20 Great actors who never got an Oscar nomination

It’s surprising to think that some of the most talented actors in Hollywood have never earned an Oscar nomination. These performers have delivered iconic roles, starred in highly praised films, and proven their versatility time and time again. Yet, for reasons that don’t always make sense, the Academy has overlooked them completely. This kind of snub doesn’t always reflect on their talent. It can come down to timing, the type of roles they choose, or even the Academy’s preferences.

1) Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland has built a career defined by versatility and depth. Despite unforgettable performances in M*A*S*H and Ordinary People, he never received an Oscar nomination. In M*A*S*H, he played Hawkeye Pierce with sharp wit and emotional depth, setting a new standard for anti-hero characters. His role in Ordinary People was even more profound. He portrayed a grieving father holding his family together with a quiet vulnerability that moved audiences deeply.

2) Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman’s presence on screen was unmatched. He redefined the movie villain with his role as Hans Gruber in Die Hard. His calm demeanor and precise delivery made the character one of the most charismatic antagonists in cinema history. In the Harry Potter series, Rickman’s portrayal of Severus Snape added layers of depth to a morally ambiguous character.

3) Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage is known for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role he plays. In The Station Agent (2003), he portrayed Finbar McBride, a reserved and lonely man seeking connection in a world that often ignores him. His quiet yet powerful performance captured the character's pain and humanity, leaving a lasting impression. On Game of Thrones, his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister brought wit, intelligence, and emotional weight to a character who faced constant adversity.

4) Mia Farrow

Mia Farrow has delivered some of the most memorable performances in film history. In Rosemary’s Baby, she captured the slow unraveling of a woman surrounded by unimaginable horror with an authenticity that redefined psychological horror. Her work in The Purple Rose of Cairo showcased her ability to bring warmth and innocence to a character seeking escape from a difficult life. Farrow’s strength lies in her ability to draw audiences into the emotional worlds of her characters.

5) John Goodman

John Goodman’s work consistently elevates every project he takes on. In The Big Lebowski, he brought an unpredictable energy to Walter Sobchak, balancing humor with intensity in a way that made the character unforgettable. His role in Roseanne showcased his ability to make a working-class father feel authentic and relatable. Goodman excels at making larger-than-life characters feel grounded and human.

6) Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi has a gift for making even the smallest roles unforgettable. In Fargo (1996), he played Carl Showalter, a frantic and unpredictable criminal who added a chaotic edge to every scene. His nervous energy and quick shifts between humor and menace made the character stand out in a cast full of strong performances. In Boardwalk Empire, he brought depth to Nucky Thompson, a corrupt politician with equal measures of charm and ruthlessness.

7) Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant helped define the modern romantic comedy, but the Oscars never gave him credit for it. In Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), he turned Charles into a character who felt both relatable and genuinely funny. His awkwardness and emotional honesty made the role unforgettable. In Notting Hill (1999), his portrayal of a quiet bookshop owner falling for a movie star showed his ability to balance humor with heartfelt sincerity.

8) Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis has delivered some of the most iconic performances in Hollywood, yet he has never received an Oscar nomination. In Die Hard (1988), he brought depth and relatability to John McClane, a reluctant hero whose wit and vulnerability set him apart from typical action stars. The role redefined the action genre and solidified Willis as a leading man. In The Sixth Sense (1999), he portrayed Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a psychologist struggling with guilt and redemption.

9) Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac has a way of pulling audiences into every character he plays. In Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) he captured the struggles of a failing musician with such honesty that it felt completely real. He portrayed Llewyn as bitter and difficult, yet you couldn’t help but feel for him. In Ex Machina (2015), his portrayal of Nathan Bateman, a manipulative tech genius, was both chilling and magnetic.

10) Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey proved he could do more than comedy with his work in The Truman Show (1998). As Truman Burbank, a man discovering his life is a lie, Carrey showed an unforgettable mix of innocence and growing heartbreak. In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), he gave one of his most vulnerable performances as Joel Barish, a man trying to erase the pain of a failed relationship.

11) Steve Zahn

Steve Zahn is an actor with a unique ability to bring humor and depth to his characters. In Rescue Dawn (2006), he played Duane, a prisoner of war whose hope and determination provided a counterbalance to the film’s darker themes. His performance captured both the physical toll of captivity and the emotional resilience required to survive. In That Thing You Do! (1996), Zahn brought charisma and energy as Lenny, the comedic heart of a band navigating sudden fame.

12) Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe defined an era with her screen presence and unforgettable performances. In Some Like It Hot, she played Sugar Kane with a mix of humor and vulnerability that gave the film its emotional heart. In The Misfits she portrayed a woman searching for meaning in a broken world, showing a deeper side of her acting talent.

13) Richard Gere

Richard Gere shaped some of the most beloved films of his time with his performances. In Pretty Woman he played Edward Lewis, a character who transforms from cold and distant to open and caring. His chemistry with Julia Roberts turned the film into a romantic classic. In Chicago, he played Billy Flynn with a sharp and confident edge, making the character both entertaining and morally questionable.

14) Jeff Daniels

Jeff Daniels delivers roles that feel grounded and deeply real, but he has never been nominated for an Oscar. In The Squid and the Whale, he played Bernard Berkman, a self-centered writer whose arrogance tears his family apart. His performance captured the raw flaws of the character in a way that felt honest and relatable. In The Newsroom, he portrayed Will McAvoy, a journalist struggling with personal and professional challenges while pursuing the truth.

15) Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz brought something special to every role she played, yet she was never recognized with an Oscar nomination. In There’s Something About Mary, she played Mary as someone funny and real, making her character the perfect anchor for the wild humor around her. In Being John Malkovich, she stepped into the role of Lotte Schwartz with vulnerability and boldness, creating a character who felt unique and compelling.

16) Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan brought a natural charm to romantic comedies that made her performances unforgettable. In When Harry Met Sally..., she portrayed Sally as warm, relatable, and full of personality. Her scenes with Billy Crystal gave the film its emotional core and made every moment feel genuine. In Sleepless in Seattle, she plays Annie with a sense of optimism and hope that captures the idea of love at first sight.

17) Martin Sheen

Martin Sheen gave two of the most powerful performances in film and television history. In Apocalypse Now, he plays Captain Willard, a soldier struggling with the psychological toll of war. His quiet intensity and controlled emotions brought a haunting realism to the role. In The West Wing, he became President Bartlet, a leader with intelligence and humanity that inspired audiences.

18) Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell has delivered iconic performances across genres, yet he has never been nominated for an Oscar. In The Thing (1982), he played R.J. MacReady, a rugged and resourceful helicopter pilot battling paranoia and survival in an isolated Antarctic research station. His ability to convey both leadership and vulnerability added to the film’s suspense. In Escape from New York (1981), he brought a mix of grit and charisma to Snake Plissken, creating one of the most memorable antiheroes in cinema.

19) Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon has delivered some of the most memorable performances in film history. In Footloose, he played Ren McCormack, a teenager determined to bring life and freedom back to his town. His energy and passion made Ren a character who stood for individuality and self-expression. In Mystic River, he played Sean Devine, a detective torn between duty and personal pain.

20) Donald Pleasence

Donald Pleasence’s career is defined by his ability to bring complexity and intensity to every role. In Halloween (1978), he played Dr. Loomis, a determined psychiatrist haunted by his failure to stop Michael Myers. Pleasence’s performance brought a sense of urgency and dread to the film, making him an essential part of its success. In The Great Escape (1963), he portrayed Blythe, a gentle and resourceful forger whose courage stood out in the face of adversity.