Every year, as the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards unfold, audiences around the world hold their breath, eager to see which actors will walk away with what could questionably be described as Hollywood’s most prestigious accolade: the Oscar. Yet, amidst the jubilation of winners, there lies a shadow cast upon those who have repeatedly graced the silver screen with their brilliance but have somehow failed to go home with an elusive Oscar. 

True, many of these stars who were runners-up to the much-coveted award did accept their defeat with grace, but that certainly doesn’t mean they weren’t robbed of the accolade! Imagine being so close to winning something, only for it to be snatched right out of your hands. True, we may not ever be in these celebs’ shoes (or fancy designer clothing), but many of us might have participated in competitions, placed bets or even gambled online – possibly at a Microgaming casino with a no deposit bonus with quite a bit of money at stake.

Here, we shine a spotlight on ten such remarkable individuals whose outstanding performances have left an indelible mark on cinema, yet they’ve failed to get their hands on one of those coveted golden statues. 

1. Amy Adams

From her mesmerizing portrayal of a linguist in Arrival to her magnetic presence in American Hustle, Amy Adams has consistently proven her mettle as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and talented actresses. With a staggering six Oscar nominations to her name, including nods for her performances in The Master and Junebug, Adams stands as a testament to perseverance and unparalleled skill.

2. Johnny Depp

Despite the fact that his popularity may have experienced a significant decline following his libel trial with Amber Heard, Johnny Depp’s talent is unquestionable. With his chameleon-like ability to disappear into roles ranging from the whimsical to the macabre, Johnny Depp has carved a niche for himself as one of the most enigmatic actors of his generation. From his iconic turn as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to his haunting portrayal of Edward Scissorhands, Depp’s repertoire is as diverse as it is captivating, earning him three Academy Award nominations along the way despite his bad luck in terms of securing the coveted trophy!

3. Glenn Close

Few actresses possess the commanding on-screen presence of Glenn Close, whose illustrious career spans over four decades and includes iconic roles in classics such as Fatal Attraction and The Wife. With a  whopping eight Oscar nominations under her belt, including recognition for her powerhouse performances in Dangerous Liaisons and Albert Nobbs, Gleen Close’s absence from the winners’ circle remains a huge mystery. 

4. Tom Cruise

As one of the highest-grossing actors in cinematic history, Tom Cruise’s name has become synonymous with blockbuster success. From his adrenaline-fueled escapades in the Mission: Impossible series to his memorable portrayal of a sports agent in Jerry Maguire, Cruise’s charisma and on-screen presence have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him three Oscar nominations but, surprisingly, no wins.

5. Annette Bening

Annette Bening’s talent shines through in every role she has had, from her poignant portrayal of a grieving mother in American Beauty to her more comedic roles in films such as  The Kids Are All Right. With four Academy Award nominations for her work in films such as Being Julia and The Grifters, Bening’s place among the ranks of best Hollywood actresses is secure, but yet again, the elusive Oscar remains just out of reach.

6. Joaquin Phoenix

Renowned for his fearless approach to character work and intense commitment to his craft, Joaquin Phoenix has delivered some of the most mesmerizing performances in recent memory. From his haunting portrayal of the Joker in Todd Phillips’ film to his transformative turn as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line, Phoenix’s dedication to his craft knows no bounds, earning him three Oscar nominations to date.

7. Samuel L. Jackson

With over 150 film credits to his name and half a century on our big screens, Samuel L. Jackson is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. From his iconic roles in Quentin Tarantino’s films to his portrayal of Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jackson’s versatility and commanding presence have made him a fixture on the silver screen. Despite his impressive talent and cultural impact, this Hollywood stalwart has yet to receive an Oscar.

8. Michelle Williams

From her breakthrough role in Brokeback Mountain to her poignant portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn, Michelle Williams has consistently delivered excellent performances that linger long after the credits roll. With four Oscar nominations to her name, including for her role in Manchester by the Sea and Blue Valentine, Williams’ talent is undeniable, yet the actress who began her career on Dawsons Creek has failed to seal the deal. 

9. Edward Norton

Edward Norton is widely acknowledged as one of Hollywood’s most gifted actors, and with a body of work that includes standout performances in films such as Fight Club and American History X., his reputation is well-deserved.  Despite his undeniable talent and versatility though, Norton has yet to receive the recognition, with just three Oscar nominations to his name.

10. Sigourney Weaver

As one of the most iconic actresses in cinematic history, Sigourney Weaver has left an indelible mark on the movie industry. From her groundbreaking role as Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise to her nuanced portrayal of Dian Fossey in Gorillas in the Mist, Weaver’s talent is top-notch. Despite three Academy Award nominations, including one for her iconic role in Aliens, Weaver has yet to claim Oscar gold.

In short, the lack of Oscar wins doesn’t diminish the immense talent and contributions of these remarkable actors and actresses to the world of cinema. As we eagerly await the next instalment of the Academy Awards, let’s not forget to celebrate the enduring legacy of these actors, whose unparalleled skill and dedication continue to enrich the tapestry of filmmaking. And who knows? Perhaps the 2024 Oscars ceremony will finally be the moment when some of these deserving stars are properly recognized for their extraordinary talent and massive impact on the silver screen.