Former Disney Channel Stars Who Have Achieved Academy Award Nominations or Wins

During his press tour for the movie "Elvis" in 2022, reporters discussed Austin Butler's journey from his Disney Channel days to where he is now in his career.

For those who may not know, Butler first appeared as Derek Hanson on an episode of "Hannah Montana" in 2007, where he played a potential love interest for Miley Cyrus. He also had a brief role in one episode of "Wizards of Waverly Place" in 2010. Additionally, he starred as Peyton Leverett in the 2011 film "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure."

Butler shared with Elle in February 2024 that his first acting paycheck came from his appearance on Hannah Montana. He recalled a memorable episode where he played a character who went on a disastrous blind date with Miley Cyrus' character, leading to some comedic chaos during a horror movie scene.

From his humble beginnings on Hannah Montana, Butler has shown that dreams can come true in Hollywood. He has transitioned from his early role to receiving critical acclaim and a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Elvis.

Butler isn’t the only star with Disney Channel history. We must also mention Zac Efron for his role as Kevin Von Erich in The Iron Claw in 2023. Though the Academy didn't acknowledge his work, we do.

Check out below to see which former Disney Channel stars have been honored at the Oscars throughout the years.

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Former Disney Channel Stars Nominated for (Or Won!) An Academy Award

Austin Butler's Disney Channel background was brought up by several reporters during his interviews for the movie Elvis in 2022. They discussed the actor's journey and how much he has accomplished in his career.

Butler made his acting debut as Derek Hanson on a 2007 episode of Hannah Montana, where he portrayed a potential love interest for Miley Cyrus. He later appeared in a single episode of Wizards of Waverly Place in 2010. Additionally, he played the role of Peyton Leverett in the 2011 film Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure.

Reflecting on his early acting experience, Butler shared with Elle in February 2024 that his first paid acting job was on Hannah Montana. He recalled a particular episode where his character went on a blind date with Miley Cyrus' character. Initially, she was excited, but things took a turn when they watched a horror film together. Butler's character ended up terrified, screaming, and having a memorable bad blind date moment.

Butler is a prime example of how anything can happen in Hollywood. He transitioned from working with Disney to earning a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Elvis.

Although Butler is not the sole actor with ties to Disney Channel, it is worth mentioning Zac Efron for his performance as Kevin Von Erich in The Iron Claw of 2023. Despite not receiving recognition from the Academy, we want to acknowledge his hard work.

Scroll to see which former Disney Channel stars have been recognized at the Oscars over the years:

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Austin Butler

In 2007, Butler appeared on Hannah Montana as Derek, marking his debut on the Disney Channel. Three years later, he had a one-episode role as George on Wizards of Waverly Place.

After portraying Elvis in a 2022 film, Butler received a Best Actor nomination at the Oscars. Unfortunately, he did not win the award, as Brendan Fraser took home the prize for his role in The Whale.

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Brie Larson

Larson had an iconic role as Courtney Enders — former NHRA drag racer — in the 2003 Disney Channel Original Movie Right on Track.

Years later, she took home a Best Acting Oscar in 2016 for her role as Joy "Ma" Newsome in Room.

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Emma Stone

Stone actually provided the voice for London Tipton's dog, Ivana, in a 2006 episode of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. This is a little known fact about her.

She has had a successful career, being nominated for five Academy Awards and winning one. Stone was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 2015 for Birdman and in 2019 for The Favourite. She also won the award for Best Actress in 2017 for her role in La La Land.

In 2024, Stone was up for Best Picture and Best Actress after starring in Poor Things.

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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America Ferrera

Ferrera starred in the 2002 Disney Channel Original Movie Gotta Kick It Up! before earning an Oscar nomination in 2024 for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Gloria in Barbie.

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Kristen Stewart

Stewart started with an uncredited role in the 1999 Disney Channel movie The Thirteenth Year (which still counts!) before receiving a Best Actress nomination at the 2022 Oscars for her portrayal of Princess Diana in Spencer. (Stewart was ultimately bested by Michelle Yeoh for Everything Everywhere All at Once.)

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Rachel McAdams

McAdams had a niche role as Hannah Grant in a single episode of The Famous Jett Jackson in 2001.

In 2015, McAdams received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Sacha Pfeiffer in Spotlight. Unfortunately, she did not win, losing to Alicia Vikander for her role in The Danish Girl.

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Octavia Spencer

Who remembers Spencer in her iconic role as Dr. Evilini in two 2008 episodes of Wizards of Waverly Place? We sure do!

Octavia Spencer has received three Academy Award nominations and won one. In 2012, she won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Minny Jackson in The Help. She was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 2017 for Hidden Figures and in 2018 for The Shape of Water, but did not win.

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Bryan Cranston

Disney Channel's 'Twas the Night is a memorable Christmas movie. In the 2001 film, Cranston played Nick Wrigley before his Oscar nomination for Best Actor in 2016 for Trumbo. (He lost to Casey Affleck for his role in Manchester by the Sea.)

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Melissa McCarthy

Who could forget McCarthy's memorable voice acting as DNAmy in three episodes of Kim Possible from 2002 to 2005? We certainly can't!

Since then, McCarthy has received two Oscar nominations. In 2012, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Bridesmaids, and in 2019, she received a nomination for Best Actress for her role in Can You Ever Forgive Me? Unfortunately, she did not win either award.

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling, known for his role in The All-New Mickey Mouse Club, has been recognized with three Oscar nominations. His first two nominations were for Best Actor: one in 2006 for his performance in Half Nelson and another in 2016 for his role in La La Land. In 2024, Gosling received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Ken in Barbie.

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake, a former member of the Mickey Mouse Club, received an Oscar nomination in 2016. He was nominated for Best Original Song for his song "Can't Stop the Feeling!" from the movie Trolls. Ultimately, he did not win, losing out to "City of Stars" from La La Land.

Disney Channel Stars Who Were Nominated or Won Oscars

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Mo'Nique

Mo'Nique lent her voice to the character Boonnetta Proud in an episode of The Proud Family in 2002. She later achieved great success, winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2010 for her performance as Mary Lee Johnston in the film Precious.

Editor's P/S:

The provided article highlights the remarkable journeys of former Disney Channel stars who have gone on to achieve great success in Hollywood, including Oscar nominations and wins. Austin Butler's rise from his early roles in "Hannah Montana" to his acclaimed portrayal of Elvis serves as a testament to the transformative power of the entertainment industry.

It is inspiring to see how these talented individuals have leveraged their early experiences to showcase their abilities and make a significant impact on the film industry. Their achievements demonstrate that with hard work, dedication, and a touch of Disney magic, dreams can indeed come true in the world of entertainment. the entertainment industry. Their achievements serve as a testament to the fact that even seemingly humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.