‘Tis the season to be jolly because it’s awards season, but can these actors be jolly? Well, for starters, they have spent decades in the acting business, building a reputation and a name that has now become global and synonymous with Hollywood. And yet, after all this, no Oscar! How can that be?
Thus, here is a list of actors who have never won an Oscar despite having such strong repertoires. Some names will definitely be a shocker!
1. Tom Cruise
Everyone knows about the long-standing feud between Tom Cruise and the Golden Globes, but what is it with him and the Oscars? Despite being a global superstar and one of the most recognizable names when it comes to Hollywood, he has yet to claim the gold. Three nominations, yet no win. It really makes one wonder, what does it truly take to secure an Academy Award?
Cruise has been in the running for Best Actor twice, first in 1990 for Born on the Fourth of July, only to lose to Daniel Day-Lewis, and then in 1997 for Jerry Maguire, where Geoffrey Rush took the prize. In 2000, he received a nod for Best Supporting Actor for Magnolia, but once again, victory slipped away, with Michael Caine taking home the award. Will the future finally favor him? That remains a mystery.
2. James McAvoy
Actors are all shapeshifters in their own right, but this man might just be a real one and not just metaphorically. From The Chronicles of Narnia to Split to X-Men, James McAvoy has proven time and time again that there’s nothing he can’t do. And yet, despite years of mesmerizing performances, the Academy still hasn’t taken notice. No nomination, no recognition, just audiences left in awe, wondering what more he has to do. Morph into an Oscar himself?
3. Robert Pattinson
Once the world’s biggest crush, whether in Harry Potter or Twilight, Robert Pattinson had everyone under his spell. Since then, he’s grown, and taken bold and unexpected roles, from indie to mainstream, (he has literally played Batman!) He’s done it all, yet an Oscar nomination still eludes him.
Not that it slows him down. He keeps pushing boundaries, delivering fantastic performances, and proving there’s so much more to come, this year’s Mickey 17 being just the latest example. So how long will it take for the Academy to catch up?
4. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson is the backbone of Hollywood, whether it’s Pulp Fiction or Nick Fury in the MCU, his presence is as constant as it is iconic. Fans get starry-eyed just seeing him on screen, yet somehow, he still doesn’t have an Oscar. Hard to believe, right?
Despite his unforgettable role in Pulp Fiction, he lost Best Supporting Actor in 1994, and years later, The Hateful Eight didn’t even get him a nod. Honestly, one of the greatest Oscar snubs of all time! However, the Academy sorta made things right in 2022, honoring the actor with a well-deserved lifetime achievement Oscar!
5. Stanley Tucci
Stanley Tucci, an icon, a legend, and the internet’s favorite obsession. One of Hollywood’s most beloved and unproblematic stars, yet somehow… no Oscar? Un-be-lie-va-ble!From Julie & Julia to Big Night to the iconic Devil Wears Prada, his talent is undeniable.
And yet, the Academy has only nominated him once, for The Lovely Bones, leaving him empty-handed at the 2010 Oscars. While other prestigious awards have shown him love, but the Oscars? Still asleep at the table. Could that change this year with Conclave? Let’s see…
6. Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey may be the king of physical comedy, but let’s not forget his deeply moving, heartbreakingly brilliant performances. From Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to The Truman Show, he’s shown a range that goes far beyond laughter. And yet not a single Oscar.
Sure, the Golden Globes have given him some well-deserved love (with multiple nominations and two wins), but the Academy? Still sleeping on this gem of a performer.
7. Johnny Depp
The most theatrical man in Hollywood, Johnny Depp has transformed so completely into his roles that people sometimes forget it’s even him behind the makeup. From Edward Scissorhands to Willy Wonka, he’s a true chameleon, bringing every character to life with mesmerizing dedication. And yet… no Oscar? It stings.
So far he has been nominated three times, first for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (but lost to Sean Penn), then Finding Neverland (Jamie Foxx took it instead), and finally Sweeney Todd (only to be outdone by Daniel Day-Lewis). Yet Depp’s legacy stands untouchable.
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