Hailey Watson
Hollywood is filled with glittering trophies and red carpet moments, but not every talented actor gets to take home the ultimate prize.
Some of the biggest names in film history have given us unforgettable performances yet walked away empty-handed on Oscar night.
It might surprise you to learn which beloved stars have never won an Academy Award despite their incredible contributions to cinema.
1. Glenn Close
With eight Academy Award nominations under her belt, Glenn Close holds the record for most acting nominations without a win.
Her career spans decades of powerful performances, from the chilling Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction to the heartbreaking Joan Castleman in The Wife.
Critics and fans alike have praised her ability to disappear into complex characters.
She brings emotional depth and intelligence to every role she tackles.
Close remains gracious about her Oscar drought, focusing instead on the joy of acting itself.
Her work continues to inspire new generations of performers who admire her dedication and craft.
2. Amy Adams
Six times a bridesmaid, never a bride—that’s the story of Amy Adams at the Oscars.
From her breakout role in Junebug to her stunning turn in American Hustle, she’s proven herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.
Her ability to switch between drama and comedy makes her a director’s dream.
Adams brings warmth and authenticity to every character she portrays.
Whether playing a determined journalist or a quirky princess, she captivates audiences with genuine emotion.
Many believe it’s only a matter of time before the Academy finally recognizes her extraordinary talent with a golden statuette.
3. Edward Norton
Remember the intense lawyer in Primal Fear who left audiences speechless?
That was Edward Norton’s film debut, earning him his first Oscar nomination at just 27 years old.
He’s since been nominated three more times for roles that showcase his chameleon-like abilities.
Norton is known for his method acting approach and willingness to transform completely for his characters.
From a neo-Nazi skinhead to a washed-up actor, he tackles challenging roles with fearless commitment.
His dedication to his craft and his intelligent script choices have made him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
4. Ralph Fiennes
Few actors can chill your bones quite like Ralph Fiennes.
His portrayal of the Nazi officer in Schindler’s List remains one of cinema’s most terrifying villains, earning him widespread acclaim and his first Oscar nomination.
He followed that with another nomination for The English Patient, proving his range extended far beyond darkness.
Fiennes brings Shakespearean training and classical theater experience to his film work.
His voice alone can convey volumes of emotion and menace.
From Voldemort to romantic leads, he continues to mesmerize audiences with performances that feel both timeless and utterly contemporary.
5. Samuel L. Jackson
With over 150 film credits to his name, Samuel L. Jackson is one of the hardest-working actors in Hollywood.
His single Oscar nomination came for Pulp Fiction, where his portrayal of Jules Winnfield became instantly legendary.
Jackson’s distinctive voice and commanding screen presence make him unforgettable in every role.
He’s mastered everything from Marvel superhero films to intense dramas.
His ability to deliver memorable dialogue has made countless movie quotes part of popular culture.
Though he received an honorary Oscar in 2022, many fans believe his performances deserved competitive wins throughout his remarkable career.
6. Annette Bening
Five nominations and five losses might discourage some performers, but not Annette Bening.
Her nuanced portrayals of complex women have earned critical raves and audience adoration.
In American Beauty, she created a character both sympathetic and frustrating, showcasing her remarkable emotional range.
Bening chooses roles that challenge conventional depictions of women on screen.
She brings intelligence and depth to characters that might seem ordinary on paper but become extraordinary through her performance.
Her collaboration with various acclaimed directors has resulted in some of the most memorable female characters in modern cinema history.
7. Ian McKellen
Did you know Sir Ian McKellen has only been nominated twice despite a career spanning over six decades?
This theatrical legend brought Gandalf to life in a way that defined an entire generation’s fantasy experience.
His classical training shines through in every performance, whether he’s playing a wizard or a real historical figure.
McKellen seamlessly transitions between blockbuster franchises and intimate character studies.
His work in Gods and Monsters revealed vulnerability and humanity that moved audiences deeply.
Beyond his acting, he’s been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to create positive change in the world.
8. Michelle Williams
Starting as a teenage star on television, Michelle Williams has transformed herself into one of cinema’s most respected dramatic actresses.
Her five Oscar nominations span diverse roles that showcase her incredible emotional range.
Williams has a gift for portraying quiet strength and internal struggle that resonates deeply with viewers.
From Brokeback Mountain to Manchester by the Sea, she chooses projects with substance and complexity.
Her commitment to independent films alongside bigger productions shows her dedication to storytelling over fame.
Williams continues to surprise audiences with bold choices and performances that feel achingly real and deeply human.
9. Willem Dafoe
Those piercing eyes and angular features have made Willem Dafoe one of cinema’s most distinctive faces.
Four Oscar nominations have recognized his fearless approach to challenging roles, from soldiers to artists to complex villains.
Dafoe never takes the safe route, preferring characters that push boundaries and explore human darkness.
His performance in The Florida Project showed a gentler side, playing a compassionate motel manager with quiet dignity.
He brings total commitment to every role, no matter how strange or difficult.
Dafoe’s willingness to take risks has resulted in an incredibly diverse filmography that spans art house films to superhero blockbusters.
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