10 Cinematic Beards That Deserve Oscars

Pop some corn and marvel at this collection of famous facial hair.

When this year’s Academy Awards ceremony takes place in Los Angeles on April 25, all gazes will be fixed on the glitzy gowns, the haute hairstyles, the crusty-eyed glares from losers and the teary-eyed acceptance speeches from winners. If you’re a fuzzy-faced cinephile, however, it’s not just the shiny sequins and the golden statuettes that you should be watching on Oscar Sunday. Also, it’s the top-notch celebrity scruff.

After all: Nobody does beards quite like Hollywood. From whimsical whiskers and designer stubble to stylish sideburns and million-dollar mustaches, actors wear their facial hair like it’s the role of a lifetime. And if you want to give off the same VIP vibes as a movie star, you should do the same.

In fact, celebrity beards are so impressive that we think they deserve their own Oscar category. Although it’s impossible to choose just one winner, here are 10 contenders whose facial hair definitely deserves a nomination:

1. Jon Hamm

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Although his breakout role was the clean-cut, clean-shaven Don Draper on AMC’s “Mad Men,” Jon Hamm has proven that he can be just as rugged as he is dapper when he grows out his masterful beard, which is as thick as it is dark.

2. John Krasinski

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John Krasinski made a name for himself playing baby-faced Jim Halpert on NBC’s “The Office.” When he began growing a full beard, however, Krasinksi stopped looking like the young paper salesman he played on TV and started looking like the leading man he was born to be in real life.

3. Jason Momoa

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Whether he’s speaking Dothraki as Khal Drogo on HBO’s “Game of Thrones” or swimming with dolphins in DC Films’ “Aquaman,” Jason Momoa steals every scene he’s in thanks to the long, full beard that has become his signature look.

4. Jake Gyllenhaal

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Jake Gyllenhaal isn’t always bearded. But when he is, he wears it well. Especially when it’s paired with a slicked back ’do — which it often is — his beard manages to be modern yet totally timeless, and somehow wild yet perfectly groomed.

5. Nick Offerman

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Although he’s an actor by trade, Nick Offerman is a lumberjack, a carpenter and an outdoorsman at heart. And he’s got the facial hair to prove it. What started as the mustache to end all mustaches when he played Ron Swanson on NBC’s “Parks and Rec” is now one of Hollywood’s most magnificent beards — craggy gray chin hairs and all.

6. Donald Glover

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Donald Glover — a.k.a. Childish Gambino — is smooth like silk and funky like the freshest beat. That’s thanks mostly to his catchy music, his impeccable style and his on-screen performances in films like “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” But also, it’s thanks to his buzz-worthy beard, which made headlines in 2019 when he bleached it. Blonde or black, it’s the kind of beard every guy wishes he could grow.

7. Kit Harington

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As Jon Snow in HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” Kit Harington ruled the North with his luscious, curly locks. What really made him look like royalty, however, was his unique facial hair, which comprises a sharp, downward-pointing mustache and a perfectly round chin-strap beard.

8. Idris Elba

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The best actors are versatile enough to shine in many different roles. When it comes to English actor Idris Elba, however, it’s not just his performances that are versatile. It’s also his salt-and-pepper beard. Sometimes it’s fuller and bushier. Other times it’s short, sharp and streamlined. No matter its shape or length, however, it’s always on point.

9. David Letterman

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Shortly after he retired from “The Late Show” in 2014, talk show host David Letterman let his retirement flag fly by growing a long, Santa-style beard. Years later, the only thing Dave’s leaving under your Christmas tree are belly laughs and beard-envy.

10. Tom Selleck

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Tom Selleck is 76 years old, but he’s still got his signature stache, which will always be one of the most iconic pieces of facial hair in the history of Hollywood.