Who is the only actress to have won an Oscar for playing a man?
The only actress to have been awarded an Oscar for portraying a male character is Linda Hunt. She achieved this unique distinction by winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her compelling performance as Billy Kwan in the 1982 film The Year of Living Dangerously.
In the film, Hunt depicted a male Chinese-Australian dwarf photographer, Billy Kwan, who serves as a vital figure providing insight and guidance amidst the political instability of Indonesia in the mid-1960s. Her portrayal was widely lauded by critics for its profound depth, striking intensity, and an astonishing physical and vocal transformation. Hunt, who herself has hypopituitary dwarfism, meticulously researched the character and collaborated closely with director Peter Weir to craft such a convincing and multi-layered performance.
Source: Kompasiana Linda Hunt