20 Oscar snubs that felt really unfair

Academy Awards, or the Oscars, are considered the highest and most prestigious awards in cinema. Each year, the nominations or the winners spark intense debates on who should have won or been nominated. From actors like Peter O'Toole and Glenn Close to legendary directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick didn't get their due Oscar even after multiple nominations. These perceived snubs often highlight the subjective nature of art and the challenges of awarding a single best in any category. Here is a list of 20 Oscar snubs that felt really unfair.

20) David Fincher

David Fincher has built a reputation around his dark and moody storytelling and has produced some of the finest movies to have ever graced the silver screen. However, his talent has been overlooked by the Oscars time and again. For example, in 2010, the movie The Social Network was nominated for eight Oscars but only won three. Fincher lost the best director to Tom Hooper. Again, in 2020, Fincher was nominated for Best Director for the film Mank but didn't win, making it another notable Oscar snub of his career.

19) Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese has been nominated multiple times but could only win once for the movie The Departed in 2007. He has been nominated for the best director for films like Goodfellas(1990), The Irishmen(2019), and the most recent one, Killers Of The Flower Moon(2023). However, the most disappointing loss was his first best director nomination for The Wolf Of Wall Street(2013).

18) Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey's Oscar snub for her role as Sofia in The Color Purple (1985) is often considered one of Hollywood's biggest oversights. Despite the film receiving eleven nominations, Winfrey's standout performance was not recognized with a Best Supporting Actress win at the Academy Awards.

17) Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg's Oscar snub is often cited as a significant oversight in Hollywood history. In The Color Purple (1985), Goldberg delivered a powerful performance as Celie, a role that brought her widespread critical acclaim. As she had won a Golden Globe for this role, many expected her to win the Oscar, too. But, just like Winfrey, Goldberg's performance was also overlooked.

16) Will Smith

Will Smith's Oscar snub for The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) remains a point of contention among fans and critics. In the film, Smith delivered a powerful and emotional performance as Chris Gardner, a homeless man struggling to provide for his son. His portrayal was widely praised, and many believed he deserved to win an Oscar for the role.

15) Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer's Oscar snub is a notable example of the Academy's sometimes unpredictable decisions. Pfeiffer's career is filled with brilliant performances that often went unrecognized by the Academy. She was nominated three times without winning: for The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989), Dangerous Liaisons (1988), and Love Field (1992).

14) Paul Thomas Anderson

Paul Thomas Anderson, one of the most talented filmmakers of his generation, has experienced several notable Oscar snubs despite his critical acclaim and influential work. One of the most significant snubs was for his film There Will Be Blood (2007), which received eight nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. While the film won two Oscars, Anderson did not take home the award for Best Director.

13) The Shawshank Redemption(1994)

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made, yet it experienced an Oscar snub that remains a topic of discussion. Despite receiving seven nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Morgan Freeman, and Best Adapted Screenplay, it did not win any awards. The film's loss in major categories surprised many critics and fans.

12) Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott, the director behind classics like Blade Runner and Alien, has experienced several notable Oscar snubs throughout his career. Despite receiving critical acclaim and directing some of the most influential films in cinema history, Scott has yet to win an Academy Award for Best Director. His most significant snub occurred in 2000 when Gladiator won Best Picture, but Scott did not win Best Director.

11) E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial(1982)

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) experienced a significant Oscar snub at the 55th Academy Awards despite being a critical and commercial success. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film received nine nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. However, it lost in all major categories, surprising many.

10) Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver's Oscar snub for her role as Ellen Ripley in Aliens (1986) is a prominent example of the Academy sometimes overlooking outstanding performances. Weaver brought a unique depth, strength, and emotional range to the character of Ripley. Her portrayal was widely praised, making Ripley an iconic figure in sci-fi cinema. Despite this, Weaver did not win the Oscar for Best Actress.

9) Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan's snub for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture for Inception (2010) is often cited as one of the Academy's more surprising decisions. The film was a critical and commercial triumph, lauded for its intricate narrative and groundbreaking visual effects. Nolan's screenplay, which wove a complex story about dreams within dreams, was central to the film's success and received widespread acclaim for its originality and depth.

8) Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino's snub for Best Director for Pulp Fiction (1994) is one of the surprising losses. Pulp Fiction was a groundbreaking film that redefined the crime genre with its non-linear narrative, sharp dialogue, and unique visual style. The film received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, but Tarantino did not win the Best Director award.

7) Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington's portrayal of the civil rights leader Malcolm X in the movie Malcolm X(1992) was powerful, deeply moving, and was lauded by both the audiences and the critics. His ability to capture Malcolm X's transformation and his impassioned delivery made the performance unforgettable. Despite the widespread acclaim and expectation that he would take home the Best Actor award, Washington lost to Al Pacino for Scent of a Woman.

6) Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of Jules Winnfield, a philosophical hitman with a liking for memorable monologues, was widely praised for its intensity, humor, and charisma. His performance became iconic, contributing to the film's status as a cult classic. Despite his outstanding performance, Jackson did not win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

5) Glenn Close

Glenn Close, an extraordinarily talented actress, has received eight Academy Award nominations without a win, making her one of the most nominated actors who have never won an Oscar. One of the most significant snubs came in 2019 when she was nominated for Best Actress for her role in The Wife. Her performance as Joan Castleman, a woman grappling with her husband's success and her own unfulfilled potential, was widely acclaimed and considered a front-runner. However, she did not win the Oscar.

4) Amy Adams

Amy Adams, despite her undeniable talent and impressive range, has faced notable Oscar snubs throughout her career. With six nominations and no wins, her performances in films like Junebug (2005), Doubt (2008), The Fighter (2010), The Master (2012), American Hustle (2013), and Arrival (2016) have been consistently praised by critics and audiences alike.

3) Orson Welles

Orson Welles' snub for Best Director for Citizen Kane (1941) remains one of the most significant in Oscar history. Citizen Kane is often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, with Welles' innovative direction and visionary storytelling earning widespread acclaim. Welles, who also starred in and co-wrote the film, received nominations for Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay. The film won the latter award, but Welles lost the Best Director category.

2) Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary filmmaker, never won an Oscar for Best Director, despite five nominations. This snub is particularly significant given his immense influence on cinema. His films, like Psycho (1960) and Rear Window (1954), are renowned for their compelling storytelling. One of the most notable snubs was for Rear Window, where Hitchcock lost to Elia Kazan for On the Waterfront (1954).

1) Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio is an Oscar winner now for the best actor award for The Revenant(2015). However, his snub for The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is a standout moment in Oscar history. Despite his compelling portrayal of Jordan Belfort, a morally dubious stockbroker, DiCaprio lost the Best Actor award. Another film for which he deserved the Oscar but didn't win was Blood Diamond(2006).