The Academy has long preferred dramatic performances. Sometimes, however, an actor squeezes by with a comedic role. Here's a look at the most notable Oscar Winners who've nabbed a statue for a funny performance.
Jean Dujardin
"The Artist"
Best Actor
2012
Penelope Cruz
"Vicki Cristina Barcelona"
Best Supporting Actress
2009
Alan Arkin
"Little Miss Sunshine"
Best Supporting Actor
2007
Roberto Benigni
"Life is Beautiful"
Best Actor
1999
Cuba Gooding, Jr.
"Jerry Maguire"
Best Supporting Actor
1997
Mira Sorvino
"Mighty Aphrodite"
Best Supporting Actress
1996
Dianne Wiest
"Bullets Over Broadway:
Best Supporting Actor
1995
Marisa Tomei
"My Cousin Vinny"
Best Supporting Actress
1993
Whoopi Goldberg
"Ghost"
Best Supporting Actress"
1991
Kevin Kline
"A Fish Called Wanda"
Best Supporting Actor
1989
Diane Keaton
"Annie Hall"
Best Actress
1978
Richard Dreyfuss
"The Goodbye Girl"
Best Actor
1978
Tatum O'Neal
"Paper Moon"
Best Supporting Actor
1974
Lee Marvin
"Cat Ballou"
Best Actor
1966
James Stewart
"The Philadelphia Story"
Best Actor
1941
Claudette Colbert
"It Happened One Night"
Best Actress
1935
"It Happened One Night"
Best Actor
1935