Actors Who (shockingly) Have Not Won an Oscar Yet

In the glitzy realm of Hollywood, the Academy Awards are the pinnacle of recognition for actors, yet some of the most talented performers have found themselves on the outside looking in.

Despite delivering unforgettable performances, these actors have yet to receive an Oscar. From heartfelt dramas to riveting thrillers, their contributions to cinema are undeniable, leaving fans and critics alike scratching their heads at the Academy's choices.

Let's take a closer look at these actors and their impressive filmographies that somehow remain unadorned with that golden statuette.

1. Amy Adams, 6 nominations

With her remarkable range, Amy Adams has dazzled audiences in films like Arrival and American Hustle. Six nominations later, her absence from the Oscar winners' list is nothing short of baffling, considering her ability to inhabit roles that linger in the memory long after the credits roll.

2. Jake Gyllenhaal, 1 nomination

Image credit: Chuck Zlotnick

Known for his transformative performances in films like Nightcrawler and Brokeback Mountain, Gyllenhaal's solitary nomination is a surprising oversight, especially when you consider the raw intensity he brings to his characters.

3. Kang ho Song, 0 nominations

The star of acclaimed films like Parasite and The Host, Kang-ho Song has captivated audiences with his unique charisma and depth. Yet, he remains unrecognized by the Academy, which seems almost unfathomable given his impactful contributions to international cinema.

4. Margot Robbie, 2 nominations

Margot Robbie has taken Hollywood by storm with her versatile roles in I, Tonya and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Despite her two nominations, it feels like a matter of time before the Academy acknowledges her remarkable talent.

5. Bradley Cooper, 5 nominations

With critically acclaimed performances in Silver Linings Playbook and A Star Is Born, Cooper has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with. However, despite five nominations, he still awaits that coveted Oscar win.

6. Timothée Chalamet, 1 nomination

The young actor burst onto the scene with Call Me by Your Name, earning a nomination that showcased his immense talent. As he continues to take on challenging roles, it’s only a matter of time before the Academy takes notice.

7. Samuel L. Jackson, 1 nomination

An iconic figure in film, Samuel L. Jackson's performance in Pulp Fiction earned him a nomination, yet his extensive body of work across various genres hasn’t been rewarded with an Oscar win—a glaring oversight in the Academy's history.

8. Saoirse Ronan, 4 nominations

With a career that spans emotionally charged performances in Lady Bird and Brooklyn, Ronan has been nominated four times, yet she remains without an Oscar.

9. Tom Cruise, 3 nominations

Tom Cruise has become synonymous with blockbuster success, but despite his powerful performances in Jerry Maguire and Magnolia, his three nominations have yet to culminate in an Oscar victory, leaving fans eager for a win.

10. Willem Dafoe, 4 nominations

Known for his versatility in roles ranging from Platoon to The Florida Project, Dafoe's ability to inhabit complex characters is well-documented. Four nominations only amplify the astonishment of his continued absence from the winner’s circle.

11. Toni Collette, 1 nomination

Toni Collette’s extraordinary performance in The Sixth Sense earned her a nomination, yet her captivating roles in films like Hereditary demonstrate a breadth of talent that deserves Oscar recognition.

12. Ryan Gosling, 3 nominations

From his captivating portrayal in La La Land to Drive, Ryan Gosling has earned three nominations, yet he still awaits that moment to walk the Oscar stage, a testament to the competitive nature of the industry.

13. Angela Bassett, 2 nominations

An iconic figure known for her powerful performances in What's Love Got to Do with It? and Black Panther, Angela Bassett has yet to secure an Oscar win despite her undeniable impact on cinema.

14. Raplh Fiennes, 2 nominations

Fiennes has delivered unforgettable performances in Schindler’s List and The English Patient, yet despite his talent and range, he remains Oscar-less—a stark reminder of how unpredictable award seasons can be.

15. Michelle Williams, 5 nominations

With five nominations for her nuanced performances in films like Brokeback Mountain and Manchester by the Sea, Williams' continued absence from the winner’s list leaves many questioning the Academy's choices.

16. Woody Harrelson, 3 nominations

Woody Harrelson's talent shines through in films like The Messenger and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. With three nominations under his belt, it’s time for the Academy to recognize his contributions to film.