With the Oscars just around the corner, the excitement in Hollywood is reaching a fever pitch. Movie lovers everywhere are speculating about who will take home those coveted golden statuettes, while others are reminiscing about unforgettable Oscar moments. For some, it’s all about the glitz, glamour, and red-carpet fashion. But for a select few, it’s about reliving that extraordinary night when their name was called, and they took the stage to accept one of the highest honors in the film industry.
One such unforgettable moment in Oscar history belongs to Marlee Matlin. Back in 1987, at just 21 years old, she became the youngest actress ever to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. To this day, she still holds that record, marking an incredible 38-year milestone. Matlin's groundbreaking win wasn't just about youth—it was about breaking barriers. She wasn’t just the youngest; she was also the first deaf performer to ever win an Oscar.
She won the award for her powerful performance as Sarah Norman in the 1986 romantic drama Children of a Lesser God. The film, a deeply moving story about a deaf woman navigating love and communication with a hearing teacher, resonated with audiences and critics alike. The role demanded an exceptional level of emotional depth, and Matlin delivered it with sheer brilliance.
When she stepped onto the stage at the 59th Academy Awards on March 30, 1987, Matlin was visibly overwhelmed with emotion. Speaking through sign language, she gave a heartfelt speech that has gone down in history. "To tell you the truth, I didn't prepare for this speech, but I definitely want to thank the Academy and its members, and I want to thank all those special people in the film. And I can name them: Randa Haines, Patrick Palmer, the entire cast and crew, and particularly William Hurt for his great support and love in this film," she expressed. "And I just want to thank all of you. I love you."
For context, Randa Haines and Patrick Palmer co-directed Children of a Lesser God, while William Hurt played Matlin’s on-screen love interest, James Leeds. Their collaborative efforts helped bring to life a story that was not only captivating but also groundbreaking in its representation of the deaf community in cinema.
Matlin’s historic win remained unique for decades. In fact, she was the only deaf actor to ever win an Academy Award—until 2022. That year, Troy Kotsur took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in CODA, a heartwarming film about a Child of Deaf Adults. Coincidentally, Matlin was also part of that film’s cast, reinforcing her legacy as a pioneer for deaf representation in Hollywood.
Who’s the Youngest Best Actress Nominee This Year?
While Matlin holds the record as the youngest winner of Best Actress, the youngest nominee for this year’s Oscars is Mikey Madison. At 25, Madison is in the running for her performance as Ani in Anora. Though she’s a few years older than Matlin was at the time of her win, her nomination is still an impressive achievement, and fans are eager to see if she can make history of her own.
Who Are This Year’s Best Actress Nominees?
This year’s competition is fierce, with five incredibly talented actresses vying for the top honor. Here’s a quick look at the nominees for Best Actress:
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Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
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Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
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Mikey Madison – Anora
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Demi Moore – Substance
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Fernanda Torres – I'm Still Here
With such a diverse and strong lineup, predicting the winner is no easy task. Each of these performances has received critical acclaim, and it will be fascinating to see who ultimately takes home the Oscar.
When and Where to Watch the Oscars
For those who can’t wait to see how everything unfolds, mark your calendars! The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The event promises an evening of unforgettable moments, surprise wins, and, of course, stunning red-carpet looks.
While the exact start time may vary depending on pre-show events and red-carpet coverage, the main ceremony usually kicks off in the evening (Pacific Time). Viewers across the world will be tuning in to celebrate the biggest night in film.
Why This Year’s Oscars Feel Special
Aside from the annual buzz that the Oscars generate, this year’s event has a particularly exciting energy surrounding it. From fresh faces making waves in Hollywood to established legends making a comeback, the anticipation is high. And let’s not forget the ongoing push for greater representation and diversity in the industry—something that Matlin’s 1987 win helped pave the way for.
As the countdown to Oscar night continues, movie fans everywhere will be making their predictions, rewatching nominated films, and preparing for the magic that only the Academy Awards can deliver. Whether you're watching to see history being made, to celebrate your favorite performances, or just to enjoy the glitz and glamour, one thing is certain: Oscar night never disappoints.
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