10 Incredibly Popular And Talented Actors Who Have Never Won An Oscar
How can this be true? Some of these celebrities are too awesome for this to be the case, and yet it is.
The Oscars may be the biggest night in Hollywood, but they do not always tell the full story of an actor's career. Some of the most recognizable names in film have built huge followings, earned critical praise, and still never taken home an Academy Award.
This list looks at ten popular and talented actors who have managed to stay Oscar-free despite years of memorable performances. From blockbuster stars to acclaimed dramatic performers, each one has left a major mark on movies without that gold statuette.
And one name on this list may surprise you more than the rest.
1. Johnny Depp
Depp was a frequent muse for director Tim Burton, and his film Sweeney Todd garnered an Oscar nomination. His performances in Finding Neverland and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl were also recognized by the Academy, but he never won an Oscar.
Film Colony/Kobal/Shutterstock2. Liam Neeson
In 1993, Schindler's List won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture; however, the actor who played Oskar did not receive an award. (Tom Hanks, on the other hand, was the winner for Philadelphia.) Despite Golden Globe nominations for Michael Collins and Kinsey, the latter is Neeson's only Oscar nomination.
Universal3. Glenn Close
Glenn Close has always been so close. Throughout her career, the eight-time Academy Award nominee has played everything from a sexy stalker (Alex in Fatal Attraction) to a live-action Disney villain (Cruella in 101 Dalmatians) and everything in between.
Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
4. Sigourney Weaver
Weaver's performance in Aliens was overshadowed by Marlee Matlin's Oscar-winning performance in Children of a Lesser God in 1987. Weaver received a double whammy (along with Julianne Moore) two years later, with nominations for lead and supporting actress for Gorillas in the Mist and Working Girl, respectively.
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5. Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson narrowly missed an Oscar for her work in Hidden Figures. She did, however, receive a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
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6. Ian McKellen
A royal blunder! Sir Ian was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 and has won over 60 major international acting accolades, including a Tony Award for his performance as Antonio Salieri in Amadeus (the same role that won F. Murray Abraham his Oscar in 1985).
Despite nominations for Gods and Monsters and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, McKellen has yet to win an Academy Award. Yes, Sir, give this international treasure a gold statuette as quickly as possible!
Pierre Vinet/New Line/Saul Zaentz/Wing Nut/Kobal/Shutterstock
7. Tom Cruise
Show me the Oscar! For his roles in Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, and Magnolia, Cruise has been nominated for three Academy Awards.
Columbia Tri Star/Kobal/Shutterstoc
8. Michelle Williams & Ryan Gosling
Michelle has received four Oscar nominations over the years, including one for Blue Valentine in 2011. While her co-star Ryan Gosling did not receive an Oscar nomination for his effort in the film, he has received two nominations for his roles in Half Nelson and La La Land throughout the years.
Hunting Lane Films/Kobal/Shutterstock Michelle Williams & Ryan Gosling
9. Harrison Ford
He's one of Hollywood's biggest actors, having played such legendary roles as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, yet he hasn't received much Oscar love. Ford's only nomination came for his work in Witness as an undercover detective.
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10. Amy Adams
Adams has received six Academy Award nominations, including five for Best Supporting Actress and one for Best Actress for American Hustle. She was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in Vice, for which she also received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Atlas Entertainment/Kobal/Shutterstock
Fun fact: Will Smith was also on this list, but he was removed from it in the most spectacular way. Not only did he receive an Academy Award for his role as Richard Williams (Serena's and Venus's father and coach), but he also slapped comedian Chris Rock for insulting his wife with one of his jokes.
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