9 Celebrities Who Have Surprisingly Never Won an Oscar

Many Hollywood A-list stars have been recognized for their work in the entertainment industry, with Oscar Awards. Yet, some big names still do not possess this prestigious honor.

From Angela Bassett to Johnny Depp, here are nine world-famous celebrities who have surprisingly never won an Oscar.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise initially aspired to be a priest in high school. He later developed an interest in acting, leading him to drop out of school and move to New York at 18 to pursue it.

Cruise made his film debut with a minor role in “Endless Love” (1981). His early performances quickly showcased his appeal. Five years later, he starred in “Top Gun” (1986), “Rain Man” (1988), and “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989).

By the 1990s, Cruise was one of the highest-paid actors in the world. His hits included “Interview with the Vampire” (1994), “Mission: Impossible” (1996), and “Jerry Maguire” (1996).

The “Mission: Impossible” franchise is Cruise’s biggest project and he also produces the series. Despite his contributions, Cruise has never won an Oscar even after being nominated three times. At 61, he was overlooked yet again at the 2024 Oscars.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver has created numerous memorable characters and captivated audiences with her versatility on stage and screen. Her first professional acting role was in “The Constant Wife.”

She later made her onscreen debut in “Annie Hall” (1977), followed by her iconic role in “Alien” (1979). Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Weaver starred in successful films like “Ghostbusters” (1984) and “Working Girl” (1988).

Her versatility continued with roles in “The Ice Storm” (1997) and “Avatar” (2009). It was Weaver’s performance in “Avatar” that contributed to the film becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time.

Despite her impressive career, Weaver has been nominated for three Academy Awards but has yet to win. Her nominations include Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Liam Neeson

In 1976, Liam Neeson made his professional acting debut in “The Risen People” (1976). Director John Boorman discovered him at Dublin’s Abbey Theater and cast him in “Excalibur” (1981).

Neeson’s career in the 1980s included roles in “The Bounty” (1984) and “The Mission” (1986). He gained recognition in Hollywood and starred in “Darkman” (1990).

His breakthrough role came in Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” (1993), where he played Oskar Schindler. He made his Broadway debut in “Anna Christie,” that same year, earning a Tony nomination.

His roles in films such as “Michael Collins” (1996), and “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999) solidified his status as a leading man.

Neeson found success as an action star with “Taken” (2008) and continued with roles in “Clash of the Titans” (2010) and “The A-Team” (2010). Despite his achievements, Neeson has only been nominated for an Oscar once.

The much-beloved action star was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Oskar Schindler.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer initially pursued a career as a court reporter but realized her passion for acting while working at a supermarket. At 20, she decided to become an actress, creating a resume with fictional experiences.

After winning the Miss Orange County beauty pageant, she appeared in commercials and TV roles. Pfeiffer landed her first film role at 22 in “Grease 2.”

Pfeiffer has been nominated for three Academy Awards but has never won. Her nominations include two for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett’s powerful presence has graced theaters, television screens, and stages worldwide. She gained recognition in 1990 with small roles on “The Cosby Show” and “Spenser: For Hire.”

Bassett’s breakthrough role came in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993), earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

Bassett is a two-time Academy Award nominee. She received nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.

Despite the snubs over the years, the legendary actress was recognized with an Oscar Honorary Award in 2024 for her notable acting chops.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson has appeared in over 100 films, including “Die Hard with a Vengeance” (1995) and “Unbreakable” (2000). He became well-known in the 1980s through his work in films like “Do the Right Thing” (1989).

Jackson gained prominence in the 1990s with roles in “Jurassic Park” (1993) and “Pulp Fiction” (1994). He portrayed Nick Fury in several Marvel films and voiced characters in “The Incredibles” (2004) and “Afro Samurai” (2007).

Jackson has been nominated for one Academy Award for his role in “Pulp Fiction.” He received an Oscar Honorary Award in 2022.

Johnny Depp

A visit to Los Angeles led Johnny Depp to meet actor Nicolas Cage, who encouraged him to pursue acting. Depp made his film debut in “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984).

In 1987, he gained fame on “21 Jump Street” and became known for his unique roles. Depp later received acclaim for roles in “Ed Wood” (1994) and “Donnie Brasco” (1997).

In 1999, Depp starred in “Sleepy Hollow,” and later became popular following his role in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003).

Depp has been nominated for three Academy Awards. He received nominations for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in 2005 and 2008 and Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2004.

In 2015, Depp commented on his Oscar nominations saying that he did not want to win the prestigious award. “The idea of winning means that you’re in competition with someone and I’m not in competition with anybody,” he continued.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe has appeared in more than 100 films and is known for his versatility and bold roles. He has starred in projects worldwide from Hollywood to independent cinema.

In 1979, Dafoe was cast in “Heaven’s Gate” and has since worked with numerous renowned directors. Dafoe’s awards include two Los Angeles Film Critics Awards and two New York Independent Spirit Awards.

The “Spider-Man” star has received four Academy Award nominations: Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Leading Actor.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray is an American actor, comedian, and writer who joined “Saturday Night Live” (1975). He later starred in comedy films like “Meatballs” (1979) and “Ghostbusters” (1984).

Murray received critical acclaim for his role in “Lost in Translation” (2003), winning a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for his stint in the movie.

Murray also received Golden Globe nominations for “Ghostbusters,” “Rushmore” and “St. Vincent.” He then won a second Primetime Emmy Award for “Olive Kitteridge.” Despite numerous nominations, Murray has yet to win an Oscar.

Overall, despite their numerous nominations, these celebrities have yet to win an Oscar, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Academy Awards.