, asymmetrical neckline, seemingly inspired by a peacock feather.

Aquazzura shoes and Buccellati jewelry completed Ashley's look.

Her Gucci look, straight off the runway, featured a high neckline, long sleeves, a floor-length skirt, and all-over sparkles.

On another celebrity, it might have looked striking. On Kardashian, though, it was far too simple. It won't be remembered among her best Oscar-night outfits.

Goth's black Dior gown looked simple from the front, with an arched, strapless neckline and tea-length skirt.

However, the back revealed a short, white skirt made of layers of embroidered, fluffy tulle for a fashion-forward flair.

Many celebrities wore white at the Oscars and the Vanity Fair party. So technically, Vergara was right on trend with her white Zuhair Murad halter gown.

The details of her dress, though, looked more fitting for a bride than a red-carpet star. It had all-over crystals, a diamond-shaped cutout, and flowing white fabric that hung from her shoulders, resembling a veil.

Harris Reed designed the avant-garde gown for the "Marty Supreme" actor.

Voluminous, arched sleeves with tassels sat on her shoulders, giving way to a black bodice with a large cutout in the center of her chest. The rest of the bodice was leopard print, while the skirt was made of layers of multicolored fabric trimmed with the same tassels that sat on her shoulders.

The contrasting elements felt cohesive on A'Zion. She paired the bold dress with Pandora jewelry.

Rita Ora is known for her bold fashion, which usually works for her. At the Vanity Fair party, though, it was tough to focus on a single element of her Tamara Ralph outfit.

She wore a floral embroidered gown that was sheer from her shoulders to her hips. That's where a satin skirt wrapped around her legs and extended into a long train. She also wore a massive feathered hat.

Ditching the latter accessory might have let the dramatic gown shine more.

The "Heated Rivalry" stars both wore sheer, black shirts to the Vanity Fair Oscar party, walking the red carpet together in their matching looks.

Balenciaga designed Williams' sleeveless, high-neck shirt, which billowed slightly and formed a floor-length train. He paired the bold top with black trousers and shoes.

Storrie's Saint Laurent top was more form-fitting, with a high neckline and long sleeves. He also wore black trousers and shoes, but he carried a brown stole and wore a bold Tiffany & Co. choker for added drama.

He wore a gray suit comprising tailored trousers, a white button-up shirt, and a blazer with satin lapels and coattails. In place of a tie, he wore a silver neck scarf with fringe and a small bow.

Though the outfit was eye-catching, it looked a bit like a historical costume. A cropped jacket and a flat neck scarf could have made the outfit sharper.

Designed by Celia Kritharioti, the halter neckline of Union's silver gown plunged to nearly her navel, while the back was completely open. She played up the sparkles in the gown's fabric with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including a bold pendant that sat on her chest.

Union looked glamorous and sexy for Vanity Fair's event.

She arrived at the party in a black Alexander McQueen design. It had a halter top with a deep V-neckline, shining fabric that hugged her body, and a feathered skirt and train.

Though the dark color looked strong on Jenner, its design was a bit too simple.

It also had an odd triangular cutout at the hip, which made the dress appear unfinished.

Domingo's Jacquemus suit put a fun twist on a pinstripe look, as the stripes were silver instead of white. His collar was popped on one side and folded over on the other, offering an asymmetrical look.

Domingo brought even more glamour to his outfit with a brooch and jewelry from Boucheron.

Palmer walked the red carpet in a purple, velvet Gucci set. The long-sleeve, high-neck top was actually a bodysuit, and the low-waisted, floor-length skirt revealed peeks at Palmer's hips.

The outfit had some cool elements, but it ended up looking pretty one-note on Palmer because of the heavy fabric. A more interesting fabric or a different neckline may have brought more dimension to the look.

The longtime couple walked the Vanity Fair red carpet together in beautiful black-and-white ensembles.

Waterhouse's two-piece from Tamara Ralph featured a backless, metallic top that looked like peacock feathers curving around her body. The high-waisted skirt was fitted, and a floor-length, sheer cape trailed behind Waterhouse. She wore Stuart Weitzman shoes and Messika jewelry.

Pattinson's tuxedo suit was pretty simple, but he made it fun by wearing a brooch on his neck instead of a tie.

Louis Vuitton designed the Olympic champion's black dress, which was adorned with gray and black textured embellishments.

The dress was cool, and it was fun to see Liu wear it with black tights and pointed-toe heels. However, the garment's high neckline and boxy sleeves looked ill-fitting on Liu's small frame. A dress with a softer shape would have worked better for Liu.

Louis Vuitton designed Mosaku's lilac ensemble for the Vanity Fair party.

The strapless dress was embroidered with a floral pattern, which she paired with a floor-length train made of layers of purple fabric that looked like flower petals.

Mosaku was nominated for best supporting actress for "Sinners" at the Oscars.

Sánchez Bezos went vintage for the Vanity Fair party, wearing a black John Galliano gown from 1995. The strapless piece had a V-shaped peplum on the waistline, and the slit in the center of the floor-length skirt mirrored its shape.

She leaned into the all-black look with sheer, black tights and Christian Louboutin heels. She also added jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz and Lisa Klein to the ensemble.

While Sánchez Bezos was among the best-dressed of the night, her husband was among the worst. Bezos' black tuxedo was fine for the occasion, but there wasn't anything interesting about it.

Arkapaw, who won for "Sinners," was only the fourth woman to ever be nominated for the award and the first to win.

In a heartwarming moment, she asked every woman in the audience to stand up as she thanked them for paving the way.

Madigan received her first (and until this year, only) nomination in 1986 for best supporting actress in the film "Twice in a Lifetime." Forty years later, she finally won for playing the villainous Aunt Gladys in "Weapons."

Buckley, who won best actress for playing Agnes Shakespeare in "Hamnet," became the first Irish person to win best actress — she thanked the country for paying for her family's flights to the ceremony.

The teams from "The Singers" and "Two People Exchanging Saliva" took turns at the podium to accept their respective Oscars for best live-action short film.

This has happened six other times: in 2013 for best sound editing; in 1995 for best live-action short film; in 1987 for best feature documentary; in 1969 for best actress; in 1950 for best documentary (short subject); and in 1932 for best actor.

Baker won for writing, directing, editing, and producing "Anora," which took home another Oscar for its leading lady, Mikey Madison.

In one night, in 1954, Disney took home the Oscars for best documentary feature for "The Living Desert," best documentary short subject for "The Alaskan Eskimo," best short subject (cartoon) for "Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom," and best short subject (two-reel) for "Bear Country."

That means the two are tied, but Baker had a clean sweep of "Anora" wins. The only award it lost was for best supporting actor.

Williams has won five times, for his work on "Fiddler on the Roof," "Jaws," "Star Wars," "E.T. the Extra Terrestrial," and "Schindler's List."

He was nominated for the 54th time in 2024 for "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny."

He's been nominated at least once a decade since his first nomination for 1968's "Valley of the Dolls."

His 2023 nomination made the then-90-year-old the oldest nominee ever — he broke his own record one year later.

He was nominated for 58 during his lifetime, from 1932 to 1964. He received a final posthumous nomination (and win) at the 1968 ceremony — best short subject (cartoon) — for "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day."

Gascón was nominated for best actress for her performance in "Emilia Pérez," making her the first trans actor to be nominated for an acting Academy Award. She lost to Mikey Madison.

In 2022, Kotsur took home the best supporting actor award for his role in "CODA" as supportive, yet stubborn, father Frank Rossi.

In "CODA," his wife was played by Marlee Matlin, who was the first deaf actor ever to win an Oscar. She won the best actress statue for "Children of a Lesser God."

She was 21 at the time of her win.

Brody was close to 30 when he won in 2003. In 2025, he won his second Academy Award for his role in "The Brutalist."

Brody has now also joined an elite club of 10 other actors who have won best actor more than once — he's now peers with Spencer Tracy, Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Cooper, Tom Hanks, Fredric March, Anthony Hopkins, and three-time winners Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Penn.

Chalamet received his first Oscar nomination in 2018 for his role in "Call Me By Your Name" when he was 23. Seven years later, he was nominated once again for playing Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown" at age 29.

He was nominated for his third Academy Award this year, for "Marty Supreme," just a few weeks after he turned 30.

The last time an actor had two best actor nominations to his name before turning 30 was in 1957, when James Dean (posthumously) received two nominations in 1956 and 1957. He died in September 1955 at the age of 24.

DeBose also became the first Afro-Latina woman to win.

In her acceptance speech, she called herself an "openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina who found her strength in life through art. And that's what I believe we're here to celebrate. Anybody who's ever questioned your identity ever or find yourself living in the gray spaces? I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us."

Brando portrayed Vito Corleone as an old man with adult children and grandkids, while De Niro played him as a young man who had just emigrated from Italy.

When Joaquin Phoenix won for "Joker," it marked the second time this happened, as Heath Ledger posthumously won for his performance as the Joker in 2008's "The Dark Knight."

Moreno won for playing Anita in the 1961 film "West Side Story" at the 1962 Oscars. Sixty years later, DeBose took home the Oscar for the same role in Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake.

The last time this happened was in 2009, with "Slumdog Millionaire." Here are the other 10 movies this has happened to.

There are two best picture nominees this year that would've joined this list if they had won: "F1" and "Train Dreams."

"Parasite" was also the first foreign-language film to win best picture. Two international films were also nominated this year ("Sentimental Value" and "The Secret Agent"), but they lost to "One Battle After Another."

Streep has won best actress twice, for "Sophie's Choice" and "The Iron Lady." She won best supporting actress for "Kramer vs. Kramer."

Most recently, Italy won for "The Great Beauty," or "La grande bellezza" in 2014, directed by Paolo Sorrentino. He was nominated again in 2022 for "The Hand of God," but lost to Japan's entry, "Drive My Car."

"I'm Still Here," based on the real story of Eunice and Rubens Paiva, was also nominated for best picture and best actress for its star, Fernanda Torres.

"Sentimental Value," which was also nominated for best picture, won best international feature at the 2026 Academy Awards. The film was directed by Joachim Trier, who was previously nominated in this category in 2022 but lost to Japan's "Drive My Car."

This is the first time Norway has taken home this award. "This is a historic moment for Norwegian cinema," Norwegian Film Institute CEO Kjersti Mo told Variety.

Overall, he's been nominated 10 times for "Raging Bull," "The Last Temptation of Christ," "Goodfellas," "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator," "The Departed," "Hugo," "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Irishman," and "Killers of the Flower Moon."

He's only won once, for "The Departed."

Spielberg's "West Side Story" earned a best director nod. In total, the movie secured eight nominations, winning one. He was nominated again in 2023 for "The Fabelmans," and in 2026 for producing "Hamnet."

His previous best director nominations were for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1978), "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982), "Schindler's List" (1993), "Saving Private Ryan" (1998), "Munich" (2005), and "Lincoln" (2012). He won for "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan."

Before "West Side Story," he and Scorsese shared the record for a director nominated in five decades. After "Killers of the Flower Moon," the two are tied once again.

Hopkins' win was one of the most shocking moments of the night — almost everyone had considered Chadwick Boseman in his final performance a shoo-in.

Hopkins took the record from Plummer, who was 82 when he won for "Beginners" in 2012.

He was also nominated in 2010 for "The Last Station."

Plummer died in February 2021 at the age of 91.

Ivory won for the "Call Me By Your Name" screenplay, based on the novel of the same name by André Aciman.

Henry is now 54 and acts sporadically.

O'Neal co-starred in "Paper Moon" with her father, Ryan O'Neal.

She continues to act.

Other notable winners in this category included Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Bobby Driscoll, and Margaret O'Brien.

Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, who married in 2010, were both nominated: Cruz for best actress in "Parallel Mothers," and Bardem for best actor for "Being the Ricardos."

A second couple, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons, both secured best supporting acting nominations for their roles in "The Power of the Dog."

Cruz and Bardem lost to Jessica Chastain and Will Smith, while Dunst and Plemons lost to Ariana DeBose and Troy Kotsur.

That record hasn't been broken in over 20 years.

It ended up winning four: best original screenplay, best actor, best cinematography, and best score.

Three movies are tied for second place with 14 Oscar nods: "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016).

As previously stated, "Titanic" went on to win 11 awards. "All About Eve" and "La La Land" each took home six statues.

That's even longer than the notoriously long "The Brualist," "The Irishman," or "Killers of the Flower Moon."

"'The Broadway Melody' is interesting as an example of an early Hollywood musical, but otherwise, it's essentially bereft of appeal for modern audiences," wrote Rotten Tomatoes.

This year's winner, "One Battle After Another," has a 94% critics score and a 85% audience score.

Prior to Bigelow, just three women had been nominated for directing: Lina Wertmüller for 1975's "Seven Beauties," Jane Campion for 1993's "The Piano," and Sofia Coppola for 2003's "Lost in Translation."

This year, Chloé Zhao was the lone woman nominated for best director. She directed "Hamnet."

She won for "Nomadland." She was nominated once again this year for "Hamnet."

While Yeun lost the award to Anthony Hopkins, his nomination for "Minari" was still a record-breaking moment.

It was mainly rated X simply because it wasn't suitable for kids — the "X" rating was almost brand new in 1969 and didn't have the same connotations as it does today. However, MTV does point out the film has "a fair amount of nudity and some brief scenes of sexual activity."

When it was later re-rated, it earned an R rating.

In total, 10 sequels have been nominated for best picture — "Dune: Part Two," "Avatar: The Way of Water," "Top Gun: Maverick," "Toy Story 3," "Mad Max: Fury Road," "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," "The Godfather Part III," and "The Bells of St. Mary's," plus the two winners.

You may be wondering, what about "The Silence of the Lambs"? The Anthony Hopkins/Jodie Foster joint could be considered a sequel to "Manhunter," but it's really more of a reboot.

She's not the only actor to win an Oscar for portraying an icon, but she was the first to win an Oscar for portraying an Oscar winner.

Renée Zellweger became the second when she won for playing Judy Garland in "Judy" in 2020.

Hepburn won in 1933, 1967, 1968, and 1981 for "Morning Glory," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "The Lion in Winter," and "On Golden Pond," respectively.

Though, famously, she never attended an awards show to collect her statues in person, per The Hollywood Reporter.

McDaniel won the best supporting actress award for "Gone with the Wind," in which she played Mammy, a role that has since been mired in controversy, per the Jim Crow Museum.

Poitier had previously been nominated for his role in 1958's "The Defiant Ones."

He died in January 2022 at 94.

Davis, an EGOT winner, has been nominated four times: twice for best supporting actress for "Doubt" and "Fences" (which she won), and twice for best actress for "The Help" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

"For me, it's a reflection of the lack of opportunities and access to opportunities people of color have had in this business. If me, going back to the Oscars four times in 2021, makes me the most nominated Black actress in history, that's a testament to the sheer lack of material there has been out there for artists of color," said Davis in a February 2021 interview with Variety.

Octavia Spencer is right behind her with three nominations ("The Help," "Hidden Figures," and "The Shape of Water"). Whoopi Goldberg, with two, is the only other Black actress with more than one competitive Oscar nomination ("Ghost" and "The Color Purple").

He has been nominated 10 times between 1988 and 2022, earning nods for best supporting actor ("Cry Freedom," "Glory"), best actor ("Malcolm X," "The Hurricane," "Training Day," "Flight," "Fences," "Roman J. Israel, Esq." and "The Tragedy of Macbeth"), and best picture ("Fences").

He has won twice: He won best supporting actor for "Glory" in 1990 and best actor for "Training Day" in 2002.

Warren was nominated in the best original song category for "Dear Me" from the documentary "Diane Warren: Relentless" this year.

In 2026, she lost out on a statue following her 17th nomination.

She won an honorary Oscar in 2022, but she still hasn't taken home a competitive statue, making it the longest losing streak in Academy history.

Tazewell won for his stunning costumes in "Wicked."

Carter won for her work on both "Black Panther" films. She was nominated again in 2026 for "Sinners," but lost.

Joaquin Phoenix thanked Ledger in his 2020 SAG Awards acceptance speech, calling Ledger his "favorite actor."

They shared the award with Sergio Lopez-Rivera, as well.

Gordon Hollingshead — whose movie career spanned from 1916 to his death in 1952 — won his first competitive Oscar for best assistant director in 1933, a category that would only exist through 1937.

He also won three best short subject (two-reel) awards, two best short subject (one-reel) awards, and one best documentary (short subject) award.

These categories have also been redefined since his victories in the 1940s and 1950s; they are now known as the awards for best live action short film and best documentary short film.

"Tom and Jerry" producer Fred Quimby received his first Oscar nomination and trophy in 1944 for best short subject (cartoon) for "Yankee Doodle Mouse."

His other six wins would all come from the same category, which is now called best animated short film.

Director and sound designer Gary Rydstrom was awarded best sound and best sound effects editing for "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," "Jurassic Park," and "Saving Private Ryan."

He also has a best sound award for "Titanic," bringing his total award count to seven.

Richard Day won seven awards for best art direction (now known as best production design), beginning in 1936 with "The Dark Angel" and concluding in 1954 with "On the Waterfront."

Described by the Oscars as a "lifelong 'monster kid,'" makeup artist Rick Baker has made significant contributions to the world of movie makeup across genres, winning seven Academy Awards throughout his career.

In 1981, Baker received his first nomination and win for best makeup for "An American Werewolf in London."

In the '90s, he had multiple wins with "Ed Wood" (1995), "The Nutty Professor" (1997), and "Men in Black" (1998).

Another memorable contribution includes transforming Jim Carrey into the Grinch for the 2000 movie "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Working alongside esteemed art director Cedric Gibbons, set designer Edwin B. Willis won eight Oscars in 15 years for his contributions to set design within the art direction category.

His first win came in 1941 for his work in interior direction on "Blossoms in the Dust," and his final win came in 1956 for his work in Set Decoration on "Somebody Up There Likes Me."

Dennis Muren won eight Academy Awards for his contributions to visual effects on iconic films like "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and "Jurassic Park."

Muren's work had a significant impact on popular films throughout the '80s and '90s, like "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," "Innerspace," and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."

In addition to his competitive Oscars, Muren also won a technical achievement award in 1981.

Disney fans can say a big thank you to composer Alan Menken, the mind behind the music in "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," and "Pocahontas."

Menken won two Academy Awards for each of these films, winning in the scoring and original song categories.

The beautiful costumes worn by Audrey Hepburn in the classics "Roman Holiday" and "Sabrina" came from eight-time Oscar-winner Edith Head.

Known for her "distinctive personal style" and "forthright personality," according to the Oscars website, Head built a career dressing some of the most famous movie stars of her time, like Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly, and Steve McQueen. In all, she received 35 nominations and is the winningest woman in Oscars history.

Other winning films she designed costumes for include "The Heiress," "All About Eve," "Samson and Delilah," "A Place in the Sun," "The Facts of Life," and "The Sting."

Commonly regarded as one of the greatest films in history, "Gone With The Wind" still holds the record for the highest-grossing film in history adjusted for inflation, at $3.44 billion, per Guinness World Records.

The 1939 epic follows the romantic pursuits of plantation owner Scarlett O'Hara during the Civil War. More recently, the film has come under scrutiny for its inaccurate depictions of African Americans and the Confederate South.

It took home Academy Awards for best picture, best director, and best cinematography, among others. Notably, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Oscar when she was awarded best supporting actress for her role in the film.

"From Here to Eternity" was a groundbreaking film during the 1950s because of its themes of adultery and alcoholism, considered explicit subject matter for the time period. The 1953 film, which follows the lives of soldiers in the US Army, is perhaps best known for its beach kissing scene between actors Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, a graphic depiction by 1950s standards.

At the Academy Awards, the film took home best picture and best director, and actors Donna Reed and Frank Sinatra won best supporting actress and actor, respectively.

Based on crime articles that appeared in the New York Sun in the 1940s, "On The Waterfront" features Marlon Brando in a drama about crime among dock workers.

Brando received the award for best actor, and the film also picked up best picture and best director. While the film featured Leonard Bernstein's only original, non-adaptation film score, it failed to win best original score.

"My Fair Lady" follows Eliza Doolittle as she learns to become a sophisticated member of society thanks to the teachings of Professor Henry Higgins. It became the second-highest-grossing film of 1964.

The film won Academy Awards for best picture, best actor, and best director, among others. Notably, Audrey Hepburn wasn't nominated for her role as Eliza.

First taking shape as a novel, then a play, then a musical, the "Cabaret" film adaptation won eight Oscars out of its 10 nominations.

Liza Minnelli won best actress for her role as the untethered cabaret singer Sally Bowles, and the film took home best director and best score, among other categories.

The film holds the record for having the most Oscars without winning best picture.

The 1982 biopic dramatizing the life of Gandhi featured Ben Kingsley in the titular role.

While Kingsley secured best actor, the film additionally won best picture, best director, best original screenplay, best cinematography, best art direction, best costume design, and best editing.

Just two years later, another biographical drama would take the Academy by storm. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, played by Tom Hulce, has his rivalry with fellow composer Antonio Salieri, played by F. Murray Abraham, on full display in the epic film.

Coincidentally, the perceived rivalry was brought to life when Hulce and Abraham were both nominated for best actor, with Abraham winning.

The movie also won best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay, best costume design, best makeup, best production design (then known as best art direction), and best sound.

Dev Patel made his film debut in the "Slumdog Millionaire," playing 18-year-old Jamal Malik as he tries to escape the slums of Mumbai, India.

The 2008 film was immediately met with widespread acclaim, which continued at the Academy Awards. "Slumdog Millionaire" won best picture, best director, best score, and best original song, among other categories.

Alfred Newman, who was known for films like "The King and I," won nine awards for his work as a composer.

He won his first Oscar in 1938 for scoring "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and his final Oscar in 1967 for "Camelot."

The 1958 film "Gigi," set in turn-of-the-century Paris, follows the wealthy playboy Gaston and the innocent Gigi. The comedy went a perfect nine-for-nine at the Academy Awards, a record for the time.

The film won best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay, and best editing, among other categories.

As the title suggests, "The Last Emperor" is a biographical drama about China's last emperor, Puyi.

Like "Gigi," the film swept all of its nine nominations, taking home best picture, best director, best original score, and awards in other categories.

The film's immaculate recreation of the end of the Qing Dynasty in the eyes of the Academy also meant it took home best costume design and best production design.

This wartime romance won nine of its 12 nominations at the 69th Academy Awards.

The 1996 film, in addition to winning best picture and best director, won big in production awards, taking home best cinematography, best editing, and best sound.

The iconic "West Side Story" was unsurprisingly the first film in history to reach double-digit Oscar wins.

The 1961 film, with its captivating romance narrative surrounding the Sharks and Jets street gangs in New York City, was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and took home 10.

Winning best picture, best writing, and others, the film still holds the title of winningest musical in Oscars history. The continued cultural relevance of the film and its original theater production prompted the 2021 Stephen Spielberg version.

Cedric Gibbons won best art direction 11 times out of 38 nominations.

His first award came in 1930 at the second annual Academy Awards ceremony for "The Bridge of San Luis Rey." He won his final Oscar in 1957 for "Somebody Up There Likes Me"

The 1959 epic film was a remake of 1925's "Ben-Hur," a silent film. Following the story of a Jewish chariot rider in the 1st century, the film set a record at the 32nd Academy Awards for most Oscar wins.

Of the 11 Oscars "Ben-Hur" received, it took home some of the biggest: best picture, best director, best actor, and best supporting actor.

James Cameron's box-office-smashing "Titanic" became the highest-grossing film of all time, a record it held for roughly 13 years until Cameron's "Avatar" overtook it in 2010.

The epic 1997 film, with its fleeting romance between Jack and Rose, tied "Ben-Hur" for Oscar wins.

It took home awards for best picture, best director, best cinematography, best costume design, best art direction, best sound, best editing, best sound editing, best visual effects, best original song, and best original dramatic score.

It was nominated in three further categories, but did not win: best actress for Kate Winslet, best supporting actress for Gloria Stuart, and best makeup.

"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" was the conclusion to Peter Jackson's epic trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's original novel.

The 2003 film went 11-for-11 at the 76th Academy Awards, winning best picture, best director, best editing, best art direction, best costume design, best makeup, best adapted screenplay, best original score, best original song, best sound mixing, and best visual effects.

Walt Disney dominated the best short subject (cartoon) category (now awarded as best animated short film) throughout the 1930s with projects like "Flowers and Trees," "Ferdinand the Bull," and "The Ugly Duckling."

His films continued to win awards throughout his life, and he won his final competitive Oscar posthumously in 1969 for "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day," bringing his total to 22 awards from 59 nominations.

In addition to his competitive awards, Disney was also the recipient of four non-competitive special awards for the creation of Mickey Mouse, the significance of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in animation, the use of sound in "Fantasia," and his work as a creative producer, for which he won the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.

She walked the red carpet in a white Givenchy ball gown fit for royalty. The strapless design featured metallic wisteria petals across its bodice and along the bottom of its skirt, which added an elegant sparkle to the look.

Fanning, nominated for best supporting actress for "Sentimental Value," also wore a diamond Cartier choker necklace from 1903. It was shaped like leaves.

The "Hamnet" star, nominated for best actress in a leading role, chose a two-toned look from Chanel.

It had a strapless, off-the-shoulder bodice made of red satin and a flowing, floor-length skirt in baby pink. The gown also had a short train. She completed the elegant ensemble with a diamond tennis necklace and sparkling earrings.

Alwyn, who also starred in "Hamnet," looked sharp at the 2026 Oscars.

He wore a matte-black blazer, matching trousers, and a classic white button-up top with a statement collar. For accessories, he chose a diamond brooch, a silver watch, and a deconstructed satin bow tie.

Moore stunned on the Oscars red carpet in a dramatic, strapless gown. It had long black feathers across the chest, smaller green ones on its bodice, and more feathers decorating its floor-length skirt.

The actor, who is presenting at the show this year, added earrings and a sparkling bracelet to the look.

A presenter at the 2026 Oscars, Culkin walked the red carpet wearing a chocolate-brown suit jacket with black trousers and a matching button-up top.

He also wore flashy gold accessories, including a statement Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph watch and a glittering brooch.

The "KPop Demon Hunters" voice actor walked the red carpet in a strapless, see-through gown made from sparkling black lace.

Designed by Miss Sohee, the floor-length design hugged her body and was complete with ruffled green arm bands that reached the floor. The latter were decorated with embroidered images of birds and flowers.

A thick diamond choker sat on her neck, and she wore Louboutin shoes.

The musician, who is performing at the 2026 Oscars, looked dapper in a black-and-white Campillo suit and Christian Louboutin shoes. His suit included a matte-black jacket, a matching vest, and a white high-neck blouse.

He also sported multiple diamond and pearl accessories, including two brooches, earrings, and tassels hanging from his trouser waistband.

The statement piece, though, was his $91,600 white-gold Chopard L'Heure du Diamant watch.

The "Sinners" star stood out in red on the Oscars red carpet. Her strapless gown was made of satin and featured dramatic fabric swirls that created its 3D bodice.

Those same swirls also extended into a long train, which complemented the floor-length gown's lace-up skirt.

The "One Battle After Another" actor looked like a princess at the Oscars. She wore a sleeveless, lilac gown with a cowl neckline and a ruffled skirt. It was custom-made for her by Louis Vuitton.

Infiniti completed the look with a multicolored De Beers choker.

Byrne arrived on the red carpet in a strapless Dior mermaid gown. It was crafted from opaque black fabric and embellished with beaded floral designs. Her jewelry, a golden necklace shaped like a flower, matched.

She was nominated at this year's Oscars for best actress in a leading role after starring in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You."

Pickford wore a bedazzled dress, a large diamond bangle, and a few strings of pearls when she won for "Coquette."

There were actually two Academy Awards in 1930; one in April and then another in November.

Shearer wore a jacket with fur-lined sleeves over her dress when she won the Oscar for her role in "The Divorce."

She finished her outfit with red lipstick, wavy hair, and several pieces of dainty jewelry.

Dressler received the Oscar for her part in "Min and Bill." She wore a dark shift dress and a long necklace.

Hayes wore a classic black dress paired with a pearl necklace and gloves to win best actress for her performance in "The Sin of Madelon Claudet."

Colbert won best actress for "It Happened One Night." She wore a gray suit with a large flower pinned to the lapel and a black hat.

Davis wore a patterned ensemble when she took home the award for best actress for her work in "Dangerous."

She was so convinced that she wouldn't win the Oscar that she wore "an old costume" to the ceremony, Harper's Bazaar reported.

Rainer wore an elegant white coat and styled her hair in an updo to win the Oscar for her portrayal of Anna Held in "The Great Ziegfeld."

Yes, Rainer won back-to-back Academy Awards. Her second win came for her performance as O-Lan in "The Good Earth." For her second win, she wore a high-necked gown with bell sleeves.

Bette Davis won her second best actress Oscar for her role in "Jezebel." She wore a black gown with a cloud-like collar embellishment.

Leigh wore a patterned dress while accepting the Oscar for playing Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind." She completed her outfit with a single pendant, dark lipstick, curled hair, and tons of mascara.

Rogers accepted the Oscar at the 13th annual Academy Awards for "Kitty Foyle" in a brown dress with lace details.

In 1921, attendees were advised to wear "muted tones" because of the ongoing war, The Telegraph reported.

Fontaine won best actress for "Suspicion." She wore a lacy black dress, which she paired with a matching hat and several pearl necklaces.

Jones (second from left) won her Oscar for "The Song of Bernadette." She wore a unique dark gown with white, puffy sleeves and a flower embellishment at the collar.

Bergman wore a dark skirt and blouse when she won the Oscar for her role in "Gaslight." The star finished her outfit by sweeping her hair away from her face.

De Havilland took home the gold for her role in "To Each His Own."

The actor wore a strapless floral gown, complemented by large curls and a pearl necklace.

Young wore a green satin gown with matching gloves to accept the award for "The Farmer's Daughter." Her tiered dress had plenty of ruffles.

Wyman kissed her best actress Oscar for her role in "Johnny Belinda." She wore a white gown with an embellished collar.

De Havilland (second from left) embodied '50s style when she accepted the Oscar for her role in "The Heiress." The actor paired her flower-embellished gown with matching gloves.

Booth won best actress at the 25th Academy Awards for her performance in "Come Back, Little Sheba" in a patterned, long-sleeve dress with matching gloves.

This ceremony was held simultaneously in Hollywood and New York City, and was also the first to be televised.

Hepburn wore a belted Givenchy dress as she accepted the award for her performance in "Roman Holiday." She finished the look with classic eyeliner and lipstick.

Kelly accepted the award for her role in "The Country Girl." The future princess of Monaco topped off her pale-green ensemble with elbow-length gloves, dainty earrings, and an updo.

Woodward, Oscar winner and wife of Paul Newman, accepted her award for "The Three Faces of Eve" in a strapless gown embellished with sewn-on flowers. She kept her hair and makeup simple, allowing her outfit to stand out.

Hayward wore a black dress to take home the Oscar for "I Want to Live!" She also sported a voluminous blowout, white gloves, and red lipstick.

Signoret won the Oscar for "Room at the Top," wearing an off-the-shoulder black dress.

Taylor went floral in a Christian Dior gown to accept her award for "Butterfield 8." Her high-volume hair and white gloves added some serious glamour to her outfit.

Julie Andrews hugged her Oscar for "Mary Poppins" in a pale-yellow gown. The "My Fair Lady" actor topped off her simple dress with a statement necklace and gloves.

Christie wore a shiny gold dress to match the Oscar she won for "Darling." She finished her outfit with a feathery blowout.

Streisand didn't realize her Arnold Scaasi pantsuit was see-through under the lights as she accepted the Academy Award for "Funny Girl." She finished her sequined pantsuit with a sleek bob and lots of eyeliner.

This year featured a rare tie: Streisand shared her award with Katharine Hepburn for "The Lion in Winter," but Hepburn famously attended the Academy Awards only once, to present.

Fonda accepted the Oscar for "Klute" in a black Yves Saint Laurent suit. She parted her sleek, shoulder-length hair to the side to complete her mod ensemble.

Minnelli shone in a bright-yellow Halston dress to accept the award for her role in "Cabaret." She paired her outfit with a colorful choker and a matching bracelet.

Jack Nicholson and Fletcher posed together after their Oscar wins for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Fletcher wore a delicate Champagne-colored gown by Alfred Fiandaca.

Dunaway wore a black Geoffrey Beene dress with a rope belt to accept her award for "Network." She finished her dark outfit with several pieces of gold jewelry.

Keaton accepted the award for "Annie Hall" in a unique Ruth Morley suit. She went for a muted color palette with her layered outfit.

Fonda wore a gorgeous James Reva gown to accept her trophy for "Coming Home." The two-time winner embraced the trends of the '70s in a flowy floral dress.

Field embodied spring in a white Bob Mackie dress with sheer floral cover as she accepted the award for "Norma Rae." She added to the look with lots of eyeliner and teased, voluminous hair.

Spacek took the award for "Coal Miner's Daughter" in a black jumpsuit and kept the rest of her look simple.

Streep won the Oscar for "Sophie's Choice" in a gold Christian Leigh dress while she was pregnant with her second daughter, Mamie (familiar to fans of "We Were Liars"). She finished her outfit with a pink-brown shade of lipstick and curled hair.

MacLaine wore a Fabrice pale-pink suit when she won for "Terms of Endearment." The suit was embellished with an intricate embroidered pattern.

Field cried out her famous, "You like me! You really like me!" in a strapless black dress as she won for "Places in the Heart," her second win in five years. She finished off her outfit with a necklace that looked like a bow.

Page, who won the Oscar for her work in "The Trip to Bountiful," layered a deep-purple velvet cape over her dress. She completed her outfit with chandelier earrings and a warm shade of lipstick.

Matlin paired her pink dress with a floral headpiece when she won for her role in "Children of a Lesser God." She paired her mixed-material gown with peachy lipstick.

Cher famously wore a sheer Bob Mackie ensemble to accept the award for "Moonstruck." From her headdress to her sandals, the star sparkled.

Foster wore a light-blue gown when she took home the Oscar for her role in "The Accused." She kept her hair and makeup simple, letting the ruched gown speak for itself.

Tandy sparkled in a two-piece getup by Giorgio Armani as she accepted the award for her performance in "Driving Miss Daisy." She finished her outfit with a pair of statement earrings.

Bates wore a black gown with shoulder pads to accept her award for "Misery." Her earrings matched the glitzy details on her dress.

Foster took home the gold statue again for her role in "The Silence of the Lambs." This time, she opted for a cream Armani jacket and paisley crystal-encrusted trousers, and went old school with matching gloves. Foster also wore a red pin on her lapel for HIV/AIDS awareness.

Thompson wore an emerald Caroline Charles jumpsuit when she won for "Howards End." She completed her look with red lipstick and curled ringlets.

Hunter wore a black and gray Vera Wang dress with a hint of sparkle when she won for "The Piano." She matched her earrings and bracelet to the glimmering details on her dress.

Lange wore Calvin Klein when she won the award for "Blue Sky." She added a touch of color to her dark, mesh-paneled gown with her bright lipstick.

Sarandon wore a bronze Dolce & Gabbana gown when she was recognized for "Dead Man Walking." She finished off her outfit with tousled hair.

McDormand wore a simple blue dress when she won for "Fargo." She kept her accessories minimal, opting for just one ring and a pair of earrings, a style she still goes by to this day.

Hunt stunned in a strapless blue dress by Tom Ford for Gucci when she won for "As Good as It Gets." She finished off her outfit with a matching wrap, frosty makeup, and a diamond bracelet.

Paltrow wore a baby-pink Ralph Lauren princess gown when she took home the Academy Award for "Shakespeare in Love," one of the most iconic Oscar looks of all time. She topped off her dress with a sheer, tulle wrap, a statement necklace, bright-pink lipstick, and a touch of blush.

Swank wore a strapless green Randolph Duke dress when she accepted the award for "Boys Don't Cry." She glammed up her dress with a dazzling statement necklace.

Roberts wore a black Valentino gown with white accents when she won for "Erin Brockovich."

Berry wore one of the most memorable Oscars dresses when she accepted her award for "Monster's Ball" in a floor-sweeping Elie Saab gown. Her dress had a mesh, floral-embroidered top and a contrasting satin skirt.

Kidman accepted her Oscar for "The Hours" in a black Jean Paul Gaultier dress that had an unexpected, edgy neckline.

Theron rocked a glittering Gucci dress when she won for "Monster." The actor looked very old Hollywood with her hair styled in glamorous waves.

Swank accepted her Oscar for "Million Dollar Baby" in a fully backless Guy Laroche dress. She completed the look with shimmering makeup and a sleek hairdo.

Witherspoon looked radiant in a Christian Dior gown when she won for her performance in "Walk the Line." She completed her outfit with a smoky eye, a simple hairdo, and earrings that matched her dress.

Mirren wore a Christian Lacroix gown when she accepted the Oscar for "The Queen." It looks like she layered a patterned tulle skirt over her lacy, embellished gown.

Cotillard took home the Oscar for "La Vie En Rose." The actor looked glamorous, with sleek curls and a mermaid-inspired dress by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Winslet took home the Oscar for "The Reader" in a one-shouldered, blue-gray Yves Saint Laurent gown. Winslet complemented her two-toned dress with a smoky eye.

Bullock wore a silver Marchesa dress as she accepted the award for her role in "The Blindside." The actor brought some color to her look with bright-pink lipstick.

Portman wore an off-the-shoulder Rodarte dress while accepting the award for "Black Swan." Portman's shoes and earrings perfectly matched her dress. Fun fact: She was four months pregnant at the time!

Streep matched her Oscar for "The Iron Lady" in a gold Lanvin dress. From her accessories to her makeup, she appeared to be dripping in gold.

Lawrence, who won for "Silver Linings Playbook," may have tripped on her way to the stage, but she still looked flawless in this white Christian Dior gown.

Blanchett wore an embellished Armani Privé gown when she took home the award for "Blue Jasmine." She completed her look with delicate curls and large sunburst earrings.

Moore wore a strapless Chanel gown when she accepted the award for "Still Alice." The custom, detailed gown took over 900 hours to make, according to People.

Larson accepted the Oscar for "Room" in a belted, royal-blue Gucci dress. The intricate gown was in the works for two months, per ABC.

Stone wore a vintage-inspired gown when she won the award for her performance in "La La Land." She finished her golden-toned dress with big waves and classic red lipstick.

McDormand won the award for her role in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," wearing a black dress with a gold pattern. During her acceptance speech, McDormand asked every female nominee in the audience to stand and discussed the importance of inclusion riders.

Colman wore an emerald-green Prada gown that took months to create as she accepted the award for "The Favourite." Colman's gown was draped with a silk organza cape, tied into a giant bow at the back, and covered in Swarovski crystal flowers.

Zellweger won her second Oscar — her first best actress Oscar, for "Judy" — in a custom white Armani Privé gown.

Though tough to see, according to Entertainment Tonight, the gown was covered in beads with pale pink and blue thread.

McDormand wore a navy-blue gown with a feathered bottom and feathered sleeves to win her third acting Oscar for "Nomadland."

With her win, McDormand tied Meryl Streep and Ingrid Bergman with the most Oscar wins for acting. Katharine Hepburn holds the record with four best actress statues.

Chastain dazzled in a sparkly ombré Gucci gown that transitioned from rose gold to lavender as she accepted her first Academy Award for "The Eyes of Tammy Faye."

Feathers accented the angelic Dior Couture gown. The "Everything Everywhere All At Once" star paired the look with a Moussaieff diamond headband and earrings, along with a Richard Mille watch.

Stone accepted her second best actress Oscar (this one for "Poor Things") in a mint-green peplum gown designed by Louis Vuitton, but she made sure to point out during her speech that the zipper had broken at some point during the ceremony.

She blamed Ryan Gosling's spirited performance of "I'm Just Ken."

Madison, who won for "Anora," went for an Old Hollywood look at the 2025 Oscars, wearing a two-toned pink and black satin dress with a bow. It was designed by Dior.

Award won: Best adapted screenplay

For: "The Descendants"

Year: 2012

Jim Rash may be best known for playing Dean in "Community," but he's a writer, too.

Rash put his skills to good use for "The Descendants," a dramedy starring George Clooney and Shailene Woodley. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including best picture, best actor, and best adapted screenplay, which Rash took home alongside cowriters Nat Faxon and Alexander Payne.

Award won: Best live action short film

For: "Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life"

Year: 1995

Capaldi is internationally known for playing the Doctor in "Doctor Who," but fans might not realize he won an Oscar nearly two decades before taking on the role.

Capaldi won the award for best live action short film alongside Ruth Kenley-Letts for "Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life." Their film actually tied for the award with Peggy Rajski and Randy Stone's "Trevor."

Award won: Best original song

For: "I Just Called to Say I Love You" from "The Woman in Red"

Year: 1985

In comparison to his 25 Grammy wins, it's easy to see how Stevie Wonder's Oscar win in 1985 could fly under the radar. The song itself was a massive hit upon its release in 1984, selling millions of copies.

Award won: Best original song

For: "It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp" from "Hustle & Flow"

Year: 2006

Three years after Eminem's win, Three 6 Mafia became the first hip-hop group to take home the Oscar for best original song for "It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp" from "Hustle & Flow."

Award won: Best original song

For: "Lose Yourself" from "8 Mile"

Year: 2003

In 2003, Eminem became the first rapper to win the Oscar for best original song with "Lose Yourself" from Curtis Hanson's drama "8 Mile," which he also starred in. Though he wasn't present to accept the award back then, he gave a surprise performance of the song 17 years later, at the Oscars ceremony in 2020.

Award won: Best supporting actress

For: "The Piano"

Year: 1994

Paquin's acting career started off with a bang, winning best supporting actress for her debut film, "The Piano," at just 11 years old.

Since then, she's appeared in the "X-Men" trilogy, "True Blood," and Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman," but hasn't received another Oscar nomination.

Award won: Best supporting actress

For: "Precious"

Year: 2010

Though Mo'Nique may be best known for her comedy, she had a standout role as abusive mother Mary Jones in Lee Daniels' "Precious" and took home the award for best supporting actress.

However, five years after her win, Mo'Nique told The Hollywood Reporter that Daniels told her she was "blackballed" because she "didn't play the game."

Mo'Nique famously did not campaign for her award, and in the opening line of her acceptance speech said, "First, I would like to thank the Academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics."

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Daniels said, "Her demands through 'Precious' were not always in line with the campaign. This soured her relationship with the Hollywood community."

Mo'Nique and Daniels reconciled in 2022, and she starred in his 2024 horror film, "The Deliverance."

Award won: Best original song

For: "Say You, Say Me" from "White Nights"

Year: 1986

Richie has won one Oscar from three nominations for best original song. His win came in 1986 for "Say You, Say Me" from "White Nights," starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines.

Award won: Best supporting actress

For: "Mighty Aphrodite"

Year: 1996

Before she starred as the iconic Romy White in "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion," Sorvino was recognized by the Academy for her role as Linda Ash in Woody Allen's "Mighty Aphrodite."

Since then, she's appeared in other films and television projects, including "Norma Jean & Marilyn," "Human Trafficking," and, more recently, "Sound of Freedom."

In 2017, Sorvino was one of more than a dozen women to speak out against producer Harvey Weinstein in an article published by The New Yorker. She told the publication that she felt her career was hurt after rejecting Weinstein's advances and reporting the harassment she faced.

"There may have been other factors, but I definitely felt iced out and that my rejection of Harvey had something to do with it," Sorvino said.

In a statement in 2017, Weinstein denied he'd been involved in blacklisting Sorvino.

Weinstein was convicted of third-degree rape of one woman and of first-degree criminal sex act against another in 2020 and sentenced to 23 years in prison. His conviction was overturned in April 2024, and he was indicted on new charges in September; his retrial is set to begin in April.

Award won: Best documentary feature

For: "An Inconvenient Truth"

Year: 2007

OK, technically, the award for best documentary feature was given to director Davis Guggenheim, but former vice president and 2000 presidential nominee Al Gore was its subject, highlighting his educational presentation about the dangers of global warming.

He even took to the stage with Guggenheim after its win, telling the crowd, "My fellow Americans, people all over the world, we need to solve the climate crisis. It's not a political issue; it's a moral issue. We have everything we need to get started, with the possible exception of the will to act. That's a renewable resource. Let's renew it."

Award won: Best documentary feature

For: "The Cove"

Year: 2010

The "Short Circuit" and "Succession" actor won the best documentary feature award in 2010 after producing "The Cove," which detailed the dolphin-hunting industry in Japan and called for a change in Japanese fishing practices.

That same year, Stevens cofounded Insurgent Media, a documentary film company.

Award won: Best animated short film

For: "Dear Basketball"

Year: 2018

The basketball legend made history when he took home an Oscar in 2018, becoming the first former professional athlete to do so.

Bryant narrated the animated short, which features a 2015 letter he wrote for The Players' Tribune announcing his retirement.

The short was directed and animated by Glen Keane, who had previously worked on Disney animated classics such as "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin." John Williams, the 54-time Academy Award nominee behind the scores for films like "Jaws," "Star Wars," and "Jurassic Park," created the score.

Bryant's emotional acceptance speech ended with the athlete thanking his wife, Vanessa, and daughters, Natalia, Gianna, and Bianka, telling them, "ti amo con tutto il mio cuore," which means "I love you with all my heart" in Italian.

Award won: Best original song

For: "Writing's on the Wall" from "Spectre"

Year: 2016

Alongside cowriter Jimmy Napes, the British singer-songwriter won the award for best original song for their 2015 Bond theme for "Spectre."

In their acceptance speech, Smith talked about being the "first openly gay man to win an Oscar," which they weren't. Smith apologized, but the comments sparked backlash from the LGBTQ+ community, and the singer, who acknowledged the mistake, temporarily quit X (formerly Twitter).

Awards won: Best original score

For: "The Social Network," "Soul"

Years: 2011, 2021

Outside their work with Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have been frequent collaborators on film scores, beginning in 2010 with their soundtrack for David Fincher's "The Social Network."

The duo won the best original score award for the movie in 2011. They won again in 2021 for their score of Disney's "Soul," which also features jazz tracks by Jon Batiste.

Award won: Best original song

For: "Streets of Philadelphia" from "Philadelphia"

Year: 1994

Bruce Springsteen won big in 1994 for his song "Streets of Philadelphia" from the drama film "Philadelphia." The song, which won the song of the year award at the Grammy Awards, also earned him an Academy Award for best original song.

He was nominated again in 1996 for "Dead Man Walkin'" from the movie with the same name, but lost.