Among the many actors who've been honored with Academy Awards over the years, there are some veterans who've served with distinction while in uniform.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.And the Oscar goes to.Sunday night's 92nd Academy Awards had most military-connected folks rooting for Adam Driver to win best actor.Driver, who was nominated for his role in the Netflix film, "Marriage Story," served in the Marines as a mortarman. He was previously nominated for his role in Spike Lee's "BlacKkKlansman."Unfortunately, Driver didn't take home the statue (Joaquin Phoenix did for his portrayal of Joker), but we looked to see what other veterans had won an Oscar for best actor.Turns out, there were quite a few. These 20 veterans have all won entertainment's most prestigious acting award:SEE ALSO:7 helpful habits you lose as soon as you leave the military1. James StewartUnlike some in Hollywood that hid behind their status, Stewart signed up right away and joined the Army when the US entered WWII.Serving all the way to 1968, Stewart's military exploits are an article in and of itself.Stewart was nominated five times, winning once for "The Philadelphia Story." He also received a well-deserved Honorary Oscar in 1985.2. Jason RobardsRobards served in the Navy and saw a lot of action in his time. He was out at sea when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, where he was stationed.His ship was later sunk in the South Pacific, with Robards treading water for hours until he was rescued. The second ship he served on suffered a kamikaze attack off the coast of the Philippines.Robards decided to become an actor while serving and had an illustrious career.He won two Oscars; one for "All the President's Men" and "Julia."3. Lee MarvinMarvin was a badass on screen with his steely-eyed demeanor, a trait no doubt perfected during his time in the Marines during WWII.He fought in the Battle of Saipan, earning a Purple Heart when he was hit by machine-gun fire and then by a sniper.Marvin later won the Oscar for his role in "Cat Ballou."4. Clark GableProbably the most famous leading man of them all, Gable served in the Army Air Forces during WWII, seeing combat in the skies over Europe.He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. Legend has it that Hitler was a fan of Gable and offered a reward for him to be captured alive.Gable earned an Oscar for this role in "It Happened One Night" and surprisingly not for "Gone with the Wind."5. George C. ScottAnother post-WWII Marine, Scott was stationed at 8th and I in Washington, DC, where he served as an honor guard at services held at Arlington National Cemetery.Nominated several times, Scott famously told the Academy that he would refuse the award if he won for Patton on philosophical grounds. The role was so iconic, he won anyway.6. James Earl JonesBefore his voice terrified moviegoers as Darth Vader, James Earl Jones served in the ROTC at the University of Michigan. He then went to become a first lieutenant in the Army.He received an honorary Oscar in 2011 for his many iconic roles. His filmography is lengthy and includes "The Hunt for Red October," "Patriot Games," "Sandlot," "Lion King," "Clear and Present Danger," and many more.7. Mel BrooksHe's made us laugh in "Blazing Saddles," "Spaceballs," and "Young Frankenstein."Before his life of comedy, Brooks had a more serious role defusing landmines in Germany during World War II.Brooks won an Academy Award for his screenplay of "The Producers."8. Clint EastwoodA badass of the silver screen, Eastwood served stateside during the Korean War.Eastwood is an Oscar legend, winning four times against 11 nominations. He won two Best Director awards and two Best Picture awards for "Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby."He was also nominated for two amazing military movies, "Letters from Iwo Jima" and "American Sniper."9. Robert DuvallBefore he "loved the smell of napalm in the morning," Duvall served stateside during the Korean War.After his stint in the Army, he went on to achieve greatness in acting with seven Oscar nominations (including for "Apocalypse Now" and "The Great Santini"), winning for "Tender Mercies."10. Ernest BorgnineKnown for many military roles, including "McHale's Navy" and "The Dirty Dozen," Borgnine served in the US Navy in 1941 and was discharged, only to rush back into service when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.He won an Academy Award for his role in "Marty" in 1955.11. Paul NewmanArguably one of the best-looking actors of all time, Newman served in the Navy during World War II.He tried to become a pilot, but color blindness prevented him from doing so. He instead served as a radioman and turret gunner.Newman also is an Oscar legend with a nomination in five different decades. He won an Honorary Oscar in 1985 and had a Best Actor win the next year for "The Color of Money."12. Kirk DouglasBefore he portrayed the gladiator turned freedom fighter Spartacus, Douglas served in the Navy during WWII from 1941 to 1944.He would later be awarded an Honorary Oscar in 1996 after earning three nominations during his illustrious career.13. Henry FondaFonda left acting and enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served in the Pacific, earning a Bronze Star.When he returned to acting, he would have a legendary career with two nominations, including a win for "On Golden Pond."14. Charlton HestonHeston served in the Army Air Forces during WWII as an aerial gunner. He was stationed in Alaska, which was under threat from the Japanese.Heston had a legendary career with epic roles in "The Ten Commandments," "Planet of the Apes," and "El Cid," and won an Oscar for his role in "Ben-Hur."15. Morgan FreemanWhile it is easy to imagine Freeman serving as a radio operator, he actually served in the Air Force as a radar repairman.While earning several nominations, he won for his role in "Million Dollar Baby."16. Sidney PoitierBefore his iconic "They call me Mr. Tibbs!" line, Poitier served in the US Army, lying about his age in order to serve.He won the Oscar for his role in "Lilies of the Field."17. Wes StudiKnown for many roles, his most famous being the Huron warrior Magua, who cut out the heart of his vanquished foe. Studi enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard and served in Vietnam.He was awarded an Honorary Oscar, the first Native American to be so honored.18. Gene HackmanHackman lied about his age and enlisted in the Marines as a radio operator in 1946, rising to the rank of corporal.Nominated five times in his illustrious career, he won twice for "the French Connection" and "Unforgiven."19. Jack LemmonLemmon had an amazing and long career showing off his chops in movies like "Glengarry Glen Ross." Before that, Lemmon served in WWII as a naval aviator toward the end of the war.He later won two Oscars for his roles in "Mister Roberts" and "Save the Tiger."20. Jack PalancePalance was known for his rugged looks, which studio execs claim he got from surgery to repair injuries he suffered when jumping out of a burning bomber while training during WWII.He was nominated three times and won for "City Slickers," which he celebrated by doing one-armed pushups on stage.
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