The Briefest On-Screen Appearances to Win Oscar Nominations

Have you ever wondered which actor or actress delivered the shortest performance to garner an Oscar nomination? The Guinness Book of World Records isn't keeping track, but a few standout performances have carved their place in film history for their sheer brevity. From a brief 3-minute stint to an impressive 16-minute roles, these performances have captivated audiences and critics alike, earning them nods from the prestigious Academy Awards.

Beatrice Straight in "Network" (1976)

Duration: 5 minutes and 2 seconds

One of the most memorable and shortest performances to win an Oscar nomination was that of Beatrice Straight in the film "Network." Her role as the denominational leader Ursula Keating is a powerful and concise portrayal that lasts only 5 minutes and 2 seconds. Despite its brevity, her performance was so impactful that she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1977. This scene, in which Ursula urges the network to air a controversial interview with a madman, demonstrates the potency of emotional and psychological manipulation.

Hermione Baddeley in "Room at the Top" (1959)

Duration: 3 minutes

Another notable mention is Hermione Baddeley's appearance in the film "Room at the Top" from 1959. Her role, though brief at just 3 minutes, was enough to capture the attention of the Academy Awards and resulted in a nomination. This goes to show that the quality of the performance, rather than the amount of screen time, can sometimes be the deciding factor in earning an Oscar nomination.

Gloria Grahame in "The Bad and the Beautiful" (1952)

Duration: 9 minutes and 32 seconds

Before Beatrice Straight's record, Gloria Grahame held the shortest performance to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in "The Bad and the Beautiful" in 1952. Her role as the producer's wife Mirren was for a considerably longer time, lasting 9 minutes and 32 seconds. This performance showcased Grahame's ability to convey complex emotions within a limited timeframe, making the most of her few minutes of screen time.

Ben Johnson in "The Last Picture Show" (1971)

Duration: 9 minutes and 54 seconds

Ben Johnson achieved the title of the shortest performance to ever win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His role in "The Last Picture Show" was only 9 minutes and 54 seconds, yet it was enough to earn him the award. This role involved his character's reaction to the end of an era, which Johnson conveyed with such poignance that it left a lasting impression on the audience and the Academy.

David Niven in "Separate Tables" (1958)

Duration: 15 minutes

David Niven won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role in "Separate Tables" in 1958. His performance lasted for a significantly longer 15 minutes. Interestingly, Niven not only won an Oscar but was also the co-host of the Academy Awards ceremony that year. This dual role as host and winner is unique and has not been repeated since, as future ceremonies have avoided having nominees as hosts to prevent such an occurrence.

These performances highlight the depth and quality of acting that can be achieved within a short span of screen time. From the chilling 16-minute role of Anthony Hopkins in "The Silence of the Lambs" to the impressive 8-minute performance of Judi Dench in "Shakespeare in Love," each of these actors and actresses has demonstrated the power of concise storytelling and captivating performances in the competitive world of the Oscars.