July 8, 2024 | Eul Basa

Actors Who Have Somehow Never Won An Oscar


Stars with no gold

In Hollywood, there are actors who have wowed us in movies but haven't won Oscars yet. They keep impressing us with their roles, showing their passion for acting. Even without awards, they show us real talent and why they love what they do.

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Glenn Close

A legendary actress, Glenn Close has been nominated for an Oscar eight times but has yet to win. Her notable performances include roles in "Fatal Attraction," "Dangerous Liaisons," and "The Wife." Close has also received multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Awards and is known for her versatility across film, television, and stage.

Screenshot of Glenn Close as Alex Forrest - from Fatal Attraction (1987)Paramount, Fatal Attraction (1987)

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Johnny Depp

Recognized for playing a wide range of characters, Johnny Depp has gotten three award nominations for his roles in "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Finding Neverland," and "Sweeney Todd." He's also well-known for working together with director Tim Burton, and for his knack of making quirky characters like Edward Scissorhands and Willy Wonka seem real.

Screenshot of Johnny Depp as Sir James Matthew Barrie - from Finding Neverland (2004)FilmColony, Finding Neverland (2004)

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Tom Cruise

Despite his immense popularity and three Oscar nominations for "Born on the Fourth of July," "Jerry Maguire," and "Magnolia," Tom Cruise has never won an Oscar. He is one of the highest-grossing actors in Hollywood history, known for his dedication to performing his own stunts in the "Mission: Impossible" series.

Screenshot of Tom Cruise as Jerry Maguire - from Jerry Maguire (1996)TriStar Pictures, Jerry Maguire (1996)

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Harrison Ford

Most people recognize him from "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones," but Harrison Ford only got an Oscar nod for "Witness" back in 1985. He didn't win, but it didn't matter. He has still held on to his status as one of Hollywood's favorite and timeless stars, with an acting career that's lasted more than 50 years.

Screenshot of Harrison Ford as John Book - from Witness (1985)Paramount, Witness (1985)

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Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver, a multifaceted actress, has received three nominations for her performances in "Alien," "Working Girl," and "Gorillas in the Mist." She's also a trailblazer for women in sci-fi, playing powerful women such as Ellen Ripley. This has created an enduring impact in the field, especially for women.

Screenshot of Sigourney Weaver as Ripley - from Alien (1979)20th Century-Fox, Alien (1979)

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Edward Norton

Norton has been up for an Oscar three times—once each for "Primal Fear", "American History X," and "Birdman." But despite his riveting performances, he hasn't taken home the little gold statuette. Famous for really getting into his roles, Norton often changes both physically and mentally to truly become his character.

Screenshot of Edward Norton as Aaaron - from Primal Fear (1996)Paramount, Primal Fear (1996)

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Bradley Cooper

With nine Oscar nominations for acting and producing, Bradley Cooper is still awaiting his first win. His notable roles include "Silver Linings Playbook" and "A Star is Born," where he also showcased his talents as a director and musician.

Screenshot of Bradley Cooper as Jack - from A Star Is Born (2018)MGM, A Star Is Born (2018)

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Annette Bening

Despite four nominations for films like "American Beauty" and "The Kids Are All Right," Annette Bening has not won an Oscar. She is celebrated for her powerful and nuanced performances, often playing complex and multi-dimensional characters.

Screenshot of Annette Bening as Carolyn Burnham - from American Beauty (1999)Dreamworks, American Beauty (1999)

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Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal is famous for his performances in "Brokeback Mountain" and "Nightcrawler." He has received one nomination but still hasn't won. He's well-known for bravely choosing tough and different roles, earning him a reputation as one of the most admired actors of his age group.

Screenshot of Jake Gyllenhaal as Louis Bloom - from Nightcrawler (2014)Bold Films, Nightcrawler (2014)

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Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams has been nominated for an Oscar four times for her performances in "Brokeback Mountain," "Blue Valentine," "My Week with Marilyn," and "Manchester by the Sea," but she hasn't won one yet. She's recognized for the emotional richness she brings to her roles and her knack for authentically and gracefully portraying people from real life.

Screenshot of Michelle Williams as Alma - from Brokeback Mountain (2005)River Road Entertainment, Brokeback Mountain (2005)

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Ethan Hawke 

Ethan Hawke, who's gotten nods for both acting and writing, is notably recognized for films like "Training Day" and "Boyhood." He also wears the hats of a successful writer and director, especially in the realm of indie films. He is also well known for teaming up with fellow director Richard Linklater.

Screenshot of Ethan Hawke as Jake - from Training Day (2001)Warner Bros., Training Day (2001)

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Helena Bonham Carter

Famous for her offbeat parts, Carter has earned two nominations for "The Wings of the Dove" and "The King's Speech". She frequently teams up with director Tim Burton, and is praised for her distinctive style and knack for bringing outlandish characters to life.

Screenshot of Helena Bonham Carter as Kate Croy - from The Wings of the Dove (1997)Miramax, The Wings of the Dove (1997)

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Ian McKellen

Best known for his roles as Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings," McKellen has been nominated twice but has not won. He is also a celebrated stage actor, particularly known for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Screenshot of Ian McKellen as Gandalf - from The Lord Of The Rings - The Return Of The King (2003)New Line Cinema, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

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Amy Adams

Amy Adams is yet to bag her first Oscar award, with a total of six nominations for movies such as "American Hustle" and "Arrival." She's recognized for her adaptability and her knack for shining in both funny and serious roles.

Screenshot of Amy Adams as Sydney Prosser - from American Hustle (2013).Columbia, American Hustle (2013)

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Ralph Fiennes

Even with impressive roles in "Schindler's List" and "The English Patient," Ralph Fiennes hasn't snagged an Oscar yet. He's also quite skilled on the stage, both as an actor and director, especially in Shakespearean dramas.

Screenshot of Ralph Fiennes as Amon Goeth - from Schindler's List (1993)Universal, Schindler's List (1993)

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Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan, a young actress well-known for her roles in films like "Atonement" and "Lady Bird", has been nominated four times but hasn't clinched a win yet. Her outstanding performances, characterized by maturity and talent, typically involve portraying layered characters with deep emotions.

Screenshot of Saoirse Ronan as Lady Bird McPherson - from Lady Bird (2017)IAC Films, Lady Bird (2017)

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John Malkovich

Well known for his distinct style of acting, John Malkovich has gotten two nods for his roles in "Places in the Heart" and "In the Line of Fire". He's also an important figure in theater, as both an actor and a director, and is known for his work with cutting-edge, experimental shows.

Screenshot of John Malkovich as Mitch Leary - from In the Line of Fire (1993)Columbia, In the Line of Fire (1993)

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Ed Harris

A highly respected actor, Ed Harris has received four Oscar nominations but has not won. His roles in "Apollo 13," "The Truman Show," and "Pollock" are particularly acclaimed for their intensity and authenticity.

Screenshot of Ed Harris as Gene Kranz - from Apollo 13 (1995)Universal, Apollo 13 (1995)

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Glenn Ford

Even though Glenn Ford had a long and impressive career, he surprisingly never got an Oscar nomination, or even a win. During the 1940s and 1950s, he was one of Hollywood's most reliable leading actors, famous for his roles in Westerns and dramas.

Glenn Ford in a publicity portrait for Mr. Soft Touch (1949)Wikimedia Commons, Picryl

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Albert Finney

This UK-based actor was nominated for an Oscar five times, but he never took one home. He was famous for his versatile acting skills and strong on-screen charisma. He had memorable parts in movies like "Tom Jones" and "Murder on the Orient Express."

Screenshot of Albert Finney as Tom Jones - from Tom Jones (1963)Woodfall Film Productions, Tom Jones (1963)

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Richard Burton

He received seven nominations, but Richard Burton never clinched an Oscar, making him one of the most renowned actors who never bagged the award. He is acclaimed for his performances in Shakespearean roles and his rocky relationship with Elizabeth Taylor.

Richard Burton's publicity photo for Prince of Players (1955)20th Century Fox, Wikimedia Commons

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Deborah Kerr

Nominated six times, Deborah Kerr was awarded an honorary Oscar but never won a competitive award. She was known for her elegance and grace, with standout roles in "The King and I" and "From Here to Eternity."

Screenshot of Deborah Kerr as Karen Holmes - from From Here to Eternity (1953)Columbia, From Here To Eternity (1953)

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Peter O'Toole

With eight nominations, Peter O'Toole never won a competitive Oscar but received an honorary one in 2003. His iconic roles in "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Lion in Winter" cemented his status as one of the greats .

Screenshot of Peter O'Toole as Lawrence - from Lawrence of Arabia (1962)Horizon Pictures (II), Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

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Cary Grant

Despite his iconic status, Cary Grant never won a competitive Oscar—though he received an honorary one in 1970. He was known for his suave screen presence and impeccable comic timing, with classics like "North by Northwest."

Screenshot of Cary Grant as Roger Thornhill - from North by Northwest (1959)MGM, North by Northwest (1959)

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Barbara Stanwyck

Nominated four times, Barbara Stanwyck received an honorary Oscar in 1982 for her contributions to film. She was a versatile actress known for her roles in both film noir and romantic comedies.

Portrait of Barbara Stanwyck - 1930sJack Samuels, Flickr

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Kirk Douglas

Even though he was nominated three times, Kirk Douglas never actually bagged a competitive Oscar. However, he did get an honorary one in 1996. His strong acting skills were especially prominent in movies like "Spartacus" and "Lust for Life."

Screenshot of Kirk Douglas as Vincent Van Gogh - from Lust for Life (1956)MGM, Lust for Life (1956)

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James Dean

Posthumously nominated twice for "East of Eden" and "Giant," James Dean never won an Oscar. His brief but impactful career left a lasting legacy, and he remains an icon of youthful rebellion.

Screenshot of James Dean as Cal Trask - from East of Eden (1955)Warner Bros., East of Eden (1955)

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Montgomery Clift

Nominated four times, Montgomery Clift never won an Oscar despite his powerful performances. He was known for his emotional intensity and his influence on method acting in Hollywood.

Portrait of Montgomery Clift - Circa 1940sStudio Publicity, Wikimedia Commons

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Myrna Loy

Myrna Loy has enjoyed a lengthy and impressive career, but surprisingly she never got an Oscar nod. She was, however, honored with a special Oscar in 1991. She's recognized for her parts in the "Thin Man" series and her incredible work in the Golden Era of Hollywood.

Screenshot of Myrna Loy as Nora Charles - from The Thin Man (1934)Mgm, The Thin Man (1934)


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