Daniel Day-Lewis and the Oscar That Got Away

Few accolades in the world of cinema carry the same weight as an Academy Award, and only a select handful of performers have managed to claim more than one. Katharine Hepburn remains the record-holder, having secured four Oscars between 1933 and 1981. Among the rare group of actors with three wins is Daniel Day-Lewis, whose first triumph came in 1989 for his portrayal of Christy Brown in My Left Foot. Known for his immersive approach, Day-Lewis famously insisted on remaining in character throughout filming, even requiring the crew to assist him with daily tasks. While this method was not universally popular on set, it undeniably contributed to a performance that brought him widespread acclaim.

Throughout the 1990s, Day-Lewis became increasingly selective, choosing roles that would further cement his reputation. Appearances in The Age of Innocence, In the Name of the Father, and The Last of the Mohicans only enhanced his standing, making it seem as though every new project could lead to another Oscar nod. Although he missed out on the award for In the Name of the Father, losing to Tom Hanks, his next major opportunity arrived in 2002.

Gangs of New York: A High-Stakes Performance

That year, Day-Lewis took on the role of Bill the Butcher in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York, a sweeping historical drama featuring a formidable cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio. The film garnered ten nominations, among them Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Day-Lewis found himself up against a strong field, with Jack Nicholson, Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine, and Adrien Brody all in contention. Despite his hopes, it was Brody who ultimately took home the award for The Pianist, leaving Day-Lewis empty-handed on this occasion.

Yet, the disappointment was tempered by his previous success. Still, the sting of missing out was palpable. Ahead of the ceremony, he confided to the Los Angeles Daily News,

“It would be a delight. I wouldn’t pretend not to be thrilled about it, but more than anything, my fingers are crossed for Martin.”

He went on to add,

“I don’t know if it will happen this year, but that would give me as much pleasure as anything.”

Recognition and Rivalry

Scorsese, too, was denied, with Roman Polanski winning Best Director for The Pianist. For Day-Lewis, the loss was softened by the knowledge that he had already achieved what many only dream of. His career continued to flourish, and he would later secure two more Oscars for There Will Be Blood and Lincoln. Although he did not win for Phantom Thread, his reputation as one of the most accomplished actors of his generation remained intact.

With a return to the screen on the horizon in Anemone, speculation is already mounting as to whether Day-Lewis might yet match Hepburn’s record. For now, the memory of Gangs of New York stands as a reminder that even the most celebrated talents sometimes find themselves just out of reach of the industry’s highest honour.