Actors Who Never Won an Oscar (But Deserved One)
The Academy Awards, otherwise known as the Oscars, are traditionally considered 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 talent, are still waiting for their award. It’s become a long-running joke among actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, who was notoriously snubbed of the award for years until his performance in The ghost won him his first Oscar in 2016. Although many well-known actors are recognized at other ceremonies, it is still disconcerting to see those who did not receive an Oscar. Here is a list of brilliant and well-deserved actors who have come close or deserved to win in the past years.
8 bradley cooper
bradley cooper has definitely gained Oscar buzz throughout his career, but sadly hasn’t brought home one yet. He was nominated for eight Oscars, many of them for his feature debut with Lady Gaga, A star is born in 2019. Making her film debut in the 2001 comedy, Hot and humid 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.
seven Salma Hayek
Salma HayekCarolina’s “breakout role” was in 1995’s Desperado. After bouncing around in several films, Hayek was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Frida Kahlo in Frida. The film enjoyed success at other ceremonies and received Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Makeup. Considered one of Hayek’s most notable roles and for his beautiful portrayal of Kahlo, this Oscar feels snubbed. Still active on screen, most recently appearing in Gucci House, we hope to see Hayek win his first Oscar soon.
6 michelle yeo
After years of popular action movies in Hong Kong, michelle yeo made his Hollywood debut in 1997 in tomorrow never dies like Wai Lin. In 2000, Yeoh portrayed Yu Shu Lien in the ten-time Oscar nominated film Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, which held the most nominations for a non-English film of all time. Most recently Yeoh portrayed Eleanor Sung-Young in 2019 Asian Rich Boobies. Unfortunately, the film wasn’t nominated for any Oscars, which is disappointing, especially given Yeoh’s memorable role as a bossy and mean mother in the film. Yeoh should appear in the new Avatar sequel, which is sure to garner nominations.
5 Noemie Harris
Having acted in more than twenty feature films in less than fifteen years, Noemie 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 was finally nominated for her first Oscar for her role as Paula in 2016 Moonlight. Her nomination was for Best Supporting Actress and was certainly worthy of that award. Her overwhelming performance of a drug-addicted mother whose abusive tendencies damage her relationship with her son always stings in the hearts of the audience. We hope Harris pulls in more nominations again and finally gets her award.
4 Johnny Depp
Having starred in many iconic films and for his various portrayals of goofy characters, it’s truly surprising that Johnny Depp has no Oscar wins on its shelf. Depp made his debut in 1984 Freddie, and played memorable roles such as Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, etc. Although nominated to the Academy for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Discovering Neverland, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Depp said he never wanted to win an Oscar. He is, however, honored with the nominations he has received, believing that they are enough.
3 Samuel L. Jackson
One of the highest-grossing actors of all time, Samuel L. Jackson starred in countless critically acclaimed films. In 2021, it was announced that he would receive an honorary Oscar. So close to reality. Before that, his only recognition at the Academy was for his role as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction. Although he received his honorary Oscar, we’re interested to see if Jackson can still get the classic man of gold in the future.
2 Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe received his first Oscar nomination for his role as Sergeant Elias Grodin in Section in 1986. Thirty-six years later, we are still waiting for Dafoe’s first prize. Dafoe received a second Best Supporting Actor nomination as Max Schreck in the 2000 film The shadow of the vampire. Since then, Dafoe has portrayed various notable characters in films such as At the door of eternity, for which he received a Best Actor nomination, The Florida project, he again received a Best Supporting Actor nomination, and 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.
1 Kristen Stewart
Kristen StewartThe acting style of was harshly criticized after her breakout role as Bella Swan in the dusk franchise. His brooding attitude just needed to be placed in new settings where it could flourish. Since then, her style has shaped and established itself, as seen in her role as Sabina Wilson in 2019 Charlie’s Angels. Stewart is one of Hollywood’s most resilient actresses and recently got Oscar buzz for her portrayal of Princess Diana in spencer. Having won several awards and received more than thirty nominations to date, many believe 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.
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