In the world of entertainment, winning an Oscar, a Grammy, an Emmy, or a Tony is a monumental achievement. But only a select few have won all four, earning the prestigious title of EGOT. Even rarer are those who have gone beyond EGOT status, securing additional honors like the Pulitzer Prize or even the dreaded Razzie Award. But what do these combinations of letters actually mean, and why do legends like Audrey Hepburn and Chadwick Boseman stand out in this elite group?
What Is an EGOT?
An EGOT is a performer, director, composer, or producer who has won all four major American entertainment awards:
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Emmy (Television)
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Grammy (Music)
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Oscar (Film)
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Tony (Theater)
Since its first mention by actor Philip Michael Thomas in the 1980s, EGOT status has been regarded as a career-defining achievement. Only 19 people have officially earned this honor, including Whoopi Goldberg, Viola Davis, Elton John, Jennifer Hudson, and Rita Moreno.
The Rarest Honors: PEGOT, REGOT, and More
Some entertainers go beyond EGOT by securing additional awards, creating even rarer combinations:
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PEGOT: Includes a Pulitzer Prize, awarded for achievements in journalism, literature, and music. Only two people hold this title — Richard Rodgers and Marvin Hamlisch.
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REGOT: Includes a Razzie Award, given for the worst performances in film. Liza Minnelli is one of the only EGOT winners to also receive a Razzie.
Other variations include GOT (Grammy, Oscar, Tony), EOT (Emmy, Oscar, Tony), and EGT (Emmy, Grammy, Tony) — all impressive, though missing one component of the full EGOT.
Audrey Hepburn and Chadwick Boseman’s Unique Place in EGOT History
While both Audrey Hepburn and Chadwick Boseman posthumously achieved EGOT status, their journeys were unique:
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Audrey Hepburn won her final EGOT award, a Grammy, after her passing in 1993, for her children's album Audrey Hepburn’s Enchanted Tales.
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Chadwick Boseman received a posthumous Emmy Award in 2022 for his voice work in What If...?, completing his unofficial EGOT status alongside his Oscar, Grammy, and Tony wins.
With talented artists inching closer to EGOT status, the entertainment world eagerly watches for the next addition to this prestigious club. Whether by winning traditional awards or achieving unique distinctions like PEGOT, only a handful will ever join the ranks of Hollywood’s most elite.
