8. Eddie Redmayne Bests Michael Keaton (2015)
At the 87th Academy Awards in 2015, Eddie Redmayne won Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in ‘The Theory of Everything,’ defeating Michael Keaton, who was acclaimed for his role in ‘Birdman.’ Redmayne’s transformative performance, depicting Hawking’s battle with ALS, was unexpected, as many anticipated Keaton’s win. This outcome highlighted the Academy’s appreciation for biographical roles. For more details, refer to this article from The Guardian: Eddie Redmayne wins best actor Oscar for The Theory of Everything.
