The Academy Awards, otherwise known as the Oscars, have traditionally been viewed as one of the most prestigious awards an actor can receive. Countless actors have received recognition from the Academy, and yet some, despite all expectations and their talent, are still waiting for their awards. This became a long-running joke among actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, who was notoriously snubbed of the award for years until his performance in The Revenant finally earned him his first Oscar in 2016.
Though many well-known actors receive recognition at other ceremonies, it is still perplexing to see those who haven't received an Academy Award. This is a list of brilliant, well-deserved actors who have come close or deserved to win in years past.
Updated June 2023: To keep this article fresh and relevant by adding more information and entries, this article has been updated by Rachel Johnson.
16 Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper has definitely acquired Oscar buzz throughout his career but unfortunately has yet to take one home. He has been nominated for eight Oscars, many stemming from his directorial debut feature with Lady Gaga, A Star is Born in 2019. Making his feature film debut in the 2001 comedy, Wet Hot American Summer,Cooper has been on the scene for two decades. He was nominated for Best Actor for his roles in Silver Linings Playbook and A Star is Born. He also received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in American Hustle in 2014.
15 Toni Collette
Toni Collette is truly an acting chameleon who brilliantly transforms herself in every character she takes on, having starred in a slew of acclaimed and diverse hits including Little Miss Sunshine, Muriel's Wedding, Hereditary, and Knives Out (among countless others). In 2000, Collette was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Sixth Sense,and she has also won a Golden Globe Award for her work in the dramedy series United States of Tara. The actress is constantly earning rave reviews for her dynamic performances and is a master at keeping her fans on their toes when it comes to her film projects.
14 Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek's “breakout role” was Carolina in 1995’s Desperado. After bouncing around in several films, Hayek was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Frida Kahlo in Frida. The film saw success from other ceremonies and received Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Makeup. Being considered one of Hayek’s most notable roles and for her beautiful portrayal of Kahlo, this Oscar feels snubbed. Still active on the screen, most recently appearing in House of Gucci, we hope to see Hayek earn her first Oscar soon.
13 Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal has been dazzling moviegoers with his character-driven performances and riveting on-screen presence since he made his cinematic debut in 1991's City Slickers. Brought up in a show business family including actress sister Maggie, screenwriter mother Naomi Foner, and director father Stephen Gyllenhaal, the decorated actor was destined to do great things on the big screen.
He received an Oscar nomination for his breakthrough role in Brokeback Mountain, and has dominated Hollywood since then with memorable parts in films like Donnie Darko, Zodiac, Nightcrawler, and Nocturnal Animals. It is shocking that the gifted actor hasn't taken home the coveted statue yet, but judging by his impressive career so far it's only a matter of time.
12 Naomie Harris
Having acted in over twenty feature films in under fifteen years, Naomie Harris made a name for herself after winning a Black Reel Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance for her role as Selena in 28 Days Later. Harris eventually was nominated for her first Academy Award for her role as Paula in 2016’s Moonlight. Her nomination was for Best Supporting Actress and was certainly worthy of the award. Her crushing performance of a drug-addicted mother whose abusive tendencies damage her relationship with her son still stings in the hearts of audiences. We hope Harris will pull in more nominations again and finally get her award.
11 Johnny Depp
Having starred in numerous iconic films and for his diverse portrayals of zany characters, it is genuinely surprising that Johnny Depp has no Oscar wins on his shelf. Depp made his debut in 1984’s A Nightmare on Elm Street, and has played memorable roles such as Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, and more. Although being Academy nominated for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Finding Neverland,and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Depp has stated he doesn’t ever want to win an Oscar. He is, however, honored by the nominations he has received, saying they are enough.
10 Samuel L. Jackson
One of the highest-grossing actors of all time, Samuel L. Jackson has starred in countless critically acclaimed films. In 2021, it was announced that he would receive an honorary Academy Award. So close to the real thing. Before this, his only Academy recognition was for his role as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction. Despite receiving his honorary Academy Award, we are interested to see if Jackson can still obtain the classic, golden man in the future.
9 Stanley Tucci
Celebrated character actor Stanley Tucci is a two-time Golden Globe winner and five-time Emmy recipient who has been a constant presence on the big screen for nearly forty years. From unforgettable roles in flicks like The Devil Wear Prada, Julie & Julia, Spotlight, and The Hunger Games franchise, Tucci is exceptional with every character he portrays and triumphantly makes them his own.
His commanding performance as serial killer George Harvey in The Lovely Bones was met with widespread critical acclaim, and he earned an Academy Award nod for Best Supporting Actor. Tucci is always serving up nothing but his very best with both his TV and film projects, and absolutely deserves to win the prestigious accolade.
8 Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe received his first Oscar nomination for his role as Sergeant Elias Grodin in Platoon back in 1986. Thirty-six years later, we are still waiting for Dafoe’s first award. Dafoe received a second nomination for Best Supporting Actor as Max Schreck in the 2000 film Shadow of the Vampire. Since then, Dafoe has portrayed various notable characters in films such as At Eternity’s Gate, which he received a Best Actor nomination for, The Florida Project, for which he again received a Best Supporting Actor nomination, as well as for The Lighthouse. There seems to be no stopping Dafoe as he continues to be cast in various films across all genres, so there is hope for him in the near future.
7 James McAvoy
Undeniably one of Hollywood's most exciting and refreshing talents, James McAvoy gives it his all in every part he takes on and never fails to deliver lauded performances. From starring as a young Charles Xavier in the X-Men series, to portraying a man with 23 personalities in Split, and even an aspiring assassin in Wanted, the Scottish actor has repeatedly showcased his impeccable range and has swiftly become a highly-buzzed about cinematic presence. Despite his diverse acting resume, McAvoy has yet to receive an Oscar nomination, but he has earned a BAFTA and Golden Globe nod.
6 Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart's style of acting was harshly criticized after her breakout role as Bella Swan in the Twilight franchise. Her brooding demeanor only needed to be placed in new settings where it could flourish. Since then, her style has shaped and come into itself, as seen in her role as Sabina Wilson in 2019’s Charlie’s Angels. Stewart is one of the most resilient actresses in Hollywood and has had recent Oscar buzz for her portrayal of Princess Diana in Spencer.
Having won multiple awards and receiving well over thirty nominations so far, many are of the opinion that Stewart is destined for her first Oscar nomination this year. Only time will tell if she actually wins the coveted statue at the awards ceremony in March 2022.
5 Glenn Close
An actress that continues to shock viewers through her brilliant performances, Glenn Close had her breakthrough in the 1980s thanks to her first film role in The World According to Garp. The fact that this first-big-screen performance brought her her first Academy Awards nomination is a clear statement of how talented Close is. Following this, Close went on to deliver some phenomenal performances in Fatal Attraction and Albert Nobbs. Her role in The Wife was one emotional delivery that garnered a lot of praise. She is one actress who has received eight Oscar Nominations, but zero wins.
4 Edward Norton
Well known for her role as the unnamed narrator and the protagonist in the cult classic, Fight Club, Edward Norton has already proved that he is able to take over some brutally harsh roles. Norton's illustrious roles have not been easy ones, as certain roles tend to reflect the mental status of the said characters, in turn, urging the actor to dwell deep into the character's personality and mindset.
The fact that Norton has not backed off from such performances and has, in fact, perfectly captured the requirements is evidence to say that he is one of the best in Hollywood. Recently, his performances in The French Dispatch and Glass Onion have illustrated his ability to take over diver roles. For someone who has been taking over huge roles for years, he is yet to receive an Oscar.
3 Ralph Fiennes
For some, he is known as Lord Voldemort, but Ralph Fiennes is one actor who has taken over the big screen as well as the theater stage. When looking at the roles that Fiennes has taken over, it is obvious that he has been successful in portraying some cold-hearted villains. His recent role as Chef Slowik in The Menu is a perfect example of how he is able to reflect on a character's journey, mindset, and evil nature. It is no easy task to portray complex characters such as Chef Slowik, but Fiennes has done it so perfectly that it is impossible to consider any other actor for such roles.
2 Sir Ian McKellen
Yet another actor who is known for his performances on stage and on the big screen, Ian McKellen is one of the most lovable actors in Hollywood. From his performances in the X-Men series, The Lord of The Rings series, and The Hobbit series, McKellen is able to portray both heroes and villains, which goes on to prove his talent. The fact that this actor is yet to win an Oscar is shocking. Nonetheless, it is always a delight to see McKellen take over any role simply because he is able to tap into any notes required by the characters.
1 Amy Adams
Amy Adams might have had a rough journey in becoming a successful actor but her breakthrough roles in Junebug and Enchanted allowed her to showcase her talent, in turn, making her one of the most well-known actresses in Hollywood. Adams has received six Oscar nominations thus far. While this itself shows that she is one that deserves a win, her success in films like American Hustle and Vice further affirms why she deserves a spot on this list.
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