11 Actors Who Appeared In Only a Few Scenes But Went on to Win Oscars

Many people get really upset when their favorite actors, who have been bringing joy to millions of people for so many years, still don’t have that prestigious golden statuette — the Oscar. We’re talking about the top-shelf actors like Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey, Bruce Willis, and Keanu Reeves, with dozens of movies each, and yet the Oscar eludes them. But then there are actors who literally took up only a few minutes of screen time, and the Academy instantly deemed them worthy!

Let’s see which of the actors and actresses managed to convince film critics and viewers into believing they deserve to win an Oscar in the shortest amount of screen time.

1. Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club (2013) — 21 minutes

Jared Leto got an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor while appearing on the screen for only 21 minutes.

In Dallas Buyers Club, Jared Leto plays Rayon, a transgender woman who is HIV-positive and struggling with a drug habit. “I always saw Rayon as someone who wanted to live … life as a woman, not just someone who enjoyed putting on women’s clothing,” Leto says.

2. Tilda Swinton in Michael Clayton (2007) — 18 minutes

Award for Best Supporting Actress in Michael Clayton goes to Tilda Swinton and her stellar 18 minutes of screen time!

3. Lee Grant in Shampoo (1975) — 18 minutes

Yet another Oscar for Best Supporting Actress on the list. Lee Grant was seen on the screen for mere 18 minutes, but that was clearly more than enough.

4. Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — 16 minutes

Anthony Hopkins got an Oscar in the nomination “Best Actor” for portraying one of the most iconic antagonists ever — Hannibal Lecter.