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20 Photos Of 2023's Oscar-Nominated Actors Today Vs. When They First Started Out

I'm 100% here for Angela Bassett to win an Oscar.

Kayla Yandoli
by Kayla Yandoli

BuzzFeed Staff

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Today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced their 2023 Oscar nominees!

Jamie Lee Curtis with her arms raised in the air cheering as Michelle Yeoh puts her head in her hands when she won her Golden Globe award
NBC

From Best Actor nominees like Austin Butler and Best Supporting Actress nominees like Angela Bassett, the nominations seem pretty darn valid and check out based on their mind-blowing performances.

Angela Bassett saying "Have I not given everything?" as she stands in the throne room in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"
Marvel / Disney

This incredible list got me thinking about the hella talented acting nominees and how far they've come since they first started in the business.

Maya Rudolph dressed as a judge shouting "I'm like Ooh!" in "The Good Place"
NBC
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So, here are the 2023 Oscar-nominated actors in the beginning of their careers vs. today and the roles they're nominated for:

"BEST ACTRESS" text
BuzzFeed

Cate Blanchett is nominated for her role as Lydia Tár in Tár.

Cate Blanchett as Lydia in a conductor's outfit looking apprehensive in "TÁR"
Focus Features / Courtesy of Everett Collection

In the past, Cate Blanchett was nominated for Elizabeth, The Aviator (which she won), Notes on a Scandal, I'm Not There, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Blue Jasmine (which she won), and Carol.

Here's what Cate Blanchett looked like in the beginning of her acting career in the mid-'90s:

Blanchett gesturing as she wearing a long-sleeved blouse and vest
Patrick Riviere / Getty Images

And here's what Cate Blanchett looks like in 2023:

A closeup of Blanchett smiling as she wears a linen top and rocks a shoulder-length wavy bob
Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Cate Blanchett in the mid-'90s vs. 2023:

Patrick Riviere / Getty Images, Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Michelle Yeoh is nominated for her role as Evelyn Quan Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Yeoh in "Everything Everywhere All at Once"
A24 / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Michelle Yeoh's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Michelle Yeoh looked like in the beginning of her acting career in the mid-'80s:

Yeoh in a fighting stance in a scene from "Wing Chun"
Century Pacific / Courtesy of Everett Collection

And here's what Michelle Yeoh looks like in 2023:

Yeoh poses on the red carpet wearing an off-the-shoulder gown with balloon sleeves
Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Michelle Yeoh in the mid-'80s vs. 2023:

Century Pacific / Courtesy Everett Collection, Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Ana de Armas is nominated for her role as Marilyn Monroe in Blonde.

Ana as Marilyn sitting and facing someone in a scene from "Blonde." Ana is wearing a blonde wig and a sleeveless top
Netflix / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Ana de Armas' first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Ana de Armas looked like in the beginning of her acting career in the mid-'00s:

de Armas smiles on the red carpet while wearing a sweater dress and a lanyard. She's also rocking bangs and her hair goes just past her shoulders
Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images

And here's what Ana de Armas looks like in 2023:

de Armas smiles for a photo on the Golden Globes red carpet while wearing a strapless dress with pearl detailing in a column down the front
Todd Williamson / NBC via Getty Images

Ana de Armas in the mid-'00s vs. 2023:

Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images, Todd Williamson / NBC via Getty Images

Michelle Williams is nominated for her role as Mitzi Schildkraut-Fabelman in The Fabelmans.

Williams in "The Fabelmans"
Universal Pictures / Courtesy of Everett Collection

In the past, Michelle Williams was nominated for Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine, My Week with Marilyn, and Manchester by the Sea.

Here's what Michelle Williams looked like in the beginning of her acting career in the mid-'90s:

Williams with hair that just reached the top of her shoulders in "Dawson's Creek"
Warner Bros. / Getty Images

And here's what Michelle Williams looks like in 2023:

Williams smiles while rocking a short blunt bob and a v-neck outfit
Kevin Winter / Getty Images

Michelle Williams in the mid-'90s vs. 2023:

Getty Images, Kevin Winter / Getty Images

Andrea Riseborough is nominated for her role as Leslie Rowlands in To Leslie.

Andrea Riseborough in "To Leslie"
Momentum Pictures / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Andrea Riseborough's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Andrea Riseborough looked like in the beginning of her acting career in the late '00s:

Andrea Riseborough a red carpet event wearing a turtleneck and a blazer with satin-trimmed lapels. Andrea's hair is also swept into an updo
Danny Martindale / Getty Images

And here's what Andrea Riseborough looks like in 2023:

A closeup of Andrea Riseborough smiling and rocking a close-cropped haircut
Alberto E. Rodriguez / WireImage / Getty Images

Andrea Riseborough in the late '00s vs. 2023:

Danny Martindale / Getty Images, Alberto E. Rodriguez / WireImage / Getty Images
"BEST ACTOR" text
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Brendan Fraser is nominated for his role as Charlie in The Whale.

Fraser in "The Whale"
A24 / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Brendan Fraser's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Brendan Fraser looked like in the beginning of his acting career in the early '90s:

Fraser in the early '90s
Mikel Roberts / Getty Images

And here's what Brendan Fraser looks like in 2023:

Fraser in 2023
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Brendan Fraser in the early '90s vs. 2023:

Mikel Roberts / Getty Images, Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Austin Butler is nominated for his role as Elvis Presley in Elvis.

Butler as Elvis looking at something offscreen in a scene "Elvis"
Warner Bros. Pictures / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Austin Butler's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Austin Butler looked like in the beginning of his acting career in the late '00s:

Butler in 2009
Anna Webber / WireImage / Getty Images

And here's what Austin Butler looks like in 2023:

Butler in a suit and a slightly unbuttoned shirt. Austin is also wearing brooch and a small necklace
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Austin Butler in the late '00s vs. 2023:

Anna Webber / WireImage / Getty Images, Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Colin Farrell was nominated for his role as Pádraic Súilleabháin in The Banshees of Inisherin.

Farrell standing on the beach looking at something offscreen in a scene from "The Banshees of Inisherin"
Searchlight Pictures / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Colin Farrell's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Colin Farrell looked like in the beginning of his acting career in the late '90s:

A closeup of Farrell in a t-shirt and leather jacket
Ben Curtis - Pa Images / PA Images via Getty Images

And here's what Colin Farrell looks like in 2023:

Farrell smiles as he rocks a jacket and dress shirt
Gilbert Carrasquillo / Getty Images

Colin Farrell in the '90s vs. 2023:

Ben Curtis - Pa Images / PA Images via Getty Images, Gilbert Carrasquillo / Getty Images

Paul Mescal is nominated for his role as Calum Paterson in Aftersun.

Mescal walking down a hallway while carrying a backpack on his right shoulder in a scene from "Aftersun"
A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

This is Paul Mescal's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Paul Mescal looked like in the beginning of his acting career in 2020:

Paul Mescal smiling as he sits on a chair behind a coffee table with a bottle of Fiji on top next to a vase of flowers
Erik Voake / Getty Images for Hulu

And here's what Paul Mescal looks like in 2023:

Paul Mescal with his hands in the pockets of his slacks. Paul is also wearing a dress shirt and blazer
David M. Benett / Jed Cullen/Dave Benett / Getty Images

Paul Mescal in 2020 vs. 2023:

Erik Voake / Getty Images for Hulu, David M. Benett / Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Bill Nighy is nominated for his role as Mr. Rodney Williams in Living.

Nighy sitting at a desk in front of a large window with blinds in a scene from "Living"
Sony Pictures Classics / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Bill Nighy's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Bill Nighy looked like in the beginning of his acting career in the '80s:

Nighy wearing a military uniform, including a cap that has a skull on it, as he stands next to another person
NBC / Courtesy of Everett Collection

And here's what Bill Nighy looks like in 2023:

Nighy in 2023
Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for BAFTA

Bill Nighy in the '80s vs. 2023:

NBC / Courtesy of Everett Collection, Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for BAFTA
"BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS" text
BuzzFeed

Angela Bassett is nominated for her role as Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

A closeup of Bassett as Queen Ramonda wearing a circular headpiece and standing on the beach in a scene from "Wakanda Forever"
Marvel / Disney / Courtesy of Everett Collection

In the past, Angela Bassett was nominated for What's Love Got to Do with It.

Here's what Angela Bassett looked like in the beginning of her acting career in the early '90s:

A closeup of Bassett smiling widely as she rocks a short bob that is pushed back with a headband. She's also wearing small hoop earrings
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

And here's what Angela Bassett looks like in 2023:

Angela on the Golden Globes red carpet wearing a sequined halter neck gown
Todd Williamson / NBC via Getty Images

Angela Bassett in the early '90s vs. 2023:

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images, Todd Williamson / NBC via Getty Images

Hong Chau is nominated for her role as Liz in The Whale.

Chau in "The Whale"
A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

This is Hong Chau's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Hong Chau looked like in the beginning of her acting career in the early 2010s:

Chau smiles at a red carpet event while wearing a sleeveless outfit. Her hair is parted on one side and falls below her shoulders
Jason Kempin / Getty Images

And here's what Hong Chau looks like in 2023:

A closeup of Chau smiling as she rocks a halter outfit with a keyhole cutout on the chest. Her hair is pulled back in an updo that shows off drop earrings
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society

Hong Chau in the early 2010s vs. 2023:

Jason Kempin / Getty Images, Frazer Harrison / Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society

Jamie Lee Curtis is nominated for her role as Deirdre Beaubeirdre in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Curtis in "Everything Everywhere All at Once"
A24 / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Jamie Lee Curtis's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Jamie Lee Curtis looked like in the beginning of her acting career in the late '70s:

Curtis smiles as she looks over her shoulder at the camera
Paul Harris / Getty Images

And here's what Jamie Lee Curtis looks like in 2023:

Curtis wears a strapless dress with a lace cape as she poses on the Golden Globes red carpet
Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Jamie Lee Curtis in the late '70s vs. 2023:

Paul Harris / Getty Images, Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Kerry Condon is nominated for her role as Siobhán Súilleabháin in The Banshees of Inisherin.

Condon crying as she sits on a sailing boat in a scene from "The Banshees of Inisherin"
Searchlight Pictures / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Kerry Condon's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Kerry Condon looked like in the beginning of her acting career in the early '00s:

A closeup of Condon in a linen outfit and her hair in a bun
Steve Finn / Getty Images

And here's what Kerry Condon looks like in 2023:

Condon smiles as a red carpet event in an off-shoulder velvet dress
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

Kerry Condon in the early '00s vs. 2023:

Steve Finn / Getty Images, Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

Stephanie Hsu is nominated for her role as Joy Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Hsu in "Everything Everywhere All at Once"
A24 / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Stephanie Hsu's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Stephanie Hsu looked like in the beginning of her acting career in the 2010s:

Hsu smiles on the red carpet wearing a jumpsuit and a long-sleeved dress shirt and a tiered necklace
Variety / Penske Media via Getty Images

And here's what Stephanie Hsu looks like in 2023:

Hsu poses on the red carpet with a hand on her hip as she rocks a strapless dress with a dramatic high neckline
Kevork Djansezian / NBC via Getty Images

Stephanie Hsu in the 2010s vs. 2023:

Variety / Penske Media via Getty Images, Kevork Djansezian / NBC via Getty Images
"BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR" text
BuzzFeed

Ke Huy Quan is nominated for his role as Waymond Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Quan wearing a suit and tie and holding a cigarette as he stands in a doorway leading outside in a scene in "Everything Everywhere All at Once"
A24 / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Ke Huy Quan's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Ke Huy Quan looked like in the beginning of his acting career in the mid-'80s:

A headshot of Quan wearing a sweater and collared shirt as he leans his head in his right hand
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

And here's what Ke Huy Quan looks like in 2023:

Quan poses for photographers in a suit and bowtie
Matt Winkelmeyer / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Ke Huy Quan in the mid-'80s vs. 2023:

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images, Matt Winkelmeyer / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Brian Tyree Henry is nominated for his role as James Aucoin in Causeway.

Henry sitting in a restaurant booth holding a bottle of beer in a scene in "Causeway"
Apple TV+ / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Brian Tyree Henry's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Brian Tyree Henry looked like in the beginning of his acting career in the mid-2010s:

A closeup of Henry wearing a cardigan and eyeglasses as he sits in a chair for an interview. He is holding a rose in his hands
Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

And here's what Brian Tyree Henry looks like in 2023:

A closeup of Bryan at a red carpet event in a shirt and blazer adorned with a rose
Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Brian Tyree Henry in the mid-2010s vs. 2023:

Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images, Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Barry Keoghan is nominated for his role as Dominic Kearney in The Banshees of Inisherin.

Keoghan in "Banshees"
Searchlight Pictures / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Barry Keoghan's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Barry Keoghan looked like in the beginning of his acting career in the early 2010s:

Keoghan in a suit and tie at a red carpet event. He has shaggy hair and is biting his bottom lip
Dominique Charriau / Getty Images

And here's what Barry Keoghan looks like in 2023:

A closeup of Keoghan in a shirt and blazer
Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Barry Keoghan in the early 2010s vs. 2023:

Dominique Charriau / Getty Images, Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Judd Hirsch is nominated for his role as Boris Schildkraut in The Fabelmans.

Hirsch looking at another person at the dinner table in a scene from "Fabelmans"
Universal Pictures / Courtesy of Everett Collection

In the past, Judd Hirsch was nominated for Ordinary People.

Here's what Judd Hirsch looked like in the beginning of his acting career in the '70s:

Hirsch leaning against a taxi cab. He is wearing a corduroy jacket, a dress shirt, and tie
Abc Photo Archives / Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

And here's what Judd Hirsch looks like in 2023:

A closeup of Judd Hirsch at a red carpet event wearing a jacket and bowtie
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

Judd Hirsch in the '70s vs. 2023:

Abc Photo Archives / Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images, Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

And finally: Brendan Gleeson is nominated for his role as Colm Doherty in The Banshees of Inisherin.

Gleeson sitting at a picnic table outside a pub with his beer in front of him in a scene from "Banshees"
Searchlight Pictures / Courtesy of Everett Collection

This is Brendan Gleeson's first Oscar nomination.

Here's what Brendan Gleeson looked like in the beginning of his acting career in the '90s:

Gleeson with long hair that's partially braided and a full beard in "Braveheart"
Paramount Pictures

And here's what Brendan Gleeson looks like in 2023:

Gleeson, sans beard, smiling at a red carpet event. Brendan is in a suit and bowtie
Frazer Harrison / WireImage / Getty Images

Brendan Gleeson in the '90s vs. 2023:

Paramount Pictures, Frazer Harrison / WireImage / Getty Images

You can check out the entire 2023 Oscar nominees list here.

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