8 Oscar Winners Who Got Their Acting Starts As Kids (3 of 5)

Adrien Brody

Brody made his acting debut as a teenager in the 1989 film New York Stories, an anthology film consisting of three segments directed by different filmmakers. However, he didn’t really make a breakthrough until 2003, when he portrayed the Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman during World War II, delivering a powerful and deeply moving performance. His dedication to the role earned him an Oscar for Best Actor, making him, at 29 years old, the youngest actor to receive this honor at the time. Brody’s transformative portrayal in “The Pianist” solidified his reputation as a skilled actor and opened doors to a wide range of compelling roles throughout his career.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman is an actress who began her career at a young age and quickly rose to prominence with her exceptional talent and poise on screen. Her breakthrough role came in the 1994 film “Leon: The Professional,” where she portrayed the young and resilient Mathilda. Portman’s portrayal of the complex character showcased her remarkable acting abilities, earning her critical acclaim and establishing her as a promising talent. She continued to shine in a variety of roles – even playing Darth Vader’s wife/Luke and Leia’s mom in those super weird Star Wars prequels – but it was her performance in “Black Swan” that brought her the ultimate recognition – an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2011.