20 Beloved Actors Who Somehow Never Won An Oscar
Hollywood loves a good underdog story, but some of the most talented actors in the industry have been underdogs at the Oscars for decades.
These performers have given us unforgettable characters, heart-stopping moments, and performances that stick with us long after the credits roll.
Yet somehow, they’ve walked away from the Academy Awards empty-handed every single time, leaving fans scratching their heads and wondering what more they could possibly do to earn that golden statue.
1. Glenn Close
Holding the record for most Oscar nominations without a win is like being the world’s best runner-up.
With eight nominations spanning nearly four decades, Close has delivered powerhouse performances in everything from psychological thrillers to period dramas.
Fans keep hoping each nomination will finally be her moment, but the Academy keeps saying “maybe next time.”
2. Amy Adams
Six nominations and zero wins might sound frustrating, but Adams handles it with grace and keeps delivering knockout performances anyway.
From her breakout role in Junebug to her fierce portrayal in Vice, she’s proven she can tackle any character thrown her way.
Whether playing a determined journalist or a quirky princess, Adams brings authenticity to every role.
3. Bradley Cooper
From comedy sidekick to serious director, Cooper’s career transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.
His nine Oscar nominations across acting, directing, and producing prove he’s a multi-talented force in Hollywood.
Cooper’s dedication to his craft shows in every project, whether he’s playing a troubled musician or a calculating con artist.
4. Edward Norton
Bursting onto the scene with Primal Fear, Norton immediately established himself as an actor who could disappear into any character.
His three Oscar nominations came early in his career, showcasing his natural talent and fearless approach to challenging roles.
Norton’s intensity and intelligence shine through every performance, making audiences forget they’re watching someone act at all.
5. Willem Dafoe
With a face that’s both haunting and captivating, Dafoe has built a career playing complex characters that stick with you long after the movie ends.
His four Oscar nominations span decades, from Platoon to The Florida Project.
Dafoe’s willingness to take risks sets him apart from other actors. He’s equally comfortable playing villains, heroes, or something in between, bringing depth and humanity to every role.
6. Ralph Fiennes
His two Oscar nominations came for Schindler’s List and The English Patient, roles that demanded emotional complexity and restraint.
Beyond his dramatic work, Fiennes shows comedic chops in films like The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Ralph’s classical training and commanding presence make every performance memorable, whether he’s playing heroes or unforgettable villains.
7. Ian McKellen
Gandalf himself hasn’t managed to conjure up an Oscar win despite two nominations and a career spanning over six decades.
McKellen’s theatrical background gives his film performances a gravitas that few can match.
As an openly gay actor and activist, McKellen has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights while continuing to deliver powerful performances.
8. Saoirse Ronan
Four Oscar nominations before turning thirty is pretty impressive, even if none resulted in wins.
Ronan’s ability to convey deep emotion with subtle expressions makes her one of the most compelling young actors working today.
She’s tackled period pieces and modern stories with equal skill. Her Irish charm and fierce talent suggest she has plenty of time to eventually take home that golden statue.
9. Michelle Williams
Starting as a teen on Dawson’s Creek, Williams transformed into one of Hollywood’s most respected dramatic actresses. Her five Oscar nominations prove she’s left her TV days far behind.
Williams disappears into roles, whether playing Marilyn Monroe or a struggling single mother.
Her commitment to independent cinema and challenging characters shows an artist more interested in craft than fame. Each performance feels deeply personal and authentic.
10. Annette Bening
Four Oscar nominations and a career filled with memorable performances still haven’t translated to a win for this Hollywood powerhouse.
Bening brings intelligence and nuance to every character.
Married to Warren Beatty, Bening has balanced family life with a stellar career, proving you can have both without compromising either.
11. Mark Ruffalo
Before becoming the MCU’s lovable Hulk, Ruffalo was racking up Oscar nominations for dramatic roles that showcased his everyman appeal and emotional depth.
His three nominations span from The Kids Are All Right to Spotlight.
No matter if he’s playing a journalist uncovering corruption or a man struggling with grief, he brings warmth and humanity.
12. Ethan Hawke
Four Oscar nominations as an actor and one for screenwriting prove Hawke’s talents extend beyond just performing.
His career has zigzagged between indie darlings and mainstream hits, always prioritizing interesting stories over blockbuster paychecks.
Hawke’s willingness to experiment with different genres and collaborate with visionary directors keeps his work fresh and unpredictable decades into his career.
13. Naomi Watts
Breaking through with Mulholland Drive, Watts proved she could handle complex, psychologically demanding roles.
Her two Oscar nominations for 21 Grams and The Impossible showcased her ability to portray raw human emotion.
That fearless approach to difficult material and willingness to be vulnerable on screen make her performances consistently compelling.
14. Sigourney Weaver
Ripley from Alien became a cultural icon, yet Weaver’s three Oscar nominations never resulted in a win. Her pioneering work in science fiction elevated the genre and proved women could lead action franchises.
Beyond fighting xenomorphs, Weaver showed range in dramas like Gorillas in the Mist.
She paved the way for female action heroes, creating a legacy beyond any trophy.
15. Bill Murray
From Ghostbusters to Lost in Translation, Murray’s career arc from comedy legend to dramatic actor surprised everyone.
His single Oscar nomination for playing a washed-up actor in Tokyo felt like the Academy finally recognizing his depth.
Murray’s deadpan delivery and melancholic charm make him perfect for quirky indie films.
16. Johnny Depp
Three Oscar nominations for playing eccentric characters like Captain Jack Sparrow and Sweeney Todd show Depp’s commitment to unique roles.
Depp’s collaborations with Tim Burton created memorable characters that blended darkness with whimsy.
Despite recent controversies, his impact on cinema remains significant.
17. Viggo Mortensen
Beyond playing Aragorn in Lord of the Rings, Mortensen has built a career choosing challenging, often overlooked films.
His three Oscar nominations came later in his career, proving he’s more than just a fantasy hero.
Mortensen’s dedication is legendary – he bought horses from film sets and learned multiple languages for roles.
18. Scarlett Johansson
Two Oscar nominations in the same year for Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit proved Johansson’s dramatic chops extend beyond her Marvel work as Black Widow.
Starting as a child actor, Johansson matured into one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
Her husky voice and screen presence make her unforgettable.
19. Helena Bonham Carter
Two Oscar nominations barely scratch the surface of Bonham Carter’s eccentric, fearless career.
Her collaborations with Tim Burton created gothic characters that became instantly iconic, from Bellatrix Lestrange to the Red Queen.
Bonham Carter’s willingness to embrace weird, wonderful roles sets her apart. She brings humanity to even the most outlandish characters.
20. Tom Cruise
Three Oscar nominations and a career as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars still haven’t resulted in a win for Cruise.
His commitment to performing death-defying stunts himself has redefined action cinema.
From Born on the Fourth of July to Jerry Maguire, Cruise proved he could act beyond just being an action hero.
