Biggest Oscars Snubs Of All Time: Which Performances Were Wrongfully Overlooked?

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 08, 2025

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The Enduring Mystery of the Best Actress Snubs

The Best Actress category is rife with heartbreaking examples of talent unjustly overlooked. The persistent sting of snub after snub has left some actresses' legacies permanently marked by what could have been.

The Case of Glenn Close

Glenn Close's Oscar drought is the stuff of legend. Nominated eight times without a win, her consistent excellence repeatedly failed to secure the Academy's coveted gold statuette. Several performances stand out as particularly egregious Oscars snubs:

• Dangerous Liaisons (1988): Close's portrayal of the manipulative Marquise de Merteuil was a masterclass in controlled menace and subtle seduction, yet she lost to Cher in Moonstruck.
• Fatal Attraction (1987): Her chilling performance as Alex Forrest redefined the "unhinged woman" trope and showcased her immense range, yet she lost to Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice.
• Albert Nobbs (2011): A nuanced and heartbreaking performance in a challenging role, yet she lost to Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady.

These snubs, fueled by a perceived lack of "likeability" in some roles and perhaps simply bad luck, highlight a persistent bias within the Academy's voting process. The impact on Close's career is undeniable; her exceptional talent is widely recognized, yet the lack of an Oscar casts a long shadow over her otherwise illustrious career.

Other Notable Best Actress Snubs

Beyond Close, other actresses have faced repeated or single, devastating Oscars snubs:

• Amy Adams: Nominated six times without a win, Adams has consistently delivered breathtaking performances, often overshadowed by other contenders. Her roles in Arrival, American Hustle, and Doubt stand out as potential awards that slipped through her fingers.
• Viola Davis: While finally winning in 2017 for Fences, Davis's prior stunning work in Doubt and The Help should have brought her an earlier victory. Her performances were powerful and deserving of recognition.

Best Actor Performances That Left Audiences and Critics Speechless (But Not the Academy)

The Best Actor category isn't immune to shocking oversights. The Academy has occasionally overlooked truly exceptional performances, sparking years of debate.

The Unbelievable Snub of Leonardo DiCaprio (for What's Eating Gilbert Grape)

While DiCaprio finally won his Oscar in 2016, his heart-wrenching performance as Arnie Grape in What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) is often cited as one of the most egregious Oscars snubs. At just 19, DiCaprio delivered a nuanced, emotionally complex portrayal of a young man caring for his intellectually disabled brother. His performance was lauded by critics, yet he lost to Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman.

• The performance: DiCaprio's portrayal was characterized by remarkable sensitivity and emotional depth, conveying Arnie's vulnerability, frustration, and unwavering love for his brother.
• Comparison to the winner: While Pacino's performance was lauded, many felt that DiCaprio's emotionally raw and heartbreaking portrayal deserved the recognition more.
• The ongoing debate: This snub continues to fuel discussion about ageism and the Academy's tendency to favor more established actors.

Other Significant Best Actor Oversights

Other deserving actors have also been overlooked by the Academy:

• Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour): His transformative portrayal of Winston Churchill was widely praised, yet he faced stiff competition.
• Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain): Though nominated for his work in Brokeback Mountain, many argue that his performance deserves greater recognition and consideration.

Supporting Roles That Deserved More Recognition (Biggest Oscars Snubs in Supporting Categories)

The supporting categories, while often overlooked, are equally susceptible to significant Oscars snubs.

The Underappreciated Performances of Willem Dafoe (Platoon)

Willem Dafoe's powerful performance as Sergeant Elias in Platoon (1986) showcases a different aspect of war, beyond simple brutality. He lost to Michael Caine for Hannah and Her Sisters.

• Film and role: Dafoe's portrayal of Sergeant Elias in Oliver Stone's Platoon was a nuanced portrayal of a complex character grappling with the horrors of war.
• Analysis of his impact: Dafoe's presence as the more empathetic, less simplistic soldier in the film greatly enhances its moral complexities.
• Comparison to the winner: While Caine's performance was excellent, Dafoe's contribution to a powerful anti-war message and more conflicted soldier's journey feels like a bigger, more impactful cinematic contribution.

Other Notable Supporting Roles Overlooked

Many other deserving supporting actors and actresses have been unjustly overlooked:

• Mark Ruffalo (The Kids Are All Right): Though nominated, many felt his performance was a significant snub.
• Hong Chau (Downsizing): Chau's work received critical acclaim but failed to receive the expected award consideration.

Beyond the Acting: Directing, Screenwriting, and Other Oscars Snubs

Oscars snubs extend beyond acting performances. Exceptional directing, screenwriting, and other cinematic achievements have also been surprisingly overlooked.

• The lack of recognition for Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing: A groundbreaking film that sparked critical and social conversations, was largely overlooked by the Academy. Lee's visionary direction and powerful storytelling are now considered classics but were initially unrecognized in various award categories.
• The ongoing underrepresentation of certain filmmakers: A history of overlooking minority filmmakers speaks volumes about systemic issues in the Academy voting process.

These exclusions highlight systematic biases and illustrate how the Oscars haven't always reflected the broader spectrum of cinematic excellence.

Conclusion

The history of the Oscars is peppered with instances of significant and controversial Oscars snubs. The repeated overlooking of exceptional performances, whether in lead, supporting, or behind-the-scenes roles, speaks to the inherent subjectivity of awards voting and the complexities of evaluating artistic merit. These snubs significantly impact the legacies of the involved artists and the Academy Awards' own reputation for recognizing true cinematic excellence.

What are your thoughts on the most egregious Oscars snubs? Which wrongfully overlooked performances do you think deserve more recognition? Share your opinions in the comments below! Continue the conversation, and delve deeper into the filmographies of the actors and directors mentioned. Let's keep this crucial discussion going—the debate over Oscars snubs is far from over!