this is a list of winners of the academy award for performance by an actor in a leading role, presented annually by the academy of motion picture arts and sciences (ampas) to an actor who has delivered an outstanding performance while working within the film industry. more popularly known as the academy award (or the oscar) for best actor, this award was initially presented at the 1st academy awards ceremony for 1927–1928 and was most recently presented at the 91st academy awards ceremony for 2018. throughout the past 91 years, accounting for ties and repeat winners, ampas has presented a total of 92 best actor awards to 81 actors. this list is current as of the 91st academy awards ceremony held on february 24, 2019.