20 Celebrities You Won’t Believe Have Never Won an Oscar
The Oscars are often seen as the pinnacle of achievement for actors and filmmakers, but even the most talented stars sometimes miss out on the coveted golden statue. It’s a shock to many when some of Hollywood’s biggest names haven’t won an Oscar, even after decades of stellar performances.
Despite their undeniable talent, these 20 celebrities have yet to claim an Academy Award—though that doesn’t diminish their legendary status.
1. Johnny Depp
Instagram | dior | Johnny Depp earns praise but no Oscar.
Johnny Depp’s career spans genres, from the whimsical Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean” to his intense roles in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007). Despite receiving three Oscar nominations, Depp has never claimed the gold statue.
His ability to transform into unique characters has made him a fan favorite, but the Academy has yet to give him the recognition he deserves.
2. Demi Moore
Demi Moore’s career spanned across several memorable films, from “Ghost” (1990) to “Indecent Proposal” (1993). Despite being nominated for an Oscar for her role in “A Few Good Men” (1992), Moore has never walked away with the coveted award.
Still, her contribution to film remains undeniable, and she continues to hold a special place in the hearts of movie lovers.
3. Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes is another actor who’s been recognized multiple times by the Academy but never won. Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “Schindler’s List” (1993) and for Best Actor for “The English Patient” (1996), Fiennes’s career has spanned a variety of roles. His ability to tackle emotionally complex characters has earned him critical acclaim, but the Oscar has eluded him thus far.
4. Edward Norton
Edward Norton is no stranger to the Oscars, having received multiple nominations. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “Primal Fear” (1997), Best Actor for “American History X” (1999), and Best Supporting Actor for “Birdman” (2015).
Despite his impressive body of work, Norton has yet to win the coveted golden statue, a situation that remains a mystery to many fans.
5. Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett is one of the most celebrated actors of her generation, with standout performances in films like “What’s Love Got to Do With It” (1993) and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022). Bassett has been nominated twice for an Oscar, but the win has consistently eluded her. Her powerhouse performances have earned her numerous other awards, but the Academy Award has remained out of reach.
6. Amy Adams
With six Oscar nominations under her belt, Amy Adams has become one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. Her roles in films like “American Hustle” (2013) and “Arrival” (2016) showcase her range, but the Academy has yet to award her the Oscar. Whether in a supporting or leading role, Adams continues to captivate audiences with her impressive acting chops.
7. Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe is no stranger to complex, memorable roles, yet despite multiple Oscar nominations, he has never won. Nominated for “Platoon” (1987), “Shadow of the Vampire” (2001), “The Florida Project” (2018), and “At Eternity’s Gate” (2019), Dafoe’s acting is renowned for its depth and intensity. Still, the Oscar continues to elude him, much to the surprise of his fans.
8. Tom Cruise
Instagram | tomcruise | Tom Cruise shines without an Oscar win.
Tom Cruise is often considered one of the greatest action stars of all time, and despite a career full of iconic roles, he has never won an Oscar. Nominated for films like “Born on the Fourth of July” (1990), “Jerry Maguire” (1997), and “Top Gun: Maverick” (2023), Cruise has consistently delivered powerful performances, but the Academy has yet to honor him with an Oscar.
9. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson’s career is nothing short of iconic. Best known for his roles in films like “Pulp Fiction” (1994) and “The Hateful Eight” (2015), Jackson’s bold and unforgettable performances have made him a Hollywood mainstay.
Despite earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for “Pulp Fiction”, the Academy has yet to award him the Oscar. In an industry where he’s a household name, many fans are still waiting for the recognition he deserves.
10. Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper has received 12 Oscar nominations across a variety of categories, including Best Actor for “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012), “A Star is Born” (2018), and “Maestro” (2024). Despite the numerous accolades, an Oscar win has continued to elude him. His consistent excellence as an actor, producer, and director leaves many wondering when his moment will come.
11. Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver is a trailblazer in Hollywood, with memorable roles in “Alien” (1979) and “Gorillas in the Mist” (1988). She’s received multiple nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress but has never won. Despite the lack of an Oscar, her performances remain iconic, and her place in Hollywood history is firmly secured.
12. Glenn Close
Glenn Close has received eight Oscar nominations over the course of her career, spanning roles in “Fatal Attraction” (1987), “Dangerous Liaisons” (1988), and “The Wife” (2018). Despite being one of the most highly regarded actresses in Hollywood, Close has yet to win an Oscar, making her one of the most famous Oscar “losers” in history.
13. Timothée Chalamet
Instagram | tchalamet | Timothée Chalamet continues his Oscar journey with multiple nominations.
At just 28, Timothée Chalamet is already one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, having received critical acclaim for his performances in “Call Me by Your Name” (2017) and “Dune” (2021). Despite multiple nominations, including for “Little Women” (2019), Chalamet is still chasing that elusive Oscar win, though his future in film seems incredibly promising.
14. Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson’s career has included numerous celebrated performances, from “The People vs. Larry Flynt” (1997) to “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017). Despite his critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, Harrelson has yet to win the big one. His ability to tackle diverse roles with authenticity and intensity makes him one of the most admired actors in Hollywood.
15. Helena Bonham Carter
Known for her eccentric roles in films like “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007) and “Les Misérables” (2012), Helena Bonham Carter is another major talent who has never won an Oscar.
Though she’s been nominated twice, her Oscar win continues to elude her, much to the surprise of many who consider her one of the finest actresses in contemporary cinema.
While these 20 celebrities have yet to win an Oscar, their impact on the film industry is undeniable. Their talent, versatility, and dedication to their craft have made them household names, and it’s possible that the elusive Oscar may still be in their future. Despite the lack of recognition from the Academy, these stars remain at the top of their game, constantly pushing boundaries in their performances.