Photos: The humble beginnings of Oscar winners

Arts and Culture

Photos: The humble beginnings of Oscar winners

Photos: The humble beginnings of Oscar winners

Before Charlize Theron won an Oscar in 2004 for her role in "Monster"...

...she starred as Helga Svelgen in the 1996 movie "2 Days in the Valley."

Before Jared Leto won an Oscar in 2014 for his role in "The Dallas Buyers Club"...

...he starred as Jordan Catalano opposite Claire Danes in the 1994 TV drama "My So-Called Life."

Before Sean Penn won an Oscar in 2004 for his role in "Mystic River"...

...he starred as Jeff Spicoli in the 1982 film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."

Before Nicole Kidman won an Oscar in 2003 for her role in "The Hours"...

...she starred as Shannon Christie in the 1992 movie "Far and Away."

Before Halle Berry won an Oscar in 2002 for her role in "Monster's Ball"...

...she starred as Miss Stone in the 1994 movie "The Flintstones."

Before Jamie Foxx won an Oscar in 2005 for his role in "Ray"...

...he starred as Bunz in the 1997 comedy "Booty Call."

Before she won Oscars in 1999 for her role in "Boys Don't Cry" and in 2005 for her role in "Million Dollar Baby"...

...she starred as Julie Pierce opposite Pat Morita in the 1994 movie "The Next Karate Kid".

Before Reese Witherspoon won an Oscar in 2006 for her role in "Walk The Line"...

...she starred in the teen drama "Cruel Intentions."

Before Heath Ledger won an Oscar in 2009 for his role in "The Dark Knight"...

...he starred as bad boy Patrick Verona, who hooks up with Julia Stiles, in the romantic teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You."

Before Tom Hanks won Oscars in 1994 for his role in "Philadelphia" and in 1995 for his role in "Forest Gump"...

...he starred as Allen Bauer, a man in love with a mermaid played by Darryl Hannah, in the 1984 movie "Splash"

Before Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar in 2007 for her role in "Dreamgirls"...

...she was a contestant on the reality TV singing competition "American Idol."

Before Sandra Bullock won an Oscar in 2010 for her role in "The Blind Side,"...

...she starred in the 1993 film "Demolition Man" with Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes.

Mo'Nique stars as Ma Rainey in the HBO film "Bessie."

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Before Charlize Theron won an Oscar in 2004 for her role in "Monster"...

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