Ellen Burstyn Pursued EGOT Status in 2026
The 93-year-old actress released a poetry anthology and is seeking a Grammy nomination to complete her collection of top honors.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Awards
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In 2026, 93-year-old actress Ellen Burstyn released the anthology Poetry Says It Better: Poems to Help You Wake Up. She is currently seeking a Grammy Award nomination for the audiobook version of the collection.
Why it matters
Burstyn compiled the book because she believes poetry provides essential spiritual support, and she is pursuing a Grammy after her granddaughter noted that a win would secure her EGOT status.
Ellen Burstyn is 93 years old and previously won an Oscar, a Tony, and two Emmy awards. She discovered the poem Invictus at age 16 and continues to carry a pack of flashcards containing poems for reference.
The players
Ellen Burstyn
She is an acclaimed actress who has enjoyed a career spanning seven decades and is a rare contender for EGOT status.
John Gielgud
He is a legendary actor who famously achieved EGOT status at age 87.
The details
Burstyn recorded an audiobook to accompany her poetry collection, which she describes as spiritual food that has helped her through life. In addition to her literary work, she stars in the short film Flesh Impact.
Timeline
In 1974, the film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore was released.
Earlier in 2026, the anthology Poetry Says It Better was released.
Last month, Burstyn received a lifetime achievement award at the Venice Film Festival.
In December 2026, Burstyn will turn 94 years old.
Culture Shift
Burstyn’s late-career pivot into literature and audiobooks mirrors a broader trend of aging icons expanding their influence beyond traditional acting roles. This effort positions her to join the rarefied circle of EGOT winners, a benchmark for prestige that has defined entertainment excellence for generations.
Readers interested in poetry or audiobooks can access Burstyn's latest work, which includes her own voice recording. Her journey serves as a practical reminder that career milestones and creative projects remain achievable at any age.
The takeaway
Burstyn proves that personal growth and professional goal-setting remain vital components of life well into one's nineties. Readers can find inspiration in her dedication to documenting the poetry that has provided her with spiritual sustenance over many decades.
What happens next
Burstyn plans to celebrate her 94th birthday in December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Awards landscape.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Star.
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