Greatest Hollywood Actresses Who’ve Never Won an Oscar

The Academy Awards represent the pinnacle of recognition in the film industry and yet many legendary performers have never taken home the coveted golden statue. History is filled with iconic actresses who delivered career-defining performances without receiving a competitive Oscar victory. Some of these stars hold the record for the most nominations without a win while others were inexplicably overlooked by voters during their prime. This list highlights the incredible talent of women who have left an indelible mark on cinema history despite the lack of Academy acknowledgment.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close is widely considered one of the most versatile actresses of her generation and holds the record for the most nominations without a win. She captivated audiences with her terrifying portrayal of obsession in ‘Fatal Attraction’ and brought complex depth to the character of the Marquise de Merteuil in ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. Her performance in ‘The Wife’ showcased her subtle ability to convey decades of suppressed emotion through mere glances. Close has consistently delivered powerhouse performances across a variety of genres for over four decades.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams has accumulated six Academy Award nominations during her illustrious career and has proven her range in both dramatic and comedic roles. She earned critical acclaim for her role as a linguistics professor communicating with aliens in ‘Arrival’ which many considered a surprising snub for a nomination. Her supporting turns in films like ‘The Master’ and ‘Doubt’ demonstrated her ability to hold the screen alongside other cinematic heavyweights. Adams brings a unique sense of vulnerability and intelligence to every character she inhabits.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams evolved from a teenage television star into one of the most respected dramatic actresses working in Hollywood today. She received her first nomination for her heartbreaking performance as a neglected wife in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and continued to impress critics with her role in ‘Blue Valentine’. Her transformation into Marilyn Monroe for ‘My Week with Marilyn’ captured the fragility behind the famous icon. Williams consistently chooses challenging independent films that allow her to explore raw and authentic human emotions.

Annette Bening

Annette Bening has been a formidable presence in Hollywood since the late 1980s and has received four Best Actress nominations. Her portrayal of a frustated real estate agent in ‘American Beauty’ provided a perfect satirical edge to the suburban drama. She displayed incredible chemistry with Julianne Moore in ‘The Kids Are All Right’ playing a mother struggling to keep her family together. Bening is known for her sharp wit and her ability to bring sophistication to complex female characters.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver redefined the action genre for women with her groundbreaking performance as Ellen Ripley in ‘Alien’. She earned a Best Actress nomination for the sequel ‘Aliens’ which was a rare feat for a science fiction performance at that time. Weaver showcased her dramatic range by playing remarkably different characters in ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ and ‘Working Girl’ during the same year. Her commanding screen presence has made her an enduring icon of American cinema.

Deborah Kerr

Deborah Kerr was a British star who found massive success in Hollywood and received six Academy Award nominations without a single competitive win. She is perhaps best remembered for her forbidden romance in ‘From Here to Eternity’ where she shared an iconic beach embrace with Burt Lancaster. Her role as a governess in the musical ‘The King and I’ displayed her immense charm and grace. The Academy eventually awarded her an Honorary Oscar to recognize her elegant contributions to the motion picture industry.

Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck was a cinematic powerhouse who excelled in screwball comedies and dark film noirs alike. She gave a definitive femme fatale performance in ‘Double Indemnity’ where her character manipulated an insurance salesman into murder. Her comedic timing was impeccable in ‘The Lady Eve’ and proved she could dominate the screen in any genre. Stanwyck received four competitive nominations throughout her career but never secured the win.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland is a Hollywood legend whose immense talent as a singer and actress left an everlasting impact on the entertainment world. She received a Juvenile Academy Award for her work in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ but never won a competitive Oscar despite two nominations. Her raw and emotional performance in ‘A Star Is Born’ is frequently cited as one of the greatest losses in Oscar history. Garland poured her own personal tragedies into her roles and created deeply moving characters.

Gena Rowlands

Gena Rowlands was the muse for her husband John Cassavetes and delivered some of the most raw and authentic performances in independent film history. She received nominations for her intense portrayals of women on the verge of mental collapse in ‘A Woman Under the Influence’ and ‘Gloria’. Her acting style relied on improvisation and deep emotional truth rather than polished technique. Rowlands paved the way for future generations of actresses to embrace gritty and realistic roles.

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was one of the few stars to successfully transition from silent films to talkies and maintained an aura of mystery throughout her career. She earned nominations for her roles in classics like ‘Anna Christie’ and ‘Camille’ but retired from acting at a young age. Her line regarding wanting to be alone in ‘Grand Hotel’ became one of the most famous quotes in movie history. Garbo remains a symbol of Golden Age glamour and enigmatic talent.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich brought a unique blend of sophistication and sensuality to the screen that challenged traditional gender norms of her time. She garnered her only Academy Award nomination for her role as a cabaret singer in ‘Morocco’ where she famously performed in a tuxedo. Her collaboration with director Josef von Sternberg produced visually stunning films that cemented her status as a legend. Dietrich captivated audiences with her deep voice and her confident on-screen persona.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is arguably the most famous movie star in history yet she never received an Academy Award nomination. She proved her comedic brilliance in ‘Some Like It Hot’ which is often cited as one of the best comedies ever made. Her dramatic turn in ‘The Misfits’ showcased a vulnerability that hinted at her untapped potential as a serious actress. Monroe remains a cultural icon whose charisma transcended the lack of industry awards.

Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood grew up in front of the camera and successfully transitioned from a child star to a respected adult actress with three Oscar nominations. She delivered an iconic performance in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ and starred in the classic musical ‘West Side Story’. Her role in ‘Splendor in the Grass’ demonstrated her ability to convey intense emotional turmoil and romantic longing. Wood left a lasting legacy before her tragic death cut her career short.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer possesses a rare combination of breathtaking beauty and serious acting chops that has earned her three Academy Award nominations. She was unforgettable as the slinky Catwoman in ‘Batman Returns’ and delivered a sizzling performance in ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys’. Her role in ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ showed she could handle complex period dramas with ease. Pfeiffer remains one of the most consistently excellent performers in the industry.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan achieved international fame at a young age and has already secured four Oscar nominations. Her breakout role in ‘Atonement’ showcased a maturity well beyond her years as she played a jealous younger sister. She continued to impress critics with her relatable and heartfelt performance in ‘Lady Bird’. Ronan brings an authentic and naturalistic quality to every character she plays.

Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter is known for her eccentric style and her ability to play dark and quirky characters. She received a nomination for her tragic role in ‘The Wings of the Dove’ and later for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in ‘The King’s Speech’. Her collaboration with director Tim Burton produced memorable performances in films like ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’. Bonham Carter disappears into her roles and is never afraid to take artistic risks.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder was the face of a generation in the 1990s and delivered iconic performances in cult classics. She earned back-to-back nominations for her roles in the period drama ‘The Age of Innocence’ and the adaptation of ‘Little Women’. Her performance in ‘Girl, Interrupted’ showcased her ability to lead a complex ensemble cast tackling mental health issues. Ryder has maintained a devoted fanbase thanks to her emotional range and unique screen presence.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts burst onto the Hollywood scene with her dual role in the psychological thriller ‘Mulholland Drive’. She earned Best Actress nominations for her harrowing performance in the disaster drama ‘The Impossible’ and the gritty film ’21 Grams’. Watts is known for choosing intense and physically demanding roles that push her to her limits. She consistently delivers raw and emotionally charged performances.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has been a superstar for decades and received two Oscar nominations in the same year for ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’. Her voice performance in ‘Her’ was so compelling that it sparked debates about whether voice acting should be eligible for awards. She balanced her blockbuster role as Black Widow with nuanced performances in smaller independent films like ‘Lost in Translation’. Johansson is a versatile talent who excels in both action and drama.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley became a global star through the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise but her dramatic work has earned her two Academy Award nominations. She was praised for her spirited portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and her supporting role in ‘The Imitation Game’. Knightley often shines in period pieces where she brings modern energy to historical characters. Her career balances big-budget spectacles with intimate character studies.

Laura Linney

Laura Linney comes from a theatrical background and brings a grounded sense of reality to her film roles. She has received three nominations for her work in ‘You Can Count on Me’ and ‘Kinsey’ and ‘The Savages’. Her ability to play flawed but sympathetic characters makes her a favorite among critics. Linney consistently elevates every project she is a part of with her intelligence and warmth.

Diane Lane

Diane Lane has been acting since she was a child and earned a Best Actress nomination for her powerful performance in ‘Unfaithful’. She played a woman grappling with the consequences of an affair and conveyed a vast array of emotions with minimal dialogue. Her role in ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ endeared her to audiences as a romantic lead. Lane brings a natural elegance and emotional depth to her characters.

Toni Collette

Toni Collette is a master of transformation who first gained attention for her role in the Australian comedy ‘Muriel’s Wedding’. She received an Oscar nomination for her supporting role as the mother in ‘The Sixth Sense’. Her terrifying and grief-stricken performance in ‘Hereditary’ was widely acclaimed by critics but was snubbed by the Academy. Collette approaches every genre from horror to comedy with total commitment.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is a commanding presence on screen and delivered a legendary performance as Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. She earned a nomination for that role and later received a supporting nomination for playing Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Her portrayal of powerful and resilient women has made her an icon in the industry. The Academy awarded her an Honorary Oscar but she has yet to win in a competitive category.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie skyrocketed to fame with her scene-stealing role in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. She proved her dramatic capabilities with a nomination for playing figure skater Tonya Harding in ‘I, Tonya’. Her turn in ‘Bombshell’ earned her another nomination and solidified her status as a Hollywood A-lister. Robbie is also a successful producer who champions female-led stories.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt is known for her incredible versatility and her ability to tackle everything from musicals to horror. She won a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in ‘A Quiet Place’ but strangely missed out on an Oscar nomination. Her performance in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ stole scenes from Meryl Streep and launched her career in America. Blunt consistently delivers award-worthy performances that are often overlooked by the Academy voters.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst has been a star since childhood when she starred alongside Tom Cruise in ‘Interview with the Vampire’. She finally received her first Oscar nomination for her nuanced performance in ‘The Power of the Dog’. Her roles in films like ‘Melancholia’ and ‘The Virgin Suicides’ demonstrated her depth and willingness to explore dark themes. Dunst has seamlessly transitioned from child star to respected adult actress.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart gained massive fame from the ‘Twilight’ series but reinvented herself as an indie darling. She earned her first Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’. Her work in films like ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ and ‘Personal Shopper’ won her critical acclaim particularly in Europe. Stewart brings an intense internal focus to her acting that mesmerizes audiences.

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan is a British actress known for her careful selection of roles and her transformative abilities. She received nominations for her breakout role in ‘An Education’ and her vengeful turn in ‘Promising Young Woman’. Her performance in ‘Maestro’ showcased her ability to age across decades and hold her own against a powerful male lead. Mulligan conveys deep emotion with subtle expressions and quiet intensity.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara is known for her elusive public persona and her fearless choices in film roles. She earned a nomination for her complete transformation into Lisbeth Salander for ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. Her role in ‘Carol’ garnered her a second nomination and praise for her chemistry with Cate Blanchett. Mara consistently picks projects that challenge conventional storytelling.

Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike delivered a chilling and unforgettable performance as Amy Dunne in ‘Gone Girl’. She received a Best Actress nomination for the role which required her to play multiple facets of a manipulative character. Pike demonstrated her comedic chops and ruthlessness in the thriller ‘I Care a Lot’. She brings a sharp intelligence and icy charisma to her best roles.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone became an international sex symbol with her role in ‘Basic Instinct’ but fought hard to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress. She earned a Best Actress nomination for her performance as a hustler in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Casino’. Her ability to mix glamour with grit made her one of the defining stars of the 1990s. Stone remains a powerful figure in Hollywood who advocates for women in the industry.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman is the muse of director Quentin Tarantino and created an icon with her role as Mia Wallace in ‘Pulp Fiction’. She received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for the film and later starred as the bride in the ‘Kill Bill’ movies. Her work spans from period dramas like ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ to action-packed blockbusters. Thurman brings a unique physical grace and intensity to her performances.

Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan was the undisputed queen of romantic comedies during the 1980s and 1990s. She charmed audiences in classics like ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ but never received an Oscar nomination. Her comedic timing and relatable girl-next-door persona defined a specific era of Hollywood filmmaking. Ryan proved she could handle drama in films like ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’.

Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner was one of the most stunning stars of the studio era and lived a life as dramatic as her movies. She received her only Academy Award nomination for ‘Mogambo’ where she starred alongside Clark Gable and Grace Kelly. Her performance in ‘The Night of the Iguana’ is often cited as one of her best dramatic works. Gardner combined earthy sensuality with a touch of melancholy.

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall burst onto the screen with a smoky voice and a distinctive look in ‘To Have and Have Not’. Despite her legendary status and career she only received one Oscar nomination for her supporting role in ‘The Mirror Has Two Faces’. She received an Honorary Academy Award late in life to acknowledge her contribution to the Golden Age of cinema. Bacall was known for her tough on-screen persona and her romance with Humphrey Bogart.

Kim Novak

Kim Novak is best known for her dual role in Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece ‘Vertigo’. She brought a haunting quality to the film which is now considered one of the greatest movies ever made. Novak often played characters who were objectified for their beauty while hiding deep insecurities. She retired from acting early but left a lasting impression with her cool blonde image.

Catherine Deneuve

Catherine Deneuve is a legend of French cinema who found international success and worked with the world’s greatest directors. She received a Best Actress nomination for her role in the epic drama ‘Indochine’. Her performance in ‘Belle de Jour’ challenged audiences with its exploration of female desire. Deneuve remains a symbol of elegance and artistic integrity in the film world.

Isabelle Huppert

Isabelle Huppert is widely regarded as one of the best living actresses and has an astonishingly prolific filmography. She finally received an Oscar nomination for her fearless performance in the thriller ‘Elle’. Huppert is known for playing cold and complex women who refuse to be victimized. Her work is characterized by its intellectual rigor and lack of sentimentality.

Liv Ullmann

Liv Ullmann was the primary muse for Swedish director Ingmar Bergman and delivered performances of shattering emotional depth. She received nominations for ‘The Emigrants’ and ‘Face to Face’ but never won the American award. Her work in ‘Persona’ and ‘Cries and Whispers’ is studied by acting students around the world. Ullmann mastered the art of conveying internal thought through the camera lens.

Mia Farrow

Mia Farrow starred in some of the most important films of the late 1960s and 1970s without receiving Academy recognition. Her performance in ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ is iconic for its portrayal of paranoia and terror. She appeared in numerous films for Woody Allen including ‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’ and ‘Hannah and Her Sisters’. Farrow brought a fragile and waif-like quality to her roles that concealed a strong will.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek broke barriers for Latinas in Hollywood and produced her own passion project to get her dream role. She earned a Best Actress nomination for playing the iconic artist in ‘Frida’. Her performance captured the physical pain and creative fire of Frida Kahlo with immense authenticity. Hayek continues to work in both blockbusters and smaller dramatic films.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is a triple threat who conquered the worlds of music and movies simultaneously. She delivered a critically acclaimed performance in ‘Selena’ that launched her stardom but missed out on a nomination. Her role as a savvy stripper in ‘Hustlers’ generated significant Oscar buzz that ultimately did not result in a nomination. Lopez brings undeniable charisma and star power to every project she leads.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting young talents in the industry. She received a nomination for her supporting role as Amy March in ‘Little Women’ where she made a difficult character sympathetic. Her performance in the folk horror film ‘Midsommar’ was a tour de force of grief and hysteria. Pugh commands the screen with a confidence that belies her age.

Thelma Ritter

Thelma Ritter was the ultimate character actress who provided the sharp-tongued voice of reason in many classic films. She holds the record for the most Best Supporting Actress nominations without a win with a total of six. She stole scenes in movies like ‘All About Eve’ and ‘Rear Window’ with her dry wit and cynical delivery. Ritter was the working-class hero of mid-century Hollywood cinema.

Share your favorite performance from these actresses or mention who you think was snubbed the most in the comments.