13 Legendary Stars Who Came Close but Never Won an Oscar

Despite their immense talent and iconic roles, some of Hollywood’s greatest actors have never won an Academy Award. These performers, known for their unforgettable contributions to cinema, have garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, yet the Oscar has eluded them. While they have been nominated multiple times, the Academy has overlooked their groundbreaking work, leaving many to wonder why these legends have never received the recognition they truly deserve.

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Glenn Close

Glenn Close has been a fixture in Hollywood for decades, delivering unforgettable performances in films like Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons. Despite being nominated eight times for an Academy Award, she has yet to take home the coveted statue. Her ability to portray complex, often deeply troubled characters has made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Close’s repeated snubs at the Oscars have been a source of frustration for fans and critics alike, as her performances continue to be celebrated, but the recognition she deserves has eluded her.

Her journey to an Oscar has been marked by close calls, with her most recent nomination in 2019 for The Wife. Although she won numerous other awards, the Academy has never given her the honor that many believe she richly deserves. Despite this, Close’s legacy in the industry is undeniable, and many feel that her time will come eventually.

Peter O’Toole

Peter O’Toole’s career spanned over six decades, with iconic roles in films such as Lawrence of Arabia and The Lion in Winter. Nominated eight times for an Oscar, O’Toole never won the competitive award, though he did receive an honorary Academy Award in 2003. His striking presence and unparalleled skill in bringing complex characters to life made him one of the most respected actors of his time. His legendary status, however, was not cemented with a win for any of his nominations, sparking discussions about the Academy’s reluctance to honor him.

Despite his extensive accolades and enduring influence on cinema, O’Toole’s name remains absent from the list of winners, with each nomination bringing him closer but never quite sealing the deal. His performances, particularly in Becket and The Ruling Class, are often considered some of the finest in film history, but the elusive Oscar never came.

Richard Burton

Richard Burton was renowned for his powerful voice, intensity, and ability to bring a depth of emotion to every role. Throughout his career, he received seven Academy Award nominations, including ones for his performances in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. However, despite his remarkable talent and strong presence on screen, Burton never won an Oscar. His absence from the winner’s circle became a subject of speculation and disappointment among fans, especially after his role in Virginia Woolf, which is often cited as one of his greatest.

Though Burton did not win an Oscar during his lifetime, his place in cinematic history is secure, and his performances remain a benchmark for aspiring actors. The fact that he never took home a statue has only added to his mystique, making him one of the most iconic stars in film without the award to prove it.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant was the epitome of charm and sophistication on the big screen. Known for his roles in classics like North by Northwest and The Philadelphia Story, Grant was never awarded an Oscar during his illustrious career. He was nominated twice, once for Penny Serenade and once for None But the Lonely Heart, but did not win. Despite being beloved by audiences and critics alike, the Academy never saw fit to honor Grant with an Oscar, despite his consistent and exceptional performances.

Grant’s reputation for impeccable comedic timing and his ability to seamlessly blend humor with romance left an indelible mark on Hollywood. His status as one of the greatest actors never to win an Oscar remains a perplexing aspect of his otherwise stellar career.

Deborah Kerr

Deborah Kerr was one of the most graceful actresses of her time, with memorable performances in films like The King and I and From Here to Eternity. Kerr received six Academy Award nominations throughout her career but never won a competitive Oscar. Her ability to portray both strong and vulnerable women with great sensitivity earned her widespread admiration, yet the Academy failed to honor her contributions with a win. Kerr’s snub was particularly baffling given her remarkable range and consistent quality of work.

Her nomination for The King and I, where she starred alongside Yul Brynner, remains one of the highlights of her career. However, despite her many nominations and lasting legacy in Hollywood, Kerr never received the recognition she deserved from the Academy.

Edward Norton

Edward Norton is known for his versatile and intense performances in films like Fight Club and American History X. Nominated for an Oscar three times, Norton’s work has always garnered critical acclaim, but he has yet to win an Academy Award. His nuanced portrayals of complex characters have earned him a reputation as one of the finest actors of his generation. Despite his remarkable skill, Norton’s Oscar win has remained elusive, much to the surprise of those who believe his performances are deserving of recognition.

Norton’s absence from the winner’s circle has sparked discussion about the Academy’s decision-making process. His continued excellence in film ensures that his place in cinema history remains secure, even without the Oscar that many feel he earned.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams is considered one of the most talented actresses of her generation, with standout roles in films like Arrival and American Hustle. Despite being nominated six times, Adams has yet to win an Oscar, a fact that continues to surprise many. Her ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, from quirky to dramatic, has earned her critical acclaim, but the Academy has never awarded her the prize. Adams’ repeated snubs have become a point of frustration for fans and critics alike, especially after her performances in American Hustle and The Master, which many felt were Oscar-worthy.

Her consistent quality of work, combined with her ability to captivate audiences, makes her one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood. Adams’ Oscar win has become one of the most anticipated yet elusive victories, with each new role adding to her growing list of admirers.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is known for his high-energy performances and roles in films like Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible series. Despite his box office success and critical acclaim, Cruise has never won an Oscar, though he has been nominated three times. His role in Jerry Maguire earned him a nomination, but the Academy chose to honor others that year. Cruise’s performances in Magnolia and Born on the Fourth of July were also met with critical praise, yet his name was never called on Oscar night.

The fact that Cruise has never won an Academy Award is often cited as one of Hollywood’s most puzzling omissions. His iconic career and continued contributions to the film industry make him one of the most recognizable figures in cinema, though his elusive Oscar win remains a subject of debate.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder is a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for her roles in films like Beetlejuice and Little Women. Although Ryder has received multiple nominations, including one for Little Women, she has never won an Oscar. Her youthful energy and ability to bring a sense of vulnerability to her roles made her a standout actress in the 1990s, yet she was overlooked by the Academy. Ryder’s absence from the winner’s circle remains one of the great mysteries in Hollywood, as her talent continues to be praised.

Despite her lack of an Oscar, Ryder’s influence in the industry is significant. Her performances in both independent films and major blockbusters have ensured her a lasting legacy, even if she has yet to take home the trophy.

Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi is known for his unique, quirky performances in films like Fargo and The Big Lebowski. Despite his wide-ranging career and remarkable ability to play eccentric, offbeat characters, Buscemi has never won an Academy Award. His distinct voice and unpredictable choices as an actor have earned him a cult following, but the Oscar has eluded him. Buscemi has been recognized for his work in television, particularly for his role in Boardwalk Empire, but the Academy has not seen fit to award him a win.

Buscemi’s impressive body of work across both film and television ensures that his legacy in the industry will continue. His absence from the Oscars only highlights the unpredictable nature of the Academy’s voting process, leaving many fans and critics scratching their heads.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver is best known for her iconic role as Ellen Ripley in the Alien series, which helped define her as one of Hollywood’s leading action stars. Despite receiving two Academy Award nominations for Aliens and Working Girl, Weaver never won an Oscar. Her performances in both science fiction and drama films showcased her incredible range, but the Academy never awarded her the recognition that many believe she deserved. Weaver’s impact on both the sci-fi genre and Hollywood in general is undeniable, yet the Oscar has consistently slipped through her fingers.

Even without an Oscar, Weaver remains a groundbreaking figure in film, particularly in the action genre, where few actresses have achieved such lasting success. She is regarded as one of the most influential actresses in Hollywood, even without the Oscar win.

Glenn Ford

Glenn Ford was one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading men, with a career spanning over five decades. Despite his impressive body of work in films like Gilda and The Big Heat, Ford was never able to win an Oscar, despite being nominated twice. His smooth charm and ability to play both heroes and villains earned him respect from his peers, but the Academy overlooked him in favor of others. Ford’s repeated snubs were a topic of discussion throughout his career, and many believed he was one of the most deserving actors to win an Oscar during his time.

Ford’s legacy in Hollywood endures, though his Oscar drought remains one of the great missed opportunities in the industry’s history. Despite not winning, his contributions to cinema have made him a key figure in Hollywood’s golden era.

Albert Finney

Albert Finney, known for his roles in Tom Jones and Murder on the Orient Express, was nominated five times for an Oscar but never claimed the prize. His career, which spanned decades, was marked by a range of performances that showcased his versatility, from Shakespearean drama to contemporary thrillers. Finney’s ability to embody characters from different walks of life made him one of Britain’s most respected actors. However, despite his wide acclaim, the Oscar always eluded him, leading many to question the Academy’s decisions.

His work continues to inspire actors, and though he never took home an Oscar, Finney’s influence on British cinema and theater remains significant.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.