10 Movie Stars That Never Got An Oscar But Deserves One

No one will ever truly know how the powers that be select nominees and winners for the numerous awards shows held throughout each year. Whether it’s a numbers game or simple politics, sometimes fans, viewers and celebs are left shocked at the oversight of talent displayed at these shows. 

The 91st Oscars are coming up and throughout its long history, the Academy hasn’t always gotten “it right” when selecting tremendously talented actors and actresses for their award. In fact, here is a list of 10 actors who have never won an Oscar:

Will Smith- Yes! #WillSmith has never won an Oscar. With such an impressive resume, you would think he’d have more than just two nominations. Smith was nominated for ‘Best Actor’ in “Ali” and “The Pursuit of Happyness.”

Don Cheadle- Another black actor with an extensive resume but a lack of accolades from the Academy. Cheadle has only one Oscar nomination under his belt in the ‘Best Actor’ category for 2005’s #HotelRwanda.

Angela Bassett- Another legendary actress consistently snubbed of the coveted award. Her resume speaks for itself. Although no Oscar to date, she was nominated in the ‘Best Actress’ category for “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” But, with her role in ”Black Panther” on the line, she may just break the cycle.

Kerry Washington- If the life of #OliviaPope was turned into a theatrical release, Kerry would be on the nomination list easily. And even with an array of extraordinary movie roles in films like #Django and #LakeviewTerrace, Washington has yet to earn an award or a nomination.

Samuel L. Jackson- He’s been one of the highest paid actors for years, so maybe he just doesn’t care for an Oscar. But, his outstanding efforts got him nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ in “Pulp Fiction.”

Tom Cruise- Nope, he’s never won an Oscar either. However, he’s been nominated a few times to include ‘Best Actor’ for “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Jerry Maguire” and ‘Best Supporting Actor’ in “Magnolia.” 

Michelle Pfeiffer- Michelle Pfeiffer has had a long and seriously overlooked career with many unforgettable portrayals. For many of us, she’s most known for her role in 90’s classic #DangerousMinds and even for that, she never received an Oscar. However, her nominations include ‘Best Actress’ for “Love Field” and “The Fabulous Baker Boys” as well as ‘Best Supporting Actress’ for “Dangerous Liaisons.” 

Idris Elba- With all of the super dope films he’s starred in like “Thor,” “Molly’s Game” and “Daddy’s Little Girls,” in addition to his ability to disguise his British accent, Idris has not won nor ever been nominated for an Oscar. 

Robert Downey Jr.- Despite his longstanding film history in Marvel universe movies, being one of Forbes’ annual highest-paid actors list-even ranking first from 2012-2015, it hasn’t been enough to be awarded an Oscar. He has been nominated twice, once for “Chaplin” in 1993 and the second time for “Tropic Thunder” in 2009.

Laurence Fishburne- From his early acts in ”Cornbread” and ”Earl & Me” to Furious Styles, Morpheus and Ike Turner, Fishburne is another who has yet to receive the artistic recognition he deserves in the form of a golden statue. His sole nomination for ‘Best Actor’ came for his iconic role as Ike Turner in “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”

Zoe Saldana- “Avatar” was MAJOR! Why didn’t Saldana get an Oscar nom even if just for that? Unfortunately, the actress doesn’t have a win or a nomination in her career yet.