The Greatest Actresses Who Have Never Won an Oscar (for Acting)

Ranker Film

Updated March 7, 2024 109.9K views 156 items

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Vote up the actresses who have never been awarded the Oscar for Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress.

The Oscars, widely regarded as the most prestigious awards in the film industry, honor exceptional talents each year. However, it's intriguing to note that some of the finest actresses never received the coveted statuette for their stellar performances. This collection highlights some of the greatest actresses who have never won an Oscar, showcasing their talent and contributions to cinema.

Having garnered plaudits for their exemplary acting skills across myriad films, these snubbed actresses have never been awarded an Academy Award. Despite not winning the big award, each of these stars has are recognized as Hollywood greats. Their mesmerizing acting abilities are celebrated and admired by moviegoers and fellow artists alike.

For instance, Toni Collette is often hailed as one of the most versatile performers in modern cinema. Her role in The Sixth Sense left viewers breathless, while her work in Hereditary sent shivers down their spines. Similarly, Sigourney Weaver has displayed her range across multiple film franchises - her role as Ellen Ripley in Alien solidified her status among sci-fi enthusiasts worldwide. Judy Garland's timeless portrayal of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz also remains etched into cinematic history despite the fact that she was snubbed by the Oscars during her lifetime. These trailblazing women represent just a fraction of those who've made indelible impressions on audiences without receiving an Academy Award.

The enduring legacies left by these celebrated actresses prove that receiving an Academy Award isn't essential for being cherished and admired within the world of filmmaking. While these stars may not have claimed the golden trophy yet or even posthumously received due recognition for their cinematic triumphs, their illustrious careers and impressive performances have undeniably earned them a place among the pantheon of extraordinary talents.

Most divisive: Sharon Stone

Over 7.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Actresses Who Deserve Oscars

1
Glenn Close
Age: 77
3,376 votes
Glenn Close, a powerhouse of stage and screen, has been nominated for an impressive eight Oscars, yet never managed to snag one. From her chilling portrayal of Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction to her more recent turn as Joan Castleman in The Wife, Close has consistently delivered captivating performances that merit award recognition. Although having lost to Jodie Foster and Olivia Colman, respectively, among others, we remain hopeful that this distinguished actress will eventually secure the elusive Academy Award she richly deserves.
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2
Helena Bonham Carter
Age: 57
3,538 votes
Embracing an eclectic mix of characters, the uniquely talented Helena Bonham Carter has garnered two Oscar nominations for her remarkable work in The Wings of the Dove (1997) and The King's Speech (2010). Despite losing to Helen Hunt and Melissa Leo, Carter's transformative renditions continue to hold our attention, with memorable roles in both Tim Burton's Gothic masterpieces and, more recently, as Princess Margaret in Netflix's The Crown. A truly versatile performer, Bonham Carter is undoubtedly deserving of a future Oscar win.
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3
Amy Adams
Age: 49
3,051 votes
Earning a staggering six Oscar nominations, the versatile and striking Amy Adams has wowed audiences and critics alike with her performances in films such as Junebug, Doubt, and American Hustle. Unfortunately, she has yet to win, losing out to the likes of Cate Blanchett and Patricia Arquette; however, her remarkable range continues to leave us in awe, and an Oscar win seems all but inevitable. As we eagerly await her next captivating role, we remain convinced that Adams' day will come.
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4
Judy Garland
Dec. at 47 (1922-1969)
2,416 votes
Though she sadly never won an Oscar for acting, the legendary Judy Garland possesses an enduring legacy, with her timeless performance as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (1939) forever etched in our collective memory. Her two Academy Award nominations for lead actress in A Star Is Born (1954) and supporting actress in Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) attest to her extraordinary talent; however, Garland ultimately lost to Grace Kelly and Rita Moreno. It's impossible not to wonder whether a posthumous honorary Oscar might one day be granted as a tribute to this incomparable artist.
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5
Sigourney Weaver
Age: 74
2,715 votes
The sci-fi queen herself, Sigourney Weaver has garnered three Oscar nominations throughout her illustrious career, most notably for her iconic role as Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise. Losing out to Jodie Foster and Geena Davis in her respective categories, Weaver's on-screen presence remains undeniably powerful, riveting audiences across genres from science fiction to drama. We continue to hold out hope that Weaver will finally claim an Oscar, cementing her place as one of Hollywood's finest actresses.
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6
Michelle Pfeiffer
Age: 65
2,710 votes
Exuding elegance and magnetism in equal measure, Michelle Pfeiffer has taken audiences' breath away, earning three Oscar nominations for her roles in Dangerous Liaisons, The Fabulous Baker Boys, and Love Field. Unfortunately, she fell short against opponents like Jodie Foster and Emma Thompson. Though she has yet to win, Pfeiffer's unwavering talent and distinctive allure will no doubt keep her firmly in our hearts and minds as a legendary actress deserving of the ultimate accolade.
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7
Angela Lansbury
Dec. at 96 (1925-2022)
1,934 votes
A beloved treasure of both stage and screen, the inimitable Angela Lansbury has graced us with standout performances for decades, earning three Oscar nominations for Gaslight, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and The Manchurian Candidate. Alas, she never claimed the golden trophy, having lost to Ingrid Bergman and Rita Moreno, among others. However, this hasn't diminished our admiration for Lansbury, who remains an enduring symbol of class and talent in the entertainment world.
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8
Angela Bassett
Age: 65
1,929 votes
A formidable force in Hollywood, Angela Bassett exudes strength and passion in every role she takes on, earning her an Oscar nomination for her powerful portrayal of Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It (1993). Though she fell short against Holly Hunter, Bassett has continued to captivate audiences in films like Malcolm X and the hit TV series American Horror Story. With a career that shows no signs of slowing down, it's only a matter of time before Bassett's immense talent is recognized with an Academy Award.
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9
Annette Bening
Age: 65
2,191 votes
The radiant Annette Bening, a captivating presence on both stage and screen, has earned four Oscar nominations for her roles in The Grifters, American Beauty, Being Julia, and The Kids Are All Right. Regrettably, Bening lost out to powerhouses like Hilary Swank and Natalie Portman. Nevertheless, her passion for her craft and dedication to every role ensure that Bening remains a standout actress in a fiercely competitive industry, and we continue to hope that she will one day receive the Oscar she undoubtedly deserves.
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10
Emily Blunt
Age: 41
2,137 votes
With her captivating portrayal of a wide range of characters, Emily Blunt has proven time and again that she can hold her own against Hollywood's best. Although she has yet to receive an Oscar nomination, her accomplished performances in films like The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Sicario (2015), and A Quiet Place (2018) have made it abundantly clear that Blunt is deserving of recognition. As her star continues to rise, we eagerly anticipate the day when the Academy duly honors this formidable talent.
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11
Toni Collette
Age: 51
1,754 votes
The exceptionally talented Toni Collette has garnered widespread acclaim for her ability to embody a vast array of complex characters, earning an Oscar nomination for her brilliant turn in The Sixth Sense (1999). Despite losing out to Angelina Jolie, Collette has continued to dazzle audiences in films like Little Miss Sunshine and the recent horror masterpiece Hereditary. As her body of work expands, we remain confident that this skillful actress will one day secure a much-deserved Oscar.
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12
Lauren Bacall
Dec. at 89 (1924-2014)
1,823 votes
The sultry and sophisticated Lauren Bacall, nicknamed "The Look," enchanted audiences with her unforgettable performances in films such as To Have and Have Not and The Big Sleep. Surprisingly, she received only one Oscar nomination for The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996), ultimately losing to Juliette Binoche. Though never securing an Academy Award for acting, Bacall's undeniable talent and timeless allure remain etched in our memories, maintaining her status as a Hollywood icon.
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13
Laura Linney
Age: 60
1,551 votes
With a rare ability to elevate each character she inhabits, Laura Linney has secured three Oscar nominations for her work in You Can Count on Me, Kinsey, and The Savages. Though she lost to Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Tilda Swinton, Linney's consistently engaging performances make her a prime candidate for a future Oscar victory, further cementing her status as one of Hollywood's most talented leading ladies.
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14
Naomi Watts
Age: 55
1,677 votes
With an innate ability to bring depth and nuance to each character, Naomi Watts has solidified her reputation as one of Hollywood's most captivating actresses, earning two Oscar nominations for her roles in 21 Grams and The Impossible. Although she ultimately lost to Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lawrence, Watts' undeniable talent and on-screen presence make her a prime candidate for a future Academy Award win.
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15
Winona Ryder
Age: 52
1,848 votes
From her early days as a gothic ingénue to her more recent return to prominence, Winona Ryder has been wowing audiences for decades, securing two Oscar nominations for her roles in The Age of Innocence and Little Women. Unfortunately, she lost to Holly Hunter and Dianne Wiest; however, Ryder's enduring charm and intriguing performances, particularly as Joyce Byers in the hit series Stranger Things, make her a prime contender for future award recognition.
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16
Saoirse Ronan
Age: 30
1,193 votes
At just 27 years old, Saoirse Ronan has already amassed an impressive four Oscar nominations for her breathtaking performances in Atonement, Brooklyn, Lady Bird, and Little Women. Though she has yet to win, losing out to fellow powerhouses such as Frances McDormand and Renee Zellweger, Ronan's extraordinary talent and undeniable potential assure us that an Academy Award is well within her reach.
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17
Barbara Stanwyck
Dec. at 82 (1907-1990)
1,326 votes
Though she never won an Oscar for acting, the legendary Barbara Stanwyck continues to hold a special place in Hollywood history, with her four Academy Award nominations for Stella Dallas, Ball of Fire, Double Indemnity, and Clash by Night highlighting her exceptional talent. A titan of the silver screen, Stanwyck's captivating performances and enduring charisma ensure her legacy as a true cinematic great.
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18
Keira Knightley
Age: 39
1,950 votes
With her mesmerizing presence and captivating performances, Keira Knightley has earned two Oscar nominations for her work in Pride & Prejudice and The Imitation Game. Despite falling short against Reese Witherspoon and Patricia Arquette, Knightley's undeniable acting prowess positions her firmly as an actress worthy of a future Oscar win.
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19
Maureen O'Hara
Age: 103
1,184 votes
The fiery and captivating Maureen O'Hara never managed to snag an Oscar for acting, despite her incredible turns in classics such as The Quiet Man and Miracle on 34th Street. Nevertheless, her undeniable talent and enigmatic presence live on in film history, solidifying her status as a beloved Hollywood icon who deserved recognition from the Academy.
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20
Deborah Kerr
Dec. at 86 (1921-2007)
1,132 votes
An actress of immense talent and grace, Deborah Kerr was nominated an astonishing six times for Oscars, yet never claimed the coveted trophy. With standout roles in films like From Here to Eternity, The King and I, and An Affair to Remember, Kerr's unforgettable performances remain etched in our memories, making her an undeniable icon of cinema who deserved to be honored with an Academy Award.
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21
Natalie Wood
Dec. at 43 (1938-1981)
1,311 votes
With a career that spanned four decades, Natalie Wood dazzled audiences with her remarkable talent, earning three Oscar nominations for her roles in Rebel Without a Cause, Splendor in the Grass, and Love with the Proper Stranger. Despite losing to Jo Van Fleet, Anne Bancroft, and Patricia Neal, Wood's captivating performances and timeless charm solidify her legacy as an iconic actress who deserved to be honored by the Academy.
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22
Scarlett Johansson
Age: 39
1,983 votes
Scarlett Johansson, a muse for filmmakers and audiences alike, has garnered two Oscar nominations in one year, thanks to her unforgettable performances in Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit (2019). Although she fell short against Renée Zellweger and Laura Dern, Johansson's diverse and dynamic roles make her a prime candidate for an Academy Award in the future, further establishing her as an enduring force in Hollywood.
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23
Diane Lane
Age: 59
1,026 votes
Delivering consistently enchanting performances throughout her career, Diane Lane has earned an Oscar nomination for her captivating role in Unfaithful (2002). Though she ultimately lost to Nicole Kidman, Lane's ability to bring depth and sincerity to her characters makes her a deserving candidate for future Academy Award recognition.
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24
Debbie Reynolds
Dec. at 84 (1932-2016)
1,043 votes
The unforgettable Debbie Reynolds charmed audiences with her boundless talent and infectious energy, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964). Though she lost to Julie Andrews, Reynolds remains a beloved figure and a true Hollywood legend, leaving a lasting impression on the world of cinema despite never clinching an Academy Award for acting.
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25
Margot Robbie
Age: 33
1,416 votes
Rising swiftly to prominence in the world of film, Margot Robbie has already garnered two Oscar nominations for her riveting performances in I, Tonya and Bombshell. Falling short against Allison Janney and Laura Dern, Robbie's undeniable skill and magnetism position her as an actress with a bright future of accolades, including, hopefully, the coveted Academy Award.
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26
Rachel McAdams
Age: 45
1,352 votes
Rachel McAdams has showcased her impressive range of acting abilities in a variety of genres, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in Spotlight (2015). Despite losing to Alicia Vikander, McAdams' undeniable talent and dedication to her craft make her a strong contender for a future Academy Award win.
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27
Greta Garbo
Dec. at 84 (1905-1990)
1,123 votes
A true icon of the silver screen, Greta Garbo's enigmatic allure and transcendent performances earned her four Oscar nominations for Best Actress in Anna Christie, Romance, Camille, and Ninotchka. Though Garbo never claimed the ultimate prize, losing to the likes of Norma Shearer and Vivien Leigh, her incredible cinematic legacy endures as a testament to her talent and undeniable impact on the world of film.
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28
Rita Hayworth
Dec. at 68 (1918-1987)
1,270 votes
With her sultry charm and captivating presence, Rita Hayworth left an indelible mark on Hollywood as one of its most iconic actresses. Sadly, she never received an Oscar nomination for her unforgettable roles in films like Gilda and The Lady from Shanghai, leaving adherents of classic cinema to wonder what might have been had the Academy recognized her exceptional talent.
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29
Sarah Paulson
Age: 49
1,121 votes
With her extraordinary ability to inhabit a diverse range of characters, Sarah Paulson has captivated audiences through a wealth of memorable roles, most notably in the critically-acclaimed series American Horror Story and The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Though she has yet to receive an Oscar nomination, Paulson's remarkable talent and dedication to her craft make it likely that she will one day be recognized with the industry's most prestigious honor.
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30
Michelle Williams
Age: 43
1,427 votes
Imbuing each role with nuance and depth, Michelle Williams has amassed four Oscar nominations for her unforgettable turns in Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine, My Week with Marilyn, and Manchester by the Sea. Despite falling short against Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman, and others, Williams' extraordinary talent and dedication to her craft leave us confident that an Academy Award win lies in her future.
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