Best Picture grabs headlines, but acting races supply pure odds-defying moments among the biggest Oscar upsets in history. A single branch nomination can precede a full-membership surprise.

Tomei won Supporting Actress for My Cousin Vinny over a field of legendary rivals. The Academy confirmed the vote — cementing one of the biggest Oscar upsets in history in acting.

Brody won Best Actor for The Pianist in 2003 over Daniel Day-Lewis and Jack Nicholson. His emotional speech remains iconic among the biggest Oscar upsets in history.

Olivia Colman won Best Actress for The Favourite in 2019, denying Glenn Close's overdue narrative for The Wife. The result shocked pundits tracking the biggest Oscar upsets in history.

CODA's 2022 Best Picture win proved streaming films could topple theatrical favorites. Platform stigma collapsed faster than expected in the biggest Oscar upsets in history conversation.