EGOT Explained: Who Has Joined the Elite Group and Who Is Close to Making History?
EGOT stands for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Few honors in entertainment are as coveted — or as rare — as achieving EGOT status. This elite distinction marks a career filled with versatility, longevity, and extraordinary talent across multiple media.
With only a privileged few earning this bragging right, it prompts the question: What makes attaining EGOT status a fulfilling moment? In this post, we will take a closer look at what EGOT entails, the celebrities who have managed to join one of the industry’s most exclusive clubs, and those who are close to hitting the mark.
Let's dive right in.
What is an EGOT?
An EGOT is not a single award, but a distinction given to individuals who have won all four of the major American entertainment awards, including: E – Emmy Award (television), G – Grammy Award (music/recording), O – Oscar (Academy Award – film), and T – Tony Award (theatre).
28 individuals have achieved EGOT status, including the honorary awards recipient. So far, 22 individuals possess the “competitive” EGOT status. However, if honorary or non-competitive awards were included, six others, including Barbara Streisand and James Earl Jones, would be mentioned in the same breath as other competitive EGOT award winners.
What is the significance of winning an EGOT?
Winning all four is considered one of the highest achievements in entertainment. Only a select few performers, composers, and creatives have earned this rare honor.
The EGOT is a feather to one's cap after displaying exceptional brilliance in audio recording/music film, Broadway theatre, and television. It is widely regarded as the “Grand Slam” of show business in the United States of America.
How many people have won an EGOT?
Until now, only 22 people have achieved EGOT status in competitive categories. Here are the achievers:
1. Richard Rodgers
EGOT Achieved: 1962
Richard Rodgers became the first individual to make a clean sweep of the EGOT awards in 1962 after winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony throughout his illustrious career. It had taken Richard Rodgers 17 years to collect his fourth distinct award to complete the set.
With over 900 songs written, Rodgers is an established name in musical theater. He is widely recognized for soundtracks featured in popular productions like “The Sound of Music” and “The King and I.”
Between 1946 and 1979, he received 10 competitive awards, including the reputable Pulitzer Prize for South Pacific, Special Tony Awards, and Kennedy Center Honors.
Emmy Award: Original Music Composed for Television, Winston Churchill: The Valiant Years (1962)
Grammy Award: Best Show Album, The Sound of Music (1961) and Best Original Cast Show Album, No Strings (1963)
Oscar Award: Best Song, “It Might as Well Be Spring” from State Fair (1946)
Tony Award: Best Producer (Musical), Best Original Score, Best Musical, South Pacific (1950), Best Musical, The King and I (1952), Best Musical, The Sound of Music, Best Original Score, and Best Musical as a Producer, No Strings (1962)
2. Steve Spielberg
EGOT Achieved: 2026
Renowned director and screenwriter, Steve Spielberg holds the crown as the most recent individual to complete the EGOT. On February 1, 2026, he joined the elite group after winning his first Grammy Award for Best Music Film for producing Music by John Williams, a documentary focused on the renowned composer.
Prior to this remarkable feat, Spielberg previously won multiple Primetime and Daytime Emmy awards, three Oscars, and a Tony for producing A Strange Loop, the best musical winner.
He was also awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1986. This Academy Award is recognized as an honorary Oscar for outstanding producers known for consistently delivering high-quality motion visuals.
Emmy Award: 4× Primetime Emmy Awards, A Pinky and the Brain Christmas (1995), Band of Brothers (2001), Taken (2003), and The Pacific (2010); 7× Daytime Emmy wins for producing Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Freakazoid, and Pinky, Elmyra, and the Brain.
Grammy Award: Best Producer for Music by John Williams (2026)
Oscar Award: Best Director and Best Picture for Schindler's List (1993), and Best Director for Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Tony Award: Best Producer for A Strange Loop (2022)
3. Viola Davis
EGOT Achieved: 2023
“How to Get Away with Murder,” actress Viola Davis finally had her way, picking up the missing stone — a Grammy award for the Best audiobook in 2023 — and adding it to her infinity EGOT gauntlet. This impressive feat meant the “Woman King” star became the 3rd African American woman to achieve the EGOT status.
She had previously won an Oscar, an Emmy, and two Tonys. It was inevitable that she would achieve EGOT status. Viola Davis holds the record as the first black EGOT recipient to win the Triple Crown of Acting.
In 2010, she won the Best Lead Actress Tony for her role in Fences. This was after she scooped the Best Featured Actress Tony for her role in the Broadway play, King Hedley II, in 2001.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, How to Get Away with Murder (2015)
Grammy Award: Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording, Finding Me (2023)
Oscar Award: Best Supporting Actress, Fences (2017)
Tony Award: Best Featured Actress in a Play, King Hedley II (2001) and the Broadway Production of Fences (2010)
4. John Gielgud
EGOT Achieved: 1991
John Gielgud completed the EGOT milestone in 1991 after deservingly winning an Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries, Summer's Lease. He completed the set after his Oscar for his supporting act in Arthur, Grammy for The Emperor's New Clothes, and a Tony for “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
Emmy Award: Outstanding Leading Actor in a Miniseries, Summer’s Lease (1991)
Grammy Award: Best Album for Children, The Emperor’s New Clothes (1980)
Oscar Award: Best Supporting Actor, Arthur (1982)
Tony Award: Outstanding Foreign Company, The Importance of Being Earnest (1948), Best Director of a Play, Big Fish, Little Fish (1961)
5. Whoopi Goldberg
EGOT Achieved: 2002
The famous black American actress and comedienne completed the EGOT quartet in 2002, claiming an Emmy and Tony award in the same year. Whoopi Goldberg started climbing her way to EGOT status in 1986 when she won a Grammy, becoming the first black female to win a Grammy award. She also holds the record as the first black woman to attain EGOT status.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Special Class Special, Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel (2002), Daytime Emmy for the View (2009)
Grammy Award: Best Comedy Recording, Whoopi Goldberg, Original Broadway Show Recording (1986)
Oscar Award: Best Supporting Actress, Ghost (1991)
Tony Award: Best Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002)
6. Marvin Hamlisch
EGOT Achieved: 1995
Marvin Hamlisch took 23 years to reach EGOT status. However, it was always going to happen as the composer had become a force to reckon with. Hamlisch had won an Emmy Award in 1995 to become an EGOT winner. He had previously won a Pulitzer award in 1976, making him a PEGOT winner.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music Direction, Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music and Lyrics, Barbra: The Concert (1995), Outstanding Music and Lyrics, AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies (1999), Outstanding Music Direction, Timeless, Live in Concert (2001)
Grammy Award: Song of the Year, “The Way We Were”, Best New Artist, and Best Original Score, The Way We Were (1975), Best Pop Instrumental Performance ("The Entertainer”) (1975)
Oscar Award: Best Original Dramatic Score, Best Song (“The Way We Were” from The Way We Were), Best Original Song Score and Adaptation (The Sting) (1974)
Tony Award: Best Original Score, A Chorus Line (1976)
7. Helen Hayes
EGOT Achieved: 1977
American actress Helen Hayes took the world by storm in 1977 when she became the first woman to achieve EGOT status, thanks to her impeccable acting and spoken word delivery.
Her masterpiece, “Great American Documents,” won her the Grammy for Best Spoken Word Recording, which completed the quartet. Before her death in 1993, the First Lady of American Theatre laid a marker down by being the first person to win the Triple Crown of Acting. Her efforts were also crowned with a 1980 special Tony award.
Emmy Award: Best Actress, Schlitz Playhouse of Stars: Not a Chance (1953)
Grammy Award: Best Spoken Word Recording, Great American Documents (1977)
Oscar Award: Best Actress, The Sin of Madelon Claudet (1932), Best Supporting Actress, Airport (1971)
Tony Award: Best Actress in a Play, Happy Birthday (1947) and Best Leading Actress in a Play, Time Remembered (1958)
8. Audrey Hepburn
EGOT Achieved: 1994
Audrey Hepburn was bestowed an EGOT winner posthumously as she was awarded a Grammy for her spoken word album, Audrey Hepburn's Enchanted Tales, a year after her passing.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Individual Achievement—Informational Programming, Gardens of the World (1993)
Grammy Award: Best spoken word album for children, Audrey Hepburn’s Enchanted Tales (1994)
Oscar Award: Best Actress, Roman Holiday (1954)
Tony Award: Best Leading Actress in a Play, Ondine (1954)
9. Jennifer Hudson
EGOT Achieved: 2022
Jennifer Hudson became the second black woman to join the exclusive EGOT club in 2022 after winning a Tony for co-producing A Strange Loop. She was already a winner at the Oscars after bagging the Best Supporting Actress for her role in Dreamgirls, two Grammys, and an Emmy award.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program, Baba Yaga (2021)
Grammy Award: Best R&B Album, Jennifer Hudson (2009), Best Musical Theater Album, The Color Purple (2017)
Oscar Award: Best Supporting Actress, Dreamgirls (2007)
Tony Award: Best Musical, A Strange Loop (2022)
10. Sir Elton John
EGOT Achieved: 2024
Elton John has proven to be a regular on the podium at different award-winning ceremonies. He joined the elite company of EGOT winners in January 2024 after winning the Outstanding Live Variety Special at the Primetime Emmy Awards for his Disney+ program, “Elton John Love: Farewell From Dodger Stadium concert.
Sir Elton had previously bagged two Oscars for Best Original Song: “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from The Lion King in 1994 and “I'm Gonna Love Me Again” from Rocketman in 2019. He also won a Tony Award for “Aida” in 2000. He has five Grammy awards and a Grammy Legend Award
Emmy Award: Outstanding Variety Special, Farewell from Dodger Stadium (2024)
Grammy Award: Best Pop Performance by a duo or Group with vocals, “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” (1995), Candle in the Wind (1998), Aida (2001), and a Grammy Legend Award
Oscar Award: Best Original Song, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from The Lion King (1995) and “I'm Gonna Love Me Again” from Rocketman (2002)
Tony Award: Best Original Score, Aida (2000)
11. John Legend
EGOT Achieved: 2018
In 2018, John Legend won a Primetime Emmy and became the first African American man to complete the EGOT, a laudable feat in recognition of his work in music and television. With an Emmy, 13 Grammys, an Oscar, and a Tony, John Legend, the soulful songwriter and performer, has lived up to his name by becoming legendary.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Variety Special, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (2018), Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program: Crow: The Legend (2019), Outstanding Daytime Special: Shelter Me: Soul Awakened (2022), Outstanding Short Form Daytime Program: Cornerstones: Founding Voices of the Black Church (2022).
Grammy Award: Best New Artist, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (“Ordinary People”), and Best R&B Album (Get Lifted) (2006), Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (“Heaven") (2007), Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: "Wake Up Everybody" with The Roots (2011), Best R&B Song: ("Shine") (2011), Best Musical Theater Album: Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (2019), Best Rap/Sung Performance: ("Higher") with DJ Khaled & Nipsey Hussle, (2020), Best R&B Performance: ("Lightning & Thunder") with Jhené Aiko (2021), Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella: ("Bridge Over Troubled Water") with Jacob Collier & Tori Kelly (2025)
Oscar Award: Best Original Song, “Glory” from Selma (2015)
Tony Award: Best Revival of a Play, August Wilson’s Jitney (2017)
12. Andrew Lloyd Webber
EGOT Achieved: 2018
Andrew Lloyd Webber had won a few awards that caught the eye of many, as far back as 1980. However, it wasn't until 2018 that Webber, the musical theatre legend, achieved the highly rated EGOT status with his Emmy win. The British composer was also awarded a Grammy Legend Award in 1990 and a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre in 2018.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Variety Special, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (2018)
Grammy Award: Best Cast Show Album, Evita: Premiere American Recording (1980), Best Cast Show Album, Cats (1983), Best Contemporary Composition, Requiem (1986)
Oscar Award: Best Original Song, “You Must Love Me” from Evita (1997)
Tony Award: Best Original Score, Evita (1980), Best Musical and Best Original Score, Cats (1983), Best Musical, The Phantom of the Opera (1988), Best Musical and Best Original Score, Sunset Boulevard (1995)
13. Robert Lopez
EGOT Achieved: 2014
Robert Lopez remains the fastest person to attain the EGOT title in 2014, achieving the quartet at the age of 39. His reputation as a songwriter speaks volumes, thanks to the catchy tunes and memorable lyrics.
He is popularly known for writing the crowd's favorite and Oscar award-winning, “Let It Go” from Frozen, which was his ticket to attaining EGOT status. Additionally, he ultimately became the first double EGOT winner, thanks to “Remember Me” from Coco. With four Emmys, three Grammys, two Oscars, and two Tonys in the pocket, Robert Lopez showed there's always room for greatness regardless of one's age.
Emmy Award: 2× Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition, Wonder Pets! (2008) and Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for Wonder Pets! (2010); 2× Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music, WandaVision (2021), Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics ("Agatha All Along"), WandaVision (2021)
Grammy Award: Best Musical Theater Album, The Book of Mormon (2012), Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, Frozen (2015), Best Song Written for Visual Media, "Let It Go," Frozen (2015).
Oscar Award: Best Original Song, (“Let It Go”), Frozen (2014), Best Original Song for "Remember Me", Coco (2018)
Tony Award: Best Original Score, Avenue Q (2004), Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score, The Book of Mormon (2011)
14. Alan Menken
EGOT Achieved: 2020
Alan Menken completed his EGOT quartet in July 2020 at the Emmy after receiving his fourth distinct award for Outstanding Original Song in Disney's children's favorite, “Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure.”
This American composer and musician has bagged eight Oscars, as well as 11 Grammys, mostly for his Disney-affiliated songs. In 2012, Alan also added a Tony Award to his name for his music in the Broadway production, “Newsies.” He earned a special Emmy award (an honorary Primetime Emmy award) in 1990 for playing a part in the anti-drug special animation, All-Stars to the Rescue.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s Program, “Waiting in the Wings” from Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (2020)
Grammy Award: Best Recording for Children (The Little Mermaid) and Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television (“Under the Sea”) (1991), Album of the Year for Children, Best Instrumental Composition, Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television (“Beauty and the Beast”), Beauty and the Beast (1993), Song of the Year, Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television (“A Whole New World”), Best Musical Album for Children, Aladdin (1994), Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television (“Colors of the Wind”), Pocahontas (1996), and Best Song Written for Visual Media (“I See The Light,”), Tangled (2012).
Oscar Award: Best Original Score (The Little Mermaid) and Best Original Song (“Under the Sea”) (1989), Best Original Score (Beauty and the Beast) and Best Original Song (“Beauty and the Beast”) (1991), Best Original Score (Aladdin) and Best Original Song (“A Whole New World”) (1992), Best Original Score (Pocahontas) and Best Original Song (“Colors of the Wind”) (1995).
Tony Award: Best Original Score, Newsies (2012)
15. Rita Moreno
EGOT Achieved: 1977
Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno stole the headlines in 1977 with her newly acquired EGOT status when she won her first Primetime Emmy Award. This comes years after she became the first Latina to win an Oscar in 1962, going home with the Best Supporting Actress award for her impressive role as Anita in West Side Story (1961). She also won a Golden Globe for West Side Story, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a Peabody Award.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Musical Program, The Muppet Show (1977), and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, The Rockford Files.
Grammy Award: Best Recording for Children, The Electric Company (1973)
Oscar Award: Best Supporting Actress, West Side Story (1962)
Tony Award: Best Featured Actress in a Play, The Ritz (1975)
16. Mike Nichols
Before his passing in 2014, Mike Nichols left a mark on the entertainment industry, earning himself a well-deserved EGOT winner tag. Before transitioning into directing, he had a stint as a comedian, where he won a Grammy for Best Comedy Performance.
As a director, he won many awards, which got many to stand up and pay more attention to what he had up his sleeves. These awards include various BAFTA awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, a Peabody Award, and the AFI Life Achievement Award.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Made-for-Television Movie, Wit (2001), Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special, Wit (2001), Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special, Angels in America (2004), Outstanding Miniseries, Angels in America (2004)
Grammy Award: Best Comedy Performance, An Evening with Mike Nichols and Elaine May (1962)
Oscar Award: Best Director, The Graduate (1968)
Tony Award: Best Director of a Play, Barefoot in the Park (1964), Best Director, Play, Luv / The Odd Couple (1965), Best Producer, Musical, Plaza Suite (1968), Best Director, Play, The Prisoner of Second Avenue (1972), Best Musical, Annie (1977), Best Director, Play: The Real Thing (1984), Best Director, Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot (2005), Best Director, Play, Death of a Salesman (2012)
17/18. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
EGOT Achieved: 2024
Like two peas in a pod, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's tightly knit working relationship has been such a revelation. With their partnership birthing remarkable creations. They achieved EGOT status after winning an Emmy award in 2024 for “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” These writing partners also boast an Oscar, two Tony Awards, and two Grammys.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” (2024)
Grammy Award: Best Musical Theater Album, Dear Evan Hansen (2018) and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, Greatest Showman (2019).
Oscar Award: Best Original Song, “City of Stars” from La La Land (2017)
Tony Award: Best Original Score, Dear Evan Hansen (2017) and Best Musical, A Strange Loop (2022)
19. Tim Rice
EGOT Achieved: 2018
Lyricist Tim Rice, who is well known as a regular collaborator with Webber also earned the bragging right of an EGOT holder after winning an Emmy award in 2018. Over the years, he had shared the podium with Webber and received awards for songs he had written lyrics to. Tim has an Emmy, 3 Oscars, 3 Tonys, and 5 Grammys, a reward for his consistency.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Variety Special, Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert (2018)
Grammy Award: Best Cast Show Album, Evita: Premiere American Recording (1981), Song of the Year, Alaadin ("A Whole New World") and Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television – ("A Whole New World"), Aladdin (1993), Best Musical Album for Children, Aladdin (1994), Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television ("Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"), The Lion King (1995)
Oscar Award: Best Original Song, “A Whole New World” from Aladdin (1993), Best Original Song ("Can You Feel the Love Tonight?", The Lion King (1995 ), Best Original Song (“You Must Love Me"), Evita (1997)
Tony Award: Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score, Evita (1980), Best Original Score, Aida (2000)
20. Mel Brooks
EGOT Achieved: 2001
As a man wearing many hats, Mel Brooks demonstrated great dexterity in all of them. The highly respected actor, director, and writer earned himself three Tony awards, an Oscar for musical comedy, and three Grammy awards. He also won an Academy Honorary award.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Writing achievement in a Variety Program, The Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris Special (1967), Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, Mad About You (1997), Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, Mad About You (1998), Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, Mad About You (1999)
Grammy Award: Best Spoken Comedy Album, The 2000 Year Old Man in the Year 2000 (1999), Best Musical Show Album, The Producers (2002), Best Long Form Music Video – Recording (“The Producers”), A Musical Romp with Mel Brooks (2002)
Oscar Award: Best Story and Screenplay, The Producers (1969)
Tony Award: Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book, The Producers (2001)
21. Scott Rudin
EGOT Achieved: 2012
Accomplished film, TV, and theater producer Scott Rudin etched his name in the EGOT winners' book with his Grammy award-winning victory in 2012. Having already won an Emmy, Oscar, and a Tony, he needed a Grammy to complete the set. He finally achieved this when he won the Best Musical Theater Album for producing the cast recording for Book of Mormon.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Children’s Program, He Makes Me Feel Like Dancin’ (1984)
Grammy Award: Best Musical Theater Album, The Book of Mormon: An Original Broadway Cast Recording (2012)
Oscar Award: Best Picture, No Country for Old Men (2008)
Tony Award: Best Musical, Passion (1994), Best Play, Doubt (2005), Best Play, The History Boys (2006), Best Play, God of Carnage (2009), Best Revival of a Play, Fences (2010), Best Musical, The Book of Mormon (2011), Best Revival of a Play, Death of a Salesman (2012), Best Revival of a Play, A Raisin in the Sun (2014), Best Revival of a Play, Skylight (2015), Best Play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2015), Best Play, The Humans (2016), Best Revival of a Play, A View from the Bridge (2016), Best Revival of a Musical, Hello, Dolly! (2017), Best Revival of a Play, Three Tall Women (2018), Best Revival of a Musical, Carousel (2018), Best Revival of a Play, The Boys in the Band (2019), Best Play, The Ferryman (2019)
22. Jonathan Tunick
EGOT Completed: 1997
Jonathan Tunick attained EGOT status with a Tony Award for his laudable orchestration on Titanic, the musical. He had previously won an Oscar for an original score for “A Little Night Music.” The American composer was added to the esteemed Hall of Fame in 2009. He also has 4 Drama Desk awards to his name for Outstanding Orchestrations.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction, Night of 100 Stars (1982)
Grammy Award: Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s), “No One Is Alone” (1989)
Oscar Award: Best Original Score and its adaptation, “A Little Night Music” from A Little Night Music (1978)
Tony Award: Best Orchestrations, Titanic (1997), Best Orchestrations, Merrily We Roll Along (2024)
Non-Competitive EGOT Winners
Non-competitive or honorary EGOT winners are artists with all the four highly rated American entertainment awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), but with at least one of the awards being humanitarian, honorary, or special, rather than competitive.
Six artists have achieved non-competitive EGOTS, meaning at least one of their awards was received in a non-competitive or honorary category. Below are some of these artists.
23. Harry Belafonte
Honorary EGOT Status Achieved: 2014
Belafonte got his EGOT status after being a recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an honorary Oscar in 2014. He also has a Tony for "John Murray Anderson's Almanac."
Emmy Award: "Tonight with Belafonte" (1960)
Grammy Award: Best Folk Performance, "Swing Dat Hammer" (1961)
*Oscar Award: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (2014)
Tony Award: Best Featured Actor in a Musical, John Murray Anderson's Almanac (1954)
24. James Earl Jones
Honorary EGOT Status Achieved: 2011
James Earl Jones completed his EGOT quartet with an Academy Honorary Award in 2011.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries, Heat Wave (1991)
Grammy Award: Best Spoken Word Album, Great American Documents (1977)
Oscar Award: Honorary Academy Award (2011)
*Tony Award: Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
25. Quincy Jones
Honorary EGOT Status Achieved: 2016
Quincy Jones achieved the honorary EGOT status after winning a Tony in 2016 for “The Color Purple.” He previously won a Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 1994 Oscars.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Music Composition for a Series, Roots (1977)
Grammy Award: Best Instrumental Arrangement, "I Can't Stop Loving You" (1964)
*Oscar Award: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (1994)
Tony Award: Best Revival of a Musical, The Color Purple (2016)
26. Frank Marshall
Honorary EGOT Status Achieved:
Emmy: Outstanding Long Documentary, The Redeem Team (2023)
Grammy: Best Music Film, Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story (2023)
*Oscar: Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award (2019)
Tony: Best Musical, A Strange Loop (2022)
27. Liza Minnelli
Honorary EGOT Status Achieved: 1990
Liza Minnelli had received a special Grammy Legend Award in 1990, which gave her the quadruple crown. She's only missing a competitive Grammy Award to make the move to the competitive EGOT winners.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Single Program – Variety and Popular Music, Liza with a Z (1973)
*Grammy Award: Grammy Living Legend Award (1990)
Oscar Award: Best Actress, Cabaret (1972)
Tony Award: Best Leading Actress in a Musical, Flora the Red Menace (1965)
28. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand was a recipient of the special Tony Award for Star of the Decade in 1970, making her an EGOT honorary winner. She previously received 10 different Grammy Awards between 1964 and 1995.
Emmy Award: Outstanding Individual Achievement in Entertainment, My Name Is Barbra (1965)
Grammy Award: Album of the Year, The Barbra Streisand Album (1964)
Oscar Award: Best Actress, Funny Girl (1969), and Best Original Song ("Evergreen"), and A Star Is Born (1977)
*Tony Award: Star of the Decade (1970)
Who is close to winning an EGOT?
Everyone in this category is one major award away from hitting the EGOT bullseye. Some are an Emmy win, a Grammy win, an Oscar win, or a Tony win away from making history. Without further ado, let's shine the spotlight on these history makers in the making.
1. Common (EGO)
Common is a near-EGOT winner. All he needs is a Tony to complete the set, which includes an Oscar for 'Glory', three Grammys, and an Emmy for his work on '13th'.
2. Cynthia Erivo (EGT)
Cynthia Erivo is also close to attaining EGOT status, requiring an Oscar to complete the set, having bagged a Tony for 'The Color Purple', two Grammys, and an Emmy for her performance in the same musical.
3. Eminem (EGO)
Eminem is a Tony Award shy of completing the EGOT collection. He presently has an Emmy, 13 Grammys, and an Oscar.
4. Helen Mirren (EOT)
Helen Mirren is a Grammy away from EGOT status. She has been awarded an Oscar for 'The Queen', four Emmys, and a Tony for 'The Audience'.
5. Lily Tomlin (EGT)
Lily Tomlin is close to achieving EGOT status, requiring an Oscar; she has won six Emmys, a Grammy, and a Tony for 'The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe'.
6. Lady Gaga (EGO)
Lady Gaga is one award away from achieving EGOT status with only a Tony Award missing from her collection, featuring 14 Grammys, an Oscar for 'Shallow', and an Emmy for her performance of 'Hold My Hand'.
7. Adele (EGO)
Adele is within arm's reach of an EGOT status, having achieved “EGO” status. She needs a Tony Award to complete the collection, having won 16 Grammys, a 2013 Oscar for "Skyfall," and a 2022 Emmy for her special, Adele: One Night Only.
Other Near-EGOT Winners
Michael Giacchino (EGO)
Ludwig Göransson (EGO)
Hildur Guðnadottir (EGO)
H.E.R (EGO)
Ron Howard (EGO)
Jeremy Irons (EOT)
Hugh Jackman (EGT)
Rachel Bay Jones (EGT)
Alex Lacamoire (EGT)
Jessica Lange (EOT)
Cyndi Lauper (EGT)
Barry Manilow (EGT)
Paul McCartney (EGO)
Lin-Manuel Miranda (EGT)
Audra McDonald (EGT)
Frances McDormand (EOT)
Bette Midler (EGT)
Helen Mirren (EOT)
James Moll (EGO)
Randy Newman (EGO)
Cynthia Nixon (EGT)
Al Pacino (EOT)
Trey Parker (EGT)
Ben Platt (EGT)
Billy Porter (EGT)
Vanessa Redgrave (EOT)
Trent Reznor (EGO)
Atticus Ross (EGO)
Geoffrey Rush (EOT)
Martin Scorsese (EGO)
Ringo Starr (EGO)
Matt Stone (EGT)
Dick Van Dyke (EGT)
John Williams (EGO)
Kate Winslet (EGO)
Who was the first person to win an EGOT?
Composer Richard Rodgers became the first person to win all four awards, which he earned between 1946 and 1962.
Who is the youngest EGOT recipient?
The youngest person to reach EGOT status is composer Robert Lopez, who won his fourth award at 39 years old. Lopez is also the only person to have a double EGOT, or two awards in the 4 major categories.
Who is the most recent individual to win a competitive EGOT?
In February 2026, Steven Spielberg became the most recent person to win a competitive EGOT. after Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (2024) and Elton John (2024).
When did the acronym EGOT become popular?
In 1984, Miami Vice actor Philip Michael Thomas coined the term “EGOT.” However, it became popular in the early 2000s, long after Richard Rodgers became the first to attain the distinguished status of winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.
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