What exactly is the measure of success in the acting world? Self satisfaction in hard work done could be all one needs to carry on. Is it word-of-mouth? Is it the five-star ratings on internet review sites? Theater attendance is one way for those involved in a movie to know if it is well received or not. Do they need the approval of their peers or their family members? The competition is tight when awards season comes around each year. Receiving the Oscar is the ultimate approval rating for many, but not everyone makes it to the summit.
There are a multitude of actors who have found success throughout their careers. Many have received accolades and excellent reviews, to the envy of their peers. Actors, over time, have found satisfaction in success, content to do their work, make their money, and live their lives. But, some strive for more. They want the stamp of approval which comes from attending the awards ceremony and receiving the award. Many are nominated, but only a few can win. Sometimes, it can be quite shocking to learn one of your favorite actors has not received this top honor. To be nominated is an honor in and of itself, for sure, so 24/7 Tempo took the time to dig a little deeper and find out who, in fact, has had the nominations but never the prize.
To determine the most nominated actors who have not or did not win an Oscar, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Living and deceased actors who did not win an Oscar or one were ranked based on the total number of best lead and best-supporting actor nominations they received. Data is current through February 2024. After you finish this list, read on to learn more about Movies So Good They Should Have Won An Oscar – But Didn’t.
26. Claude Rains
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
> Last acting nomination: Notorious (1946)
25. Barbara Stanwyck
N/A
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: Stella Dallas (1937)
> Last acting nomination: Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)
24. Rosalind Russell
N/A
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: My Sister Eileen (1942)
> Last acting nomination: Auntie Mame (1958)
23. Montgomery Clift
N/A
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: The Search (1948)
> Last acting nomination: Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
22. Charles Boyer
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: Conquest (1937)
> Last acting nomination: Fanny (1961)
21. Agnes Moorehead
N/A
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: The Magnificent Ambersons (1942)
> Last acting nomination: Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)
20. Mickey Rooney
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: Babes in Arms (1939)
> Last acting nomination: The Black Stallion (1979)
19. Marsha Mason
Marsha Mason and James Caan in Cinderella Liberty (1973)
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: Cinderella Liberty (1973)
> Last acting nomination: Only When I Laugh (1981)
18. Jane Alexander
James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander in The Great White Hope (1970)
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: The Great White Hope (1970)
> Last acting nomination: Testament (1983)
17. Warren Beatty
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
> Last acting nomination: Bugsy (1991)
16. Ed Harris
Ed Harris in The Hours (2002)
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: Apollo 13 (1995)
> Last acting nomination: The Hours (2002)
15. Willem Dafoe
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: Platoon (1986)
> Last acting nomination: At Eternity’s Gate (2018)
14. Saoirse Ronan
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: Atonement (2007)
> Last acting nomination: Little Women (2019)
13. Mark Ruffalo
> No. Oscar nominations: 4
> First acting nomination: The Kids Are All Right (2010)
> Last acting nomination: Poor Things (2023)
12. Irene Dunne
> No. Oscar nominations: 5
> First acting nomination: Cimarron (1930)
> Last acting nomination: I Remember Mama (1948)
11. Arthur Kennedy
> No. Oscar nominations: 5
> First acting nomination: Champion (1949)
> Last acting nomination: Some Came Running (1958)
10. Albert Finney
> No. Oscar nominations: 5
> First acting nomination: Tom Jones (1963)
> Last acting nomination: Erin Brockovich (2000)
9. Michelle Williams
> No. Oscar nominations: 5
> First acting nomination: Brokeback Mountain (2005)
> Last acting nomination: The Fabelmans (2022)
8. Bradley Cooper
> No. Oscar nominations: 5
> First acting nomination: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
> Last acting nomination: Maestro (2023)
7. Annette Bening
> No. Oscar nominations: 5
> First acting nomination: The Grifters (1990)
> Last acting nomination: Nyad (2023)
6. Deborah Kerr
> No. Oscar nominations: 6
> First acting nomination: Edward, My Son (1949)
> Last acting nomination: The Sundowners (1960)
5. Thelma Ritter
> No. Oscar nominations: 6
> First acting nomination: All about Eve (1950)
> Last acting nomination: Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
4. Amy Adams
> No. Oscar nominations: 6
> First acting nomination: Junebug (2005)
> Last acting nomination: Vice (2018)
3. Richard Burton
N/A
> No. Oscar nominations: 7
> First acting nomination: My Cousin Rachel (1952)
> Last acting nomination: Equus (1977)
2. Peter O’Toole
> No. Oscar nominations: 8
> First acting nomination: Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
> Last acting nomination: Venus (2006)
1. Glenn Close
> No. Oscar nominations: 8
> First acting nomination: The World According to Garp (1982)
> Last acting nomination: Hillbilly Elegy (2020)