Throughout the years, many proficient actors have been snubbed for a win on the Academy Awards. But arguably much more performers in cinematic historical past have missed out on nominations completely. This record goals to shine gentle on the best thespians from Hollywood and past which have by no means been nominated for an Academy Award.
These are among the many most well-known actors to ever dwell, and most of them boast awards from different associations just like the Golden Globes. Most names on the record are certain to ring a bell, whereas others could seem extra unfamiliar. All that mentioned, these are the 20 best actors who’ve by no means been nominated for an Oscar, ranked.
20 Bruce Willis
Widely referred to as John McClain within the Die Hard franchise, Bruce Willis has showcased nice vary exterior his penchant for motion. He’s additionally a fantastic comedic performer — simply have a look at titles corresponding to The Last Boy Scout (1991) and The Whole Nine Yards (2000). What’s extra, he has a number of acclaimed efforts below his belt, but he is by no means been nominated for an Oscar.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
From Butch Coolidge in Pulp Fiction (1994) to John Hartigan in Sin City (2005), a number of of his performances have garnered reverence from critics. There’s additionally science-fiction outings like Twelve Monkeys (1995), and his collaborations with M. Night Shyamalan: The Sixth Sense (1999) and Unbreakable (2000), for instance. The record of well-known movies that includes Bruce Willis is frankly staggering, and his performances are all the time spectacular.
19 Pam Grier
An American actress, Pam Grier made a reputation for herself by starring in a sequence of Blaxploitation and women-in-prison movies all through the Seventies. It wasn’t for a few extra many years earlier than she was placed on the map of vital acclaim. But as soon as she made it into the realm of revered Hollywood performers, Grier discovered herself with nominations from a number of main associations, just like the Golden Globes.
Why She Deserves an Oscar
Though by no means considered as a lot of a dramatic actor in her early years, a starring position in Jackie Brown (1997) opened the eyes of many followers to Grier and her skills. Directed by Quentin Tarantino from his personal authentic script, Jackie Brown options Grier within the titular position. She obtained widespread popularity of her efforts, and albeit, that film by itself justifies her placement on the record.
18 Shia LaBeouf
Although he is greatest recognized for his Disney Channel sequence Even Stevens, and even for his position within the Transformers movie franchise, Shia LaBeouf has been giving spectacular Hollywood performances for many years. He first displayed a penchant for poignance in Disturbia (2007), a thriller by D.J. Caruso. And within the following decade, LaBeouf starred in a sequence of vital darlings that make him eligible for the record.
Why He Makes the List
With American Honey (2016), Borg vs McEnroe (2017), Honey Boy (2019), and The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019), this actor supplied distinctive perception into 4 disparate personalities. Those movies really showcase his vary. And whereas LaBeouf remains to be younger, with loads of years left to assert his Academy Award, he is at the moment one of many best that has but to take action.
17 Emile Hirsch
To be frank, Emile Hirsch ought to have been nominated for Best Actor on the eightieth Academy Awards. He put forth an unforgettable effort as Chris McCandless in Sean Penn’s biographical drama Into the Wild (2007). For these unfamiliar, McCandless gained recognition for mountain climbing throughout North America and into the Alaskan wilderness. From the movie’s first body, Hirsch encompasses his character to absolute perfection.
More Reasons He Deserves an Oscar
In the next 12 months, he labored once more with Penn in Milk. Both Penn and Josh Brolin have been acknowledged by the Academy for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively. Hirsch simply may’ve been nominated within the latter class. The similar might be mentioned for his efforts in Killer Joe (2011). But regardless of all these wonderful performances, he is persistently come up brief on the Academy Awards. At some level, Hirsch deserves recognition.
16 Kurt Russell
For many followers, Kurt Russell‘s is outlined by his John Carpenter collaborations. Escape From New York (1981), The Thing (1982), Big Trouble in Little China (1986) — these films are among the many most iconic of the ’80s, and Russell performs the lead in every. And whereas he should not have been nominated for any of these performances, he is nonetheless among the many greatest actors by no means acknowledged by the Academy.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
While his John Carpenter collaborations sometimes fell into the science fiction subgenre, Russell has additionally made nice waves within the realm of westerns. From Tombstone (1993) to Bone Tomahawk (2015), his Wild West initiatives showcase the extent of his vary. There’s additionally The Hateful Eight (2015), by Quentin Tarantino. With others like Death Proof (2007) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), his works with that director alone warrant a spot on the record.
15 John Turturro
Although he has a penchant for comedy, John Turturro has showcased countless versatility all through his underrated profession. Firstly, his work in Miller’s Crossing (1990) ought to have been acknowledged with a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. But even when there’s an argument for the choice, that Coen Brothers stint solely marks the start of Turturro’s spectacular run.
More Reasons He Deserves an Oscar
Though he ought to have certainly not overwhelmed Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), there’s nonetheless an argument that Turturro ought to have been nominated for Barton Fink (1991). Alas, he was snubbed as soon as once more. Since, he is offered acclaimed efforts in well-made titles like Clockers (1995) and He Got Game (1998). And irrespective of the title, Turturro is all the time on the prime of his sport.
14 Ricardo DarÃn
Widely thought-about among the many best thespians his area’s ever produced, Ricardo DarÃn has come up brief on the Academy Awards on a number of shocking events. From his efforts in Nine Queens (2000) to these in Wild Tales (2014), this Argentine actor persistently hits dwelling throughout the board of emotional resonance.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) and Prime Video’s Argentina, 1985 (2022) are among the many most revered movies of their respective years, and DarÃn has starring roles in each. Critical acclaim got here alongside the way in which. Even if you happen to aren’t aware of his identify, you possibly can relaxation assured that DarÃn has earned his spot among the many greats that have not been acknowledged with an Oscar.
13 Kim Min-hee
The first movie of true, acclaimed relevance to characteristic Kim Min-hee was Right Now, Wrong Then (2015). It launched her to writer-director Hong Sang-soo, with whom she’s been companions ever since. And after showing in The Handmaiden (2016) by Park Chan-wook, this actress has fully devoted herself to the filmography of her beloved one.
Why She Deserves an Oscar
With eight collaborations in whole, the works of Kim Min-hee and Hong Sang-soo deserve way more recognition from a global perspective. Neither have ever been acknowledged by the Academy regardless of the spectacular nature of their efforts, from On the Beach at Night Alone (2017) to The Novelist’s Film (2022). But actually, this South Korean actress must be referred to as one of many all-time greats.
12 Diego Luna
These days, Diego Luna is maybe best-known for his position as Cassian Andor in Star Wars — at the very least, by American audiences. But for the entire twenty first Century, Mexican movie followers have acknowledged Luna as one in all his era’s best skills, and justifiably so. He’s put in great work on Spanish-language initiatives and Hollywood productions alike.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
Near the flip of the century, Luna co-starred in Y tu mamá También (2001), a highway movie by Alfonso Cuarón. That’s one of many best movies of Mexican cinema as an entire, not to mention of Luna’s profession. Later within the decade, the actor collaborated with Alfonso once more, this time in a sports activities movie directed by the latter’s brother, Carlos. And in the identical 12 months as Rudo y Cursi (2008), he offered indelible efforts within the English-language drama Milk (2008). Each movie holds up splendidly as we speak, and so do Luna’s performances.
11 Gael GarcÃa Bernal
Alongside Luna, with whom he grew up, Gael GarcÃa Bernal is among the many best actors in fashionable Mexican cinema. He obtained his begin by starring in Amores Perros (2000), written and directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. And within the following 12 months, he co-starred alongside Luna in one other film by one of many Three Amigos: Y tu mamá También, by Alfonso Cuarón.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
In back-to-back years, Bernal starred in two of the best movies ever produced in Mexico. He then labored with a Spanish auteur named Pedro Almodóvar, with the movie being Bad Education (2004). There’s additionally The Motorcycle Diaries (2004), Babel (2006), and Rudo y Cursi. All high-quality titles, with Bernal performing brilliantly in every. He’s lengthy overdue for an Oscar nomination.
10 Song Kang-ho
In phrases of worldwide acclaim, Song Kang-ho was really placed on the map due to his work with Park Chan-wook. Near the flip of the century, Song appeared in two thrillers by the acclaimed director: Joint Security Area (2000), and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002). However, it is his collaboration with one other well-known filmmaker that makes him one in all the best actors by no means nominated on the Oscars.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
He labored below the course of Bong Joon-ho on 4 events, beginning with Memories of Murder (2003). Next got here The Host (2006), adopted by Snowpiercer (2013). And for Parasite (2019), this South Korean actor may have picked up a nod for Best Actor. The award on the 92nd ceremony went to Joaquin Phoenix for Joker (2019), and justifiably so. However, Song may have been chosen over any of the opposite nominees. For that, he deserves a spot on the record.
9 Jeffrey Wright
From impartial vital darlings to big-budget Hollywood blockbusters, Jeffrey Wright has run the gamut of recognition with regard to his filmography. For many years now, he is been showing in well-known initiatives corresponding to Casino Royale (2006) and Source Code (2011). And when it comes to spectacular performances, just a few stand out that would have feasibly been nominated on the Academy Awards.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
Although the title itself wasn’t notably acclaimed, Wright’s performing in Basquiat (1996) may have warranted a nomination for Best Actor. And for Syriana (2005) and The Ides of March (2011) — each directed by George Clooney — he may have even obtained recognition within the supporting class. Perhaps he’ll lastly get a nomination for American Fiction (2023).
8 Maggie Cheung
At the Hong Kong Film Awards, Maggie Cheung holds extra wins for Best Actress than anybody within the ceremony’s historical past. But someway, she’s by no means been a lot as nominated for an Academy Award. In the Mood for Love (2000) is likely one of the best movies of the century, not to mention of its 12 months, and Cheung may have very nicely been acknowledged for her co-leading efforts therein.
More Reasons She Deserves an Oscar
Before the aforementioned movie by Wong Kar-wai, she collaborated with the filmmaker on three events: first on As Tears Go By (1988), subsequent with Days of Being Wild (1990), and once more on Ashes in Time (1994). She’s one of many best collaborators of Kar-wai’s, who’s in flip among the many best Chinese administrators to ever dwell. The similar factor goes for Cheung with regard to performing.
7 Idris Elba
The most acclaimed position below the belt of Idris Elba is Stringer Bell in The Wire, an HBO sequence. In the realm of cinema, he is maybe greatest recognized for his stints in superhero films — from Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad (2021) to Heimdall within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But frankly, there are a number of movie performances value noting that show the prowess of the actor at hand.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
His supporting efforts in each American Gangster (2007) and Beasts of No Nation (2015) practically stole the present from the movies’ respective leads. But regardless of these spectacular performances from an actor with substantial identify worth, the Academy has by no means deemed Elba match for a nomination. At the very least, he deserves recognition as soon as earlier than his filmography is concluded.
6 Tony Leung
Perhaps probably the most well-known collaborator of Wong Kar-wai is Tony Leung, who offered main efforts within the filmmaker’s two most acclaimed initiatives: Chungking Express (1994) and In the Mood for Love. He additionally received Best Actor on the Hong Kong Film Awards for each Happy Together (1997) and 2046 (2004), with every of his performances in Kar-wai’s initiatives being of the utmost high quality.
More Reasons He Deserves an Oscar
Aside from his collaborations with Wong Kar-wai, extra films that showcase the prowess of Tony Leung embrace these directed by John Woo. A legendary filmmaker, Woo has solid this equally legendary actor in initiatives like Bullet within the Head (1990) and Hard Boiled (1992). When accounting for his Internal Affairs (2002) efficiency, Leung undoubtedly deserves his flowers with a placement on the record.
5 Mélanie Laurent
As Shoshanna Dreyfuss, French actress Mélanie Laurent practically stole the present of Inglourious Basterds (2009) from beneath Christoph Waltz. Her expertise was on full show from begin to end, with that Tarantino flick resulting in a sequence of extra English-language productions, like Enemy (2013) by Denis Villeneuve — one other spectacular efficiency.
More Reasons She Deserves an Oscar
Laurent co-wrote and directed The Mad Women’s Ball (2021), a psychological thriller during which she additionally starred. And in that very same 12 months, she performed Elizabeth Hanson in Oxygen (2021), a science fiction movie. She completely shines in each. No matter the style of the movie or archetype of the character, Laurent approaches every position with poise and dedication that makes her one of many twenty first Century’s best skills.
4 Maribel Verdú
As of late, Maribel Verdú is maybe greatest recognized for her portrayal of Nora Allen in The Flash (2023). But actually, this Spanish actress has been placing in way more spectacular performances for primarily her complete profession. She debuted at 13 with a supporting position in Captain Sánchez’s Crime (1985), and from there, she’s supplied staggering work in Spanish-language productions and past.
Why She Deserves an Oscar
After establishing a stable identify for herself, Verdú starred in two of the best Mexican films of the century: Y tu mamá También, and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006). For the latter, she obtained an Ariel Award for Best Actress — the identical might be mentioned due to her efforts in Seven Billiard Tables (2007). And frankly, that is solely scratching the floor of Maribel’s high-quality titles.
3 Jim Carrey
Though principally recognized for his comedic prowess, Jim Carrey has offered a number of poignant performances all through his profession. In back-to-back years, he starred in two vital darlings: The Truman Show (1998), and Man on the Moon (1999). For each performances, he walked away with a Best Actor win on the Golden Globes — for The Truman Show, he received within the “Motion Picture Drama” class, whereas the opposite win was “Motion Picture Musical or Comedy”.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
Carrey continued proving his prowess in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), which co-stars Kate Winslet. Both leads have been nominated on the Golden Globes for his or her efforts, whereas Winslet even picked up a nod on the Academy Awards. Not Carrey, although. He in all probability gave up at that time. What else does he have to do?
2 Steve Buscemi
From Jim Jarmusch and the Coen Brothers to Quentin Tarantino and Oren Movermen, a number of acclaimed filmmakers are recognized for regularly casting Steve Buscemi of their initiatives. His breakthrough efficiency got here with Reservoir Dogs (1992), written and directed by Tarantino. And just a few years thereafter, Buscemi offered a supporting effort in Fargo (1996), written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
For his efforts as Carl Showalter, he arguably ought to have obtained a Best Supporting Actor nomination on the 69th Academy Awards. Considering his spectacular performances in different movies — Mystery Train (1989), Trees Lounge (1996), and Animal Factory (2000) — it is clear that there is extra to his expertise than could meet the attention. Not many followers of Steve Buscemi will sit right here and debate this spot on the record.
1 Vincent Cassel
One of the best French actors to ever dwell, Vincent Cassel made the transition to Hollywood after starring in numerous acclaimed titles by administrators like Matthieu Kassovitz. Audiences from America could acknowledge this performer from Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Black Swan (2010). And certain, it is not typically that actors exterior Hollywood productions obtain nominations on the Academy Awards. But for films, each American and French, he may have been acknowledged on quite a few events.
Why He Deserves an Oscar
From La Haine (1995) to Mesrine (2008), he is showcased great expertise as a lead actor all through the years. And when it comes to supporting performances, Cassel’s efforts in Eastern Promises (2007) would have been sufficient to warrant a nomination in some other 12 months. But irrespective of the person snub, Cassel has persistently proven that he is an Oscar-caliber actor regardless of by no means receiving a nomination.