Most Oscars Won by a Single Movie: Know the Complete List
From ‘Ben-Hur’ and ‘Titanic’ to ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’, ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Gandhi’, discover the movies that made history at the Academy Awards. Ahead of the 98th Academy Awards in March 2026, explore the complete list of films that hold the record for the most Oscar Awards wins of all time.
In the illustrious history of the Academy Awards, a select few films have ascended to the pinnacle of recognition, securing an extraordinary number of golden statuettes. Three cinematic epics currently share the coveted record for the most Oscars won by a single film, each having garnered an impressive 11 awards. This exclusive club comprises the historical drama Ben-Hur (1959), James Cameron's romantic disaster epic Titanic (1997), and the fantasy grand finale The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). Their unparalleled success at the Academy Awards underscores their profound impact on cinema and their lasting legacy in popular culture. Ahead of the Oscar Awards 2026 Nominations announcement on January 22, let's take a look at the list of movies with the most Oscar wins. Oscars 2026 Nominations Full List: Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet Compete for Best Actor; India’s ‘Homebound’ Misses Out.
The Elite Trio: The 11-Time Oscar Award Winners
Ben-Hur, directed by William Wyler, was the first film to achieve this monumental feat at the 32nd Academy Awards in 1960. From its 12 nominations, the Charlton Heston-led spectacle swept 11 categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor, setting a benchmark for future blockbusters. Nearly four decades later, James Cameron's Titanic matched this record at the 70th Academy Awards in 1998. Nominated for an astounding 14 awards, the film captivated audiences and critics alike, securing 11 wins, notably for Best Picture and Best Director. The most recent addition to this exclusive group is Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The concluding chapter of the epic fantasy trilogy made history at the 76th Academy Awards in 2004 by winning all 11 of its nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, achieving a rare "clean sweep" in every category for which it was nominated.
List of Most Oscar-Winning Films
| Film | Year | Wins | Key Records & Notes |
| The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King | 2003 | 11 | Won every award for which it was nominated (11/11), the biggest "clean sweep" in history. |
| Titanic | 1997 | 11 | Tied for most nominations ever (14) with All About Eve and La La Land. |
| Ben-Hur | 1959 | 11 | The first film to set the record of 11 wins. |
| West Side Story | 1961 | 10 | The 2021 adaptation also won 1 Oscar (Best Supporting Actress). |
| The English Patient | 1996 | 9 | |
| The Last Emperor | 1987 | 9 | |
| Gigi | 1958 | 9 | |
| Slumdog Millionaire | 2008 | 8 | |
| Amadeus | 1984 | 8 | |
| Gandhi | 1982 | 8 | |
| Cabaret | 1972 | 8 | Holds the record for most wins without winning Best Picture. |
| My Fair Lady | 1964 | 8 | |
| On the Waterfront | 1954 | 8 | |
| From Here to Eternity | 1953 | 8 | |
| Gone with the Wind | 1939 | 8 | |
| Oppenheimer | 2023 | 7 | |
| Everything Everywhere All at Once | 2022 | 7 | |
| Schindler's List | 1993 | 7 | |
| Dances with Wolves | 1990 | 7 | |
| Out of Africa | 1985 | 7 | |
| The Sting | 1973 | 7 | |
| Patton | 1970 | 7 | |
| Lawrence of Arabia | 1962 | 7 | |
| The Bridge on the River Kwai | 1957 | 7 | |
| The Best Years of Our Lives | 1946 | 7 | |
| Going My Way | 1944 | 7 | |
| Gravity | 2013 | 7 |
Other Notable Achievements and Recent Successes
While 11 Oscars remains the highest tally, several other films have come remarkably close to this record, demonstrating exceptional artistic and technical prowess. West Side Story (1961) stands out with 10 Academy Awards, a testament to its groundbreaking musical storytelling. Films like Gigi (1958), The Last Emperor (1987), and The English Patient (1996) each secured 9 Oscars, showcasing diverse genres and narratives that resonated deeply with the Academy. Furthermore, a significant number of films have earned 8 Academy Awards, including classics such as Gone with the Wind (1939), From Here to Eternity (1953), On the Waterfront (1954), My Fair Lady (1964), Cabaret (1972), Gandhi (1982), and Amadeus (1984). Oscar Nominations 2026: ‘Sinners’ Makes History With 16 Nods; Where To Watch Michael B Jordan’s Horror Film on OTT.
In more recent times, the 96th Academy Awards in 2024 saw Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer emerge as the dominant winner, taking home seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. While not breaking the all-time record, Oppenheimer's success highlights the continued recognition of cinematic excellence across various categories in contemporary filmmaking.
The Academy Awards, which celebrated its 97th ceremony in March 2025, continues to be the most prestigious accolade in the film industry, with each year bringing new contenders vying for a place in cinematic history.
The achievement of winning a large number of Academy Awards is a rare and difficult feat, reflecting not only critical acclaim but often significant commercial success and cultural impact. These films represent pinnacles of cinematic artistry and technical innovation, requiring exceptional talent across all aspects of production, from direction and acting to cinematography, editing, and sound.
The shared record of Ben-Hur, Titanic, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of storytelling and the collective effort required to create truly unforgettable cinematic experiences. As the film industry evolves, these record-holding masterpieces continue to inspire and set a high bar for future generations of filmmakers.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 22, 2026 01:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).