The Academy Awards have honored countless stars over the decades, but some of the most legendary actors and actresses have somehow slipped through the cracks. While winning isn’t everything, it’s still shocking when industry icons who have shaped cinema history never won an Oscar. Whether they were overlooked during their peak or consistently nominated without a win, these performers left an undeniable mark. Here are 10 stars who never won an Oscar, but absolutely should have.
10. Alan Rickman
Best known for roles like Professor Snape in Harry Potter and Hans Gruber in Die Hard, Alan Rickman was a master of wit. Surprisingly, he was never even nominated, let alone never won an Oscar, despite decades of iconic roles. His voice, presence, and emotional depth presents him as a beloved actor whose absence from the Academy’s record is still felt.
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9. Sigourney Weaver
With standout performances in Aliens, Gorillas in the Mist, and Working Girl, Sigourney Weaver has proven her capabilities in both action and drama. Despite three nominations, she never won an Oscar, even during years when she was double-nominated. As a groundbreaker for women in genre films, she’s more than earned her place in Oscar history, just not the trophy.
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8. Willem Dafoe
A master of intensity and unpredictability, Willem Dafoe has delivered unforgettable performances in films like Platoon, The Florida Project, and At Eternity’s Gate. Though he’s been nominated four times, he never won an Oscar, often losing out to more conventional performances. Dafoe’s ability to inhabit characters fully makes his continued Oscar absence a real head-scratcher.
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7. Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer has shown an extraordinary range across dramas, comedies, and superhero films. Whether she’s stealing scenes in Dangerous Liaisons or bringing emotional depth to Love Field, her performances are consistently compelling. Despite being nominated three times, she has never won an Oscar.
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6. Donald Sutherland
With a career spanning more than five decades and roles in classics like MASH*, The Hunger Games franchise, and Don’t Look Now, Donald Sutherland’s name is a widely known one in the industry. Shockingly, he’s never won an Oscar and was never even nominated until he received an honorary award in 2017.
5. Annette Bening
Annette Bening has delivered standout performances in American Beauty, The Kids Are All Right, and Being Julia, among others. Despite four nominations, she’s never won an Oscar, a fact that baffles critics and fans alike. Her emotionally layered acting style has made her a staple in Hollywood for decades, yet recognition from the Academy continues to exclude her.
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4. Richard Burton
Richard Burton received seven Oscar nominations during his lifetime and never won an Oscar, despite legendary turns in films like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Becket. Known for his commanding presence and deep voice, Burton was one of the most respected actors of his era. His repeated losses remain one of the Academy’s most obvious oversights.
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3. Amy Adams
Known for her ability to embody vastly different roles, Amy Adams has been nominated six times but has never won an Oscar. From musicals like Enchanted to intense dramas like Arrival and American Hustle, Adams continues to deliver versatile, emotionally rich performances. She’s not just due for a win, she’s overdue.
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2. Peter O’Toole
Peter O’Toole was nominated for an Oscar eight times over his career, including for his iconic performance in Lawrence of Arabia, yet he never won an Oscar competitively. Though he received an honorary Oscar in 2003, many still consider it a consolation prize for a legacy that deserved far more.
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1. Glenn Close
Despite eight Oscar nominations, Glenn Close still never won an Oscar, making her one of the most famously snubbed actors in awards history. From her chilling role in Fatal Attraction to her performance in The Wife, Close delivers intense performances time and time again. Her range and depth have earned her immense respect, and it’s almost unthinkable that she hasn’t taken home the golden statue yet.
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