20 Oscars Snubs That Will Leave You Fuming

Do the Oscar voters always get it right?

We have our doubts about this. They’re not perfect, just like everyone else. Occasionally, a movie or performance can gain popularity due to various factors and end up winning an award – but upon reflection, it might not have been the finest production of that particular year.

This prompt made us ponder. If granted the chance, what alterations would we make? Here, staff members of The Hollywood Reporter express their choices for the films that deserved victory, the performances that merited recognition, and the oversights that still bother us. (Click here to discover what insiders in Hollywood believe were overlooked.)

Over the next decade, two decades, or even three decades, it remains to be seen if the movies that triumph at this Sunday’s Oscars will truly be considered as the most worthy. The answer to this question lies in the passage of time.

In the interim, let’s explore some individuals and movies that, in our opinion, have been unjustly ignored or passed over during the history of the Oscars.

Annette Bening and Glenn Close Having Never Won an Oscar

Some individuals experience disappointment when they don’t win an Oscar despite being nominated, expressing sentiments such as “It was truly an honor to be recognized.” The frequent nominees (actors like Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio) often receive acting nods, lose, smile broadly for the cameras, lose again with less enthusiasm, but we all understand that they will eventually win. However, there are instances of what seems like a career-long snub by the Academy. Currently, Glenn Close tops this list of perceived injustices. After her string of best supporting actress nominations from 1982 to 1984 left her empty-handed, the Academy’s oversight continued with her iconic performances in “Fatal Attraction” (1987) and “Dangerous Liaisons” (1988).

Although the Emmys acknowledged Close’s talent, awarding her back-to-back wins for “Damages,” the Academy failed to recognize her work in “Albert Nobbs” (2011), “The Wife” (2018), and “Hillbilly Elegy” (2020). Similarly, Annette Bening has been overlooked despite her exceptional performances. Her roles in the 1990 thriller “The Grifters,” the iconic film “American Beauty,” her career-best work in “Being Julia,” and her universally praised performance on “The Kids Are Alright” all resulted in empty hands. Coincidentally, two of these losses were to Hilary Swank. Last year, Bening was again overlooked for her demanding portrayal of swimmer Diana Nyad in “Nyad”; we can’t help but wonder if the sting of that snub was as painful as the jellyfish she encountered during filming.

Some people feel let down when they don’t win an Oscar despite being nominated, saying things like “It was great to be recognized.” Famous nominees like Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio often get nominated, lose, smile, lose again, but we know they’ll eventually win. However, some people feel that the Academy has overlooked their careers for a long time. Glenn Close is an example of this; after being nominated in the 1980s without winning, she was passed over for iconic roles like “Fatal Attraction” and “Dangerous Liaisons.” The Emmys recognized her talent, but the Academy didn’t award her for “Albert Nobbs,” “The Wife,” or “Hillbilly Elegy.” Similarly, Annette Bening has been overlooked despite exceptional performances. She lost to Hilary Swank in the 1990s and was again overlooked last year for her demanding role as swimmer Diana Nyad. It’s like they were stung by a jellyfish during filming or by the inevitable Oscar snub.

Austin Butler Losing the 2023 Best Actor Oscar

Instead of the common notion, awards shouldn’t be given solely to the most powerful biopic in a year (the Academy might want to hear this). However, Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film Elvis was both loud and significant. The lead actor, Austin Butler, who secured the role at only 27, dedicated months to learning karate, tap and swing dancing, movement coaching, dialect training, mastering the icon’s laugh, vocals, and mannerisms. Yes, his portrayal of Elvis Presley on screen earned some mockery due to his persistent “Elvis voice,” but when he donned the leather suit and Luhrmann shouted “Action,” that was undeniably Elvis Presley. Admittedly, Butler may have been too polished — after all, he hadn’t yet faced the trials of fame, while Brendan Fraser, who won best actor for The Whale, needed reassurance from Hollywood. Yet, considering acting skills alone, that Oscar should have gone to Butler. — Lily Ford

‘Crash’ Beating ‘Brokeback Mountain’ for Best Picture in 2006

For two decades, the criticism about some Academy Award selections has been persistent, but none have been as disheartening as the Best Picture win for Paul Haggis’ film Crash, a race-relations drama that proclaims its significance with the finesse of a jackhammer. The pain is intensified by the fact that this victory overshadowed Brokeback Mountain, which won for Ang Lee’s poignant direction, the exceptional screenwriting collaboration between Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana based on Annie Proulx’s short story, and Gustavo Santaolalla’s haunting score. While Crash seemed outdated from the start, Brokeback remains as timeless as ever. Its portrayal of the decades-long secret bond between two cowboys, powerfully played by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, is one of the greatest screen romance narratives. The sentiment that the Academy wasn’t prepared to bestow its top honor on a queer neo-Western was further fueled by homophobic remarks from traditional members like Ernest Borgnine and Tony Curtis, who asserted that John Wayne would have disapproved of it. — David Rooney

David Lynch Losing Best Director to Ron Howard in 2002

David Lynch has already cemented his status as one of American cinema’s most extraordinary and eccentric directors without the need for an Oscar. His films, such as Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and Lost Highway, are surreal and dreamlike masterpieces that will undoubtedly continue to captivate, puzzle, and frustrate future generations. It would have been gratifying if the Academy had acknowledged his genius with an award for one of these groundbreaking films, particularly in 2002 when Mulholland Drive was released. Despite two previous nominations for best director (for The Elephant Man and Blue Velvet) that resulted in losses, Lynch managed to transform a failed ABC pilot into one of the most chilling portrayals of the Hollywood dream ever made with Mulholland Drive. While it’s commendable that the Academy awarded him an honorary Oscar in 2020 before his passing this year, it’s unfortunate that they didn’t recognize him for what many consider his most iconic and lasting Los Angeles-based film. Silencio forever — Katie Kilkenny.

‘Hoop Dreams’ Failing to Land a Best Documentary Nom in 1995

Steven Zeitchik explains how Steve James’ 1994 documentary, “Hoop Dreams,” revolutionized nonfiction storytelling. The film followed the stories of two inner-city Chicago teenagers who dreamed of making it to the NBA by attending a suburban prep school. Originally planned as a 30-minute PBS special, it evolved into a five-year journey that ended up as a feature documentary and won top honors at Sundance. Eventually, it became a cultural phenomenon, earning over $11 million at the box office ($24 million in today’s dollars). Roger Ebert acclaimed it as “one of the best films about American life I have ever seen.” Techniques used in the film, such as following characters on an uncertain journey, greatly influenced documentary and reality television. However, despite its critical success, “Hoop Dreams” was overlooked for a Documentary Oscar nomination. This oversight sparked widespread discussion among film fans, ultimately leading to changes in the Academy’s nominating process to prevent similar oversights from happening today.

‘The Lego Movie’ Failing to Land a Nom for Best Animated Feature in 2015

The movie “The Lego Movie” was entertaining and humorously amusing, boasting a rapid pace and an incredibly catchy tune (“Everything Is Awesome!!!”, by Tegan and Sara featuring The Lonely Island). However, surprisingly, this unique and groundbreaking film wasn’t even nominated for the best animated movie award, which it arguably deserved (instead, “Big Hero 6” won). Despite being released in 2014, Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s film remains enjoyable after multiple viewings, as evidenced by its sequel, “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part”, and spin-offs like “The Lego Batman Movie”. Featuring cameos from various pop-culture characters within the Lego universe (like Superman and Green Lantern sharing a humorous moment) and references to other franchises (Batman stealing the Millennium Falcon’s hyperdrive, only for it to get swallowed by a giant asteroid slug), “The Lego Movie” manages to be intelligent, tongue-in-cheek, heartfelt, and crowd-pleasing all at once. — Kimberly Nordyke

Non-English-Language Winners

In simpler terms, it seems that the Oscars often overlook non-English performances, causing frustration annually. For instance, despite the ensemble SAG award for “Parasite,” its cast members were not nominated for Oscars. Similarly, Hidetoshi Nishijima was snubbed for his exceptional performance in “Drive My Car” during the year Will Smith won for “King Richard.” Meanwhile, Renate Reinsve’s remarkable work in “The Worst Person in the World” was also overlooked. Few modern directors can elicit such profound emotional performances from their actors like Pedro Almodóvar. Yet, Penélope Cruz lost to Jessica Chastain for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” despite her performance in “Parallel Mothers.” I believe that Antonio Banderas’ soulful portrayal in “Pain and Glory” was as powerful as Joaquin Phoenix’s physical performance in “Joker.” Additionally, Isabelle Huppert delivered the best performance of the year in “Elle,” but lost to Emma Stone in “La La Land.” – David Rooney

‘Chariots of Fire’ Beating ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ for the 1981 Best Picture

As a child who thrived on a diet of Oscar-winning movies and Halloween Horror Night staples, I was a 7-year-old film enthusiast in 1982, juggling between Scooby-Doo and the wise words of Siskel & Ebert on TV. Our cherished 49ers had just triumphed in Super Bowl XVI, and the legendary movie we both adore – Raiders of the Lost Ark – was up for multiple Oscars. Although Reds with Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson, and On Golden Pond with Kate, Henry, and Jane, were also nominated, it was a synth-pop-infused, unremarkable film called Chariots of Fire (a movie my parents took me to see) that swept the Best Picture award, shattering my 7-year-old heart for the first time. Although Raiders won awards for art direction, editing, visual effects, and sound, I, as a youngster, was more inclined towards mainstream categories. – Jason Head

‘Selena’ Snubbed Entirely in 1998

There have been numerous music biopics that have garnered Oscar nominations or wins, such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Elvis, Walk the Line, Ray, and Rocketman. These films are well-regarded for their excellent performances, but one seemingly overlooked at the Oscars is Gregory Nava’s 1997 film Selena, which continues to resonate today. The actress who brought Selena Quintanilla Perez to life, Jennifer Lopez, was on the verge of superstardom at the time. Portraying a beloved figure with a tragic end is no small task, but Lopez seemed to embody Selena effortlessly and accurately. From mastering her dances to wearing her iconic outfits and capturing her vibrant personality, Lopez immersed herself in the role and was determined to do justice to Selena’s memory (Lopez even lived in Selena’s family home during preparation). Although the film remains impactful today, with frequent airings on TV and streaming services or inspiring spin-offs like Netflix’s Selena: The Series, neither Lopez nor the movie received any recognition at the 1998 Academy Awards. This snub is more disappointing given that the film was led by a Latin woman, focused on a Latin singer, her family, and fan base, and had a Latin director and crew. It’s even more disheartening because of the film, Lopez became the first Latina actress to earn $1 million for a movie role. This was a significant milestone in cinema, especially considering the scarcity of Latin films starring Latin actors back then and today, making this omission all the more unsettling. — Lexy Perez

Stephanie Hsu (and Angela Bassett) Losing the 2023 Best Supporting Actress Oscar

At the 2023 Oscars, Jamie Lee Curtis triumphed over stiff competition to win the best supporting actress award for her role as an IRS inspector in “Everywhere All at Once.” Despite this, some argue that she shouldn’t have won, as her co-star Stephanie Hsu gave a more captivating performance as Joy Wang and Jobu Tupaki. Hsu was nominated for her part but had fewer screen minutes compared to Curtis, which made her performance seem less central to the movie’s storyline. Additionally, Angela Bassett also received a nomination for her work in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” where she carried the film following Chadwick Boseman’s death with poise and strength. Many viewers found it disappointing that both Hsu and Bassett, along with fellow nominee Hong Chau, were not recognized by the Academy.
— Zoe G. Phillips

The Oscars’ Perennial Snub of Terry Gilliam’s Film Oeuvre (But Especially ‘The Adventures of Baron Munchausen’)

The question here is about why Terry Gilliam’s films, particularly “Brazil” (1985), “The Fisher King” (1991), and “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen” (1989), have never been nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. The author suggests that these films possess qualities such as boundless imagination, superlative craftsmanship, a blend of pathos and comedy, yet they were overlooked. They are also described as visually stunning, emotionally rich, and surreal.

The author argues that the budget overruns and underperformance at the box office may have contributed to their snubbing by the Oscars, which are often seen as industry awards. However, he notes that Gilliam himself has expressed confusion about the Academy’s criteria for selecting Best Picture nominees, stating that it seems arbitrary and inconsistent.

In simpler terms, the author is wondering why films like those directed by Terry Gilliam, which are known for their creativity, quality, and visual appeal, have never been nominated for the top Oscar despite receiving critical acclaim. The author suggests that the Academy’s criteria for selecting Best Picture nominees may be unclear or inconsistent.

Roberto Benigni Winning Best Actor in 1999

Occasionally, someone receives an Oscar that seems rather unwarranted, and you might think, “Ah, it was a peculiar year, and they had to hand out the award to SOMEBODY.” If Roberto Benigni had won his Best Actor Oscar in one of those years, people would likely say, “Well, everyone found his act amusing for a while.” However, Benigni was destined to win the then “foreign language” Oscar for Life Is Beautiful , and his over-the-top, sentimental performance secured him the lead actor award in a year where his competition included: Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan, Ian McKellen in Gods and Monsters, Nick Nolte in Affliction, and Edward Norton in American History X. These are four exceptional performances, three of which were delivered by actors who, to this day, have yet to win. That’s a travesty. — Daniel Fienberg

‘Titanic’ Winning Best Picture Over ‘L.A. Confidential’ in 1998

Back in December of 1997, I watched “Titanic” during its theater release at Christmas time. I was 21 and completely captivated by the film’s grandeur and the passionate love story between Rose and Jack. As a budding fan of Leonardo DiCaprio, I pledged to watch all his movies. The Oscars in March 1998 were a joyous occasion for me as “Titanic” won numerous awards, including best picture. It wasn’t until after the ceremony that I realized how the Academy had erred. I missed seeing “L.A. Confidential” while it was playing in theaters, but I rented it on VHS about a month later. From the moment I pressed play, I was hooked. The film transported me to the dark underbelly of 1950s Hollywood and the LAPD, with stunning costumes, sets, cinematography, and writing that left me breathless. Every actor gave an outstanding performance. Watching “L.A. Confidential” was a pivotal moment in my cinematic journey. While “Titanic” was a box office hit, “L.A. Confidential” was the superior film. I’m grateful that it received recognition for best supporting actress (Kim Basinger) and best adapted screenplay, but its omission as a best picture nominee is a true Hollywood shame.

– Jennifer Levin

‘Apocalypse Now’ Losing the1979 Best Picture Oscar to ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’

1979 found two groundbreaking films, each reflecting the profound cultural changes sweeping across America: “Kramer vs. Kramer,” my personal favorite portrayal of the emotional turmoil surrounding divorce, and “Apocalypse Now,” a cinematic masterpiece that plunged us into the darkest days of the Vietnam War. These films mirrored the tumultuous times, as the traditional values of faith in the nuclear family and allegiance to country were severely tested.

As a passionate admirer of cinema, I was captivated by these two remarkable productions. “Kramer vs. Kramer” starred none other than Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman, while “Apocalypse Now” showcased the legendary talents of Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, and Dennis Hopper. However, Francis Ford Coppola, fresh off his Oscar win for “The Godfather Part II” in 1974, truly stole the spotlight with “Apocalypse Now.” His masterwork offered a raw, almost hallucinatory exploration of madness, imperialism, and the very essence of war.

Each film tackled the harsh realities of a new America, where the once unshakable pillars of society – the nuclear family and national loyalty – were cracked and crumbling. The competition for the Best Picture Oscar that year mirrored these cultural shifts, as the women’s liberation movement and the lingering effects of the Vietnam War reshaped our collective consciousness.

Shirley Halperin notes that when Kramer was released, its themes of evolving gender roles in parenthood resonated strongly with the increasing divorce rates during the 1970s. In contrast, Apocalypse Now left American audiences with a raw, unsettling theatrical experience. However, as time has passed, public opinion has shifted significantly. Today, Apocalypse Now is widely recognized as an impressive cinematic masterpiece, surpassing Kramer vs. Kramer in terms of cultural impact and often included among the greatest films ever made. Despite Kramer receiving five Oscars compared to Apocalypse Now’s two (for cinematography and sound), it is now often criticized for its portrayal of fatherhood which, at one time, was seen as progressive but now feels somewhat unbalanced. This is quite a turnaround, Shirley Halperin says.

Toni Collette Snubbed for 2018’s ‘Hereditary’

It’s often said, but it was truly disappointing when Toni Collette wasn’t acknowledged by the Oscars for her exceptional performance in the 2018 horror movie “Hereditary”. She’s absolutely brilliant in that film! Each time I watch it, I end up feeling drained – not just because of the mental trauma and fear it induces, but also from witnessing Collette pour out her physical and emotional energy. The dinner scene between her, her on-screen husband, and son is particularly captivating. In this scene, her (spoiler alert) daughter has recently met a tragic end, and she’s so deeply saddened and enraged by her grief that she stands up and screams at them both with an intensity only Collette could evoke. It’s both heart-wrenching and terrifying. I can hardly fathom why she wasn’t nominated for that scene alone! In fact, I believe the Oscars should consider recognizing more horror movies in general. There’s no need for them to be timid about it! — Mitchell Brown

Christopher Nolan Snubbed for Best Director (Again, and Again, and Again)

Three groundbreaking, technologically complex movies – “The Dark Knight,” “Inception,” and “Interstellar” – showcased Christopher Nolan as an unrivaled filmmaker of his generation. His work rivaled that of Spielberg and Scorsese in their prime. Despite the Academy expanding its best picture category to accommodate up to 10 nominees after the controversy over “The Dark Knight’s” snub, Nolan was never recognized for direction in any of these films. It wasn’t until almost a decade later, when Nolan made an Oscar-worthy film, “Dunkirk,” that he finally received a nomination from the Academy.

Michael Keaton Losing Best Actor to Eddie Redmayne in 2015

After exiting the cinema following a screening of “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”, I couldn’t help but feel like I had just witnessed the epitome of cinematic genius. The film was an intricate blend of meta-narratives, humor, and thought-provoking themes, all seamlessly tied together in a single take that left me in awe. It was daring, innovative, and it was Michael Keaton who truly brought the movie to life.

His performance wasn’t just impressive; it was personal, given his real-life background as a Hollywood actor, particularly known for playing “Batman”. This added an extra layer of surrealism that made the film truly unique. His portrayal of a washed-up actor grappling with his past, much like himself, was self-aware, moving, and highly entertaining.

“Birdman” earned Keaton his first ever Oscar nomination for Best Actor, and he was widely considered the frontrunner after winning the Golden Globes. It seemed like it was finally his time to take home the award, but alas, Eddie Redmayne won for “The Theory of Everything”. While that film was decent, it paled in comparison to the brilliance of “Birdman” and has since been largely forgotten. In fact, “Birdman” even won Best Picture that year! So, I stand by my belief that Michael Keaton was unfairly overlooked, and I call it: Michael Keaton was robbed. — Lesley Corral

‘Inception’ Losing Best Picture to ‘The King’s Speech’ in 2011

In 2011, it was a misstep at the Oscars when The King’s Speech beat Inception for Best Picture. Some believe that either The Social Network or Black Swan deserved the win instead, and I can understand their perspective. Over time, however, Inception has only grown in significance. Its final scene remains a topic of debate, and it’s often referenced alongside other ambiguous film endings. In fact, the term “inception” has become part of our everyday language, attached as a suffix to various words to describe layers within layers. Although this linguistic evolution doesn’t necessarily justify a Best Picture win, there’s no denying that Inception left a lasting cultural impression. – Naomy Perdoza

Amy Adams Not Getting Nominated for ‘Arrival’ in 2017

Amy Adams may not typically face a lack of Academy recognition, considering she’s been nominated six times over the past 20 years. However, it remains puzzling to many that she wasn’t recognized for her exceptional performance in the 2016 film “Arrival“. This role might have been her finest work yet. While Adams’ performance in Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi isn’t flashy, it’s deeply emotional and subtle. Her character Louise is shrouded in a sense of loneliness and grief, and her expressions are finely tuned to match the complex narrative structure that subtly alters our perception of Louise throughout the film. Despite being understated, Adams manages to engage viewers, drawing us into Louise’s feelings of awe, apprehension, or yearning. In fact, Adams’ performance was so compelling that it helped make the film worthy of eight other Academy nominations (though it only won for sound editing). Perhaps the issue was that her performance was too seamless and authentic, giving the film an air of inevitability, as if its success was preordained. — Angie Han

2025-02-27 19:56