The Academy’s Injustices: The Best Actors and Actresses Who Haven’t Even Been Nominated for an Acting Oscar

The Academy Awards are a pinnacle of recognition in film, but some remarkable actors slip through the cracks. Despite delivering iconic performances, these stars have yet to earn an acting Oscar nomination.

This article highlights actors and actresses who remain unrecognized by the Academy for their acting. From versatile character actors to leading legends, their work deserves a closer look.

Paul Dano

Paul Dano’s intense performances in ‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007) and ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006) showcase his incredible range. Matching Daniel Day-Lewis in the former was no small feat, yet he’s never been Oscar-nominated.

At 40, Dano’s roles in ‘12 Years a Slave’ (2013) and ‘The Fabelmans’ (2022) prove his ability to tackle complex characters. The Academy’s oversight of his nuanced work is surprising.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe, a Hollywood icon, defined charisma in ‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959), but the Academy snubbed her while nominating co-star Jack Lemmon. Her comedic brilliance was unmatched.

Her roles in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ (1953) and ‘The Seven Year Itch’ (1955) blended charm and depth. Monroe’s lack of an Oscar nod feels like a major miss by the Academy.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac’s soulful role in ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ (2013) made him a star, yet no Oscar nomination followed. His performances in ‘Ex Machina’ (2014) and ‘Dune’ (2021) were equally gripping.

Isaac’s ability to carry films like ‘A Most Violent Year’ (2014) with quiet intensity is remarkable. The Academy’s failure to recognize him remains a puzzle.

Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi’s unforgettable roles in ‘Fargo’ (1996) and ‘Reservoir Dogs’ (1992) show his knack for complex, quirky characters. Yet, the Oscars have never acknowledged his acting.

Buscemi’s work in ‘Ghost World’ (2001) and ‘The Death of Stalin’ (2017) blends humor and depth, making his lack of a nomination surprising. His distinctive presence elevates every project.

John Cusack

John Cusack’s sharp wit in ‘High Fidelity’ (2000) and intensity in ‘The Grifters’ (1990) made him a standout, but the Oscars haven’t noticed. His role in ‘Being John Malkovich’ (1999) was equally bold.

Cusack’s range in ‘Grosse Pointe Blank’ (1997) and ‘The Thin Red Line’ (1998) shows his versatility. A future Oscar nod could still be in his cards.

Martin Sheen

Martin Sheen’s commanding performance in ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979) is a cinematic milestone, yet the Academy overlooked him. His roles in ‘Badlands’ (1973) and ‘Wall Street’ (1987) were equally powerful.

Sheen’s work in ‘Murphy Brown’ earned an Emmy, but his film roles, like in ‘The Departed’ (2006), deserved Oscar love too.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor’s raw energy in ‘Trainspotting’ (1996) and emotional depth in ‘Moulin Rouge’ (2001) are iconic, yet no Oscar nods have come. His TV role in ‘Fargo’ (2014–2023) won a Golden Globe.

McGregor’s versatility in ‘Shallow Grave’ (1994) and ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ (1999) is undeniable. His Oscar absence is hard to justify.

Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland’s heartbreaking role in ‘Ordinary People’ (1980) deserved Oscar attention, but he was overlooked. His chilling performance in ‘Don’t Look Now’ (1973) was equally powerful.

With a career spanning ‘MASH’ (1970) to ‘The Hunger Games’ (2012–2015), Sutherland’s lack of an acting nomination is a major Academy oversight. His presence is always unforgettable.

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth’s electrifying role in ‘Gilda’ (1946) made her a film noir legend, yet the Oscars ignored her. Her work with Orson Welles in ‘The Lady from Shanghai’ (1947) was captivating.

Hayworth’s performances in ‘Cover Girl’ (1944) and ‘Pal Joey’ (1957) showed her range as a dancer and actress. The Academy’s snub reflects the era’s biases.

John Goodman

John Goodman’s commanding presence in ‘Barton Fink’ (1991) and ‘The Big Lebowski’ (1998) is iconic, yet he’s never been Oscar-nominated. His voice work in ‘Monsters, Inc.’ (2001) was equally memorable.

Goodman’s roles in Oscar-winning films like ‘Argo’ (2012) and ‘The Artist’ (2011) make his snub surprising. His ability to steal scenes begs for Academy recognition.

Michael Sheen

Michael Sheen’s portrayals of real-life figures in ‘The Queen’ (2006) and ‘Frost/Nixon’ (2008) were stellar, yet no Oscar nods followed. His charm in ‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011) was delightful.

Sheen’s ability to vanish into roles, like in ‘The Damned United’ (2009), is remarkable. The Academy’s failure to notice him is genuinely perplexing.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey’s profound work in ‘The Truman Show’ (1998) and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004) earned critical praise, but no Oscar nominations. His co-stars got nods instead.

Carrey’s comedic genius in ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’ (1994) and dramatic turn in ‘Man on the Moon’ (1999) show his range. The Academy’s comedy bias likely plays a role.

Mia Farrow

Mia Farrow’s haunting performance in ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ (1968) and subtle work in ‘Hannah and Her Sisters’ (1986) earned BAFTA and Golden Globe nods, but no Oscars. Her Woody Allen collaborations were exceptional.

Farrow’s roles in ‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’ (1985) and ‘Broadway Danny Rose’ (1984) showcased her versatility. The Academy’s oversight feels like a missed opportunity.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere’s charm in ‘Pretty Woman’ (1990) and intensity in ‘Chicago’ (2002) made him a star, but no Oscar nominations came. His co-stars often stole the Academy’s attention.

Gere’s dramatic work in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ (1982) and ‘Arbitrage’ (2012) proves his depth. His lack of an Oscar nod feels like a gap in the Academy’s judgment.

Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman’s legendary villain in ‘Die Hard’ (1988) set a standard, yet the Oscars overlooked him. His roles in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ (1991) and ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (1995) were equally striking.

Rickman’s emotional depth in ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’ (1990) and presence in ‘Harry Potter’ (2001–2011) deserved more. His Oscar snub remains a sore point for fans.

Idris Elba

From his commanding presence as Stringer Bell in HBO’s “The Wire” to his complex portrayal of a tormented detective in “Luther,” Idris Elba has consistently delivered powerful and nuanced performances. He’s an actor of incredible range, equally at home in blockbusters like “Thor” and “Pacific Rim” as he is in character-driven dramas.

His role as the brutal commandant in “Beasts of No Nation” was a tour de force that many felt was a sure bet for an Oscar nomination, but it was surprisingly overlooked.

Pam Grier

A true icon of the Blaxploitation era, Pam Grier brought a new kind of female hero to the screen. In films like “Foxy Brown” and “Coffy,” she was tough, independent, and unapologetically fierce. But it was her role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown” that truly showcased her acting prowess.

As the titular flight attendant, Grier was smart, vulnerable, and utterly captivating. It’s a role that many believe should have earned her a long-overdue Oscar nomination.

Steve Martin

While he may be best known for his wild and crazy comedic persona, Steve Martin is an actor of incredible depth and subtlety. His early work in films like “The Jerk” and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” showcased his comedic genius, but he also has a gift for more dramatic roles.

His performances in “Roxanne” and “Shopgirl” were both heartfelt and hilarious, proving that he is more than just a funnyman. It’s a shame the Academy has yet to recognize his immense talent.

Zendaya

One of the brightest young stars in Hollywood, Zendaya has already proven herself to be a versatile and captivating performer. She has seamlessly transitioned from a Disney Channel star to a respected actress with roles in the “Spider-Man” franchise and the critically acclaimed series “Euphoria,” for which she has won two Emmys.

Her raw and powerful portrayal of a struggling addict in the show has demonstrated her incredible range and emotional depth, and it’s only a matter of time before she receives a well-deserved Oscar nomination.

Andie MacDowell

With her Southern charm and undeniable screen presence, Andie MacDowell has been a fixture in Hollywood for decades. She rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with memorable roles in films like “Sex, Lies, and Videotape,” “Groundhog Day,” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral.”

While she has received Golden Globe nominations for her work, an Oscar nomination has remained elusive.

Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon has been a consistent and reliable presence in Hollywood for over four decades. From his breakout role in “Footloose” to his more recent work in films like “Mystic River” and the television series “The Following,” Bacon has demonstrated his ability to tackle a wide variety of roles. He can be charming and funny one moment, and dark and menacing the next. This versatility has made him a fan favorite and a respected actor within the industry, yet the Academy has never acknowledged his work.

Meg Ryan

In the 1990s, Meg Ryan was the undisputed queen of the romantic comedy. With her infectious laugh and girl-next-door charm, she starred in a string of hits that included “When Harry Met Sally…,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “You’ve Got Mail.” But she also proved her dramatic chops in films like “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “Courage Under Fire.”

Despite her box office success and critical acclaim, Ryan has never been nominated for an Academy Award.

Alfred Molina

A true chameleon, Alfred Molina has been delivering memorable performances for decades. From his villainous turn as Doctor Octopus in “Spider-Man 2” to his sensitive portrayal of a closeted gay man in “Love Is Strange,” Molina has shown a remarkable ability to disappear into his roles.

His scene-stealing performance in “Boogie Nights” is a masterclass in acting, and it’s a mystery how he has never been recognized by the Academy.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo is an actor of immense talent and gravitas. He is perhaps best known for his powerful portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in the film “Selma,” a performance that many felt was unjustly snubbed by the Academy. He has also delivered strong performances in films like “The Butler” and “A United Kingdom.”

Oyelowo is an actor who consistently elevates the material he is given, and it is only a matter of time before he is recognized with an Oscar nomination.

Hugh Grant

With his floppy hair, charming stammer, and self-deprecating wit, Hugh Grant became a global star in the 1990s. He was the king of the romantic comedy, starring in hits like “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and “Notting Hill.”

In recent years, however, Grant has reinvented himself as a character actor, taking on more complex and challenging roles in films like “Florence Foster Jenkins” and the television series “A Very English Scandal.” This late-career resurgence has shown a new side of his talent and has many wondering why he has never been nominated for an Oscar.

Robin Wright

For decades, Robin Wright has been a consistently excellent actress. She first gained recognition for her role as Princess Buttercup in the beloved classic “The Princess Bride.” She has since gone on to have a long and successful career, with memorable roles in films like “Forrest Gump,” “Unbreakable,” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

Her work as Claire Underwood in the Netflix series “House of Cards” earned her a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy nominations, but an Oscar nomination has remained out of reach.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

A comedic genius, Julia Louis-Dreyfus has made audiences laugh for decades. She is best known for her iconic roles as Elaine Benes in “Seinfeld” and Selina Meyer in “Veep,” for which she has won a combined 11 Emmy Awards.

While she has had some success in film, with roles in “Enough Said” and “Downhill,” she has yet to receive an Oscar nomination for her work.

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell has been a Hollywood star for over 50 years. He began his career as a child actor for Disney, and has since gone on to star in a wide variety of films, including “Escape from New York,” “The Thing,” “Big Trouble in Little China,” and “Tombstone.”

He is a versatile actor who is equally at home in action films, comedies, and dramas. Despite his long and successful career, he has never been nominated for an Academy Award.

Dennis Quaid

With his rugged good looks and easygoing charm, Dennis Quaid has been a reliable leading man for decades. He has starred in a wide variety of films, including “The Right Stuff,” “The Big Easy,” “Dragonheart,” and “The Day After Tomorrow.”

He has also shown his dramatic range in films like “Far from Heaven,” for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. However, an Oscar nomination has always eluded him.

Scarlett Johansson

It’s hard to believe that Scarlett Johansson has never been nominated for an Oscar. She has been acting since she was a child, and has delivered acclaimed performances in films like “Lost in Translation,” “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” “Her,” and “Marriage Story.”

She was also a major star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where she played the Black Widow. With her talent, versatility, and box office appeal, it’s only a matter of time before she finally gets the Oscar recognition she deserves.

Bruce Willis

For decades, Bruce Willis has been one of the biggest action stars in the world. He is best known for his role as John McClane in the “Die Hard” franchise, but he has also starred in a number of other successful films, including “Pulp Fiction,” “The Sixth Sense,” and “Unbreakable.”

While he may be known for his action roles, he has also shown his comedic and dramatic chops in films like “The Whole Nine Yards” and “Moonrise Kingdom.” It’s a shame that the Academy has never recognized his work.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt is an actress of incredible range and talent. She can be hilariously funny, as she was in “The Devil Wears Prada,” or she can be tough and determined, as she was in “Edge of Tomorrow.”

She has also shown her dramatic side in films like “The Young Victoria” and “A Quiet Place.” With her talent and versatility, it’s surprising that she has yet to be nominated for an Oscar.

Jeff Daniels

A versatile and respected actor, Jeff Daniels has had a long and successful career in both film and television. He has starred in a wide variety of films, including “Terms of Endearment,” “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Dumb and Dumber,” and “The Martian.”

He has also had a successful career on stage, winning a Tony Award for his role in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Despite his success in other mediums, he has never been nominated for an Academy Award.

Donald Sutherland

With a career spanning over six decades, Donald Sutherland is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. He has starred in a wide variety of films, including “MAS*H,” “Klute,” “Don’t Look Now,” and “The Hunger Games” franchise. He has also had a successful career on television, winning an Emmy for his role in the miniseries “Citizen X.”

Despite his long and acclaimed career, he has never been nominated for an acting Oscar, though he did receive an honorary Oscar in 2017.

Keanu Reeves

For decades, Reeves has defined cool under pressure, from the breakneck charisma of “Speed” and the genre-bending poise of “The Matrix” to the stoic mythmaking of the “John Wick” saga. He’s also taken quieter swings—think “My Own Private Idaho,” “The Neon Demon,” and “A Scanner Darkly”—that show a willingness to color outside the blockbuster lines.

The irony: his star power often overshadows the craft. Reeves excels at physical storytelling and soulful restraint, qualities awards bodies routinely underrate. A future nomination likely hinges on a character-first, director-driven drama that lets his stillness speak—something he’s more than capable of delivering.

Jennifer Lopez

From “Selena” and “Out of Sight” to the electric, lived-in ferocity of “Hustlers,” Lopez has repeatedly reminded audiences she’s far more than a pop icon. She builds entire worlds around her characters—how they walk, sell a lie, protect a friend—and makes it look effortless.

If the Oscars love transformations and momentum, few careers have offered more of both over a longer window. Give her the right script—equal parts grit and glamour—and she’ll make a nomination feel inevitable rather than overdue.

Adam Sandler

Sandler’s dramatic turns—“Punch-Drunk Love,” “The Meyerowitz Stories,” “Uncut Gems,” “Hustle”—prove he can channel his comedic chaos into nerve-fraying, deeply human portraits. He’s magnetic when the mask slips and the grin becomes a wince.

Awards narratives often reward “serious” actors going funny, not comedians going existential. That’s the blind spot. One more knockout collaboration with an auteur, and the Academy may finally catch up to what critics have been saying for years.

Daniel Craig

Beyond Bond, Craig’s résumé is stacked: the chilly menace of “Road to Perdition,” the brittle swagger of “Layer Cake,” the coiled grief in “Knives Out,” and nuanced stage and indie work. He carries gravitas without grandstanding.

The best-case path is a character study that trades the tux for vulnerability—something thorny, ironic, maybe a touch tragic. Craig has the precision; he just needs the vehicle that reframes him in voters’ minds.

Michael B. Jordan

Jordan’s run—“Fruitvale Station,” “Creed,” “Black Panther,” “Just Mercy”—is a study in intensity and empathy. He’s compelling in motion, calibrating rage and tenderness beat by beat, often elevating entire films through presence alone.

Why no nod yet? Timing, stacked fields, and the Academy’s occasional hesitancy with franchise-adjacent work. A piercing, awards-season drama that centers him—rather than the mythology around him—would change that quickly.

Robert Pattinson

After leaving the YA stratosphere, Pattinson went full risk-taker: the adrenalized desperation of “Good Time,” the delirious madness of “The Lighthouse,” the austere mystery of “High Life,” and a brooding, tactile “The Batman.”

He’s a magnet for directors who like actors to suffer beautifully. A nomination feels like a matter of alignment—when his taste for the off-kilter intersects with a campaignable, emotionally direct role.

Mads Mikkelsen

Mikkelsen’s gifts—silken menace, wounded dignity, sly humor—have anchored everything from “The Hunt” and “Another Round” to “The Promised Land.” He makes moral conflict cinematic, often with a glance or a pause.

International stars sometimes wait longer for Academy recognition, but his body of work is too rich to ignore forever. The right English-language showcase—or an undeniable festival breakout—could be the tipping point.

Andy Serkis

Serkis reshaped screen acting with performance capture, giving aching, layered humanity to Gollum and Caesar, then turning around to deliver vivid live-action character work and thoughtful direction.

The Academy has historically undervalued mo-cap, but acting is acting—impulse, intention, behavior—no matter the pipeline to pixels. A high-profile supporting turn in a prestige drama might be the bridge that finally brings him to the ballot.

Ben Affleck

Affleck owns two Oscars—just not for acting. As a performer, he’s done sterling work in “Hollywoodland,” “The Town,” “Gone Girl,” and, yes, “Argo.” His best performances are flinty and recessive, letting subtext do the talking.

Because his narrative often centers on writing and directing, his acting gets treated like a bonus. A meaty, awards-season role under another filmmaker’s eye could put the spotlight squarely back on his on-screen chops.

Patrick Swayze

Swayze blended movie-star magnetism with dancer’s discipline, gifting us the romantic ache of “Dirty Dancing,” the ethereal tenderness of “Ghost,” the Zen-bandit charisma of “Point Break,” and a fearless turn in “To Wong Foo.”

He was a singular presence—athletic, sensitive, and game for risk—which the Academy didn’t codify in his lifetime. His legacy endures as proof that cultural impact and awards hardware don’t always travel together.

Which actor’s Oscar absence shocks you most, or is there another star you’d add to this list? Drop your thoughts in the comments!