15 Acclaimed Actors Still Chasing Their First Oscar Win
Hollywood thrives on an underdog tale, and few stories tug at the heart like brilliant actors still waiting for their first Oscar win.
Big-name stars have given unforgettable performances that filled theaters with emotion, tension, and pure movie magic, yet Oscar night came and went without that golden moment.
Action icons, quiet scene-stealers, and dramatic heavy-hitters all share the same bittersweet spotlight, still hoping for the night a shiny statue finally whispers their name.
Disclaimer: Information about nominations, honorary awards, and career milestones reflects a specific moment in time and may change with future award seasons. Details in this piece are intended for general information and entertainment only and should not be treated as official record-keeping or professional advice about careers, awards, or industry recognition.
1. Glenn Close
With eight nominations under her belt, Glenn Close holds the record for most Oscar nods without a win. Talk about a tough streak! Her roles in films like Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons defined an era of complex female characters.
However, the Academy has somehow never handed her the trophy. Fans keep hoping her next performance will finally break the curse and bring home gold.
2. Amy Adams
Six nominations and zero wins might sound like a bad joke, but that’s Amy Adams’ Oscar reality. From Junebug to Arrival, she’s proven her range across genres with stunning consistency.
Her ability to disappear into roles, whether playing a con artist or a linguist, showcases true craftsmanship. If there’s justice in Hollywood, her seventh nomination could be the charm that finally rewards her brilliance.
3. Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper transformed from comedy sidekick to serious Oscar contender faster than you can say Silver Linings Playbook. He’s earned nominations for acting, directing, and producing, proving he’s a triple threat in Tinseltown.
His raw performance in A Star Is Born had audiences weeping in theaters worldwide. Though he’s been nominated twelve times across categories, that elusive win keeps slipping through his talented fingers.
4. Edward Norton
Remember when Edward Norton burst onto the scene in Primal Fear and everyone lost their minds? His chameleonic abilities have given us unforgettable characters from a neo-Nazi to a split-personality narrator.
Three nominations later, he’s still Oscar-less despite being one of his generation’s most committed performers. His intense preparation and transformative approach deserve recognition beyond just nominations and critical praise.
5. Samuel L. Jackson
If cool had a face, it would probably look like Samuel L. Jackson. With over 150 film credits and just one Oscar nomination for Pulp Fiction, his snub feels almost criminal.
His commanding voice and magnetic screen presence have made him one of cinema’s most bankable stars. Though he received an honorary Oscar in 2022, a competitive win for his incredible body of work remains frustratingly out of reach.
6. Annette Bening
Annette Bening’s four nominations span decades of consistently brilliant work in films like American Beauty and The Kids Are All Right. Her ability to convey complex emotions with subtle gestures separates great actors from legendary ones.
Whether playing suburban mothers or historical figures, she brings authenticity and depth to every role. The Academy keeps recognizing her talent but hasn’t yet rewarded it with the ultimate prize.
7. Saoirse Ronan
At just 30 years old, Saoirse Ronan already has four Oscar nominations, starting when she was barely a teenager in Atonement. Her maturity and emotional intelligence on screen feel almost supernatural for someone so young.
From period dramas like Little Women to coming-of-age stories like Lady Bird, she consistently delivers. If she keeps this pace, she’ll eventually break through and claim her well-deserved statue.
8. Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise has literally hung from airplanes and climbed skyscrapers for our entertainment, yet Oscar gold remains elusive. His three nominations came early in his career for dramatic roles, not his legendary action work.
Though he’s arguably the biggest movie star on the planet, the Academy seems to overlook his dedication and box-office dominance. Perhaps his commitment to death-defying stunts deserves special recognition beyond traditional acting categories!
9. Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp’s quirky character choices turned him into one of Hollywood’s most interesting actors, from Edward Scissorhands to Captain Jack Sparrow. His three nominations recognized his ability to disappear completely into bizarre, unforgettable roles.
Despite creating some of cinema’s most iconic characters, the Oscar has sailed away like the Black Pearl. His transformative performances continue to influence a generation of actors seeking to push creative boundaries.
10. Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe’s face alone could tell a thousand stories, and his four Oscar nominations prove he’s mastered the art of intensity. From playing Jesus to a vampire to the Green Goblin, his range defies categorization.
His fearless approach to challenging roles makes every performance memorable and occasionally unsettling. Though recognition keeps coming, that competitive Oscar win continues to dodge this incredibly dedicated and versatile performer.
11. Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams evolved from teen TV star to one of cinema’s most respected dramatic actresses with five Oscar nominations. Her heartbreaking work in Blue Valentine and Manchester by the Sea showcased raw emotional honesty.
She consistently chooses complex, challenging roles over safe commercial projects, demonstrating true artistic integrity. Her ability to convey profound sadness and vulnerability makes her performances linger long after the credits roll beautifully.
12. Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It remains one of cinema’s greatest biographical performances. Her recent nomination for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever proved she’s still delivering powerhouse work decades later.
Her combination of strength, grace, and emotional depth makes every character unforgettable. Though she received an honorary Oscar, a competitive win would recognize her extraordinary contributions properly.
13. Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes can play everyone from Voldemort to a concierge to a Nazi commandant with equal brilliance. His two nominations for Schindler’s List and The English Patient showcased his ability to inhabit morally complex characters.
British elegance meets intense dramatic power in his performances, creating unforgettable cinema moments. Whether villain or hero, he brings intelligence and nuance that elevates every project beyond its script.
14. Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen gave us Gandalf and Magneto, two of the most iconic characters in modern cinema, yet Oscar victory remains just out of reach. His two nominations recognized his Shakespearean brilliance in dramatic roles.
Though he’s achieved legendary status and a knighthood, the Academy award continues to elude him. His contribution to both stage and screen has influenced countless actors and brought literature to life magnificently.
15. Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver redefined what female action heroes could be with Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise, yet her three Oscar nominations came for other roles. She proved women could carry blockbusters with brains and brawn combined.
Her towering presence and fierce intelligence made her a pioneer for actresses in science fiction. Though she revolutionized an entire genre, competitive Oscar recognition has somehow remained in another galaxy entirely.
