10 Movies that received zero Oscar nominations despite being good

The Oscars are often considered the pinnacle of cinematic achievement. However, there have been several times when deserving movies did not receive the recognition they deserved. These movies have been critically acclaimed and have the admiration of millions of viewers. However, it still got overlooked by the Oscars.

Though the Oscars are not the only measure of a movie’s quality as it is subjective, it is often heartbreaking to see movies that have received so much love from the viewers get ignored at nominations. Some movies are ahead of their time. Their innovative techniques and challenging themes have often failed to resonate with the Oscars.

In the following list, ten such movies have been explored. These movies have not received any recognition at the Oscars but have cemented their legacies among the viewers. They are a reminder that the true measure of a movie’s success lies in its ability to connect with viewers.

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1)The Iron Claw

The Iron Claw is a 2023 movie that received wide popularity with its tragic story of the Von Erich Family. The Von Enrich Family has a legacy of wrestlers, with former wrestler Fritz Von Erich. Fritz Von Erich never achieved world championship success. Hence, he pushes his sons to achieve his dreams.

The intense pressure they face under their father's constant scrutiny and expectations resonates with the viewers. The brutality needed in professional wrestling has been portrayed. There is a stark difference between their public personas and their private struggles, which is a relatable moment.

Zac Efron had an outstanding performance in the movie and deserved recognition according to the viewers. Though the movie had touched the hearts of many, it had failed to get any recognition from the Oscars.

2)Heat 1995

McCauley, along with his crew members, executes high-stakes heists. These heists showcase their precision and professionalism. However, in a car robbery, after some impulsive decisions taken by the new crew member, the McCauley team is pursued by Lieutenant Vincent Hanna's team. One thing about Vincent Hanna is that he is a dedicated and intense detective. His dedication turns into an obsession to catch McCauley.

Both McCauley's and Hanna's lives are shown intricately. Their vulnerabilities and the professional toll on their personal lives are shown as well. Hanna has a turbulent marriage, and McCauley has a strict code of conduct. Al Pacino's portrayal of Hanna is truly remarkable. Fans have also appreciated De Niro's portrayal. It is truly hard to believe that this movie did not receive any nominations at the Oscars.

3)The Shining

A Stanley Kubrick masterpiece, The Shining is truly one of his greatest creations, according to the viewers. Though the movie initially received mixed reviews, it has become a cult classic movie in recent times. This makes it truly hard to believe that The Shining did not receive any nominations at the Oscars. Jack Torrance is recovering from alcoholism and takes on a caretaker job at the isolated Overlook Hotel. He is also a struggling writer.

The hotel is not just any normal hotel but one with a dark history. Jack also brought his wife and his son, Danny, with him. Danny has psychic abilities and starts to see disturbing visions of the hotel's past. On the other hand, Jack is influenced by the presence in the hotel, which forces him to descend into madness.

Not only is the movie filled with an intricate storyline, but the scores throughout the movie amplify the psychological horror in the movie.

4)Before Sunrise

It is undeniable that every aspect of Before Sunrise was worthy of being recognized by the Oscars, according to the viewers. The bittersweet ending of the movie leaves the viewers thinking. In the movie, we see Jesse and Celine meet on a train from Budapest. Each of them is intrigued by the other. They decide to stay in Venice and spend the night together exploring the city.

They go from cafes to parks to record stores. Unlike traditional romantic movies, this movie focuses on the authenticity of human connection. It is just two people sharing their thoughts and feelings for one another. Their vulnerabilities are revealed along with their desires. Though the movie did not get recognition from the Oscars, its brilliance lies in its unique approach to the storyline. Director Linkletter has allowed the flow of dialogue and performance to shine. It creates an immersive experience for the viewers.

5)American Physcho

It is truly hard to believe that this movie did not receive any Oscar nominations. American Psycho is a satirical horror movie about Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker with a dark secret. On the outside, Patrick Bateman's revolves around trendy restaurants, appearances, and social status. However, beneath the surface, he has a dark secret that he hides well.

He has a psychopathic nature. Driven by his nature, he does heinous acts of murder. His acts of crime escalate with time, blurring the line between his fantasy and reality. It is a thought-provoking movie as you are left with questions about whether the extreme acts of violence he causes are real or of his imagination. It is a timeless movie and has had a huge cultural impact. It is referenced in modern media even now.

6)Challengers

A love triangle driven by rivalry and ambition, Challengers is one of a kind. In the movie, there is a jump between the past and present. It seamlessly weaves the plot and resonates with the viewers. Zendaya's performance in the movie deserves to be recognized at the Oscars, according to the viewers. She portrays the role of Tashi, who is desired by both Art and Patrick.

Though they had a turbulent past, their encounter in the present brings back old flames and resentments. The movie has tension. There is a reveal of the power struggle between the characters. It has undeniably left a lasting impact on the viewers. It was also the reason for their disappointment when the movie was not recognized at the Oscars. The complex nature of human relationships, especially the blurred lines between love and friendship, is portrayed perfectly.

7)Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko is a mind-bending science fiction psychological thriller. It is truly one of a kind. It has grown a cult following and even now has a growing fanbase. It has a complex narrative and thought-provoking themes. It created disappointment among viewers when Donnie Darko was not recognized at the Oscars. Donnie is a troubled teenager. He has a history of mental health issues.

One day, Donnie encounters Frank, a mysterious figure. Frank has a rabbit suit on, and he tells Donnie that the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. After several events, Donnie understands the harsh reality. He understands that he has to sacrifice himself to correct the timeline. Jake Gyllenhaal has given an incredible performance, and it resonated with the viewers.

8)Paris, Texas

Wim Wenders created a remarkable movie with themes of isolation and redemption. Paris, Texas, starts with Travis's silence. Travis wanders around Texas when he is found by his brother. Travis suffers from amnesia and struggles to reconnect with his past. Harry Dean Stanton has done a remarkable performance.

He has fully conveyed a profound and emotionally resonating performance. It has a symbolic meaning, representing the past. It is a place of dreams in the movie. The relationship between Hunter and Travis is crucial. Though their bond has developed slowly, they have an unspoken understanding.

9)Thor: Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok is another movie that deserved recognition at the Oscars, according to the viewers. The movie was vibrant and truly remarkable. It was visually stunning, with comedic timing that resonated with the viewers. When Thor, the God of Thunder, learns the truth about her sister Hela, the goddess of Death, things take an unexpected turn.

After Hela's wrath, Thor is stranded on Sakaar, where he is forced to fight with Hulk. Thor finds new alliances and realizes that Asgars is not a place but the people. The color palette of the movie is truly remarkable. Chris Hemsworth and Cate Blanchett's performance deserved to be recognized at the Oscars, according to the viewers.

10)Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a French movie about Marianne. Marianne is a talented painter with the commission to paint the wedding portrait of Heloise. Heloise has been resisting the marriage and has refused to pose for the previous painter. To make her task easy, Marianne conceals her true identity and pretends to be Heloise's companion.

She starts to observe her daily walks and conversations and keeps painting her portrait in secret. As Marianne and Heloise spend time with each other, they form a deep emotional bond. The bond starts blossoming into a forbidden love built on emotional compatibility and intellectualism.

Heloise's marriage casts a shadow on their relationship and shows that their time together is limited. The powerful performance of the lead actors truly deserved recognition at the Oscars, according to the viewers. It is an art in itself and is a strong example of how to portray a love story profoundly.

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