Undeserved Omissions: Hollywood Icons Who Deserve an Oscar

While the Academy Awards are one of the most prestigious honors in the film industry, numerous talented actors and actresses have never been nominated for or won an Oscar, despite standing out in their performances. This piece highlights some of these deserving individuals and explores why their talent should not go unrecognized.

Samuel L. Jackson and Glenn Close: Time Honored Performances

Samuel L. Jackson, with his powerful and diverse performances, has never won an Oscar. He has been consistently noted for his excellent acting, especially in films like The Fly. Roger Ebert famously described the inclusion of Jeff Goldblum, another unawarded actor, as a great injustice. Despite his significant contribution to cinema, Samuel L. Jackson remains a strong contender for the coveted award. In the same vein, Glenn Close, who has received eight Oscar nominations, is another actor who has faced these undeserved omissions. Despite her exceptional performances in films such as The World According to Garp, The Natural, and Fatal Attraction, she has yet to win. Her performances, spanning decades, have been some of the most compelling and varied in Hollywood.

Native American Actors and the Oscar Controversies

The deserving actors category is incomplete without acknowledging the significant contribution of Native American actors. There have been controversies surrounding awards distribution, notably when Emma Stone was given an Oscar in 2024 instead of Lily Gladstone, who won Best Actress at other award shows. This issue highlights the ongoing challenges and biases in the nomination processes of the Academy Awards.

Other Notable Omission Candidates

In the list of those who deserve an Oscar, some other actors stand out. Among them are:

Peter O'Toole, known for his roles in Lawrence of Arabia and The Lion in Winter, should have won an Oscar for his range and depth of acting. Michelle Williams, who has received five Oscar nominations, including two for leading roles in Brokeback Mountain and The Fabelmans. Warren Beatty’s wife, Annette Bening, who has received four nominations for acting, including two for leading roles in Harriet and Being John Malkovich. Laura Linney, who has received three nominations across the decade, including for her critically acclaimed performance in A Philadelphia Story.

Conclusion: A Call for Recognition

The absence of these deserving actors from the Oscar nominations is a disheartening and often debated aspect of the awards. One can only hope that the Academy Awards will recognize these outstanding performances and right the wrongs. The contributions of Samuel L. Jackson, Glenn Close, and others should not be overlooked in the future. As the industry continues to evolve, so too should the criteria for awarding these accolades. Let us discuss and advocate for a more equitable and inclusive approach to the Oscars.