Grayson West
Great careers are built on more than trophies, and these stars prove it with roles that keep audiences talking decades later. We’ve compiled a list of 20 such actors that have been snubbed by the Academy. Keep reading to check out some of their best works and maybe add them to your watchlist for later.
Helena Bonham Carter
Helena Bonham Carter has a knack for making eccentricity glamorous. Her Oscar nominations for “The Wings of the Dove” and “The King’s Speech” proved range, while “The Crown” let her step into Princess Margaret’s heels—a fitting role for someone with British nobility in her bloodline.
Sigourney Weaver
Despite three Oscar nominations for “Aliens,” “Gorillas in the Mist,” and “Working Girl,” Sigourney Weaver never claimed the prize. She pioneered strong female leads in sci-fi and proved her versatility across genres. Her influence on Hollywood is undeniable, making her winless streak particularly disappointing for film fans.
Jim Carrey
He’s long been one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood, making the leap from slapstick funnyman to emotionally layered roles. Not every Oscar snub feels unfair; however, with Jim Carrey, it stings a little, especially after performances like “The Truman Show” and “Eternal Sunshine.”
Ralph Fiennes
Audiences still remember the chilling performance in “Schindler’s List,” a role that brought Ralph Fiennes his first nomination. A second came with “The English Patient.” Both were strong contenders that missed an Oscar, leaving one of cinema’s most commanding talents unrewarded.
Glenn Close
With eight Oscar nods and no win, Glenn Close remains one of Hollywood’s most decorated but overlooked performers. Her gut-punch performance in “The Wife” alone deserved it—yet Olivia Colman swooped in. Still, audiences remember her for roles that carry striking emotional depth.
Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe has collected four Oscar nods by choosing roles that have kept audiences guessing and earned him a reputation for bold and unpredictable work. He’s even leapt off buildings in “Spider-Man” and built theater history with the Wooster Group. Despite the recognition, the Academy has never awarded him the top prize.
Edward Norton
Edward Norton has been Oscar-nominated three times but never won, which seems unfair. His chilling performance as a reformed neo-Nazi in “American History X” and his dual role in “Fight Club” alone deserved recognition. From “Primal Fear” to “Birdman,” Norton’s intense method acting makes his Oscar snub one of Hollywood’s biggest oversights.
Michelle Williams
Long before critics took notice, Michelle Williams was stealing scenes on “Dawson’s Creek.” Five Oscar nominations later, she’s still chasing that first win. Roles in “Blue Valentine” and “My Week with Marilyn,” plus live vocals in “The Greatest Showman,” show her fearless commitment to craft.
John Malkovich
With Oscar nominations for “Places in the Heart” and “In the Line of Fire,” John Malkovich has impressed audiences with his magnetic presence and cerebral intensity. Roles in “Being John Malkovich” and “Burn After Reading” highlight his range, yet the Academy has never awarded him.
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson’s career is filled with iconic roles, yet “Pulp Fiction” remains his sole Oscar-nominated performance. From Frozone to Nick Fury, he has amazed generations of viewers, all while the Academy continually denied him the recognition many believe he truly earned.
Andy Serkis
By mastering motion‑capture roles, Andy Serkis changed the way audiences think about acting, but not the Academy. Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” and Caesar in “Planet of the Apes” stand among his achievements. Founding Imaginarium Studios and directing “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” are just a part of his ongoing push for innovation.
Donald Sutherland
Despite a career stacked with standout roles like “Klute” and “Don’t Look Now,” Oscar nominations never came his way. The Academy eventually gave Donald Sutherland an honorary statue in 2017, though the delay still leaves many wondering what took so long.
Steve Buscemi
The Oscars have never called Steve Buscemi’s name, even after unforgettable turns in “Fargo” and “Boardwalk Empire.” He’s built a career on characters that are anything but ordinary, proving time and again that being unpredictable on screen doesn’t always get the gold.
Scarlett Johansson
In 2020, Scarlett Johansson earned the rare feat of two Oscar nominations: Best Actress for her intense performance in “Marriage Story” and Supporting Actress for the subtle defiance in “Jojo Rabbit.” Even as a teenage BAFTA winner and box office star, the Academy has yet to award her.
Amy Adams
Having been both a ballerina and a waitress, she brings real-life grit to her glamour. Amy Adams has six Oscar nominations but zero wins—not that fans mind. She’s wowed in “Arrival” and charmed as Lois Lane, all while keeping that approachable warmth.
Richard Gere
Richard Gere became a household name with roles in “Pretty Woman” and “Chicago,” the latter earning him a Golden Globe. While the Oscars never followed suit, his career never slowed. He’s taken his spotlight beyond Hollywood, using it to support causes that matter to him, for example, fighting against HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination.
Emily Blunt
The Oscars may have skipped over her entirely, but Emily Blunt has delivered hit after hit. She earned praise in “Sicario,” stunned in “A Quiet Place,” and showed off her vocal range in “Into the Woods.” Not bad for someone once afraid to speak in class because of a stutter.
Laura Linney
Laura Linney has glided between stage, screen, and television without chasing awards, though she’s been nominated for “You Can Count On Me” and more. Her Yale training certainly honed her craft, but it’s roles like Abigail Adams in “John Adams” that cemented her reputation as one of America’s finest actresses.
Bruce Willis
“Die Hard” turned Bruce Willis into an action icon and helped redefine the genre. His dramatic performance in “The Sixth Sense” showed another side entirely. Despite decades of success and critical acclaim, his name has never appeared on the Academy’s list of nominees.
Idris Elba
The Academy stayed silent on Idris Elba’s performances in “Beasts of No Nation” and “Mandela,” even as critics praised both. Talk of awards surrounded him, but nothing materialized. His absence from the Oscar conversation remains one of the most talked-about snubs in recent years.