Introduction
Kathy Bates is one of the most respected and talented actresses in Hollywood, with a career that spans decades. She’s won some of the industry’s top honors. From her Academy Award-winning role in Misery to her multiple Emmy Awards, Bates is a legend in the business.
In this post, we’ll look at Kathy Bates awards and honors, including her Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, and more—plus a timeline of her biggest career moments.
Kathy Bates: A Hollywood Legend
Before we get to the awards, let’s talk about how Kathy Bates built her reputation. She’s known for her presence and ability to bring depth to complex characters. She’s shone in dramas, comedies, horror shows, and stage performances. Her recognition in Hollywood is not just for her iconic roles but for her versatility.
Kathy Bates Academy Awards (Oscars)
Kathy Bates made history when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1991 for her terrifying performance as Annie Wilkes in Misery (1990). This is one of the most iconic performances in movie history.
She’s been nominated for three more Oscars:
- Primary Colors (1998) – Best Supporting Actress
- About Schmidt (2002) – Best Supporting Actress
- Richard Jewell (2019) – Best Supporting Actress
Her Oscar win and nominations prove she can do different genres and decades.
Golden Globes
Bates has also won a Golden Globe for Misery (1991) and has been nominated for film and television work, including Primary Colors.
She’s a performer loved by critics and her peers in the Hollywood Foreign Press.
Emmys and TV Work
Kathy Bates has also enjoyed huge success on television, winning two Primetime Emmys. Specifically, her notable wins and nominations include Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Two and a Half Men (2012) and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for American Horror Story: Coven (2014). In addition, she has appeared in popular series such as American Horror Story, Harry’s Law, and The Office. This demonstrates that she can effortlessly excel in both drama and comedy on the small screen.
SAG Awards
Bates has also been recognized by her fellow actors at the SAG Awards. She’s been nominated for individual and ensemble performances for films like About Schmidt.
These are awards from her peers.
Theater Recognition (Tony Awards & Stage Work)
Kathy Bates is mostly known for her film and television work, but she has strong stage roots. She has not yet won a Tony Award, but her early New York stage work laid the groundwork for her Hollywood success.
Other Awards & Lifetime Achievements
Beyond the “big four” awards, Kathy has also received several other prestigious honors. For instance, she has been recognized with Critics’ Choice Awards and Satellite Awards. In addition, she has earned accolades from various film festivals, highlighting her versatility and excellence in diverse roles. Moreover, Kathy has been honored with lifetime achievement awards in recognition of her lasting impact on film and television. Together, these awards underscore the widespread respect she commands across the industry.
| Year | Award | Category | Project/Role | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Academy Award (Oscar) | Best Actress | Misery (Annie Wilkes) | Winner |
| 1991 | Golden Globe Award | Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama | Misery | Winner |
| 1991 | BAFTA Award | Best Actress | Misery | Nominee |
| 1991 | Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award | Outstanding Cast | Fried Green Tomatoes | Nominee |
| 1992 | Golden Globe Award | Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture | Fried Green Tomatoes | Nominee |
| 1997 | Golden Globe Award | Best Supporting Actress – Television Film | The Late Shift | Winner |
| 1997 | Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award | Outstanding Actress in a Television Film | The Late Shift | Winner |
| 1998 | Academy Award (Oscar) | Best Supporting Actress | Primary Colors | Nominee |
| 1998 | Golden Globe Award | Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture | Primary Colors | Nominee |
| 1998 | BAFTA Award | Best Supporting Actress | Primary Colors | Nominee |
| 2002 | Academy Award (Oscar) | Best Supporting Actress | About Schmidt | Nominee |
| 2003 | Golden Globe Award | Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture | About Schmidt | Nominee |
| 2003 | Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award | Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture | About Schmidt | Nominee |
| 2012 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series | Two and a Half Men | Winner |
| 2014 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series | American Horror Story: Coven | Winner |
| 2015 | Golden Globe Award | Best Supporting Actress – Television Series | American Horror Story: Freak Show | Nominee |
| 2019 | Academy Award (Oscar) | Best Supporting Actress | Richard Jewell | Nominee |
| 2020 | Golden Globe Award | Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture | Richard Jewell | Nominee |
| 2025 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series | Matlock | Nominee |
Kathy Bates’ Hollywood Legacy
Kathy’s awards are just the tip of the iceberg. She’s an actress who raises every project she’s in. Her influence goes beyond awards – she’s inspired generations of actors through her authenticity, strength, and fearlessness in her work.
Her legacy is clear: Kathy Bates is a Hollywood legend.
Kathy Bates Awards FAQs
Q1: How many awards has Kathy Bates won?
Kathy Bates has won dozens of awards, including one Oscar, two Emmys, two Golden Globes, and many more nominations across all major awards.
Q2: In what role did Kathy Bates win her Oscar?
She won the Oscar for Best Actress in 1991 for Misery.
Q3: Has Kathy Bates won an Emmy?
Yes, Kathy Bates has won two Emmys for Two and a Half Men (2012) and American Horror Story: Coven (2014).
Q4: Has Kathy Bates won a Tony?
Although she has a strong background in theater, Kathy Bates has not won a Tony.
Bottom Line
From her Oscar-winning performance in Misery to her Emmy-winning TV roles, Kathy Bates has had one of the most impressive careers in Hollywood. Her awards and nominations show her incredible talent and impact across all media. Whether on stage, screen, or TV, Kathy Bates is a force to be reckoned with and a true legend.
