10 Great Actors Shockingly Never Nominated for an Oscar

Though they’ve delivered unforgettable and award-winning performances across their careers, it might shock you that these actors haven’t been nominated once for an Oscar. Even though Oscar nods don’t necessarily define an actor’s skill or reputation, being recognized by the industry in such a prestigious way is a testament to the high regard they are held in. In fact, numerous legends of the silver screen have multiple nominations and possibly even a couple of wins under their belts.

Despite their exceptional performances in iconic films and decades-long illustrious careers, certain actors continue to be overlooked for recognition. Actors such as Oscar Isaac, who continues to shine at the peak of his career, have delivered performances worthy of nomination, yet seem to be due for one. Although they still have time to receive their well-deserved acknowledgment, there is a sense that it should have happened earlier.

10. Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Oscar-Worthy Role: Enough Said

Julia Louis-Dreyfus may not have received an Oscar nomination, but she certainly isn’t short on awards. In fact, she holds the title for the most Emmy wins among all actors with a remarkable 11 accolades. This achievement is due to her unforgettable performances in the television shows Seinfeld and Veep. It’s somewhat surprising, though, that her award-winning talent hasn’t garnered more recognition in film.

Louis-Dreyfus took a break from movies for a while, preferring to excel in television roles. But in the past few decades, she’s found her niche in smaller comedy-dramas, demonstrating her remarkable talents. Her performance in “Enough Said” even garnered her a Golden Globe nomination and might have secured an Oscar nod. More recently, she shone in “You Hurt My Feelings”. Even in big-budget films like “Thunderbolts”, she delivers outstanding performances with her intricate character portrayals.

9. Zendaya

Oscar-Worthy Role: Challengers

Despite Zendaya’s relatively newer presence in the acting world compared to some other stars on this list, it could spark debate to propose she deserves long-overdue Oscar recognition. However, she has showcased several performances that appear worthy of a nomination, yet she hasn’t been recognized. The initial hint of Zendaya’s progression into a more sophisticated phase of her career was evident in the compact black-and-white film “Malcolm & Marie.

Nonetheless, it is my belief that the sports drama “Challengers” was actually the film that deserved Zendaya her first Oscar nomination. Her portrayal of complex characters in this movie is truly commendable, and despite the impressive performances by Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, Zendaya stands out as the driving force behind the film. Even amidst the grandeur of “Dune: Part Two”, she demonstrated her ability to deliver a powerful performance.

8. Oscar Isaac

Oscar-Worthy Role: Inside Llewyn Davis

It’s commonly acknowledged that Oscar Isaac is among the top actors of his generation. Many might have anticipated numerous Oscar nominations by now in his career. Despite his ongoing success in Hollywood, particularly in franchises such as Star Wars and Moon Knight within the MCU, he remains dedicated to seeking out daring roles under talented directors.

A film that significantly boosted his popularity was his role in the Coen Brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis.” His singing skills were remarkable, but what truly stood out was his portrayal of the character’s dry humor, harsh demeanor, and simmering rage. He also delivered a stellar, ego-maniacal performance as a tech billionaire in “Ex Machina” and provided a critically acclaimed, understated performance in “A Most Violent Year,” which many believed deserved an Oscar nomination.

7. Hugh Grant

Oscar-Worthy Role: Heretic

In the past, Hugh Grant was often typecast as a mere romantic comedy actor. Yet, his recent performances have proven to the world that he is far more than just a rom-com star. However, it would be a mistake to disregard his work during this period, for in many of these films, he displayed a unique blend of humor and leading man charm unlike any other. Take, for instance, his roles in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and “About a Boy”. In the former, he brought laughter and charisma to the screen in a way that was distinctively his own. The latter, “About a Boy”, saw him tackle more nuanced romantic comedy roles, delivering a moving performance that left audiences in tears.

Recently, Grant has shown himself to be a standout supporting player in various films, even outshining acting legend Meryl Streep in the period comedy “Florence Foster Jenkins.” His witty antagonist role in “Paddington 2” was widely praised as exceptional. Last year’s intense horror movie “Heretic” might have brought Grant closest to his Oscar nomination, as he dominates the film with a riveting performance that captivates the audience throughout.

6. John Goodman

Oscar-Worthy Role: Barton Fink

John Goodman consistently delivers standout performances in films, making him an actor whose presence significantly enhances the overall movie. It’s a remarkable skill to possess, but one that has yet to earn him an Oscar nomination. Throughout his career, Goodman has excelled as a character actor, and it was almost expected that he would secure a Best Supporting Actor nomination for some of his most iconic roles.

In his prime, Goodman truly shines when he’s starring in Coen Brothers films, often delivering some of his finest acting. Although Walter in The Big Lebowski was a standout role worthy of an Oscar nod, many believe his best work can be found in Barton Fink. There, he masterfully switches between charming and terrifying characters with such ease. Remarkably, he also raises the bar for genre films, providing a bone-chilling and outstanding performance in 10 Cloverfield Lane that garnered much acclaim, but regrettably, no recognition from the Oscars.

5. Robin Wright

Oscar-Worthy Role: Forrest Gump

Robin Wright, who initially captivated audiences as Buttercup in The Princess Bride, has consistently been a captivating performer and continued to appear in prominent productions thereafter. It may come as a shock to many admirers that she hasn’t received an Oscar nomination, considering the acclaim Jenny’s role in Forrest Gump garnered, with the film itself collecting numerous awards.

Yet, Wright’s outstanding performance extends beyond her iconic role in the Best Picture winner, showcasing her talent in films such as “Breaking and Entering” and “Unbreakable”. These movies underscore the exceptional versatility she demonstrated in roles that gained critical acclaim later. Her acting prowess is further evidenced by her impressive supporting roles in productions like “State of Play”, “Wonder Woman”, and “Blade Runner 2049”.

4. Jim Carrey

Oscar-Worthy Role: Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

Jim Carrey’s comedy films significantly impacted Hollywood during the 1990s, yet some believe his work alone should have garnered him Oscar recognition. Despite his exceptional comedic performances in movies like “Dumb and Dumber,” “The Mask,” and “Liar Liar,” these types of films often fail to resonate with Academy voters. However, when Carrey ventured into more diverse acting roles, his talent was equally captivating.

In a remarkable turn of events, Carrey’s act in “The Truman Show” significantly reshaped how people viewed him as an actor. His portrayal was subtly powerful and deeply moving. He left everyone astonished once more with his versatile performance in “Man on the Moon” as Andy Kaufman. Yet, it is his most understated role in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” that many consider his finest. With Carrey reportedly stepping away from acting, the Oscars may have missed their opportunity to honor him.

3. Kurt Russell

Oscar-Worthy Role: Miracle

Kurt Russell, a renowned figure in Hollywood, has been a part of the film industry since his days as a child actor in Disney productions. His affinity for action-packed and entertaining films might be why some of his exceptional performances have not received due recognition from the Academy. However, he has earned immense admiration from audiences, particularly for his memorable roles such as Snake Plissken in “Escape from New York” and MacReady in “The Thing,” a horror movie frequently hailed as one of the greatest ever made.

Russell’s talent extends beyond genre films, as he delivers exceptional performances in movies such as Tombstone, Backdraft, and Breakdown. Although the Oscars often overlook these types of productions, Russell has also shone brilliantly in more realistic stories. His performance in the drama Silkwood alongside Meryl Streep is particularly noteworthy, as well as his portrayal in the true sports tale Miracle.

2. Meg Ryan

Oscar-Worthy Role: Sleepless In Seattle

Just like Hugh Grant, I’ve always admired Meg Ryan for her captivating performances in romantic comedies. Yet, she often doesn’t receive the recognition she deserves beyond that genre. However, she is an undeniably charismatic actress who can breathe life into even the most complex characters.

For instance, her role in “When a Man Loves a Woman” showcased her ability to tackle more intricate roles as a struggling mother dealing with alcoholism. She continued to surprise me in unconventional roles such as in “Courage Under Fire” and “In the Cut.

Despite the Oscars possibly shying away from romantic comedies, Ryan’s performances in these films are truly exceptional and deserving of recognition. In fact, she received Golden Globe nominations for her outstanding performances in “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “You’ve Got Mail.” It’s a pity that, with Ryan largely retiring from acting, her remarkable career didn’t receive more acclaim.

1. Paul Dano

Oscar-Worthy Role: The Fabelmans

Paul Dano is an actor who continually strives for the Oscar nomination that has thus far evaded him, viewing each new role as a potential opportunity to achieve this accolade. His breakout film, “Little Miss Sunshine,” seems emblematic of his career, marked by moments where he’s been overlooked despite critically acclaimed performances; while his co-stars Alan Arkin, Toni Collette, and Abigail Breslin received nominations at the Oscars, Dano was not among them.

Danon persistently tackles demanding and somber roles, such as those seen in “Prisoners” and “The Batman,” delivering outstanding performances, yet consistently being overlooked for nominations. He has also been featured in films that the Academy adores, like “There Will Be Blood” and “12 Years a Slave,” but has not received any recognition. The apparent oversight of Dano’s potent and restrained performance in “The Fabelmans” seems to underscore just how long overdue his Oscar nomination truly is.

2025-06-03 02:12