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9 Actors Who Won An Oscar Early In Their Career, And 9 Who Won Surprisingly Late

Hilary Swank won Best Actress at just 25 years old for Boys Don't Cry.

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1. Early in career: Jennifer Lawrence.

Jennifer in a black coat and scarf looking away from the camera
Weinstein Co. / Courtesy Everett Collection

In 2013, she won Best Actress for playing Tiffany Maxwell in Silver Linings Playbook. Jennifer was only 22, making her the second-youngest person ever to win in that category. 

2. Late in career: Michelle Yeoh.

Michelle with eyeball on the forehead, wearing a quilted jacket and floral shirt, gazing to the side
Allyson Riggs / A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

She made her acting debut back in 1984 and has been featured in over 60 TV or movie projects. Michelle finally won Best Actress last year at 60 years old for portraying Evelyn Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

3. Early in career: Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba with a bald head and an earring, wearing a leather jacket