17 Oscar bait movies that failed to win the award

There are movies that are so captivating that they stay in the heart of audiences forever. And in case they win one or more Academy Awards, the entire effort is well validated. Some movies are made just for entertainment, but there are those that are carefully crafted for Oscar glory, too. It is a huge effort from the beginning to make a movie like that. They are more like projects made to draw attention and positive review at the same time. Unfortunately, not all such Oscar bait movies achieve what they were meant for. Granted, most of these movies manage to win our hearts but they fail to reach the ultimate destination. Here is a list of 17 Oscar bait movies that failed to win the award.

1. Alexander

Oliver Stone’s Alexander, released in 2004, aimed for greatness with its epic scale and historical drama but fell flat with critics and audiences. Despite its sweeping battles and a cast led by Colin Farrell and Angelina Jolie, the movie’s pacing and uneven storytelling left viewers unimpressed. While it snagged a few award nominations, including some for its score and costumes, the Oscars didn’t bite. It did, however, pick up some European film honours. Made on a hefty $155 million budget, the film struggled to conquer hearts.

2. Amelia

With a budget of $40 million, Amelia soared onto screens as a clear Oscar contender, with its grand biopic format and Hilary Swank as aviation legend Amelia Earhart. Despite stunning visuals and Swank’s heartfelt performance, critics found the story flat and predictable, robbing it of emotional altitude. The film didn’t receive Oscar nominations but picked up smaller awards for costumes. Directed by Mira Nair in 2009, its flight plan to greatness unfortunately stalled mid-air.

3. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close screamed Oscar bait with its emotional 9/11 backdrop and tear-jerking plot. Directed by Stephen Daldry in 2011, the movie aimed for hearts and golden statuettes, but fell short for many critics, who found it too manipulative. Nominated for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (Max von Sydow), it didn’t snag any wins but got love from smaller award shows. With Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock in the cast, the movie tried hard, maybe too hard.

4. Seven Pounds

With Will Smith and Rosario Dawson leading the cast, Seven Pounds set itself up as an emotional powerhouse. Its $55 million budget was spent tugging at heartstrings with a story about redemption and sacrifice. Directed by Gabriele Muccino in 2008, the film tried to recapture the magic of Smith's 2006 hit, The Pursuit of Happyness, but was criticized for being overly melodramatic and confusing. It wasn’t nominated at the Oscars, though it picked up a few smaller awards for its heartfelt performances.

5. J. Edgar

With Leonardo DiCaprio transforming into J. Edgar Hoover, J. Edgar screamed Oscar bait with its biographical focus and intense performances. Directed by Clint Eastwood in 2011, it aimed for prestige but stumbled with critics, who found it muddled and too serious. The movie wasn’t nominated for an Oscar but did snag some smaller awards for DiCaprio’s dedicated performance. Despite its ambition and cast, including Armie Hammer and Naomi Watts, it didn’t quite hit the awards-season sweet spot.

6. The Front Runner

With a budget of $25 million, The Front Runner had all the makings of Oscar bait: A political scandal, Hugh Jackman as Gary Hart, and a timely message. However, critics felt the storytelling lacked bite, leaving the drama as lukewarm as a forgotten cup of coffee. The film didn’t snag any Oscar nominations, though Jackman’s performance earned praise. Despite its cast, including Vera Farmiga and J.K. Simmons, it struggled to connect. Directed by Jason Reitman in 2018, the movie faded fast.

7. The Soloist

Directed by Joe Wright in 2009, The Soloist had all the Oscar bait ingredients: A heartwarming true story, Robert Downey Jr. as a journalist, and Jamie Foxx playing a homeless musical prodigy. Critics, however, found the execution too sentimental and uneven. It didn’t earn an Oscar nomination, though Foxx’s performance received accolades elsewhere. Despite its heartfelt intentions, the film didn’t strike the right chord. Its budget was $60 million, but it fell short at the box office.

8. Welcome to Marwen

Welcome to Marwen had all the Oscar bait vibes. It was an emotional true story with Steve Carell in a transformative role, and groundbreaking visual effects. Directed by Robert Zemeckis in 2018, the movie aimed for big emotions but felt too scattered, leaving critics unimpressed. Despite Carell's heartfelt effort, the film didn’t secure any Oscar nods or major awards elsewhere. Also featuring Leslie Mann and Janelle Monáe, it missed the mark with audiences, too, proving that even a heartfelt story needs credible execution to shine.

9. Don't Look Up

With stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Meryl Streep, Don’t Look Up screamed Oscar bait. The movie had a hefty budget of $75 million and combined satire, climate change themes, and an A-list cast to aim for award season glory. Directed by Adam McKay in 2021, the film did snag a few Oscar nominations but went home empty-handed. While it won some smaller awards, critics felt its humour was too on-the-nose, making it more divisive than impactful.

10. The Majestic

Directed by Frank Darabont in 2001, The Majestic had all the makings of Oscar bait: A heartfelt story, nostalgic vibes, and Jim Carrey showing off his serious side as an actor. Despite Carrey’s performance and the emotional plot, the film didn’t receive any Oscar nominations or major awards, leaving its ambitions unrealized. Critics felt the movie leaned too heavily into sentimentality without delivering the impact it aimed for. Made on a $72 million budget, it didn’t quite shine as expected.

11. Suffragette

With a $14 million budget, Suffragette aimed high as Oscar bait, showcasing a powerful story about women's rights with stellar performances from Carey Mulligan and Meryl Streep. Despite its timely theme and strong cast, the film didn’t receive any Oscar nominations, though it did earn some recognition in other award circuits. Critics felt it lacked emotional depth, making its message seem a bit too one-dimensional. Directed by Sarah Gavron in 2015, the film didn’t quite strike the chord it was hoping for.

12. House of Gucci

House of Gucci screamed Oscar bait with its glamorous portrayal of the infamous Gucci family scandal, featuring powerhouse performances from Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, and Jared Leto. Directed by Ridley Scott in 2021, it was highly anticipated to score big in the award season, but managed only a few nominations here and there. Though it garnered praise for acting and costume design, critics found its plot too disjointed, and it failed to live up to the Oscar hype, with a budget of $75 million.

13. The Butler

The Butler was designed to be an Oscar contender with its emotionally charged story about race and power, and cast featuring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, and David Oyelowo. Despite its star-studded cast and an inspiring historical backdrop, the film didn’t earn the critical acclaim it aimed for. Directed by Lee Daniels in 2013, it received some nominations but only a handful of wins, including a few at the NAACP Image Awards. The movie had a $30 million budget but failed to make a lasting impact at the Oscars.

14. American Pastoral

American Pastoral, directed by Ewan McGregor in 2016, had Oscar bait written all over it with its heavy themes of family, identity, and political turmoil. Starring McGregor, Jennifer Connelly, and Dakota Fanning, the film aimed for serious awards recognition but fell flat with critics. Although it garnered nominations at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards, it didn’t live up to the hype. The film had a $26-million budget but struggled to make waves at the Oscars.

15. Diana

Diana, with a budget of $30 million, aimed to capture the royal drama of Princess Diana’s life, hoping the idea would fetch Oscar glory. Starring Naomi Watts as Diana, the film promised a deeply emotional portrayal, but critics panned it for its uninspiring script and poor execution. Despite being nominated for a Golden Globe, the film didn’t win any major award. Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel in 2013, Diana failed to live up to its royal potential, leaving audiences cold.

16. The Monuments Men

The Monuments Men was an Oscar bait with its all-star cast and historical backdrop, hoping to tug at the heartstrings of voters. Directed by George Clooney in 2014, the film starred Matt Damon, Bill Murray, and Cate Blanchett, promising a blend of humour and heroism. Although it was nominated for a Golden Globe, it ultimately fell flat. The film failed to capture critical acclaim, and it didn’t win any major award, leaving audiences wondering if the real treasure was buried in the script.

17. Vice

Vice was an Oscar bait, with its political drama, heavy makeup, and an A-list cast including Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Steve Carell. The film, with a budget of $60 million, was expected to make a big splash in the awards race. Directed by Adam McKay in 2018, it received multiple Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. While it won a Golden Globe for Bale’s performance, the film failed to take home an Oscar. It didn’t quite live up to the political hype it aimed for.