The Daniel Day-Lewis Oscars legacy stands as one of the most remarkable chapters in Hollywood history. Known for his unmatched dedication to his craft, Daniel Day-Lewis is the only male actor to have won three Academy Awards for Best Actor, a record that has yet to be equaled. His six nominations and three wins reflect not only extraordinary talent but also a career defined by selectivity, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling.
From his breakthrough as Christy Brown to his commanding presence as Abraham Lincoln, Day-Lewis redefined what it means to fully inhabit a role. His Oscars are not just trophies — they symbolize cinematic milestones.
Daniel Day-Lewis and the Oscars: A Legacy Like No Other
Daniel Day-Lewis’s Oscar record is unique because of the rarity and intensity of his performances. Unlike many actors who work continuously and accumulate nominations over dozens of films, Day-Lewis carefully chose each project, often disappearing from the public eye for years between roles.
He received six Best Actor nominations and won three times. Each of his wins came for a role that was completely different from the others, demonstrating his extraordinary range and ability to transform.
Here’s a quick overview of his Oscar history:
| Year | Film | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | My Left Foot | Best Actor | Win |
| 1994 | In the Name of the Father | Best Actor | Nominee |
| 2003 | Gangs of New York | Best Actor | Nominee |
| 2008 | There Will Be Blood | Best Actor | Win |
| 2013 | Lincoln | Best Actor | Win |
| 2018 | Phantom Thread | Best Actor | Nominee |
No other male actor has achieved three Best Actor Oscars. His record places him alongside Hollywood icons such as Katharine Hepburn (who won four Oscars for Best Actress) in the realm of all-time greats.
The First Oscar Win: “My Left Foot” (1990)
Becoming Christy Brown
Daniel Day-Lewis’s first Oscar came for his portrayal of Christy Brown in My Left Foot (1989). Brown was an Irish writer and painter born with cerebral palsy, able to control only his left foot. This role required immense physical control, empathy, and commitment.
Day-Lewis didn’t simply act as Christy Brown — he lived as him during production. He spent weeks studying patients in rehabilitation clinics and learned to write and paint with his left foot. During filming, he remained in character at all times, using a wheelchair and refusing to break the physical restrictions of the role. Crew members even had to carry him and feed him between takes.
Critical Reception
The performance stunned audiences and critics. It wasn’t just an imitation; it was a fully inhabited character, emotionally raw and physically precise. The Academy recognized the achievement, awarding him his first Best Actor Oscar at the 62nd Academy Awards. This win marked the beginning of Day-Lewis’s extraordinary relationship with the Oscars and announced him as a transformative force in cinema.
The Second Oscar Win: “There Will Be Blood” (2008)
Daniel Plainview: A Force of Nature
Almost two decades later, Day-Lewis returned with a role that would redefine modern acting: Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood (2007), directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
Set during the American oil boom, the film follows Plainview’s ruthless rise to power as a manipulative and ambitious oilman. Day-Lewis crafted the character from the ground up, giving him a distinctive voice, posture, and aura that combined menace with magnetic charisma. His booming declaration — “I drink your milkshake!” — has since become an iconic line in film history.
Why This Role Stands Out
This performance was a towering achievement. Day-Lewis portrayed Plainview not just as a villain, but as a deeply complex human being — greedy, lonely, and consumed by his own ambition. The physicality of the performance, combined with his psychological precision, made it unforgettable.
At the 80th Academy Awards in 2008, he won his second Best Actor Oscar, solidifying his reputation as the greatest actor of his generation.
The Third Oscar Win: “Lincoln” (2013)
Transforming Into a President
Daniel Day-Lewis made history with his third Oscar win for Lincoln (2012), directed by Steven Spielberg. Portraying Abraham Lincoln required not only impeccable research but also emotional depth and restraint.
Day-Lewis spent a year preparing for the role. He studied Lincoln’s writings, biographies, and the cadence of his speeches. He adopted a high-pitched voice that historians believe was authentic and mastered Lincoln’s mannerisms and walk. On set, he remained fully in character, with cast and crew addressing him as “Mr. President.”
Critical Acclaim
His portrayal was widely praised for its nuance. Rather than playing Lincoln as a distant historical figure, Day-Lewis humanized him — depicting his humor, melancholy, moral struggles, and leadership with quiet strength.
At the 85th Academy Awards, Day-Lewis’s performance earned him his third Best Actor Oscar, making him the first and only male actor to achieve this feat.
The Nominations That Show His Consistency
While his three wins are legendary, Daniel Day-Lewis’s other three Oscar-nominated performances are just as significant:
- In the Name of the Father (1993) – As Gerry Conlon, an Irishman wrongfully imprisoned for IRA bombings, Day-Lewis delivered a raw and intense performance that nearly won him his second Oscar.
- Gangs of New York (2002) – His portrayal of Bill “The Butcher” Cutting, a violent gang leader, was both terrifying and mesmerizing. Many consider it one of the best villain performances of the 21st century.
- Phantom Thread (2017) – His final performance as Reynolds Woodcock, a perfectionist fashion designer, was a masterclass in subtlety and control. It earned him his sixth nomination before he retired from acting.
These nominations reveal his consistency at the highest level over nearly three decades.
Why Daniel Day-Lewis’s Oscar Wins Are So Unique
Daniel Day-Lewis’s Oscar story stands apart for several reasons:
- Meticulous Preparation: He spent months, sometimes years, preparing for roles, often immersing himself completely in the character’s world.
- Selective Career: Unlike many actors, he appeared in relatively few films, focusing only on projects he believed in.
- Diverse Characters: His three Oscar-winning roles are drastically different — an Irish artist with a disability, a ruthless oilman, and an American president.
- Artistic Integrity: Day-Lewis avoided commercial projects and celebrity culture, making his performances feel rare and special.
- Cultural Impact: His characters left a mark on popular culture and influenced generations of actors.
His Oscar wins weren’t the result of momentum or hype; each was a moment of cinematic excellence that stood on its own.
A Historic Comparison: Where He Stands
Here’s how Daniel Day-Lewis compares to other Oscar legends:
| Actor | Best Actor Wins | Total Oscars | Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Day-Lewis | 3 | 3 | Christy Brown, Daniel Plainview, Abraham Lincoln |
| Jack Nicholson | 2 | 3 | One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, As Good as It Gets |
| Tom Hanks | 2 | 2 | Forrest Gump, Philadelphia |
| Anthony Hopkins | 2 | 2 | The Silence of the Lambs, The Father |
| Denzel Washington | 2 | 2 | Training Day, Glory (Supporting) |
Day-Lewis stands alone as the only male actor with three Best Actor Oscars, placing him in a league that may remain unmatched for decades.
Retirement and Enduring Legacy
In 2017, Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting after the release of Phantom Thread. Unlike other stars who make similar announcements and later return, Day-Lewis has remained true to his word.
His exit from the film industry has only amplified the significance of his Oscar legacy. Every performance feels more precious knowing there will be no more. He left at the top of his game, with his final role earning him another nomination.
Final Thoughts
The story of the Daniel Day-Lewis Oscars is about more than numbers. It’s about a man who redefined acting through discipline, artistry, and complete transformation. His three Oscar wins and six nominations represent a career that has set a standard almost impossible to replicate.
Daniel Day-Lewis’s Oscars legacy continues to inspire filmmakers, actors, and audiences around the world. Which of his Oscar-winning roles is your favorite? Share your thoughts below.