These 12 people have won the most Oscars of all time

Mykenna ManieceMar 10, 2024, 19:17 IST

Academy Awards.Al Seib/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images

The 96th Academy Awards are on Sunday, March 10.
Some of the recipients of the most Oscars in history never set foot in front of the camera.

When you think of Oscar winners, your mind might go to some of the biggest names in Hollywood, like Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, or Greta Gerwig.

But some of the winningest individuals in Oscars history actually made their impacts on film behind the scenes, designing costumes for "Roman Holiday," bringing dinosaurs to life in "Jurassic Park," and composing songs for "The Little Mermaid."

While stars such as Streep, Frances McDormand, and Daniel Day-Lewis have won three acting Oscars each, some lesser-known names have won many more.

Get to know the achievements and contributions of the 12 people with the most competitive Academy Awards in history.

Gordon Hollingshead won seven Oscars throughout his career, including one for best assistant director, a category that no longer exists.

Gordon Hollingshead's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Walter Cicchetti/Shutterstock

"Tom and Jerry" producer Fred Quimby won seven Oscars for his work in animation.

Fred Quimby won the Oscar for best short subject (cartoon) for "The Two Mouseketeers."LMPC via Getty Images

Director and sound designer Gary Rydstrom has won seven Academy Awards for movies including "Jurassic Park" and "Titanic."

Gary Rydstrom (left) and Richard Hymns (right) pose with their Academy Awards in 1999.Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Art director Richard Day also won seven Academy Awards.

Richard Day won his first Oscar in Best Art Direction for "The Dark Angel."LMPC via Getty Images

Makeup artist Rick Baker has won seven Academy Awards for movies including "Men in Black" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Rick Baker (left) and Dave Elsey (right) pose with their Academy Awards in 2011.Jason Merritt/Staff/Getty Images

Set designer Edwin B. Willis won eight Academy Awards in 15 years.

Edwin B. Willis won an Academy Award for Art Direction for his work on "An American in Paris."LMPC via Getty Images/Contributor

Composer Alan Menken's work on classic Disney films has won him eight Academy Awards.

Alan Menken attending the world premiere of the live-action version of "The Little Mermaid" in 2023.Matt Winkelmeyer/GA/Contributor

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."

(L to R): Dennis Muren, Michael J. McAlister, Lorne Peterson, and George Gibbs pose with their Academy Awards for best visual effects for "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."ABC Photo Archives/Contributor

Edith Head won eight Oscars for costume design, the most by any woman in history.

Edith Head poses with some of her Academy Awards in 1975.Mark Sullivan/Contributor/Getty Images

Composer Alfred Newman won nine Oscars.

Postage stamp dedicated to Alfred Newman, circa 1999.neftali/Shutterstock

Cedric Gibbons won 11 Oscars, all for best art direction.

Cedric Gibbons at his desk.John Springer Collection/Contributor

Walt Disney holds the record for the most competitive Academy Awards: 22 wins from 59 nominations.

Walt Disney poses alongside actors Jane Wyman and Ray Milland at the 25th Academy Awards in 1953.Bettmann/Contributor

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