There’s no denying that an Academy Awards nomination is a big deal. But imagine sharing that honor with your spouse or partner. It’s a rare occurrence in Hollywood, but when it happens, it’s certainly noteworthy.
A List of Power Couples
In this article, we explore the exceptional couples who have made it to the Oscar nominations list in the same year.
1. Noah Baumbach & Greta Gerwig: The Powerhouse of 2020 & 2024
In 2024, the talented duo, Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, etched their names in Hollywood history for the second time. After earning nominations for their individual projects in 2020, the pair teamed up to earn a nomination for their Barbie screenplay in 2024. This marked the first instance of a couple receiving nominations in the same year since the 2022 Oscar nominations.
2. Baz Luhrmann & Catherine Martin: The Dynamic Duo of 2002 & 2023
Creative powerhouses, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, have been collaborating since their marriage in 1997, producing memorable works like Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, and The Great Gatsby. In 2023, they earned nominations for their work on Elvis, following their 2002 Moulin Rouge! nominations.
3. Javier Bardem & Penelope Cruz: The Stunning Pair of 2022
The glamorous couple, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, celebrated dual nominations in 2022. Cruz was recognized for Parallel Mothers, while Bardem’s portrayal of Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos stirred up Oscar buzz.
4. Kirsten Dunst & Jesse Plemons: The 2022 Duo
Kirsten Dunst and her then-fiancé Jesse Plemons both received nominations in 2022 for their roles in The Power of the Dog. Unfortunately, neither took home the award.
5. Alicia Vikander & Michael Fassbender: The 2016 Pair
A year before tying the knot in 2017, Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender savored their dual Oscar nominations. Vikander bagged the Best Actress award for The Danish Girl, while Fassbender was acknowledged for Steve Jobs.
6. Frances McDormand & Joel Coen: The 1997 Winners
In 1997, Frances McDormand and Joel Coen not only received nominations but also took home awards for Fargo. McDormand won Best Actress, and Coen earned Best Original Screenplay.
7. Jack Nicholson & Angelica Huston: The 1986 Nominees
The couple, who were dating at the time, received dual nominations for Prizzi ‘s Honor in 1986. The film was directed by Anjelica Huston’s father, John Huston. Nicholson didn’t win Best Actor, but Huston claimed Best Supporting Actress.
8. John Cassavetes & Gena Rowlands: The 1975 Duo
John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands, who had been married for two decades, received nominations for A Woman Under the Influence in 1975. He was nominated for Best Director, and she was recognized for Best Actress.
9. Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward: The Power Couple of 1969
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, one of Hollywood’s biggest power couples, both received Oscar nominations for Rachel, Rachel in 1969. Newman was nominated for Best Picture as a producer, and Woodward for Best Actress.
10. Richard Burton & Elizabeth Taylor: The 1967 Pair
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor had a roller-coaster relationship, but 1967 was a good year for them. They both received nominations for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Taylor won Best Actress, and Burton was nominated for Best Actor.
11. Alfred Lunt & Lynn Fontanne: The 1932 Pioneers
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne were the first married couple in Oscar history to be nominated in the same year. They both starred in The Guardsman and were recognized in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories.
12. Laurence Olivier & Vivien Leigh: The 1940 Legends
Acting legends Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh had an impressive year at the Oscars months before tying the knot in August 1940. Olivier was nominated for his role as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, while Leigh became the first British actress to win as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind.
A Final Thought
The entertainment industry is a tough one, but earning an Oscar nomination is a testament to one’s hard work and talent. But sharing that honor with a loved one makes it even more special. These power couples have made their mark in Hollywood, proving that two is indeed better than one.
