The Oscars remain Hollywood’s most coveted prize, yet even legendary careers unfolded without that golden validation. While some stars collected statues like souvenirs, others, despite decades of iconic roles and critical acclaim, have lingered in the shadows of Academy recognition. These actors shaped cinema with transformative performances, box-office dominance, and cultural influence, yet the ultimate honor eluded them. 

Oscar snubs or just bad timing? A-listers who crushed roles, broke records, and still could not catch that golden break.

Bradely Cooper has earned twelve nominations across acting, producing, and screenplay -zero wins. Cooper's acting nominations include Silver Linings Playbook (2012), American Hustle (2013), and A Star Is Born (2018), where he also served as a director and co-writer. Despite being one of the most nominated individuals in recent years, Cooper has yet to win an Oscar.

Cooper's influence extends beyond his acting career. Despite directing and starring in Maestro (2023), a biopic about Leonard Bernstein, Cooper left the 2024 Oscars empty-handed. 

 Nominated three times: Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Jerry Maguire (1996), and Magnolia (1999). Tom Cruise’s early career showcased his dramatic range, earning him nominations for playing a disillusioned Vietnam veteran, a sports agent, and a misogynistic self-help guru. 

  Since 2000, however, he has prioritized action franchises like Mission: Impossible. However, he has not received an Academy nod post Top Gun: Maverick's Best Picture nod. 

Jake Gyllenhaal’s sole Oscar nomination came for his role as Jack Twist in Brokeback Mountain (2005) .Critics and audiences alike have championed his performances in Nightcrawler (2014) and Prisoners (2013), but the Academy has not acknowledged these darker, complex roles.  

Gyllenhaal’s recent work has leaned into genre films and theater, yet his absence from the Oscars since 2006 remains a glaring oversight.

Johnny Depp was nominated three times: Pirates of the Caribbean (2003), Finding Neverland (2004), and Sweeney Todd (2007). His eccentric characters, from Captain Jack Sparrow to Sweeney Todd, have earned him three Oscar nominations. Despite his box-office dominance and cultural impact, the Academy has consistently overlooked his blend of theatricality and nuance.  

Depp's enduring legacy in cinema is undeniable. His ability to bring eccentric characters to life has inspired a generation of actors. 

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While he may not have won an Oscar, his impact on popular culture is immense.

Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic role as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction earned him his only competitive Oscar nomination. Despite appearing in over 150 films, including Marvel’s Nick Fury-the Academy has not recognized his prolific output.

In 2022, Jackson received an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement, a bittersweet acknowledgment for an actor whose influence transcends awards.

Scarlett Johansson was nominated twice in 2020 for Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. Johansson made history as the first actor in 47 years to receive dual nominations in the same year (Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress). Despite these nominations, she did not win either award.

Johansson's impact on contemporary cinema is undeniable. She has been a part of some of the most successful franchises and independent films, showcasing her range and talent.

Timothée Chalamet earned his first Oscar nomination at age 22 for his role as Elio Perlman in Call Me By Your Name. His portrayal of youthful longing and vulnerability made him the third-youngest Best Actor nominee in history. Since his nomination, Chalamet has continued to impress audiences with roles in Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019).

This year, Chalamet received a Best Actor nomination for his transformative performance as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. The role, which required mastering Dylan’s voice and mannerisms, has reignited hopes for his overdue Oscar breakthrough.

Cynthia Erivo was nominated twice in 2020 for Harriet (Best Actress and Best Original Song). Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet earned her dual Oscar nominations, but she lost both. Her powerful vocals and emotional depth in The Color Purple (2023) further solidified her talent.  

This year, Erivo secured a Best Actress nomination for her role as Elphaba in Wicked, a performance that could finally deliver her Oscar moment or end in another heartbreak, as fans speculate. 

Ralph Fiennes earned acclaim for his chilling Nazi officer in Schindler’s List (1993) and romantic lead in The English Patient (1996). Despite these nominations, he has not returned to the Oscars since 1996. While he may not have won an Oscar, Fiennes' impact on the world of drama is undeniable.

In 2025, Fiennes received a Best Actor nomination for Conclave, where he plays a cardinal embroiled in Vatican politics. The role marks his first nod in nearly three decades.

Amy Adams’ nuanced performances in Junebug (2005), Doubt (2009), The Fighter (2010), The Master (2012), American Hustle (2013) and Vice (2018) earned her six nominations, yet she has never won. Her subtlety in Arrival (2016) and Sharp Objects (2018) further highlighted her skill. Despite her numerous nominations, Adams has yet to win an Oscar.

Adams' enduring legacy in cinema is a testament to her talent and dedication. She continues to take on challenging roles, always pushing herself to deliver memorable performances. While the Academy may not have recognized them with a win, these actors' impact on contemporary cinema is significant.

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Who is the biggest Oscar snub on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!