Sorting through more than 300 films to cast your vote for the Academy Awards may be a more difficult undertaking than most people believe. When it comes to assessing performances, this difficulty only seems to increase. The top 29 actors in the world who have not yet received their first Oscar nomination are listed below. We cannot believe number 18.
1. Jeff Daniels
The respected actor in the industry, Jeff Daniels, is a theater, television, and movie thespian. But despite his roles in several best-picture-nominated films and one winner, he has yet to receive Oscar recognition. Choosing his best work involves a “Sophie’s Choice”-style conflict between his haughty literary father in Noah Baumbach’s semi-autobiographical portrait and Bill Johnson in Gary Ross’s magnificent “Pleasantville.”
2. Oscar Isaac
One of the most versatile performers of his generation, Oscar Isaac, whose real name is Óscar Isaac Hernández Estrada, is a Cuban and Guatemalan star who has given riveting performances. Following his breakout performance as a struggling folk artist in Joel and Ethan Coen’s 2013 film “Inside Llewyn Davis,” he went on to play a secretive tech CEO in “Ex Machina” and a morally torn business leader in “A Most Violent Year.” And who could overlook Poe Dameron from the trilogy of “Star Wars” sequels?
3. John Goodman
Goodman is a mainstay of the industry, as seen by his several Emmys for his portrayal of Dan Connor in “Roseanne,” but his influence on cinema is almost incalculable. In addition to becoming a third nominee following “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” (2011) and one of the only performers to appear in both “The Artist” and “Argo,” he has never been within earshot of the Oscar nomination. Additionally, he is among the few actors who ought to have received a voice acting nomination, as evidenced by his endearing monster in “Monsters, Inc.” opposite Billy Crystal.
4. Michael Sheen
It was difficult to watch Helen Mirren dominate the 2006–2007 Oscar season for her performance in “The Queen,” while Michael Sheen, a BAFTA contender and LAFCA winner, was left off of the supporting actor list. But he transformed his cinematic portrayal of Tony Blair into an Emmy-nominated performance in HBO’s “The Special Relationship.”
5. Donald Sutherland
How is it possible to have a career like that of the great Donald Sutherland and yet not win an Oscar, not to mention receive at least a nomination? He was the only star of the award-winning film “Ordinary People” in 1980 who was not invited to the celebration.
6. Kevin Bacon
Everyone has listened to or played “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” or his eponymous podcast. But no one (at least not in the Academy) has yet to acknowledge the actor who has collaborated with everyone. Additionally, it wouldn’t be incorrect to name his convicted murderer from “Murder in the First” or his evil robber from “The River Wild” as his greatest.
7. Richard Gere
Since the 1970s, the legendary Richard Gere has been providing the film industry with outstanding performances once every ten years, yet he has not yet been nominated for an Oscar. Before navigating through the sultry, pretty-boy parts in romantic comedies and thrillers, he demonstrates skill in Terrence Malick’s masterpiece “Days of Heaven.” His most endearing performance to date is that of a ventriloquist lawyer who tap dances in the best-picture winner “Chicago.”
8. Jim Carrey
In “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, Jim Carrey’s brain clashes with his Oscar-nominated co-star Kate Winslet as Clementine Kruczynski, along with a spectacular cast that includes Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, and Tom Wilkinson. The movie is among the greatest contemporary love tales of our time, and Carrey ought to have had at least three nominations by now, but he hasn’t received any.
9. Tessa Thompson
The problem with limiting applicants is that there are frequently a lot of deserving applicants, but the Academy rarely searches in unusual locations. That was the case with Afro-Latina Tessa Thompson, who partnered with Ruth Negga (who was also regrettably passed over) in Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut, giving a strong, heartbreaking turn. But with television standouts like “Westworld,” she has bright future prospects.
10. Hugh Grant
Who can’t enjoy a movie that features Nicholas Hoult’s breakthrough performance and Hugh Grant at his “Grinch-iest” in “About A Boy”? This touching tale by Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, and Peter Hedges shows the British star at his most vulnerable and content, along with an amazing Toni Collette. Some people believe that his roles in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and “Paddington 2” are his best, but a great actor deserves to be defended.
11. Claire Foy
We now focus on British actress Claire Foy, who has a reputation for being strong early in an awards season before dropping out of the running, when Emily Blunt finally received her first Oscar nomination. Her roles as Neil Armstrong’s wife in “First Man” and, more famously, as one of the ladies attempting to flee a religious group in “Women Talking” both demonstrate this. Prior to the movie’s eventual shutout at the awards show, Foy was also deserving of praise for his role in Andrew Haigh’s ghost thriller “All of Us Strangers.”
12. Michael Stuhlbarg
When given the chance, Michael Stuhlbarg is an incredible actor, as seen by his performance in the Coen Brothers’ “A Serious Man,” for which he received a Golden Globe. In the little time he had in “Call Me by Your Name,” he delivered a powerful performance that has reverberated ever since, according to many.
13. Peter Sarsgaard
In the past, Peter Sarsgaard’s supporting role in Billy Ray’s “Shattered Glass” earned him the most precursor accolades during the 2003–2004 awards season. And in the early days of internet Oscar commentary, it was a sensational performance that had everyone in a frenzy. However, he was only able to generate a Golden Globe nomination. This was followed by startling rejections from the Academy Awards, SAG, and BAFTA. He remains unnominated despite strong follow-ups like “Kinsey,” “Garden State,” and most recently, “Memory”.
14. Ewan McGregor
Christian, a musically gifted writer in Baz Luhrmann’s jukebox masterwork, is the best Ewan McGregor you can find. Together with Nicole Kidman, McGregor’s tender and charming optimism, which shines through in every note and frame, is the foundation of the enchantment and love tale in “Moulin Rouge”. Nonetheless, that is just a portion of what he has contributed to the cinematic world that merits notice. While he puts our hearts in overdrive in the survival drama “The Impossible,” “Trainspotting” is a masterpiece.
15. Wes Studi
In “Hostiles” (2017), this veteran actor Wes Studi gives a nuanced and moving portrayal as Cheyenne Chief Yellow Hawk, one of the traveling prisoners of Captain Joseph J. Blocker (played flawlessly by Christian Bale). With other noteworthy roles in movies like “The Last of the Mohicans” and “Geronimo: An American Legend,” he has been producing amazing works for decades.
16. Sarah Paulson
The best illustration of how “category fraud” pushes deserving artists out of the Oscar race is the inclusion of Sarah Paulson’s work in “Carol.” Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett’s outstanding performances swamped Todd Haynes’ two-lead drama, which was a critical favorite. In addition to her fame on television, Paulson has demonstrated her versatility by playing antagonists in the shows “12 Years a Slave” and “Run,” which aired last year.
17. Ben Foster
Imagine that the Academy has yet to recognize that you are among the most gifted and adaptable actors in Hollywood, with a diverse range of roles and characters. Foster has successfully negotiated the challenging and rewarding parts that have made him a villain, superhero, war hero, and much more since his modest beginnings on HBO’s “Six Feet Under.” His role as Russell Crowe’s vicious right-hand man in James Mangold’s energizing western adaptation now ranks highest among his famous roles.
18. Robin Wright
It’s difficult to think that a part like the romantic interest of the main character in Robert Zemeckis’ Oscar-winning best picture “Forrest Gump” would go unnoticed. Unfortunately, here we are. Even though she has had many Emmy nominations, Robin Wright has yet to secure her long-overdue nomination. She also attempted to steer herself to one in her 2021 premiere, “Land,” but was unsuccessful.
19. Clifton Collins Jr.
The Los Angeles-born actor has been a mainstay at the movies for 20 years, with over 70 film credits. Nonetheless, Bennett Miller’s Perry Smith, which is opposite Philip Seymour Hoffman in his best picture-nominated debut, is remarkably nuanced and continues to be one of the major underdogs of its particular awards year. His outstanding performance in Clint Bentley’s “Jockey,” which was sadly missed on the circuit, also earned him a nomination last year.
20. Julianne Nicholson
As evidenced by her Emmy-winning performance in “Mare of Easttown,” as well as her multiple appearances in small films like “Flannel Pajamas” and crime thrillers like “Black Mass,” she is among the greatest to grace our cinematic and television screens. But her portrayal of Ivy Weston in John Wells’ powerful ensemble always wins our hearts.
21. Alfred Molina
We asked ourselves, “How have we not had Molina’s Oscar nomination happen yet?” after Alfred Molina walked the stage at the 2022 Academy Awards luncheon to read the names of all the nominees to have their Oscar photos taken. Similar to the likes of Ciaran Hinds and Mark Rylance, whom the Academy Awards have found space to honor, he has had a career of admiration and respect.
22. Rebecca Hall
If we weren’t already captivated and enchanted with Rebecca Hall’s soul from her amazing performances in movies like “The Gift,” she further enlarged the heart’s capacity by directing and scripting her first feature picture, “Passing.” In addition to her two other Oscar-worthy performances, the traveling Vicky in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” and the dark and captivating suicidal reporter in “Christine”, “Passing” should have received two more nominations for best picture and adapted screenplay, demonstrating her versatility.
23. Michael B. Jordan
Thanks to Michael B. Jordan’s efforts, Killmonger is a captivating character to watch frame after frame in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He should be credited with two nominations in addition to his passionate performance as Oscar Grant in Coogler’s debut film, “Fruitvale Station” (2013). Some of the most memorable scenes in the MCU are his rivalry and chemistry with T’Challa, also known as Black Panther (played by the late Chadwick Boseman), as they fight for the throne of Wakanda.
24. Diane Kruger
Diane has been alternating between American and foreign films, showcasing her versatility and patiently waiting for award organizations to recognize her abilities. Fans of Quentin Tarantino will argue that her performance as Bridget von Hammersmark in “Inglourious Basterds” is her Oscar snub, as evidenced by her nomination for a SAG Award for supporting actress. However, her most memorable performance to date is her vindictive turn in Fatih Akin’s brilliant “In the Fade,” in which she plays a woman whose husband and son are murdered.
25. Steve Martin
Renowned comic Steve Martin plays Gil Buckman, a father merely trying to do his best, and leads a dynamic ensemble of performers in one of director Ron Howard’s best films. He received a Golden Globe nomination, but the Academy was unable to accept it because of his co-star Dianne Wiest.
26. Kathryn Hahn
Her amusing appearances in movies like “Step Brothers” (2018) and “Bad Moms” (2016) demonstrate Kathryn Hahn’s love of comedy. Her Emmy-nominated performance in “WandaVision” is another example of her brilliance on television. Her tragic performance with writer and director Tamara Jenkins in “Private Life,” however, demonstrates the breadth of her acting abilities. Not to mention her superb chemistry with Molly Shannon, Kayli Carter, and Paul Giamatti, which enhances every aspect of the dramedy.
27. David Oyelowo
Not only did the Academy fail to acknowledge Ava DuVernay’s outstanding portrayal of the 1965 Selma, Alabama, voting rights march, but it also had the audacity to overlook David Oyelowo’s superb portrayal of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Respecting the other nominees, Oyelowo ought to have a monument of this one in his house.
28. Meg Ryan
With successes like “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “You’ve Got Mail,” Ryan became a household name in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and she has captivated audiences all over the world. Her performance in the drama “When a Man Loves a Woman” in 1994 definitely demonstrated her versatility outside of the romantic comedy genre. Her unvarnished and genuine portrayal of Alice Green, a woman battling alcoholism, perfectly conveys the intricacy of the battle with addiction and rehabilitation.
29. Elizabeth Olsen
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Elizabeth has now made a name for herself as Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlet Witch. Even yet, she was adored by many of us prior to her post-credits appearance in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014). With two terrifying turns in “Silent House” and her Oscar-winning performance in “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” she burst into the screen in 2011. She has dabbled in a number of independent films, including “Liberal Arts” and “Kill Your Darlings.”
