Receiving an Academy Award nomination is a career milestone. Receiving multiple nominations is even rarer. Yet some of Hollywood’s most respected performers have been nominated again and again without ever hearing their name called on Oscar night. These actors built remarkable careers, earned critical acclaim, and collected numerous nominations, but never managed to take home a competitive acting Oscar.
Glenn Close
With eight acting nominations, Glenn Close holds the record for the most acting Oscar nominations without a win.
From Fatal Attraction to The Wife, she has delivered some of the most acclaimed performances of her generation, making her status as an Oscar-less nominee one of the Academy’s biggest surprises.
Annette Bening
Annette Bening has earned multiple nominations over several decades, including recognition for American Beauty and The Kids Are All Right.
She remains one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed performers without an Academy Award victory.
Saoirse Ronan
Still relatively young compared to others on this list, Saoirse Ronan has already earned multiple Oscar nominations.
Her work in films such as Lady Bird, Brooklyn, Little Women, and Atonement has established her as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams has been nominated numerous times for performances in films including Manchester by the Sea, Blue Valentine, and The Fabelmans.
Her consistent critical acclaim has made her one of the Academy’s most recognized performers without a win.
Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper has accumulated several acting nominations thanks to films such as Silver Linings Playbook, American Sniper, A Star Is Born, and Maestro.
Despite becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected actor-directors, an acting Oscar has so far eluded him.
Edward Norton
Edward Norton earned early acclaim for Primal Fear and continued to impress Academy voters with performances in American History X and Birdman.
Many critics consider him one of the strongest actors of his generation, making his lack of an Oscar somewhat surprising.
Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe has become a favorite among filmmakers thanks to his versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles.
His nominations for films such as The Florida Project, At Eternity’s Gate, and Poor Things have strengthened his reputation as one of cinema’s finest character actors.
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo has earned multiple Oscar nominations while balancing blockbuster franchises with acclaimed dramatic performances.
Whether in Spotlight, Foxcatcher, or The Kids Are All Right, he has consistently impressed both critics and Academy voters.
Carey Mulligan
Carey Mulligan has quietly built one of the strongest filmographies in modern Hollywood.
Her performances in An Education, Promising Young Woman, and Maestro have earned widespread acclaim, but she is still waiting for her first Oscar win.
Still Waiting For Oscar Night
An Academy Award can elevate a career, but these actors have already secured their place among Hollywood’s elite. With multiple nominations and years of acclaimed work behind them, many film fans believe it’s only a matter of time before some of these stars finally hear their names called on Oscar night.
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