Every year, filmmakers and people around the industry convene for the awards. After some wins and near misses, we decided to compile a list of actors who didn’t get an Oscar despite their brilliant performances. There are many actors whose performances get overlooked and never get a chance to make a case for why that role deserved recognition. The following list spans actors and actresses who should have gotten an award for their approach to the characters.
Actors Who Didn’t Get an Oscar
Michelle Yeoh- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
In this film, she displays insane skills in martial arts and gives a dramatic performance so well. Additionally, this film was nominated for an Academy Award but didn’t even win in the Best Picture category. While this film was already a big win for foreign language films in America at the time, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was really one of the first roles we see Michelle Yeoh be so compelling. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is available to rent on Zee5.
Tom Cruise- Vanilla Sky (2001)
As a science-fiction enthusiast, this film was extremely telling of Cruise’s range. He could be the head of a magnate, a man in love, while also exploring the depths of deep despair and sadness. It is this range in a single film that should have earned him his Oscar. Along with Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz, Vanilla Sky comes alive with emotion and thrill. The film is available to stream on Netflix.
Jake Gyllenhaal- Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Many would rally for Gyllenhaal in Donnie Darko, however, this film really brought together two aspects we don’t see in films right now. Additionally, Gyllenhaal’s character was a brilliant exploration of Queer identity and repression. With Heath Ledger, the two actors sought to make this film serious and didn’t trivialise its importance for the community. Brokeback Mountain is available to stream on Netflix.
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Mila Kunis- Black Swan (2010)
While Natalie Portman definitely stole the show with the dedication and work, she put into it. Mila Kunis too came at it with an airiness that made Lily so compelling, a silent killer. She has the allure that makes her such an interesting character. Black Swan is available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar.
Andrew Garfield- The Social Network (2010)
If the laptop-smashing scene doesn’t convince anyone, perhaps the quiet disposition and boyish charm he brought to the film will convince people to consider how talented he actually is. The measured responses and intense looks he employed to portray his character should have made him a winner. The Social Network is available to stream on Netflix.
Shailene Woodley- The Descendants (2011)
The Divergent trilogy may have diluted her presence as a serious actor. Still, in The Descendants, it is clear that she has such a great emotional presence and the capacity to measure them to get the audience on her side. There is an innocence and clarity in her emotional performance that should have definitely given her a chance at the Oscars. It is available to rent on Apple TV Plus.
Suraj Sharma- Life of Pi (2012)
Apart from the grim physicality of the character, Sharma also had to play a role with few words and only his face. Irrfan Khan’s narration only adds to the intensity of his performance. The extremity to which his face had to extend is astonishing. Sharma could go from exuberance to despair so quickly with no sounding board, it is commendable. Life of Pi is available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar.
Jamie Foxx- Django Unchained (2012)
Once again, the range is the word when it comes to Jamie Foxx. He has to bring in the vulnerability to show his love for his estranged wife and take in the tough nature to be a bounty hunter. Additionally, the way he carries himself throughout the film makes it exceedingly clear that he is talented enough to rouse some feelings in the audience but also keep them hooked in their seats. Django Unchained is available to stream on Netflix.
Scarlett Johansson- Her (2013)
It is already difficult to communicate subtle emotions through facial expressions. However, Johansson had to make an impression only using her voice. She has made a brilliant impact on the film. Even though she isn’t physically present in the film, she has made it exceedingly clear that there is another person matching the energy of Joaquin Phoenix in the film. Her is available to stream soon on Netflix.
Benedict Cumberbatch- The Imitation Game (2014)
Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Alan Turing is perhaps one of the best in that he had to pick up his mannerisms and also portray a repressed individual with a passionate disposition. His performance was moving and completely believing. The evolution from wartime Turing and post-war Turing is so clear in his performance that it definitely deserved recognition. The Imitation Game is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Taraji P Henson- Hidden Figures (2016)
In this story about the women behind the moon landing, Taraji P Henson made such a lasting impression. She has explored tenacity, female rage, joy and brilliance in the two hours. She has brought such fierceness to this role that it is truly devastating to see her not win an award. Hidden Figures is available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar.
Benecio Del Toro- The French Dispatch (2021)
This whole movie is a visual treat, but Benecio Del Toro’s portrayal of Moses is brilliant. He plays a tortured artist who is mostly harmless, except his quiet demeanour betrays the ferocity and violence brewing inside. His performance brings colour to the film and quiet strength to the character, which becomes the defining characteristic of the film. The French Dispatch is available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar.
Olivia Colman- The Lost Daughter (2021)
Colman’s presence in shows like The Crown has made it extremely clear that her acting prowess is one to be reckoned with. In this film, she brings the slow burn at the beginning that leads to a big emotional climax later. Brewing behind the camera and bringing subtle obsession on screen is difficult, something she has managed to capture extremely well. The Lost Daughter is available to stream on Netflix.
Dakota Johnson- The Lost Daughter (2021)
Similarly, Johnson has made this one of her best performances. Unlike Persuasion, where her emotionality seems out of place, the snarky ambivalent nature she has brought to this film makes her interesting to watch, especially to figure out her motives behind the screen she has put up. The Lost Daughter is available to stream on Netflix.
Rachel Zegler- West Side Story (2021)
Apart from her amazing vocal capability, Zegler has brought innocence and maturity in character together so well. She has made herself exceedingly open to receiving love but also stands strong in her own decisions. Her performance, coupled with Ariana DeBose’s portrayal of Anita, makes the dynamic rich and tense. West Side Story is available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar.
What actor do you think should have gotten an Oscar? Let us know in the comments below.