The entertainment industry has long been a realm of recognition and accolades, with awards like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys representing the pinnacle of success for actors, musicians, and performers. However, there exists an even more exclusive and elusive club within this esteemed circle—the EGOT. If you’re not familiar with the EGOT or just want to learn more about it, then we got you covered! Read on to find out more about what many consider the Grand Slam of the entertainment industry.
What is the EGOT?
From Backstage Official Website
The EGOT is an acronym for four specific industry awards—the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys. An EGOT winner is someone who has triumphed across the diverse realms of television (Emmy), music (Grammy), film (Oscar), and theater (Tony) and has won the award from each. Since it comprises winning four separate awards from four different awarding bodies, it’s not its own officially recognized award–it’s more of an unofficial achievement that the industry recognizes, and an achievement only a select few have accomplished.
If the EGOT is unofficial, why is it so coveted?
The EGOT is a symbol of unparalleled achievement. It signals a performer's ability to excel in various forms of entertainment. All those who have achieved the EGOT all share a rare combination of talent, versatility, and excellence across multiple creative disciplines–allowing their work to be recognized by the different awarding bodies throughout their careers.
From the Official Academy Awards GIPHY
More than what it symbolizes, aspiring for an EGOT is also affected by its exclusivity. The rarity of achieving the EGOT adds to its allure. Only 18 people in the joint history of these awards being given have accomplished such a feat, with even juggernauts of the industry failing to come close to achieving it.
Who’s in the EGOT Club?
The first to ever accomplish this feat was the composer Richard Rogers in 1962, unintentionally establishing the exclusive club and creating an aspirational goal that many in the entertainment industry wish to achieve. This is a career aspiration made most evident by the latest member of the exclusive club, Viola Davis.
From the Official Recording Academy GIPHY
Viola Davis already won the triple crown of acting after her Oscar win for Fences, and she was only a Grammy award away from achieving the EGOT back in 2017. Davis was not shy to share that she wanted to have this achievement on her resume. During her acceptance speech after winning the Grammy for Best Audio Book for her autobiography Finding Me, she excitedly said “I just EGOT!”.
Who are the notable names close to achieving the EGOT?
Some very notable names are close to achieving this feat, and they are more than likely to be part of the EGOT club at some point in their careers. Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton and His Dark Materials fame is only an Oscar away from being an EGOT. Hugh Jackman is only missing an Oscar before being inducted into the club. Both Miranda and Jackman have been nominated for Oscars before, and it’s more than likely they will be again.
Courtesy of HBO Go
Kate Winslet is also a likely candidate as the next member of the club, as she’s only missing a Tony. Her most recent win is an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress for Mare of Easttown. With Winslet’s theater background, it’s more than likely that a return to the stage could net her that Tony award she’s missing.
Awards Season is on Lionsgate Play
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