1. Gabourey Sidibe in “Precious”
Gabourey Sidibe had zero acting experience when she auditioned for the role of Precious. She was a college student and saw an ad in a local newspaper. Her raw talent landed her the role, and she earned an Oscar nomination for her performance.
2. Quvenzhané Wallis in “Beasts of the Southern Wild”
Quvenzhané Wallis was only six years old when she auditioned for “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” Despite having no acting background, she wowed everyone and became the youngest actress ever nominated for the Best Actress Oscar.
3. Jaye Davidson in “The Crying Game”
Jaye Davidson was a fashion assistant with no acting aspirations. After being discovered at a party, he was cast as Dil in “The Crying Game.” His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
4. Katie Jarvis in “Fish Tank”
Katie Jarvis was spotted by a casting agent while arguing with her boyfriend at a train station. With no previous acting experience, she was cast in the lead role of Mia in “Fish Tank,” earning critical acclaim for her performance.
5. Peter Ostrum in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”
Peter Ostrum had never acted before landing the role of Charlie Bucket in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” He decided not to pursue an acting career afterward and became a veterinarian.
6. Yalitza Aparicio in “Roma”
Yalitza Aparicio was a preschool teacher with no acting experience when she auditioned for “Roma.” Her portrayal of Cleo garnered widespread praise and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
7. Haing S. Ngor in “The Killing Fields”
Haing S. Ngor was a doctor who survived the Cambodian genocide. He had no acting experience when he was cast in “The Killing Fields.” His powerful performance won him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
8. Jennifer Hudson in “Dreamgirls”
Jennifer Hudson was known as a singer from “American Idol” but had no acting experience when she was cast as Effie White in “Dreamgirls.” She won an Oscar for her stunning performance.
9. Barkhad Abdi in “Captain Phillips”
Barkhad Abdi was driving a limo when he auditioned for “Captain Phillips.” With no acting background, he landed the role of the Somali pirate leader and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
10. Anna Paquin in “The Piano”
Anna Paquin had no acting experience when she auditioned for “The Piano” at age nine. Her incredible performance earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the youngest winners ever.
11. Sasha Lane in “American Honey”
Sasha Lane was discovered on spring break and cast in the lead role of “American Honey” with no prior acting experience. Her natural talent shone through, earning her critical praise.
12. Harold Russell in “The Best Years of Our Lives”
Harold Russell was a World War II veteran with no acting experience when he was cast in “The Best Years of Our Lives.” He won two Oscars for his role, one for Best Supporting Actor and an honorary award for bringing hope and courage to fellow veterans.
13. Audrey Hepburn in “Roman Holiday”
Audrey Hepburn had little acting experience when she starred in “Roman Holiday.” Her enchanting performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and launched her legendary career.
