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Last week’s Academy Awards were a triumph for vegan and animal rights advocate Mikey Madison, who won Best Actress for her role in Anora. Madison, a committed vegan, has long used her platform to advocate for plant-based living and animal welfare. Her historic win continues a tradition of plant-based actors making waves in Hollywood, proving that compassion and creativity go hand in hand.
While Madison’s victory is fresh in our minds, she joins a growing list of vegan and vegetarian actors who have either won or been nominated for prestigious awards. Here are some other notable stars who have embraced plant-based lifestyles:
Joaquin Phoenix – Best Actor, Joker (2020)
Joaquin Phoenix, one of Hollywood’s most outspoken vegan advocates, took home the Best Actor Oscar in 2020 for his chilling portrayal of Arthur Fleck in Joker. In his moving acceptance speech, he spoke passionately about animal rights and the ethics of dairy farming, reinforcing his long-standing commitment to veganism. He has been plant-based since childhood and has worked with organizations like PETA and Farm Sanctuary to promote animal welfare.
Natalie Portman – Best Actress, Black Swan (2011)
Natalie Portman, who won the Best Actress Oscar in 2011 for Black Swan, has been a dedicated vegetarian since childhood and transitioned to veganism in the early 2000s. She has been a vocal advocate for plant-based eating, even producing the documentary Eating Animals, which explores the impact of factory farming.
Woody Harrelson – Nominated for Three Academy Awards
Though he has yet to take home an Oscar, Woody Harrelson has been a major advocate for plant-based living for decades. The actor, known for his roles in The People vs. Larry Flynt, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Hunger Games, follows a raw vegan diet and has inspired many co-stars to adopt healthier eating habits. He has spoken extensively about the benefits of plant-based living on both personal health and the environment.
Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – Wicked Stars and Vegan Advocates
Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, stars of the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, follow plant-based diets. Erivo, a Tony and Grammy-winning performer, has spoken about her love for plant-based meals and their positive effects on her energy and performance. Ariana Grande, a long-time vegan, has used her influence to advocate for animal rights and plant-based eating, inspiring millions of fans to consider more ethical food choices.
Jessica Chastain – Golden Globe Winner and Vegan Advocate
Jessica Chastain, who won a Golden Globe for Zero Dark Thirty and an Oscar for The Eyes of Tammy Faye, has been vegan for over a decade. She credits plant-based eating with improving her health and energy levels and has frequently highlighted the ethical reasons behind her decision.
The Future of Veganism in Hollywood
As more celebrities embrace plant-based lifestyles, Hollywood continues to reflect changing attitudes toward food, sustainability, and ethics. Mikey Madison’s Oscar win is another milestone in a growing movement that champions health, compassion, and environmental consciousness.
With influential stars like Phoenix, Portman, and Harrelson leading the charge, and newer voices like Madison, Erivo, and Grande making waves, the future looks bright for plant-based advocacy in the entertainment industry. Their successes prove that talent and compassion can go hand in hand—and that choosing a vegan lifestyle can fuel not only personal well-being but also global change.
