12 Actresses Who Were Oscar Favorites — But Never Won

12 Actresses Who Were Oscar Favorites — But Never Won

The Academy Awards celebrate the best performances in cinema, but sometimes even the most talented actresses walk away empty-handed. Many beloved stars have earned multiple nominations throughout their careers, yet never claimed the coveted golden statue. Their incredible work continues to inspire audiences worldwide, proving that true talent shines beyond any trophy.

1. Glenn Close

With eight Oscar nominations to her name, Glenn Close holds the record for most acting nominations without a win. Her powerful performances in films like Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, and The Wife showcased her incredible range. Each role demonstrated her ability to transform completely into complex characters.

Close’s dedication to her craft has earned respect from audiences and critics alike. Her portrayal of strong, complicated women challenged Hollywood stereotypes. Whether playing villains or heroines, she brought depth and humanity to every character.

Despite never winning, her legacy remains unshakeable in cinema history.

2. Deborah Kerr

British elegance personified, Deborah Kerr graced the silver screen during Hollywood’s golden age. She earned six Academy Award nominations between 1949 and 1960, including her famous role in From Here to Eternity. That iconic beach scene became one of cinema’s most memorable moments.

Kerr specialized in playing refined, dignified women with hidden passions. Her performances balanced grace with emotional intensity, captivating audiences worldwide. Directors valued her professionalism and natural talent for bringing scripts to life.

Though she received an honorary Oscar in 1994, a competitive win eluded her throughout her distinguished career.

3. Annette Bening

Four times a nominee, Annette Bening has delivered unforgettable performances across diverse genres. American Beauty showcased her ability to portray suburban desperation with heartbreaking authenticity. Her work in The Kids Are All Right demonstrated perfect comedic timing alongside dramatic depth.

Bening’s talent for playing real, flawed women resonates deeply with viewers. She chooses roles that challenge conventional ideas about femininity and aging. Each character feels fully realized, never falling into predictable patterns or stereotypes.

Her continued excellence proves that recognition comes in many forms beyond awards. Audiences worldwide consider her among the finest actresses of her generation.

4. Amy Adams

Six nominations before age fifty demonstrates Amy Adams’ extraordinary talent and versatility. From playing a naive princess in Enchanted to a determined linguist in Arrival, her range seems limitless. She seamlessly transitions between comedy, drama, and everything in between.

Adams brings warmth and intelligence to every role she undertakes. Her characters feel like real people facing genuine struggles and triumphs. Directors repeatedly cast her because she elevates every scene with subtle, nuanced performances.

Many consider her one of the greatest actresses currently working in Hollywood. Her time for Oscar glory may still come with future projects ahead.

5. Michelle Williams

Starting as a television actress, Michelle Williams transformed into one of cinema’s most respected performers. Her five Oscar nominations include powerful work in Blue Valentine, My Week with Marilyn, and Manchester by the Sea. She completely disappears into each character she portrays.

Williams chooses challenging, emotionally demanding roles that showcase her fearless approach to acting. Her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe balanced vulnerability with strength beautifully. Critics consistently praise her ability to convey complex emotions through minimal dialogue.

Though young enough for many more opportunities, her existing body of work already stands as remarkable and inspiring to aspiring actors everywhere.

6. Sigourney Weaver

Breaking barriers in science fiction and action films, Sigourney Weaver redefined what female heroes could be. Her three Oscar nominations recognized both dramatic work in Gorillas in the Mist and supporting roles. Ellen Ripley from the Alien franchise became an iconic character in cinema history.

Weaver proved that actresses could lead blockbuster action films with intelligence and strength. She never relied on traditional feminine stereotypes to create compelling characters. Her physical presence and commanding voice made her unforgettable on screen.

Beyond nominations, her influence on Hollywood and representation of strong women remains her greatest achievement and lasting legacy.

7. Saoirse Ronan

Earning her first Oscar nomination at just thirteen years old, Saoirse Ronan has been a force since childhood. Four nominations before turning thirty showcases her exceptional talent and careful role selection. Brooklyn, Lady Bird, and Little Women demonstrated her ability to portray young women discovering themselves.

Her Irish heritage brings unique authenticity to period pieces and contemporary stories alike. Ronan’s performances feel natural and unforced, never showing the mechanics of acting. She connects with characters on a deep emotional level that translates beautifully to audiences.

With decades of career ahead, most experts believe her Oscar win is inevitable, just a matter of time.

8. Carey Mulligan

British charm meets serious dramatic talent in Carey Mulligan’s impressive career. Three Oscar nominations highlight her work in An Education, Promising Young Woman, and other critically acclaimed films. She excels at playing intelligent women navigating difficult circumstances with grace.

Mulligan’s expressive face conveys volumes without excessive dialogue or dramatic gestures. Her performance in Promising Young Woman tackled difficult themes with sensitivity and power. Critics note her ability to make audiences feel deeply connected to her characters’ journeys.

Still building her filmography, she continues choosing projects that challenge both herself and viewers with thought-provoking stories and complex roles.

9. Angela Bassett

Powerhouse performances define Angela Bassett’s remarkable career spanning decades. Her transformative portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It earned her first Oscar nomination. Recently, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever brought her a second nomination, proving her enduring relevance.

Bassett brings fierce dignity and strength to every role she accepts. Her commitment to physical and emotional authenticity inspires younger generations of actresses. She never shies away from portraying powerful, complicated Black women with nuance.

Beyond acting, she’s become a symbol of grace, intelligence, and perseverance in an industry that often overlooks talented performers of color.

10. Winona Ryder

Generation X grew up watching Winona Ryder define cool in films like Heathers and Reality Bites. Her two Oscar nominations came for dramatic roles in The Age of Innocence and Little Women. She brought sensitivity and intelligence to period dramas and contemporary stories alike.

Ryder’s career faced challenges, but her talent never diminished over the years. Her recent work in Stranger Things introduced her to entirely new audiences. She remains beloved for her authenticity and refusal to conform to Hollywood expectations.

Her influence on fashion, culture, and acting continues resonating with fans who appreciate her unique contributions to cinema history.

11. Helena Bonham Carter

Quirky, fearless, and utterly unique, Helena Bonham Carter has earned two Oscar nominations for memorable performances. The King’s Speech showcased her ability to play real historical figures with empathy. Her frequent collaborations with Tim Burton demonstrated her talent for bringing fantastical characters to life.

Bonham Carter never follows conventional Hollywood beauty standards or predictable career paths. She embraces weird, wonderful roles that other actresses might avoid completely. Her distinctive style extends from her fashion choices to her bold character selections.

Whether playing queens, villains, or eccentric supporting characters, she makes every role unforgettable through commitment and creative choices that surprise audiences.

12. Irene Dunne

Five Oscar nominations during Hollywood’s golden era established Irene Dunne as one of cinema’s greatest talents. She excelled equally in screwball comedies and tearjerking dramas, showing remarkable versatility. Films like The Awful Truth and I Remember Mama showcased her range and natural charisma.

Dunne possessed impeccable comic timing alongside genuine dramatic depth that few could match. Her elegant presence and warm personality made her a favorite among directors and audiences. She balanced career success with personal happiness, retiring on her own terms.

Though less remembered today, her contributions to early Hollywood cinema influenced generations of actresses who followed her path.