The Academy isn’t just a couple of guys who watch every movie released within a year. It’s a collective of over 10,500 global film industry artists and leaders, so there’s bound to be wildly varied opinions on what is and what isn’t nomination-worthy. What one person considers great, another might find pandering and vice versa. That’s why in the nearly 100 years the Academy has been in existence, they’ve messed up as many times as they’ve gotten it right. The amount of iconic directors who were overlooked, big screen superstars who were ignored, and all-time classics that received no love is so big, they form an unofficial group called the “Snub Club.” Honorary members include Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, The Shawshank Redemption, Charlie Chaplin, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Glen Close, Saving Private Ryan and many, many others. After the list of 2024 nominees was revealed, The Snub Club received two new members: Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie for Barbie. The internet was so incensed by their lack of nominations that it completely dominated the conversation. While shocking, it’s not that surprising considering the strength of that year. They weren’t snubbed, there was just a glut of talented directors and actresses that year. This list will highlight true snubs that should’ve gotten a nom (and probably should’ve won) but didn’t.
These are the 100 Biggest Oscar Acting Snubs of All Time.
60. Susan Sarandon | Bull Durham (1988)
Susan Sarandon’s portrayal in Bull Durham is a masterclass in blending sensuality with intelligence, creating a character that transcends the typical clichés associated with sports films. As the seasoned baseball groupie Annie Savoy, Sarandon delivers a performance that goes beyond the surface, infusing the character with a complexity that elevates the entire narrative. Her on-screen presence is magnetic, capturing the essence of Annie’s unapologetic passion for the game and her unorthodox approach to relationships. Sarandon effortlessly navigates the fine line between vulnerability and strength, allowing viewers to connect with Annie on a profound emotional level. Through her nuanced expressions and subtle gestures, Sarandon conveys the depth of Annie’s character, making her more than just a love interest. Sarandon’s performance extends beyond mere romantic entanglements; she becomes a symbol of empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated world. Her character challenges societal expectations, embracing her desires without apology. Sarandon’s fearless portrayal of Annie contributes to the film’s overall impact, turning what could have been a stereotypical role into a memorable and progressive character.
59. Robert Pattinson | Good Time (2017)
There was a time when I couldn’t care less about Robert Pattinson. Because of Twilight, I had written him off completely and man, I was dead wrong. He has consistently proven he’s more than just a pretty face. He’s amassed quite the filmography over the last ten years and his performance in Good Time is easily his best. He is a revelation in this, showcasing a depth and versatility that transcends his previous cinematic endeavors. In this gritty and intense crime thriller, Pattinson immerses himself in the role of Connie Nikas, a character marked by desperation and a relentless pursuit of survival. From the opening scenes, Pattinson captivates the audience with his portrayal of Connie, a dumbfuck bank robber whose ill-fated heist sets off a chain of events that unravels with frenetic energy. He’s a complex character who navigates morally ambiguous terrain with a raw authenticity that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Although he clearly has a goal in mind, his actions are always unpredictable, making for a character you want to root for but know he’s going to fuck up somehow anyways. This was a standout moment in Pattinson’s career, a transformative performance that cemented his place among the finest actors of his generation.
58. Samuel L. Jackson | Django Unchained (2012)
After reading the script and realizing he was not going to be playing Django but the house servant Stephen instead, Jackson asked Tarantino, “So you want me to play the most despicable negro in cinematic history?” Tarantino said “Yes,” Jackson signed up and the two of them went on to make precisely that. Of all of the rogues, bastards, and straight-up killers Jackson has played for QT, this might be his most despicable yet. From the moment Jackson graces the screen, he embodies Stephen with a blend of charisma and menace that is characteristic of his signature style. He says exactly what’s on his mind at all times but he’s also no fool. His subservient facade belies an astute intelligence and cunning nature. Jackson’s delivery of dialogue is a masterclass in controlled intensity, each word laden with layers of meaning that add to the film’s thematic depth. It’s a role that takes gigantic brass balls to even sign on for, let alone tackle but yet again Jackson proves he’s more than equipped to handle any role thrown at him.
57. Gene Hackman | The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
If Hackman had retired here, he’d have about as good a send-off as any actor could dream of but he decided to keep working another three years producing shit like Welcome to Mooseport, Runaway Jury, and Behind Enemy Lines (which I actually like.) Not only is this one of his best performances but it might be Wes Anderson’s finest creations. He’s not as funny as some or as memorably eccentric as others but few are as complex. He’s a piece of shit with almost no redeeming qualities who is as bad a husband as he is a father. He’s like a ghost who haunts his own family who comes back into their lives years after they exercised him. All but one of his children are upset with his arrival and they want anything to do with him but since he’s the one that fucked them all up in the first place, it feels appropriate that he’s the one to fix it. But in true Wes Anderson fashion, he even fucks that up. He has an emotional connection with his eldest son and gives him a space to feel vulnerable, and in the process, helps him unload some emotional baggage he’s carrying but other than that, he almost makes everything worse. And yet, because it’s Hackman, you can’t help but love the son of a bitch.
56. Michael Shannon | Take Shelter (2011)
If you lined up one hundred cinephiles and had them name both of Michael Shannon’s Oscar-nominated performances, all one hundred would’ve guessed this film first. It’s his defining role, it is the role he is most associated with and it’s his best work to date. The film’s narrative hinges on the delicate balance between reality and delusion, and Shannon deftly navigates this terrain, blurring the lines between the tangible and the ephemeral. His performance serves as the linchpin that holds the film’s atmospheric tension together, drawing viewers into a suspenseful exploration of the fragility of the human mind. In the film, Shannon plays Curtis LaForche, a man grappling with visions of an impending apocalyptic storm. Are they warnings or delusions? The film keeps its cards close to its vest till the very end, so it’s up to Shannon to keep the audience wondering and he does an amazing job of keeping you enthralled. But as any dancer can tell you, it takes two to tango and he has the best possible partner. His chemistry with co-star Jessica Chastain adds another layer of authenticity to the film. Their on-screen dynamic, fraught with the strains of uncertainty and fear, contributes significantly to the film’s emotional resonance. The palpable connection between the two actors heightens the stakes, making the impending storm not just a meteorological phenomenon but a metaphorical tempest threatening the very foundations of familial bonds.
55. Tom Hanks | Captain Phillips (2013)
Setting the real Captain Phillips aside (he was an idiot who almost got everyone killed, he was not a hero), Tom Hanks’ Captain Phillips is a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. He captures the essence of Phillips’ stoic professionalism while revealing the vulnerability simmering beneath the surface. Essentially, Hanks is playing the myth that sprung from the story, not the man. Because from all accounts, the man was nothing like this. But this isn’t a documentary, it’s a movie and Hanks performs so well, so unlike anything he’s done before, it reminded the world of just how good of an actor he is. The third act of this film is so strong, it could make up the entirety of Hank’s showreel. His performance is particularly notable in the film’s harrowing climax, where the true mettle of Captain Phillips is put to the test during a tense hostage situation. As the tension escalates, Hanks doesn’t resort to bombastic theatrics; instead, he relies on subtle nuances and restrained expressions, showcasing the quiet strength that defines Phillips. In these pivotal moments, the audience witnesses Hanks at the height of his craft, drawing viewers into the raw, unfiltered reality of a life-and-death struggle on the high seas.
54. Mads Mikkelsen | The Hunt (2012)
Although they’ve only worked with each other twice, the director/actor pairing of Mikkelsen and Vinterberg is already one of my favorites. The Hunt and Another Round prove they’re down to do anything, no matter how challenging and I need more risks in my movies. And they don’t get much riskier than The Hunt. The film explores the devastating consequences of false accusations and societal paranoia, and at its center is Mikkelsen as Lucas, a kindergarten teacher whose life unravels in the wake of a grievous misunderstanding. As the accusations intensify, Mikkelsen navigates the character’s descent into despair with a raw authenticity that is both gut-wrenching and mesmerizing. His expressive eyes convey a profound sense of betrayal and bewilderment, inviting the audience into the tortured psyche of a man unjustly vilified. It’s a story few directors would tackle and a role even fewer actors would want to take on, which is a testament to how fearless both of them are. The Hunt is a harrowing exploration of the fragility of societal trust, and the central performance serves as its emotional anchor. His portrayal of Lucas transcends the confines of traditional victimhood, evolving into a powerful meditation on resilience and the human spirit.
53. Ralph Fiennes | The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Under the meticulous direction of Wes Anderson, Fiennes breathes life into the enigmatic and charming character of Monsieur Gustave H., the fastidious and flamboyant concierge of the titular establishment. With his impeccable timing, nuanced delivery, and unwavering commitment to the role, Fiennes turns Gustave into an unforgettable cinematic creation. The actor effortlessly dances between the character’s refined manners and razor-sharp wit, infusing the role with a charisma that is both magnetic and endearing. Gustave’s elaborate and eloquent dialogue, delivered with Fiennes’ signature charm, becomes a symphony of linguistic virtuosity, leaving the audience simultaneously amused and captivated. Beyond the comedic surface, he skillfully unveils the vulnerability beneath Gustave’s composed exterior. In moments of crisis, his performance takes a poignant turn, revealing the depth of the character’s humanity. Fiennes navigates this emotional complexity with grace, ensuring that Gustave remains a multi-dimensional figure rather than a mere caricature. The Grand Budapest Hotel thrives on its idiosyncrasies, and Fiennes’ performance is the linchpin that ties these eccentricities into a cohesive and captivating whole. Through his embodiment of Monsieur Gustave H., Ralph Fiennes not only contributes to the film’s satirical brilliance but also cements his status as an actor of unparalleled versatility and skill.
52. Tom Hardy | Bronson (2008)
How this performance got overlooked by the Academy is a mystery to me. Tom Hardy gives an electrifying performance as true-life criminal Mickey Peterson aka Charlie Bronson (the man has at least two more aliases) aka “The most violent prisoner in Britain.” Every mannerism, every moment he makes, feels like a snake about to lunge. You know it’s inevitably going to happen, you just don’t know when or who will be the target of his rage. This is the role that put him on Nolan’s radar, which in turn, made him a movie star. He’s been cranking out quality work in the fifteen years since this came out but none truly showcase his commitment to a role quite like this does. Actresses get called brave and fearless every time they pick a role that requires them to not wear makeup and/or show nudity but male actors never do. If any role should be labeled as fearless, it’s this one.
51. Maggie Cheung | In the Mood for Love (2000)
Since the movie can’t work without both of them, this is almost a joint nomination with her screen partner Tony Leung. Like the Before Trilogy, it would be criminal to nominate one over the other but since the best actor category was a bit more stacked than the best actress category that year, I’m going to say Maggie Cheung was the bigger snub. Her portrayal of Su Li-Zhen, a lonely secretary, is marked by a quiet yet powerful grace that reveals as much as it conceals. Her ability to convey the internal struggles of the character, especially in a society that places a premium on restraint, with just a look, is awe-inspiring. The subtle shifts in her gaze, the delicate movements of her hands, and the restrained passion in her voice all contribute to the character’s rich complexity. Cheung’s nuanced expressions convey a myriad of emotions as she navigates the dynamics of her character’s relationship with Chow Mo-wan, played by Tony Leung. Her ability to convey longing, heartbreak, and unspoken desires without relying heavily on dialogue speaks volumes about her skill as an actress. Cheung’s chemistry with Tony Leung is palpable, and their on-screen connection feels authentic and deeply moving. In scenes where their characters grapple with the moral dilemmas of their situation, Cheung’s performance elevates the emotional tension, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
70-61 | 50-41
What do you think of the selection so far? Which Oscar snubs do you think are the most egregious? Maybe they will show up further on the list!
