The Oscar Snubbed: A Look at Hollywood’s Unforgettable Performances Ignored by the Academy

Some people can experience this for years on end, or even over a career of decades. Hollywood may never give them credit, but we will. Look at some of the best actors and directors who have yet to win an Oscar!

Mia Farrow:

This one seems a bit suspicious. Did you know the Hollywood Foreign Press Association nominated Mia Farrow nine times in total? The Academy, however, is not having it.

Farrow’s golden statue is still elusive, despite a string of Woody Allen hits as well as a stunning performance in “Rosemary’s Baby”.

Jake Gyllenhall:

Jake Gyllenhall was snubbed twice. It must be painful to come so close and then have it all vanish in a ‘Swift” moment.

George Clooney won the award for “Syriana” after his nomination for “Brokeback Mount”. The same thing happened for “Night Crawler.”

Michelle Williams:

Michelle Williams’s sunken eyes, and her often tender performances, have been overlooked by the Academy. Even with films like “Blue Valentine”, “My Week With Marilyn”, “Brokeback Mount”, and “Manchester by the Sea”, this may be a surprise. She won a Golden Globe for “Fosse/Verdon” and a SAG.

John Malkovich:

John Malkovich, who currently has no Oscars on his shelf, can be comforted by the fact that he’s won many other awards such as a SAG award and an Emmy.

He has been nominated for his roles in both “Places in the Heart”, and “In the Line of Fire”. We’re actually surprised that he has only two.

Michael Keaton:

He has had a successful and long career. Twice. Keaton had a big hit in the 1980s. He then took a long hiatus and returned to Hollywood as a nominated actress for his role in Birdman.

Unfortunately, he did not win. Eddie Redmayne won. Maybe he will disappear a second, return, and end up actually winning an Oscar. There have been worse things! Keaton is a worthy winner, no matter what the circumstances!

Johnny Depp:

Johnny Depp has had a career that is a mixture of strange, offbeat and high stakes action. The actor’s successful films have put him on good terms with the Academy. With films like “Pirates of the Caribbean : The Curse of the Black Pearl,” Finding Neverland,” or “Sweeney Todd”, he has been a strong Oscar contender.

Depp’s gold-rush was short-lived and he lost in the end. Recent events have thrown his career into turmoil, making it unlikely he will win the gold in the near term.

Thelma Ritter:

Thelma was a film icon of the Golden Age who embodied a tough working-class woman. Ritter’s performances were praised and she received six nominations, but no Oscar.

She won a Tony Award for Best Actress in the Musical “New Girl in Town.” McCarthy’s brilliant performance and careful acting won the hearts of audiences.

Amy Adams:

Amy Adams is a travesty. She should have won dozens of Oscars. But, alas, her six nominations represent the closest thing she has ever come.

Adams has consistently delivered a stellar performance in movies like “Doubt”, “The Fighter”, “Sunshine Cleaning,” and HBO’s “Sharp Objects.” She is also praised for her work on “Sharp Objects,” but sadly, no Oscars are in the cards.

Jeff Daniels:

We’re not here to knock the other awards. Jeff Daniels is a Golden Globe winner and has four nominations. He has also received an Emmy award and praise for his performance, particularly in “The Newsroom.”

Daniels is yet to win the Oscars. One day, he might surprise us. Who are we to judge?

Spike Lee:

The Academy’s decision to ignore Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” was a cause for great outrage. The streak of no-nominations continued for a long time, but his screenplay, “BlacKkKlansman”, did win an Oscar.

Lee is still not recognized for his best skill, which is directing. The director may one day be rewarded for his work with the changes taking place in Hollywood.

Richard Burton:

Richard Burton is now a legend but in his time he was overlooked. The Shakespearean actor was not always taken seriously because of his epics such as “Cleopatra”, “The Robe”, and other periodic films. But he was Oscar-worthy.

He should have won the gold at least for “Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf”, but he lost out. It looks like his six nominations didn’t get him there. But remember, he will!

Alfred Hitchcock:

Fans may find it ‘terrifying’ to learn that Alfred Hitchock, the father of suspense, never won an Oscar for his films. His films are now considered classics but they were not given the same recognition as other Oscar-winning directors at the time.

He did not go unnoticed, however. He was nominated five times as Best Director for “Rebecca”, “Lifeboat”, “Spellbound”, “Rear Window”, and “Psycho”, all of which were released in 1940.

Gene Wilder:

Gene Wilder is a comedy mastermind who created masterpieces such as “Young Frankenstein”, “The Producers” and many others. He was a brilliant author who shaped the genre. The man was a major player in American cinema, but he only received two Oscar nominations.

The late actor and comedian does not require a statue to prove his worth.

Kevin Bacon:

He has been in more than 70 films! One of these performances must be Oscar-worthy! “JFK?” “Apollo 13?” Not even “Mystic river!” Kevin Bacon is a worthy Oscar nominee, at least according to us.

He has won a lot of other awards, including the MTV Villain Award, the Critic’s choice, the Independent Spirit Award and the Golden Globe.

Brigitte Bardot:

Brigitte bardot had more than enough potential for her bombshell looks, but not for her acting. The actress and singer appeared in numerous films and musicals, but was never nominated for an Academy Award.

She created an aesthetic that is envied all over the world, and made 60s French Chic one of the most cool aesthetics ever.

Winona Ryder:

Nineties It Girl, Winona grew from a child actress o a serious actor with films such as “Girl, Interrupted”, “The Age of Innocence”, and “Little Women”.

Winona, despite being nominated twice in a row for “Little Women” and “The Age of Innocence”, has not been able to win.

Samuel L. Jackson:

Is it possible that Samuel L. Jackson, who has appeared in more than 125 films, never won the golden figurine? He has actually only received one nomination, and it was for his role in the 1995 film “Pulp action.”

This is a very disappointing fact. While the actor does not necessarily fit into the “Oscar bait” box, he gives brilliant performances every single time.

Ed Harris:

Ed Harris’s performances in “Apollo 13”, “The Truman Show”, “Pollack” and “The Hours” have been recognized by the Academy four times.

Even though there were many performances worthy of an Oscar, none won the prize. This Hollywood legend will have to wait, if waiting is something he enjoys.

Alan Rickman:

Alan Rickman was one of the best actors in Hollywood. Although he is English, he made a name for himself as a memorable villain.

He left us far too early and was never nominated for an Oscar. However, his talents will live on forever.

Naomi Watts:

The actress was on the verge of a big win after receiving two Oscar nominations, first for “21 Grams”, (2004) and then for “The Impossible”, (2015).

We’re not happy that this name hasn’t been mentioned in recent Oscar buzz.

Jamie Lee Curtis:

Jamie Lee Curtis has won Golden Globes but has never been nominated for an Oscar. She’s been in the business since she was just 20 years old.

We still enjoy her other performances. Whether she is a horror hero in the “Halloween’ franchise or a stuffy mother in “Freaky Thursday.”

Salma Hayek:

Hayek, who has captivated audiences for decades with “Frida”, has yet to win an Oscar.

The incredible actresses from “The Hours” were probably the main reason for the ultimate loss.

Cary Grant:

Cary Grant was Hollywood’s leading actor between the 1930s and 1960s. He starred in many big-hitting films. The role of the leading man is not always easy. The Academy often ignored the actor’s skills because he was too popular to take seriously. This is despite his near-perfect performances in both “The Philadelphia Story”, and “North By Northwest”.

In 1970, he was awarded an honorary Oscar for his contribution to cinema. We think this was a great decision. Cary Grant is a name that cannot be forgotten when we look back on the history of cinema.

Paul Thomas Anderson:

Another Oscar-winning Director without an Oscar to his name. When will the Academy finally learn? Paul Thomas Anderson is the man behind “Boogie Nights”, as well as “There Will Blood”, which won Daniel Day-Lewis the Oscar for his performance, but not the director.

The man is a true talent, and we’re certain that he will win an Oscar at some point in the future!

Annette Bening:

Annette Bening began her career in the theater during the 1980s. She then went on to give us beautiful performances in many films. She hasn’t been nominated for an Oscar.

The actress has been nominated in “The Grifters”, “American Beauty”, “Being Julia” and “The Kids Are Alright”. She has wowed us with each of these performances. We hope the next nomination will lead to a win.

Christopher Nolan:

Only in the last few years have comic book movies received so much critical acclaim. Heath Ledger, Joaquin Phoenix and others won Oscars. It seems that directors don’t get enough attention.

Christopher Nolan has done much more than just make movies. Every movie that he has made is Oscar bait. The man is always empty handed. Still nothing for “Memento”, “Inception” or “Dunkirk”.

Deborah Kerr:

Deborah Kerr was another great actress with a long and illustrious career, but without any Oscars. She appeared in many of the most famous movies in cinema history. Her performances were notable in films like “The King and I”, “From Here to Eternity”, “The Innocents”, and more.

Kerr was nominated six times by the Academy, but she only received an honorary Oscar from them in 1994. This was an attempt to correct a long-standing wrong. It’s not exactly the same but it’s something!

Meg Ryan:

Meg Ryan delivered a performance that was Oscar-worthy. She didn’t get nominated for her role in “When Harry Met Sally.” Her famous diner scene deserves one alone.

Meg Ryan is one of the most popular actresses from the 1990s, but she has never been nominated for an Academy Award.

Richard Gere:

Richard Gere, a veteran actor who has been nominated for four Golden Globes and won one of them, has also not had much luck with the Oscars.

Gere will have to do something special to get into the Oscar ranks. It looks like that ship may already be sailing.

Liam Neeson:

In 1994, Liam Neeson was the star of “Schindler’s List”, playing the title role. The role that defined his career was sure to win him an Oscar. Not to mention, the film was a masterpiece. Unfortunately, Neeson did not receive that Oscar. This caused a lot of upset amongst viewers and critics.

Perhaps the actor isn’t going to win an Oscar after all. He has starred in numerous films and made a lot of money with big action hits such as the Taken series. It’s possible that the actor is less concerned about it these days.

James McAvoy:

James McAvoy is associated with some critically acclaimed movies. “Atonement”, a 2007 film, was nominated in seven categories. One of those awards was Best Picture.

McAvoy was not able to thank his co-stars and producers on that stage.

Ralph Fiendes:

Ralph Fiennes’ Oscar nomination for “Schindler’s List” was a great Hollywood injustice. Tommy Lee Jones, however, beat him with “The Fugitive,” a movie starring Tommy Lee Jones.

Fiennes doesn’t hold an Oscar but he does have BAFTA which some consider more prestigious. He also has a Tony and many European film festival awards.

Kim Novak:

Kim Novak deserved to win an Oscar for her role as “Vertigo”, but she didn’t.

She won a Golden Globe in 1955 for “Most promising newcomer”.

Zac Efron:

Zac Efron is the ultimate high-school sweetheart. It may surprise some that he has never won an Oscar. Zac Efron, now an adult idol, was a star in the movie “HighSchool Musical”. Since then his name has been associated with many great films such as “NCIS”, “A Family Affair” and other hits.

Zac Efrons played one of his most memorable roles in “Dirty Grandpa,” a film that tells of the touching and controversial relationship between the grandchild and grandpa. He co-starred with Robert Diniro but still did not win the award.

Bill Murray:

The sad truth is that comedians are rarely able to make it into Oscar Land. Their talents, instead, are reserved for hosting or hostessing all the dramatic thespians.

Some comedians are deserving of the gold! Bill Murray is the perfect example. Bill Murray was nominated for “Lost in Translation”, but that is all. His vast body of work is worthy of an Oscar.

Harrison Ford:

There are probably many Harrison Ford supporters (ladies, this is for you) who dislike this. The actor has had some iconic roles in his career, but his performances as Indiana Jones or Han Solo did not speak to the Academy.

In 1986, he came close to winning the Oscar for “Witness”, but lost out in the end to William Hurt.

Angela Basset:

Angela Basset’s roles are Oscar-worthy. We could easily name three roles (excluding her Oscar-nominated role in “What’s Love got to do with It”).

Angela Basset is known for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the film “Malcolm X”, but she also gave great performances in Sunshine State, “Akeela & the Bee” and other films.

Kirk Douglas:

Kirk Douglas, who is considered one of the best American actors ever, has received only three nominations for his work and no awards.

Douglas’s stellar performances in “Champion and Lust for Life,” Paths of Glory, Spartacus, and many others have earned him high praise but no Oscar. Douglas did receive the Academy’s lifetime achievement award as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Patrick Stewart:

Patrick Stewart is yet another fine actor that has not received his due. He’s not been nominated even for an Academy Award.

However, he was nominated for the Tony Award for his performance as Macbeth in the Broadway revival. Professor X is a great actor, but he hasn’t yet won an Oscar.

Marilyn Monroe:

Marylin Monroe is another Hollywood icon who was not fully appreciated in her day. Marylin Monroe is now praised for having perfect comedic timing and fine acting. She also loves literature. But showbiz didn’t give her the credit she deserved.

The Academy might be able to redeem itself by giving her a posthumous award, but we haven’t seen that yet.

Charlie Chaplin:

Charlie Chaplin captured the hearts of some of the earliest cinema audiences in history, evolving from moving silent films to legendary talking pictures. There’s no doubt that the man was brilliant. It’s safe to say that he didn’t get enough credit. He was nominated only for “The Great Dictator.”

Hollywood did award him two honorary Oscars, but they were for the music score of the movie. We think Chaplin deserves more.

Donald Sutherlin:

Donald Sutherland has been in the business for about 50 years. He is a legendary and iconic actor. The veteran actor has appeared in many films, including some that were critical successes.

He has won many Golden Globes but, oddly, he’s never received an Oscar nomination in his long career. Baffling, right?

Jessica Chastain:

Jessica Chastain was nominated for two Oscars, for Best Actress for “Zero Dark Thirty”, and for Best Supporting Actress for “The Help.” Jennifer Lawrence won the award for “Silver Linings Playbook” however.

A respectable loss! Maybe an Oscar is in her future for her role in “Scenes From a Marriage”. We’re not talking about Oscar Isaac.

Isabella Russellini:

Her genes have only taken her so far. She is the daughter of Oscar winning actress Ingrid Bergman, and Oscar nominated filmmaker Roberto Roselini.

Isabella Rosellini, despite being a great actress, has never been nominated for an Oscar, or won one. She’s probably more popular in European circles.

Matt Damon:

Matt Damon used to be Hollywood’s golden child. When he was 25 years old he starred with his friend Ben in the movie “Good Will Hunting”, winning an Oscar for screenplay. When it comes to his acting career, Damon’s luck has not been as good.

The A-lister, who has been nominated in three categories — “The Martian,” Invictus,”and “Good Will Hunting” — has not won a single award. The actor, while not an Oscar-winning star, is no underdog.

Scarlett Johansson:

This incredibly talented and highest-paid actress has appeared in an array of successful films, from MCU blockbusters all the way to independent sensations.

The actress is yet to win an Oscar and it was only recently that she managed to get two nominations for “Jojo Rabbit”, and “Marriage Story”, both in the same year. This could be a sign of things getting closer.

Glenn Close:

Glenn Close’s record is for the most nominations without any wins in an acting category. Doesn’t it seem a bit unfair? She is considered one of the best actresses in her generation, and she has been nominated for an Oscar eight times between 1983-2021.

The legendary actress, however, is unfazed by the loss and doesn’t see herself as one. Close said in an interview with AP News that she was not upset about her “Oscar loss”, saying, “You’re there. You’re five people who have been honored by your peers for the work you’ve done.” What could be better than that? Agreed!

David Oyelowo:

The British actor received enough praise to make him feel better about not winning an Oscar for “Selena” (even though it was his fault he didn’t).

Oyelowo is in good shape. He has a Critics’ Choice Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In addition, he’s been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Critics’ Choice Award. Even so, an Oscar wouldn’t hurt.

Robert Redford:

We’re not sure what to do. It’s hard for us to believe that Robert Redford has never won an Oscar as an actor.

He has also won two awards for Best Director, “Ordinary People” and “Quiz Show.” That’s at least what I thought!

Viggo Mortensen:

Viggo Mortensen is nominated in three categories: “Green Book”, “Eastern Promises” and “Captain Fantastic,” yet he hasn’t given that emotional speech at an Academy Award ceremony. The industry has been a bit lenient with Mortensen because he is a little unique.

He doesn’t exactly make for good gossip, as he lives in Madrid and works when he pleases. Hollywood can be hilarious, despite what everyone thinks. We’re certain he isn’t too bothered by the whole thing. After all, he has worked on blockbusters such as “Lord of the Rings”, he shouldn’t be worried about his popularity.