GRAMMY AWARDS 2023
What is EGOT? How many are EGOT winners besides Viola Davis? Complete list
As the 2023 Grammy Awards came to a close, we were left with many wonderful moments, including a place in the history books for Davis.
Sunday saw another incredible night of glitz and glam, as Los Angeles welcomed the world of musical entertainment to the Cryto.com Arena for the Grammy Awards 2023. History was made when Beyoncé broke the record for most career wins (four more taking her to 32), but it was British star Harry Styles who was on stage to thank everyone for the album of the year award. And then there was Viola Davis...
How did Viola Davis join the EGOT list?
Davis picked up her Grammy for an audio recording of her memoir ‘Finding Me’. A shiny gramophone statuette is impressive in its own right but this particular one put the actress into the elite ranks of EGOT winners, that being a term that is synonymous with excellence, prestige, and bragging rights in the performing arts world. But what exactly does EGOT mean?
As I’m sure you’ve worked out, EGOT stands for the four most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry: the Emmy, the Grammy, the Oscar, and the Tony. These awards are widely considered to be the highest honors an artist can receive in their respective fields. To win an EGOT, one must win all four awards in their lifetime. It’s the granddaddy of all awards and is regarded as the ultimate symbol of success and achievement in the entertainment industry, and now Davis has it.
How many people have an EGOT?
So, how many people have achieved EGOT status? I hear you ask. Well, Davis became the 18th person in history to have achieved this incredible feat, and only the third Black woman ever. The first person to do so was Helen Hayes, a legendary actress, who won the awards in the years of 1932, 1940, 1977, and 1983. Since then, the list of EGOT winners has grown to include some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Audrey Hepburn, Mel Brooks, James Earl Jones, and Whoopi Goldberg, just to name a few.
These EGOT winners have left an indelible mark on the entertainment world, and their achievements are a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication to their craft. They have inspired countless others to pursue their dreams, and their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
It’s fair enough to say that given all the awards that have been given out, laying claim to the EGOT quadruple is the crowning jewel of the entertainment industry, a symbol of excellence that has been achieved by only a select few. It’s a rare accomplishment that is a testament to the talent, hard work, and dedication of those who have achieved it. And the next time you hear someone talk about EGOT status, you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about. You’re welcome!