In the world of cinema, few accolades carry the weight and prestige of an Academy Award. It’s the gold standard—often seen as the ultimate recognition of an actor’s talent, dedication, and impact on the industry. Yet, while some stars seem to glide effortlessly from one Oscar win to the next, others, despite long and illustrious careers, continue to watch from the sidelines.
These are not fringe players or forgotten names. They’re household fixtures. Critically praised, commercially successful, and often central to the very films that do go on to win. Year after year, they deliver performances that captivate audiences and impress peers, only to walk away empty-handed on Hollywood’s biggest night. The reasons vary: tough competition, genre snubs, split votes, or simply bad luck.
Still, their lack of an Oscar doesn’t reflect a lack of excellence. On the contrary, it highlights the unpredictability of the awards circuit and the ever-evolving tastes of the Academy. These 15 stars have proven time and again that they belong in the conversation—not for what they’ve won, but for how consistently they elevate the art of acting itself.
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise attends the Australian Premiere of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” presented by Paramount Pictures and Skydance at ICC Sydney on July 03, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Rocket K/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Despite being one of the most bankable and enduring stars in Hollywood, Tom Cruise has yet to win an Oscar, even after acclaimed performances in films like “Born on the Fourth of July,” “Jerry Maguire,” and “Magnolia.”
Amy Adams
Amy Adams attends The BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 5, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
With six Oscar nominations for standout performances in “Junebug,” “Doubt,” “The Fighter,” “The Master,” “American Hustle,” and “Vice,” Amy Adams has built a remarkable career. Her consistently powerful work makes her one of the most overdue actors for an Academy Award.
Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes attends “The Menu” New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on November 14, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Ralph Fiennes, known for his incredible range in films like “Schindler’s List,” “The English Patient,” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” has been nominated for three Oscars throughout his career. In the 2025 Oscars, Fiennes was extremely close to winning his first Academy Award for his impeccable performance as Cardinal Lawrence in “Conclave,” but the trophy was snatched away by Adrien Brody for his role in “The Brutalist.”
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson attends the Museum Of Modern Art’s 16th Annual Film Benefit on October 23, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Samuel L. Jackson may have received an Honorary Oscar in 2021, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s never won a competitive Academy Award—a distinction that still matters. With a career spanning over five decades and iconic roles in everything from “Pulp Fiction” to “Jackie Brown” and the Marvel universe, Jackson’s consistent brilliance and cultural impact more than justify his place on this list.
Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts attends the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute celebrating Nicole Kidman at Dolby Theatre on April 27, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
British actress Naomi Watts has earned two Oscar nominations for her powerful turns in “21 Grams” and “The Impossible,” both showcasing her emotional depth and range. Despite winning over 40 awards throughout her career, the Academy’s top honor continues to elude her—an oversight considering the consistent strength of her performances across genres.
Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen attends “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” world premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on December 03, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images)
Ian McKellen may be widely recognized for his iconic roles in “The Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men” franchises, but his career spans decades of acclaimed stage and screen work. A Tony winner in 1981 and a two-time Oscar nominee, McKellen has delivered masterful performances that deserved more than just nominations. The absence of an Academy Award remains one of the most glaring omissions in Oscar history.
Sigourney Weaver
Actress Sigourney Weaver poses at the “Goya International” award photocall 2024 at the Valladolid City Hall on February 09, 2024 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)
Sigourney Weaver has built an extraordinary career with unforgettable roles in “Aliens,” “Ghostbusters,” and “The Ice Storm,” becoming one of the most versatile and respected actresses of her generation. Despite three Oscar nominations—two in the same year for “Gorillas in the Mist” and “Working Girl,” and one for “Aliens”—the Academy has never awarded her a win.
Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe attends the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations “Kinds Of Kindness” at SAG-AFTRA Foundation Robin Williams Center on June 21, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Willem Dafoe is one of the most daring and committed actors working today, with standout performances in films like “Platoon” and “The Last Temptation of Christ.” Despite four Oscar nominations, he has yet to take home the statuette.
John Malkovich
John Malkovich speaks during the “Seneca” press conference during the 73rd Berlinale International Film Festival Berlin at Grand Hyatt Hotel on February 20, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
Known for his distinctive and versatile performances, John Malkovich has appeared in a wide range of memorable films, including a unique turn playing himself in “Being John Malkovich.” Despite two Oscar nominations over his long career, the actor has yet to secure a win.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp attends the Opening Night screening of “HWJN” at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2023 on November 30, 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival)
Johnny Depp has delivered unforgettable performances in films ranging from “Platoon” to “Edward Scissorhands.” His Oscar nominations arrived later for “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Finding Neverland,” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” but despite these standout roles, he has yet to win the coveted award.
Bill Murray
Bill Murray attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Considered one of the greatest comedic actors of all time, Bill Murray has starred in iconic films such as “Ghostbusters,” “Rushmore,” “Hyde Park on Hudson,” “Stripes,” “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” and “Groundhog Day.” Despite his extensive and beloved body of work, his sole Oscar nomination came for the critically acclaimed “Lost in Translation.”
Glenn Close
Glenn Close attends 2024 AFI Fest – “The Summer Book” premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on October 27, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Glenn Close boasts a career filled with powerhouse performances and eight Oscar nominations to show for it. Yet despite standout roles in films like “The Big Chill,” “Fatal Attraction,” and “Hillbilly Elegy,” the statuette has remained just out of reach.
Ethan Hawke
Ethan Hawke poses for a portrait session before the “ZFF Masters: Ethan Hawke” during the 19th Zurich Film Festival at Arena 4 on September 30, 2023 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Ferda Demir/Getty Images for ZFF)
Ethan Hawke has built an impressive and versatile career, with standout work in everything from “Alive” to the “Before” trilogy. His powerful turn in “Training Day” remains a highlight, but despite four Oscar nominations—two for acting and two for writing—he has yet to take home the gold.
Annette Bening
Annette Bening speaks onstage during the Annette Bening Telluride Film Festival Tribute Event at Netflix Tudum Theater on January 06, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix)
Annette Bening is one of Hollywood’s most respected talents, known for her commanding presence and nuanced performances. With five Oscar nominations under her belt, her consistent excellence makes her continued absence from the winners’ circle all the more surprising.
