American History

20 Legendary Actors Who Shockingly Never Won an Oscar

Darren - June 9, 2025

The Academy Awards are considered the highest honor in the film industry, a symbol of recognition for artistic excellence and unforgettable performances. Each year, actors dream of clutching the coveted golden statuette, hoping to etch their names in cinematic history. Yet, shockingly, some of the most legendary and beloved actors have never won an Oscar despite delivering iconic roles and shaping the very fabric of Hollywood. This paradox raises the question: how can such talent go unrewarded? Let’s explore the remarkable stars who remain Oscar-less.

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1. Glenn Close

With an astonishing eight Oscar nominations to her name, Glenn Close stands as a towering figure in Hollywood. Her performances in films like Fatal Attraction and The Wife have captivated audiences and critics alike, showcasing her remarkable range and intensity. Despite her critically acclaimed body of work and undeniable talent, the Academy has never awarded her the coveted statuette. Close’s continued absence from the winners’ circle is often referenced as one of the most surprising and persistent oversights in Oscar history.

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2. Peter O’Toole

Peter O’Toole’s legacy is defined by unforgettable performances, most notably his mesmerizing turn in Lawrence of Arabia. Over his illustrious career, he received eight Oscar nominations without a single win, a fact that continues to baffle film enthusiasts. The Academy eventually honored him with an honorary Oscar in 2003, acknowledging his immense contribution to cinema. Still, many believe that O’Toole deserved far more than a consolation prize for his trailblazing work and enduring impact on the industry.

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3. Richard Burton

Richard Burton, renowned for his commanding stage and screen presence, earned seven Oscar nominations throughout his career. His powerful performance in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is just one example of his extraordinary talent. Despite being regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, Burton never took home an Academy Award. His repeated snubs remain one of the most talked-about mysteries in Oscar history, leaving fans and critics alike wondering what more he could have done.

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4. Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver revolutionized Hollywood with her fearless roles, especially as Ripley in Aliens and Dian Fossey in Gorillas in the Mist. Her performances broke new ground for women in cinema, blending strength and vulnerability in ways rarely seen before. Despite earning three Oscar nominations, Weaver has never won the golden statuette. Her absence from the winners’ list remains surprising, given her trailblazing impact and the indelible mark she has left on the industry.

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5. Amy Adams

Amy Adams has dazzled audiences with her remarkable versatility, earning six Oscar nominations for captivating performances in films such as American Hustle and Arrival. Her ability to transform into a wide range of characters has firmly established her as one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Despite critical acclaim and consistent recognition from her peers, Adams remains astonishingly Oscar-less. Fans and critics continue to express disbelief that her impressive body of work has yet to be honored by the Academy.

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6. Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise’s name is synonymous with Hollywood stardom, thanks to his electrifying roles in films ranging from action-packed blockbusters to intense dramas. Despite receiving three Oscar nominations for standout performances like Born on the Fourth of July, Cruise has never secured a win. His enduring appeal and versatility have made him an industry mainstay, yet the Academy has continuously overlooked him when it comes to the ultimate recognition of his talents.

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7. Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp has built a reputation for his transformative performances and unforgettable portrayals of eccentric characters. With three Oscar nominations, including for his iconic turn as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Depp has captivated audiences worldwide. His bold choices and creative risks have made him a Hollywood icon, yet the Academy has never awarded him an Oscar. Fans continue to wonder when Depp’s daring artistry will finally be recognized with the industry’s highest honor.

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8. Annette Bening

Annette Bening has long been admired for her consistent excellence and nuanced performances, earning four Oscar nominations over her impressive career. Films like American Beauty showcase her remarkable depth and emotional range, drawing both audience and critical acclaim. Despite frequent recognition and a respected place among her peers, Bening has never taken home the Oscar. Her ongoing absence from the winners’ list remains one of the most persistent surprises in modern awards history.

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9. Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson’s prolific career has spanned decades, with memorable roles in everything from Pulp Fiction to blockbuster franchises. Despite his extraordinary influence and status as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures, Jackson has received only one Oscar nomination, for his scene-stealing performance in Pulp Fiction. The lack of an Academy Award win for such a beloved and versatile actor continues to baffle fans and industry insiders alike.

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10. Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen’s legendary status is cemented by his two Oscar nominations, including a standout role in Gods and Monsters. His commanding presence and unforgettable performances as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy have made him an icon for multiple generations. Despite his vast influence and critical acclaim, McKellen has yet to receive an Oscar, leaving many admirers astonished that such a distinguished career remains unrecognized by the Academy.

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11. Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes has received two Oscar nominations for his chilling performance in Schindler’s List and his nuanced work in The English Patient. Fiennes’ ability to embody both heroes and villains, including his memorable portrayal of Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, has earned him worldwide acclaim. Yet, despite his impressive range and talent, the Academy has never awarded him an Oscar, a fact that continues to surprise both fans and critics.

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12. Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer’s luminous career has earned her three Oscar nominations, including a standout role in Dangerous Liaisons. Her captivating presence and emotional depth have made her one of Hollywood’s most respected leading ladies, admired by peers and audiences alike. Despite consistently delivering acclaimed performances across genres, Pfeiffer has never claimed the Academy’s top honor. Her continued absence from the Oscar winners’ circle remains one of the most notable and puzzling omissions in recent film history.

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13. Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is a true Hollywood icon, immortalized by his legendary roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo. Despite his immense popularity and cultural impact, Ford has received just one Oscar nomination, for his gripping performance in Witness. His absence from the list of winners is a frequent topic of conversation among fans and critics, who find it remarkable that such a beloved and influential actor has never taken home an Academy Award.

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14. Edward Norton

Edward Norton is renowned for his intense, transformative performances and meticulous approach to his craft. With three Oscar nominations for standout roles in Primal Fear, American History X, and Birdman, Norton has consistently earned critical acclaim. His commitment to complex characters and powerful storytelling has made him a favorite among cinephiles. Still, the Academy has yet to recognize his achievements with a win, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his long-overdue Oscar moment.

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15. Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter’s eclectic career spans everything from acclaimed period dramas to quirky collaborations with Tim Burton. With two Oscar nominations—including for her memorable role in The King’s Speech—she has proven her range and adaptability across genres. Bonham Carter’s ability to bring both eccentric and deeply human characters to life has won her widespread respect, yet the Academy has never awarded her an Oscar, leaving her fans hoping for future recognition.

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16. Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe is celebrated for his fearless choices and magnetic screen presence, earning four Oscar nominations for films such as Platoon and The Florida Project. Known for his willingness to embrace challenging and unconventional roles, Dafoe has delivered some of the most memorable performances in modern cinema. Despite this, Oscar voters have yet to reward his career-defining work, a fact that continues to surprise critics and fans who admire his unmatched dedication to the craft.

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17. Rosamund Pike

Despite her critically acclaimed performance as Amy Dunne in Gone Girl (2014), Rosamund Pike has never won an Oscar. Her chilling portrayal earned her a Best Actress nomination, but she lost to Julianne Moore. Over the years, Pike has built a diverse filmography, ranging from intense thrillers to historical dramas. She’s been praised for her commanding screen presence and emotional depth, yet remains one of Hollywood’s most respected talents without an Academy Award.

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18. Albert Finney

Albert Finney’s illustrious career spanned decades, earning him five Oscar nominations for standout roles in films such as Tom Jones and Erin Brockovich. Known for his versatility and commanding presence, Finney excelled in both dramatic and comedic roles, leaving an indelible mark on cinema. Despite this impressive legacy and a string of acclaimed performances, the Academy never awarded him the coveted Oscar, leaving many to reflect on his enduring yet unrecognized contributions.

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19. Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo remains a legendary figure in film history, celebrated for her captivating presence and enigmatic allure. With four Oscar nominations during the 1930s, Garbo’s performances in both silent and sound films set a standard for generations of actors. Despite her profound influence and iconic status, she never won an Academy Award. Garbo’s enduring legacy and the Academy’s oversight continue to fascinate cinephiles, serving as a reminder of Oscar’s unpredictable nature.

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20. Deborah Kerr

Deborah Kerr’s elegant presence and remarkable talent earned her six Oscar nominations for classic performances in films such as From Here to Eternity. Renowned for her grace and versatility, Kerr was a critical favorite who consistently delivered memorable work across genres. Despite her string of nominations, she never won a competitive Oscar. The Academy eventually recognized her profound contributions with an honorary statuette, but many believe she deserved much more during her extraordinary career.

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