Oscars is one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry, and it is still considered the most authentic stamp of approval that can be conferred upon any film or actor to celebrate their efforts. An Oscar winner or even an Oscar-nominated actor is a matter of special privilege. However, there have been times when the award ceremony has been misjudged. Here are 10 times when the Oscars snubbed some of the most deserving actors in the supporting roles category.
Margaret Qualley for The Substance, Alan Rickman for Harry Potter, and other Oscar snubs for supporting roles
1. Mandy Patinkin for The Princess Bride
Directed by Rob Reiner and starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, and others, this fantasy adventure comedy movie was based on a novel by William Goldman. The movie revolved around a young boy, who is ill, and his grandfather tells him a fairytale story to make him feel better. The movie then follows a simple farmhand, Westley (Elwes), who must save his love, Princess Buttercup (Wright), from the evil Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon).
At the time of its release, the movie had a modest opening, but over time, it gained a cult following. Patinkin’s portrayal of the simple-minded but brave warrior, Inigo Montoya, was a highlight, and the actor gave a standout performance in the movie as a supporting role. However, the movie only garnered one Academy nomination, for Best Original Song, and Patinkin’s iconic role went unrecognized.
2. Willem Dafoe for The Florida Project
Starring Brooklyn Kimberley Prince, Willem Dafoe, and others, this drama movie directed by Sean Baker centers around a six-year-old girl who lives in a run-down motel in Florida with her unemployed mother. The children have joyful adventures in their neighborhood, which is dominated by the upcoming Walt Disney World, while their parents try to make ends meet and struggle for food and shelter. The movie is a nuanced exploration of poverty, homelessness, and unemployment amidst a surreal backdrop.
The movie won critical acclaim and was noted for its sensitive exploration of childhood and innocence amidst a backdrop of capitalism. Dafoe’s performance was adjudged as his career best as he performed as the empathetic but struggling motel manager. Despite getting nominated at the Oscars for Supporting Actor, he lost out to Sam Rockwell, even though it was touted that he would win.
3. Angela Bassett for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Based on the characters of Marvel comics, this superhero movie directed by Ryan Coogler is a sequel to Black Panther and stars Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, and others. The movie is about the leaders of Wakanda, Queen Ramonda, Shuri M’Baku, Okoye, and Dora Milaje, who must fight to protect their nation from other world powers after the death of King T’Challa. The movie is about the future of the kingdom of Wakanda after the death of its king and how its leaders try to keep it safe from other evil powers.
The movie was a commercial and critical hit and was also one of the highest-grossing movies of 2022. Viewers and critics especially praised the performance of Bassett, who played Queen Ramonda and delivered a dignified and powerful performance. Bassett expertly portrays the duality between the emotions she feels at the loss of his son and the strength she must show towards saving her country. The actress was nominated at the Oscars for Best Supporting Actress and was sure that she would win. However, she lost to Jamie Lee Curtis, and her disappointed reaction went viral.
4. Timothee Chalamet for Little Women
Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Meryl Streep, Timothée Chalamet, and others, this coming-of-age period drama is based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. The movie revolves around the lives of the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, who live in Massachusetts during the 19th century. As they enter adulthood, all of them go through various challenges, which forces them to make important decisions regarding their futures.
The movie was a critical and commercial success, and everyone’s performance was lauded, especially Ronan’s. Gerwig’s direction was also given its due. The movie garnered six Academy Award nominations, and while Pugh was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Chalamet’s heartfelt portrayal of Laurie was left out. He did not even receive an Oscar nomination, even though he had done an exceptional job in his performance.
5. Samuel L. Jackson for Pulp Fiction
Starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, and others, this independent crime movie directed by Quentin Tarantino is a cult classic. The movie is presented in a non-linear fashion and revolves around the interconnected tales of a group of people in Los Angeles. The movie’s title is a reference to the pulp magazines and novels that were known for their violence and bold dialogue. The movie won high praise for its unique direction, blend of comedy and the absurd, and inclusion of characteristics of the postmodern.
The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes festival and garnered seven Oscar nominations. While Travolta was nominated for Best Actor and the film helped massively in reviving his career, Jackson was also appreciated and received the Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. However, he was snubbed of the win ultimately, and he lost over Martin Landau, even though many people wanted him to win and applauded him for his iconic monologue.
6. Alan Rickman for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Directed by David Yates and starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, and others, this British fantasy movie is the final installment in the Harry Potter film series, which is based on the novels by J.K. Rowling. The movie was a massive critical and commercial blockbuster as it was the last movie in the series. It was lauded for its visual effects, musical score, direction, performances, and action sequences.
Many people believed that it was a satisfying conclusion to the epic saga, which revolved around the adventures of the young wizard, Harry Potter, who fights against the evil lord, Voldemort. Rickman’s performance was especially recognized as his character was one-dimensional and evil throughout the entire series, but towards the end, he revealed the cause of his anger, which was portrayed through subtle emotion. However, he did not receive even an acknowledgment by the Oscars for his dedicated portrayal, and the movie received three nominations in other categories at the Oscars.
7. Jennifer Lopez for Hustlers
Starring Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, and others, this crime comedy-drama based on a New York magazine article is directed by Lorene Scafaria. The movie is about a group of strippers in New York City who decide to steal money by drugging wealthy stock traders and CEOs who visit their club and also using their credit cards. Lopez was also a co-producer of the movie, and the film received positive acclaim from the critics for its raw and gritty portrayal, amidst a neo and glamorous backdrop.
Critics especially lauded the performance of Jennifer Lopez, whose portrayal of a savvy and charismatic Ramona was liked by critics and viewers. Even though Lopez is sometimes not taken seriously as an actor, she delivered her mettle, and it was hoped that she would get a nomination at the Oscars for her shining, supporting role. However, she was ultimately snubbed for her performance, and she did not even get nominated.
8. Margaret Qualley for The Substance
Directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and others, this body horror movie revolves around a yesteryear celebrity actress, Elisabeth (Moore), who is fired from her show due to her age. Lost and confused, she meets a person who points her towards a black market drug, which can create a striking and fitter, younger version of herself for a limited amount of time. However, there are certain rules that must be followed; otherwise, there will be deadly consequences. The movie was an instant hit, and even though it is gory and grotesque, it won critical and commercial acclaim.
The film has themes that explore the pressure that women feel to conform to societal pressures over their bodies and aging. Viewers appreciated the performances by both Moore and Qualley and the extensive prosthetic effects that went into making the movie. The film revived Moore’s career and gave a fresh boost to Qualley. While Moore was nominated at the Oscars, many felt that Qualley should have also been given a nod, but she did not get a nomination for supporting actress.
9. Mark Ruffalo for The Kids Are All Right
Starring Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Annette Bening, and others, this comedy-drama directed by Lisa Cholodenko is about a homosexual couple, Nic and Jules, who raise two teenagers. The movie is one of the first few films to depict a homosexual couple with children, and the film revolves around how the children want to meet their biological father. The movie was critically lauded for its nuanced exploration of themes and received nominations at the Golden Globes and the Oscars, even winning at the Golden Globes for Best Picture and for Best Actress.
Ruffalo plays the sperm donor, who crashes into the lives of the couple and their children and causes problems when he gets into an affair with one of the partners. Even though he is not a villain, he does have shades of gray, as he is unable to realize the turmoil and disruption he has caused. However, Ruffalo gives a brilliant performance as a man who wants to experience fatherhood. The actor was nominated at the Oscars for Best Supporting Actor but lost out to Christian Bale, even though he deserved a win.
10. Idris Elba for Beasts of No Nation
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Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starring Idris Elba, Amy Kaufman, and others, this war drama is based on a novel by Uzodinma Iweala and revolves around a young boy, who is forced to become a child soldier when his country is hit by war. The movie is set in Ghana and won critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of the loss of childhood and the futility of war. The film is graphic as it explores the torture that young children faced at the hands of other leaders and how they were forced into the war.
Idris Elba delivers a defining performance as the ruthless Commandant, who is the leader of a troop that is fighting against the country’s civil war and forces children to participate in it. Elba is able to capture the descending madness of the character, who is initially in control but begins to lose power as the regime falls apart. It was surprising that the actor did not even get an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role, as it was critically lauded.
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