17 A-list actors who never won an Oscar

Several A-list actors in Hollywood have never won an Oscar, despite talent and fame. Many of these top stars have been nominated at the Academy Awards, but the golden statue has simply eluded them. These actors have showcased their talent through unforgettable performances in realistic dramas as well as blockbuster hits. This article discusses 17 Hollywood actors and actresses who have been nominated at the Oscars but have never won.

1) Glenn Close

Despite the eight nominations, Glenn Close stands out as an actress who has never won an Academy Award. She is at her best in films such as Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons, both performances nominated at the Oscars. Close has been snubbed by the Academy consistently. She received her eighth nomination for the 2020 film, Hillbilly Elegy. Close has often aired her frustration over how actresses her age rarely score significant roles or get recognition from the Academy.

2) Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp is widely known as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, apart from the many quirky and multi-dimensional characters he has played throughout his career. Although he is brilliant in the three films that fetched him Oscar nominations — Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Finding Neverland, and Sweeney Todd — he never took home the trophy. Depp's transformation into some of his eccentric and memorable characters is unmatched.

3) Amy Adams

Amy Adams has been nominated six times for an Oscar, for films that include Doubt , The Fighter, and Arrival, but has never won the trophy. Despite her seamless transitions across genres including drama and comedy, the Academy has not recognized her efforts yet. Known for emotionally rich performances, the versatile Adams remains one of Hollywood's most respected actresses. Many feel it's just a matter of time, but the talk of her being one of the best actors to have never won the Oscar only grows louder each time she misses.

4) Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe is one of Hollywood's most recognizable actors, and also respected. His four Oscar nominations till date were for performances in Platoon, Shadow of the Vampire, The Florida Project, and At Eternity's Gate (where he portrayed Vincent van Gogh). However, Dafoe has yet to take home an Oscar although he consistently continues to build a marvelous body of work. Dafoe has an unforgettable screen presence, is strongly committed to his craft, and loved in both indie and mainstream films.

5) Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal has showcased his range as an actor throughout his career, from his early roles such as Donnie Darko to acclaimed performances such as Brokeback Mountain and Nightcrawler. Gyllenhaal has received only one Oscar nomination till date, for the role in Brokeback Mountain, but he did not win. Gyllenhaal is a reliable actor known for his intense and often unsettling roles. Although he is one of the most popular and talented actors around, the Academy Award has eluded him. Fans continue to debate over his Oscar snub so far, especially despite his remarkable performances in Prisoners and Southpaw.

6) Annette Bening

Annette Bening has been nominated five times at the Oscars, for The Grifters, American Beauty, Being Julia, The Kids Are All Right, and Nyad. However, despite her brilliant range from drama to comedy, Bening has never won, surprising many. For her performances she has received rave reviews, yet the Academy doesn't seem convenced yet. Still, Bening is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, and she continues to deliver excellent performances in films and television shows, such as the 2019 film, The Report, which solidified her legacy.

7) Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves has had a career full of popular hits such as Speed, The Matrix trilogy and the John Wick films. He is also known for his convincing performance in the indie film, My Own Private Idaho. Reeves has consistently carried big blockbuster films on his shoulders and portrayed complex characters. He is admired for being a down-to-earth guy, driven by his work ethic and loyalty to his fans.

8) Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is a living legend in Hollywood but he is yet to win and Oscar. He was nominated for Witness, but without success. His lack of recognition from the Academy has been a mystery to fans, as his iconic roles and a commanding screen presence have dominated Hollywood for decades. Ford, whose rugged charm is matched by his heroic characters, remains a beloved figure despite not winning an Oscar. He continues to play key roles in major franchises such as Star Wars and Blade Runner 2049. He will soon be seen as Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World.

9) Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams has received five Oscar nominations including for My Week with Marilyn and Manchester by the Sea, but has never won the award. Known for her emotional depth and versatility, Williams has given several remarkable performances, both in the independent film circuit and mainstream projects. Her performances have won over the viewers and critics alike. Williams continues to stun audiences in mainstream productions such as Venom and remains one of Hollywood's most respected performers. The Oscar snub continues to spark debate.

10) Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise, Hollywood legend and global superstar, has been nominated three times at the Oscars as an actor, and never won. He has been nominated as an actor at the Oscars for Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, and Magnolia. Known for performing with raw intensity, and also for his explosive action roles in the Top Gun and Mission: Impossible films, Cruise is yet to deliver an Oscar speech. Apart from his remarkable career and ability to balance commercial success with critical reception, he remains a very influential figure for his generation. His lack of an Oscar win has sparked surprise about why the Academy overlooks him despite his immense talent and popularity.

11) Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is arguably one of Hollywood's most iconic and versatile actors, yet he has never won an Oscar as an actor. He was nominated once for Pulp Fiction. With more than 100 films to his credit, including The Avengers, Django Unchained, and Snakes on a Plane, he has become known for powerful performances. He has, however, been given an Honorary Academy Award in 2021. Jackson's strong screen presence and distinctive voice continue to win him fans, yet the Academy has not acknowledged his massive contribution to the film industry.

12) Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt has starred in several acclaimed movies such as The Devil Wears Prada, A Quiet Place, and Edge of Tomorrow. Her performances have given her a reputation as a bankable actress, fetching critical acclaim and multiple nominations, but no Oscars. So far, shehas received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars for Oppenheimer. Despite feted roles in films such as Into the Woods and The Girl on the Train, she has not yet won an Oscar.

13) Donald Sutherland

The late Donald Sutherland was a Hollywood veteran actor with over six decades of experience, and yet no Oscar win. However, he did win an Academy Honorary Award in 2017. Sutherland is known for his roles in films such as Ordinary People, The Hunger Games series, M*A*S*H, and Pride & Prejudice. His long list of work displays his versatility. His ability to bring depth, whether in main or supporting roles, achieved him widespread acclam. However, the Oscar eluded him, and many consider this, one of the most glaring of the Academy's omissions.

14) Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter has two Oscar nominations till date — for The King's Speech and The Wings of the Dove — but no wins. She has made a name for herself playing eccentric, transformative roles in films ranging from the Harry Potter franchise to Alice in Wonderland, yet the Oscars have eluded her. She is known for her talent of becoming one with her often on-the-edge characters. Bonham Carter continues to demonstrate her acting prowess in recent performances such as The Crown and Enola Holmes.

15) Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey's iconic performances include The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. A true-blue superstar primarily for his comic roles, he has never received an Oscar nomination. Carrey is a comedian who can portray dramatic intensity on screen, too, and win popular accolade and critical acclaim. He is also among Hollywood's most influential actors ever.

16) Edward Norton

Edward Norton, with three nominations for Primal Fear, American History X, and Birdman so far, has never won an Oscar. The result of his fourth nomination this year, as Best Supporting Actor for A Complete Unknown, is pending, and fans are keeping their fingers crossed. Norton is known for his intense and complex, and is one of Hollywood's most respected actors. However, he is yet to make it to the Oscar winner's circle. Despite Norton missing his on the Oscars so far, he is widely respected for roles in films as diverse as The Illusionist and Fight Club.

17) Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson received two Oscar nominations in the same year, for Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit, but failed to win. Her acting chops have garnered praise across genres from drama to action to comedy, but the Academy is yet to recognize her talent. Although the dual nomination in 2020 raised hope for her fans, her losing out left them wondering when the Academy would finally reward her with an honor for her impressive body of work.