Viola Davis Just Joined This Group of Celebrated EGOT Winners
You’ve got to be a gem to achieve EGOT status in Hollywood—and Viola Davis is the newest member of this exclusive club.
The often-tossed-around acronym is used to describe entertainment artists who’ve earned at least one Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. So far, the elite group consists of icons like Audrey Hepburn and Rita Moreno, along with contemporary celebrities such as John Legend and Whoopi Goldberg. At the 2023 Grammy Awards, Viola Davis joined the ranks of EGOT winners with a win for best audiobook recording, honoring the recording of her memoir Finding Me, an Oprah's Book Club pick.
Whenever one of the four major award shows rolls around, chatter about who might be the next person to achieve an EGOT starts swirling. Many stars are close to earning their EGOT, including Cynthia Erivo, Billy Porter, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who need that coveted Oscar. From Cher to Helen Mirren to Dick Van Dyke, the list of three-out-of-four goes on.
There’s another distinction on the EGOT list: competitive vs. honorary awards. Some stars on this list, like Barbra Streisand and Liza Minelli, have EGOTs because they earned special awards (think Lifetime Achievement nods), while others earned all four awards competitively. If you’re curious what the existing mix of EGOT winners looks like, scroll to see the full list, which includes both competitive and honorary awards.
Viola Davis
Davis won at the 2023 Grammys, making her the third Black woman to win an EGOT.
Emmys: Lead Actress in a Drama Series, How to Get Away with Murder, 2015
Grammys: Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording, Finding Me, 2023
Oscars: Best Supporting Actress, Fences, 2017
Tonys: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, Fences, 2010; Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, King Hedley II, 2001
Jennifer Hudson
In 2022, Hudson became the second Black woman to win an EGOT.
Emmys: Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program, Baba Yaga, 2021
Grammys: Best Musical Theater Album, The Color Purple, 2017; Best R&B Album, Jennifer Hudson, 2009
Oscars: Best Supporting Actress, Dreamgirls, 2007
Tonys: Best Musical, A Strange Loop, 2022
Audrey Hepburn
Hepburn won her EGOT posthumously in 1994.
Emmys: Outstanding Individual Achievement—Informational Programming, Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn, 1993
Grammys: Best Spoken Word Album for Children, Audrey Hepburn’s Enchanted Tales, 1994
Oscars: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 1993; Best Actress in a Leading Role, Roman Holiday, 1954
Tonys: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, Ondine, 1954
Whoopi Goldberg
In 2002, Goldberg became the first Black woman to win an EGOT.
Emmys: Outstanding Talk Show Host, The View, 2009; Outstanding Class Special, Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel, 2002
Grammys: Best Comedy Album, Whoopi Goldberg (Original Broadway Show Recording), 1986
Oscars: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Ghost, 1991
Tonys: Best Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, 2002
Rita Moreno
Moreno won her EGOT in 1977 and was the first Latinx person to do so.
Emmys: Outstanding Lead Actress for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series, The Rockford Files, 1978; Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in Variety or Music, The Muppet Show, 1977
Grammys: Best Recording for Children, The Electric Company, 1973
Oscars: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, West Side Story, 1962
Tonys: Best Featured Actress in a Play, The Ritz, 1975
Barbra Streisand
Although Streisand's is an honorary EGOT, she was the first woman and youngest person to reach this achievement in 1970.
Emmys: Outstanding Special Class Special, Reel Models: The First Women of Film, 2001; Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program, Timeless: Live in Concert, 2001; Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special and Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program, Barbra Streisand: The Concert, 1995; Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment – Actors and Performers, My Name Is Barbra, 1965
Grammys: Lifetime Achievement Award, 1995; Grammy Legend Award, 1992; Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, The Broadway Album, 1987; Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, “Guilty,” 1981; Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, “Evergreen,” 1978; Best Vocal Performance, Female, My Name Is Barbra, 1966; Best Vocal Performance, Female, People, 1965; Album of the Year and Best Vocal Performance, Female, The Barbra Streisand Album, 1964
Oscars: Best Original Song, “Evergreen,” 1977; Best Actress, Funny Girl, 1969
Tonys: Special Award: Star of the Decade, 1970
John Legend
In 2018, Legend became the first Black man to win all four competitive awards.
Emmys: Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program, Crow: The Legend, 2019; Outstanding Variety Special, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, 2018
Grammys: Best R&B Album, Bigger Love, 2021; Best Rap/Sung Performance, “Higher,” 2020; Best Song Written for Visual Media, “Glory,” 2016; Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, “Hang on in There,” Best R&B Song, “Shine,” Best R&B Album, Wake Up!, 2011; Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, “Stay With Me (By the Sea),” 2009; Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, “Heaven,” Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, “Family Affair,” 2007; Best New Artist, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, “Ordinary People,” Best R&B Album, Get Lifted, 2006
Oscars: Best Original Song, Selma, “Glory,” 2015
Tonys: Best Revival of a Play, Jitney, 2017
James Earl Jones
After receiving an honorary Oscar in 2012, he became a non-competitive EGOT holder.
Emmys: Outstanding Performer – Children's Special, Summer's End, 2000; Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, Heat Wave, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Gabriel’s Fire, 1991
Grammys: Best Spoken Word Recording, Great American Documents, 1977
Oscars: Academy Honorary Award, 2012
Tonys: Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017; Best Leading Actor in a Play, Fences, 1987; Best Leading Actor in a Play, The Great White Hope, 1969
Liza Minnelli
Minnelli reached her honorary EGOT in 1990.
Emmys: Outstanding Single Program – Variety and Popular Music, Liza with a 'Z.' A Concert for Television, 1973
Grammys: Grammy Legend Award, 1990
Oscars: Best Actress in a Leading Role, Cabaret, 1973
Tonys: Best Special Theatrical Event, Liza’s at the Palace…!, 2009; Best Leading Actress in a Musical, The Act, 1978; Special Tony Award, 1974; Best Leading Actress in a Musical, Flora the Red Menace, 1965
Mel Brooks
When Brooks got his EGOT in 2001, he was the first to do so with an Oscar for screenwriting.
Emmys: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, Mad About You, 1999, 1998, and 1997; Outstanding Writing Achievement in Variety, The Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris Special, 1967
Grammys: Best Musical Show Album, The Producers, 2002; Best Long Form Music Video, “Recording 'The Producers': A Musical Romp with Mel Brooks,” 2002; Best Spoken Comedy Album, The 2000 Year Old Man in the Year 2000, 1999
Oscars: Best Writing (Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen), The Producers, 1969
Tonys: Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Musical, The Producers, 2001
Richard Rodgers
Rodgers was the original EGOT winner—he reached this achievement in 1962.
Emmys: Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composed, Winston Churchill: The Valiant Years, 1962
Grammys: Best Original Cast Show Album, No Strings, 1963; Best Show Album, The Sound of Music, 1961
Oscars: Best Song, State Fair, 1946
Tonys: Best Composer, No Strings, 1962; Best Musical, The Sound of Music, 1960; Best Musical, The King and I, 1952; Best Musical and Best Score, South Pacific, 1950
Helen Hayes
Hayes was the first woman, and second person, to win an EGOT, which she did in 1977.
Emmys: Best Actress, Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, 1953
Grammys: Best Spoken Word Recording, Great American Documents, 1977
Oscars: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Airport, 1971; Best Actress in a Leading Role, The Sin of Madelon Claudet, 1932
Tonys: Lifetime Achievement Award, 1980; Best Actress, Dramatic, Time Remembered, 1958; Best Actress, Dramatic, Happy Birthday, 1947
Sir John Gielgud
In 1997, Gielgud earned his EGOT, making him both the oldest to win and the first known LGBTQ winner.
Emmys: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special, Summer’s Lease, 1991
Grammys: Best Spoken Word, Documentary or Drama Recording, Ages of Man, 1980
Oscars: Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Arthur, 1982
Tonys: Best Director of a Drama, Big Fish, Little Fish, 1961; Special Tony Award, 1959; Outstanding Foreign Company, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1948
Marvin Hamlisch
Hamlisch reached his EGOT in 1995 and also holds a PEGOT, meaning he won the Pulitzer.
Emmys: Outstanding Music Direction, Timeless: Live in Concert, 2001; Outstanding Music and Lyrics, "A Ticket to Dream," AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movies, 1999; Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music and Lyrics and Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music Direction, Barbra: The Concert, 1995
Grammys: Album of Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special, The Way We Were, Best Pop Instrumental Performance, "The Entertainer," Song of the Year, "The Way We Were," Best New Artist, 1975
Oscars: Best Original Dramatic Score, The Way We Were, Best Original Song, "The Way We Were," Best Original Song Score or Adaptation, The Sting, 1974
Tonys: Best Original Score, A Chorus Line, 1976
Jonathan Tunick
Tunick, a composer, won his EGOT in 1997.
Emmys: Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction, Night of 100 Stars, 1982
Grammys: Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals, “No One Is Alone,” 1989
Oscars: Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Adaptation Score, A Little Night Music, 1978
Tonys: Best Orchestrations, Titanic, 1997
Mike Nichols
Nichols received his EGOT in 2001 and also counts as a PEGOT winner for holding a Peabody Award.
Emmys: Outstanding Miniseries and Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special, Angels in America, 2004; Outstanding Made for TV Movie and Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special, Wit, 2001
Grammys: Best Comedy Performance, An Evening with Mike Nichols and Elaine May, 1962
Oscar: Best Director, The Graduate, 1968
Tonys: Best Director, Play, Death of a Salesman, 2012; Best Director, Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, 2005; Best Director, Play, and Best Play, The Real Thing, 1984; Best Musical, Annie, 1977; Best Director, Dramatic, The Prisoner of Second Avenue, 1972; Best Director, Dramatic, Plaza Suite, 1968; Best Director, Dramatic, Luv and The Odd Couple, 1965; Best Director, Dramatic, Barefoot in the Park, 1964
Scott Rudin
Rudin, a producer, holds 21 awards in the EGOT categories and earned his in 2012.
Emmys: Outstanding Children’s Program, He Makes Me Feel Like Dancin’, 1984
Grammys: Best Musical Theater Album, The Book of Mormon: Original Broadway Cast Recording, 2012
Oscars: Best Picture, No Country for Old Men, 2008
Tonys: Best Play, The Inheritance, 2021; Best Revival of a Play, The Boys in the Band, Best Play, The Ferryman, 2019; Best Revival of a Musical, Hello, Dolly!, 2017; Best Revival of a Play, A View from the Bridge, Best Play, The Humans, 2016; Best Revival of a Play, Skylight, Best Play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, 2015; Best Revival of a Play, A Raisin in the Sun, 2014; Best Revival of a Play, Death of a Salesman, 2012; Best Musical, The Book of Mormon, 2011; Best Revival of a Play, Fences; 2010; Best Play, God of Carnage, 2009; Best Play, The History Boys, 2006; Best Play, Doubt, 2005; Best Play, The Goat, or Who Is Silvia?, 2002; Best Play, Copenhagen, 2000; Best Play, Passion, 1994
Quincy Jones
Another honorary EGOT holder, Jones earned his in 2016.
Emmys: Outstanding Music Composition for a Series, Roots, 1977
Grammys: Best Music Film, Quincy, 2019; Best Spoken Word Album, Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones, 2002; Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance, Miles & Quincy Live at Montreux, 1994; Album of the Year, Back on the Block, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, "Back on the Block," Best Jazz Fusion Performance, "Birdland," Best Arrangement on an Instrumental, "Birdland," Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals, "The Places You Find Love," Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), 1991; Record of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and Best Music Video, Short Form, "We Are the World," 1986; Best Arrangement on an Instrumental, "Grace," 1985; Record of the Year, "Beat It," Album of the Year, Thriller, Best Recording for Children, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), 1984; Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, "The Dude," Best Cast Show Album, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, Best Arrangement on an Instrumental Recording, "Velas," Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals, "Ai No Corrida," Producer of the Year, 1982; Best Instrumental Arrangement, "Dinorah, Dinorah," 1981; Best Instrumental Arrangement, "The Wiz Main Title," 1979; Best Instrumental Arrangement, "Summer in the City," Best Pop Instrumental Performance, Smackwater Jack, 1972; Best Instrumental Jazz Performance – Large Group or Soloist with Large Group, Walking in Space, 1970; Best Instrumental Arrangement, "I Can't Stop Loving You," 1964
Oscars: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 1995
Tonys: Best Revival of a Musical, The Color Purple, 2016
Robert Lopez
In 2013, Lopez became the first AAPI person to win an EGOT, and is also the first person to earn a double EGOT—a.k.a. two wins in each category.
Emmys: Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, "Agatha All Along," WandaVision, 2021; Outstanding Music Direction and Composition, Wonder Pets!, 2010; Outstanding Music Direction and Composition, Wonder Pets!, 2008
Grammys: Best Song Written for Visual Media, "Let It Go," Frozen, 2015; Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, Frozen, 2015; Best Musical Theater Album, The Book of Mormon: Original Broadway Cast Recording, 2012
Oscars: Best Original Song, "Remember Me," Coco, 2017; Best Original Song, "Let It Go," Frozen, 2013
Tonys: Best Book of a Musical, The Book of Mormon, 2011; Best Original Score, The Book of Mormon, 2011; Best Original Score, Avenue Q, 2004
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber
Webber earned an Emmy in 2018, giving him EGOT status.
Emmys: Outstanding Variety Special, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, 2018
Grammys: Grammy Legend Award, 1991; Best Contemporary Composition, Requiem, 1986; Best Cast Show Album, Cats, 1984; Best Cast Show Album, Evita, 1981
Oscars: Best Original Song, “You Must Love Me,” Evita, 1997
Tonys: Lifetime Achievement in Theater, 2018; Best Original Score and Best Musical, Sunset Boulevard, 1995; 1995; Best Musical, The Phantom of the Opera, 1988; Best Musical and Best Original Score, Cats, 1983; Best Original Score, Evita, 1980
Tim Rice
Rice also won his EGOT in 2018 along with Webber, his frequent collaborator.
Emmys: Outstanding Variety Special, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, 2018
Grammys: Best Musical Show Album, Aida, 2001; Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for TV and Song of the Year, "A Whole New World," Best Musical Album for Children, Aladdin, 1994; Best Cast Show Album, Evita, 1981
Oscars: Best Original Song, "You Must Love Me," 1997; Best Original Song, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," 1995; Best Original Song, "A Whole New World," 1993
Tonys: Best Original Score, Aida, 2000; Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical, Evita, 1980
Harry Belafonte
Belafonte reached his non-competitive EGOT in 2014.
Emmys: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program, Tonight with Belafonte, 1960
Grammys: Grammy Hall of Fame Award, 2000; Best Folk Performance, An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba, 1966; Best Performance – Folk, Swing Dat Hammer, 1961
Oscars: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 2015
Tonys: Best Featured Actor in a Musical, John Murray Anderson’s Almanac, 1954
Alan Menken
Menken, who holds 11 Grammy wins and eight Academy Awards, reached his EGOT in 2020.
Emmys: Outstanding Original Song in a Children's, Young Adult or Animated Program – "Waiting in the Wings," Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure, 2020; Outstanding Contribution to the Success of the Academy’s Anti-Drug Special for Children, “Wonderful Ways to Say No,” Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue, 1990
Grammys: Best Song Written for Visual Media, “I See the Light,” Tangled, 2012; Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or TV, “Colors of the Wind,” Pocahontas, 1996; Song of the Year and Best Song Witten for a Motion Picture or TV, “A Whole New World,” Aladdin, Best Musical Album for Children and Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for TV, Aladdin: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1994; Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or TV, “Beauty and the Beast,” Best Album for Children and Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for TV, Beauty and the Beast: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1993; Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or TV, “Under the Sea,” The Little Mermaid, Best Recording for Children, The Little Mermaid: Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack, 1991
Oscars: Best Original Score, The Little Mermaid, Best Original Song, “Under the Sea,” 1990; Best Original Score, Beauty and the Beast, Best Original Song, “Beauty and the Beast,” 1992; Best Original Score, Aladdin, Best Original Song, “A Whole New World,” 1993; Best Original Musical or Comedy Score, Pocahontas, Best Original Song, “Colors of the Wind,” 1996
Tonys: Best Original Score, Newsies, 2012
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