Daniel Day-Lewis — 3 wins, 6 nominations at the Oscars

2002: ‘My Left Foot

In 2002, Daniel Day-Lewis won his first Oscar for his work in this film. The film is based on the true story of a retired boxer and IRA volunteer who lives a quiet, simple life in London. He falls in love with a woman and wants to move on with his life, but she ends up becoming pregnant. The woman is still married, and the boxer must decide how to proceed with his life. Day-Lewis’s portrayal of the boxer is quiet and subdued, but the character’s strength and intelligence are always present.

My Left Foot 1989 BluRay 1080p

2007: There Will Be Blood

After winning an Oscar for The Boxer, Day-Lewis took a decade off from acting. During this time, he moved from London to Italy and built a carpentry shop. His next role was in 2007’s There Will Be Blood. The film tells the story of a man named Daniel Plainview, who becomes a wealthy oil magnate during the early 20th century. The film is known for its very long takes and a final monologue that lasted over 10 minutes. The film was universally praised, and Day-Lewis won his second Oscar for the role.

There Will Be Blood (2007) Official Trailer - Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano Movie HD

2008: Lincoln

For his third Oscar win, Day-Lewis played the iconic American President Abraham Lincoln. The film follows Lincoln’s efforts to pass the 13th Amendment, which will end slavery in the United States. Daniel Day-Lewis was a perfect choice to play Lincoln, and his performance is deeply moving. The film’s director, Steven Spielberg, even commented that he felt like he was watching the real Lincoln. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Day-Lewis won a third Oscar, though he did not attend the ceremony to accept the award.

Lincoln Official Trailer #1 (2012) Steven Spielberg Movie HD

2012: Behanghal — The Last Stand

This film is set in the year 1931 and follows a band of soldiers in the Indian army during the British occupation of the country. The film is based on the real-life last stand of the soldiers at the Battle of Srinagar. Daniel Day-Lewis plays Lieutenant Colonel McNally, the British commanding officer who leads the battle against the Indian army. The film is a stark, brutal look at war, and Day-Lewis’s performance is fierce and intense.

2013: The Best Years of Our Lives

This film is based on a real event that took place in 1945. After the end of World War II, a group of soldiers comes home to resume their normal lives. The soldiers are a navy pilot, a pilot who flew in the air forces, and an army sergeant. All three men face difficulty re-entering civilian life, and their experiences are explored in the film. Daniel Day-Lewis plays a pilot named Al, who has difficulty finding work and re-entering his relationship with his wife. The film was critically acclaimed, and Day-Lewis won his fifth Oscar nomination for the role.

2014: Marathon Man

This film is based on the novel of the same name by William Goldman. It follows a grad student who uncovers a dark secret about his family. The film was a box office success and is considered a cult classic. Daniel Day-Lewis plays the grad student’s older brother. The film is remembered for its intense, terrifying final scene between the two brothers. The film was critically acclaimed, and Day-Lewis received another Best Actor Oscar nomination for his work.

2015: Anhannar

This film is set in the year 1942 in Japanese-controlled Thailand during World War II. A Japanese officer from Tokyo is transferred to a remote army outpost in the country. The officer is accompanied by his wife, who is expecting a child. The outpost is near a Burmese village, and the officer is convinced the villagers are spying on the outpost. Daniel Day-Lewis plays the outpost’s doctor, who discovers the truth about the situation. The film was critically acclaimed, and Day-Lewis won another Best Actor Oscar. Day-Lewis has said that he wants to retire from acting after he completes his current projects. He is slated to appear in an upcoming biopic about the oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. The film is set to be released in 2020. Other than that, he will be writing a biographical film about the artist Gustave Courbet.

Daniel Day-Lewis is currently the leader in Best Actor wins, although there have been many with 2 wins under their belts, he holds 3 and he's still making marvelous movies, so it is very possible he can raise that tally to 4 or 5 wins.