10 Youngest Actors Ever Nominated for an Academy Award, Ranked by Age
The Academy Awards celebrate the best in film, and sometimes, young talent steals the spotlight. These young actors, all under 20, delivered performances so powerful they earned Oscar nominations, proving age doesn’t define skill.
From heartfelt dramas to intense roles, these kids showed they could hold their own against seasoned pros. Let’s dive into the youngest actors ever nominated for an Academy Award, ranked by their age at the time of nomination.
10. Jodie Foster – Age 14
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Taxi Driver’ (1976)
Jodie Foster was only 14 when she earned a nomination for her role as Iris, a young prostitute in ‘Taxi Driver.’ Her raw, fearless performance opposite Robert De Niro brought a gritty edge to the film’s dark story of a troubled veteran. Foster’s ability to portray such a complex character at such a young age stunned audiences and critics alike.
She started acting at age two in commercials, but this role marked her as a serious talent. Though she didn’t win, her nomination launched a career that later included two Best Actress Oscars. Foster’s early work showed she could tackle mature themes with incredible depth.
9. Keisha Castle-Hughes – Age 13
Nominated for Best Actress for ‘Whale Rider’ (2002)
At 13, Keisha Castle-Hughes became one of the youngest Best Actress nominees for her role as Pai in ‘Whale Rider.’ Playing a Maori girl fighting to prove herself as a leader, her emotional depth carried the film. Her performance was both tender and fierce, capturing the struggle of tradition versus change.
Castle-Hughes had no prior acting experience, making her nomination even more remarkable. She brought authenticity to a story rooted in her New Zealand heritage. Though she didn’t take home the Oscar, her work remains a standout in coming-of-age cinema.
8. Saoirse Ronan – Age 13
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Atonement’ (2007)
Saoirse Ronan was 13 when she earned a nomination for her role as Briony in ‘Atonement.’ Her portrayal of a young girl whose actions spark devastating consequences was haunting and layered. Ronan’s ability to convey guilt and innocence made her a standout in the romantic drama.
Already a rising star, she showed maturity beyond her years, holding her own alongside James McAvoy and Keira Knightley. Ronan didn’t win, but this nomination was the start of a stellar career, with multiple Oscar nods to follow.
7. Anna Paquin – Age 11
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The Piano’ (1993)
Anna Paquin was 11 when she won an Oscar for her role as Flora in ‘The Piano.’ Playing the daughter of a mute woman in a harsh New Zealand setting, Paquin brought emotional depth to a complex story. Her performance was both fiery and vulnerable, stealing scenes in the dramatic film.
With little acting experience, Paquin’s natural talent shone through, earning her the Oscar over established actresses. Her win marked the start of a long career, including roles in ‘X-Men’ and ‘True Blood’ (2008-2014).
6. Abigail Breslin – Age 10
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006)
Abigail Breslin was just 10 when she landed a nomination for her role as Olive in ‘Little Miss Sunshine.’ Playing a quirky girl chasing her dream of winning a beauty pageant, Breslin brought heart and humor to the dysfunctional family comedy. Her performance was both charming and grounded.
Breslin’s chemistry with her on-screen family, especially Alan Arkin, made the film unforgettable. She didn’t win the Oscar, but her nomination at such a young age marked her as a talent to watch in Hollywood.
5. Quinn Cummings – Age 10
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The Goodbye Girl’ (1977)
At 10, Quinn Cummings earned a nomination for her role as Lucy in ‘The Goodbye Girl.’ As the precocious daughter of a struggling actress, Cummings delivered sharp, witty lines that stole scenes. Her performance added warmth to the romantic comedy led by Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason.
With no formal acting training, Cummings relied on natural charm and quick humor. She didn’t win the Oscar, but her nomination highlighted her ability to shine in a grown-up story at such a young age.
4. Tatum O’Neal – Age 10
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Paper Moon’ (1973)
Tatum O’Neal was 10 when she was nominated for her role as Addie in ‘Paper Moon,’ and she won, making her the youngest competitive Oscar winner ever. Playing a cunning orphan alongside her real-life father, Ryan O’Neal, she brought sass and heart to the Depression-era comedy.
Her natural chemistry and bold performance made the film a classic. O’Neal’s win was historic, proving a child could outshine seasoned actors with raw talent and screen presence.
3. Mary Badham – Age 10
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ (1962)
Mary Badham was 10 when she earned a nomination for her role as Scout in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ As the curious daughter of Atticus Finch, she captured the innocence and moral awakening of a child in a prejudiced Southern town. Her performance was heartfelt and authentic.
With no acting experience, Badham held her own opposite Gregory Peck. She didn’t win the Oscar, but her portrayal of Scout remains one of cinema’s most beloved child performances.
2. Quvenzhané Wallis – Age 9
Nominated for Best Actress for ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ (2012)
Quvenzhané Wallis was just 9 when she became the youngest Best Actress nominee for her role as Hushpuppy in ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild.’ Her portrayal of a fearless girl facing poverty and natural disasters was raw and powerful, carrying the indie film’s emotional weight.
Cast at age five with no acting background, Wallis brought an unpolished authenticity to the role. Though she didn’t win, her nomination broke barriers and showcased her as a remarkable young talent.
1. Justin Henry – Age 8
Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ (1979)
Justin Henry holds the record as the youngest Oscar nominee ever at age 8 for his role as Billy in ‘Kramer vs. Kramer.’ Playing the son caught in a bitter custody battle, Henry delivered a heartbreaking performance alongside Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. His raw emotion made the drama unforgettable.
With no prior acting experience, Henry’s ability to convey pain and confusion was astonishing. He didn’t win the Oscar, but his nomination remains a historic milestone in Academy Awards history.
Which young actor’s performance blew you away, or did I miss a standout nominee? Share your thoughts in the comments!