10 Worst Oscar Winning Actors Ever

1. Mary Pickford

Mary Pickford Poor Little Rich Girl
Artcraft Pictures Corporation

And finally, we conclude with a classic pick and an undeniably pivotal figure in the history of cinema itself. Mary Pickford not only appeared in a staggering 248 projects between 1909 and 1933 - though the majority of them were shorts - but co-created movie studio United Artists, and was one of the founders of the Academy itself.

Her work as a younger actress was much-loved by audiences, but she struggled to transition into being taken seriously in fully-fledged adult roles. With the end of the silent era, Pickford boldly presented herself as a front-line star of talking pictures, resulting in her winning the second-ever Best Actress Oscar for her performance in 1929 drama Coquette.

It's since been widely accepted that Pickford essentially schemed her way to an Oscar win, using her Academy standing to her advantage and also inviting voters for tea at her luxurious mansion.

The performance itself doesn't stand up to modern scrutiny at all - as is true of most early talkie acting, in fairness - with Pickford's excessive overacting proving more embarrassing than entertaining. Four years later, Pickford decided to retire from acting completely at the mere age of 41, aware that she wouldn't be able to succeed in the more demanding sound era.

Though Pickford is an undeniable Hollywood icon, she never managed to demonstrate the range of a truly good actress, and her contributions to the business side of the industry will always be far more impressive.

What do you make of these questionable Oscar-winning actors? Got any of your own picks? Shout them out in the comments!

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.