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.
70. Bill Murray | Rushmore (1998)
A strong contender for the best director/actor pairing in cinema history, the combo of Wes Anderson and Bill Murray is unstoppable. They bring out the best in one another. Whether it’s a bit part, a cameo, a supporting character, or the lead, Murray always delivers the goods. Because of the size of the role, The Life Aquatic gave Bill Murray the biggest canvas to be Bill Murray in a Wes Anderson movie and while that’s my personal favorite, Rushmore demonstrated with stricter narrative guidance, he can deliver perhaps the best performance of his entire career. His portrayal of Herman Blume, a wealthy industrialist facing a midlife crisis, adds depth and nuance to the film. Murray effortlessly balances humor and melancholy, bringing a unique charm to the character. His chemistry with co-star Jason Schwartzman enhances the overall dynamic of the film, making Murray’s performance a standout element in the quirky and memorable Rushmore. Even if you dislike his style, there’s no denying Anderson gets amazing work from his actors and this is the best work he’s ever gotten from his best collaborator.
69. Adam Sandler | Uncut Gems (2019)
Adam Sandler’s performance in Uncut Gems is a revelation, showcasing a side of the actor rarely seen in his more comedic roles. In this 2019 crime thriller directed by the Safdie Brothers, Sandler takes on the character of Howard Ratner, a New York City jeweler with a compulsive gambling habit. Sandler immerses himself fully in the character, capturing the essence of a man constantly on the edge, navigating a high-stakes world of gems and bets. The depth of Sandler’s performance lies in his ability to convey Howard’s frenetic energy, blending charisma with a sense of desperation. What makes the performance particularly compelling is his commitment to portraying Howard’s flaws without seeking sympathy. Howard is a complex character, flawed and morally ambiguous, yet Sandler manages to humanize him. The audience is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as they witness Howard’s relentless pursuit of success and the consequences that unfold. Uncut Gems is a career-defining performance from Sandler and I pray to God he works with the Safdies soon because they’re the only ones that seem to realize how good an actor he is.
68. Robert Downey Jr. | Iron Man (2008)
Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man marked a defining moment in both his career and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Downey’s performance was a masterclass in character transformation, bringing a complex and multi-faceted personality to the iconic superhero. From the very beginning, Downey captured audiences with his charismatic and witty interpretation of Tony Stark. His portrayal perfectly balanced the genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist facets of the character. Downey’s natural charm and quick wit added layers to Tony Stark, making him a more relatable and endearing superhero. Beneath the armor and snarky remarks, Downey portrayed the internal struggles and personal growth of a man burdened by his own creations. The character arc of Tony Stark, from a self-centered weapons manufacturer to a selfless hero, was brought to life with authenticity and depth by Downey. He has stamped his personality onto that character so fully, that every iteration that comes after will be based on his performance
67. Oscar Isaac | Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
Much like Dave Van Ronk, the singer who inspired the film, Llewyn Davis is a struggling folk singer in the Greenwich Village folk scene in the 1960s. He moves from place to place, gig to gig with a guitar under one arm and a cat under the other. He’s unquestionably talented but a pain in the ass to be around and beyond unlucky. He’s the kind of guy destined to be recognized as a genius long after he’s dead. It’s not that he’s ahead of his time, it’s that his time simply isn’t interested in him. Oscar Isaac’s performance as Davis is so authentically felt that at times the film feels like a documentary. He brings a raw vulnerability to the character. His ability to convey a wide range of feelings, from frustration and despair to moments of quiet introspection, showcases his nuanced acting skills. The film’s narrative relies heavily on Isaac’s performance, and he carries the weight effortlessly, allowing viewers to connect with the character on a profound level. How much you like the film is directly tied to how much you enjoy the presence of the main character. He’s not easy to like but Isaac forces you to anyways.
66. Jake Gyllenhall | Nightcrawler (2014)
Portraying the morally ambiguous character of Lou Bloom, Gyllenhaal delves deep into the psyche of a driven and morally flexible individual. His portrayal captures the essence of Bloom’s relentless ambition, portraying a character whose moral compass is overshadowed by an insatiable hunger for success. Gyllenhaal’s physical transformation for the role is noteworthy, showcasing a gaunt appearance that mirrors the character’s intensity and single-mindedness. His piercing eyes and calculated movements create an unsettling aura, emphasizing the eerie nature of Lou Bloom’s character. He looks like the skeleton of a sociopath who got a hold of a camera and decided that that was his ticket to fame. It’s truly transformative. Not just physically but in his line delivery as well. One of the most compelling aspects of Gyllenhaal’s performance is his meticulous enunciation and precise tonal shifts in speaking. It adds depth to the character, emphasizing Lou Bloom’s ability to manipulate situations and people to his advantage. His dedication to the role, combined with his exceptional acting skills, elevates the film and leaves a lasting impression on audiences, solidifying Gyllenhaal as one of the most versatile and compelling actors in the industry. This is truly one of the most baffling snubs of all time.
65. Andy Griffith | A Face in the Crowd (1957)
If all you know him from is The Andy Griffith Show, prepare to get blown away by Griffith in this movie. He gives a tour de force as Larry “Lonesome” Rhodes, a drifter troubadour whose fame keeps increasing until he’s running for political power. His seamless transition from a charismatic, down-to-earth vagabond to a power-hungry, manipulative media personality showcases a depth of performance fans of the affable and good-natured lead of his television show probably knew he was capable of. His ability to convey the complexity of Rhodes, a seemingly charming figure with a dark underbelly, adds layers to the film’s narrative. As much as I love and appreciate that show, I really want to live in the mirror universe where this turned him into a movie star and he never did television because the big screen needed more of his presence. He has full command of the screen. Whether delivering impassioned speeches or manipulating those around him, he exudes a magnetic presence that keeps viewers captivated. The film hinges on Griffith’s ability to embody the complexity of Rhodes, and he delivers with conviction, making the character both repulsive and strangely fascinating.
64. Scarlett Johansson | Under the Skin (2013)
In a role remarkably similar to the film Species but better in every conceivable way, Scarlet Johansson takes on the role of an otherworldly being who preys on unsuspecting men in Scotland, using her ethereal beauty to lure them into a mysterious void. Her portrayal is hauntingly captivating, driven by a deliberate and measured approach that sets the tone for the film’s unique narrative. Johansson’s ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue is a testament to her skill as an actress. In Under the Skin, much of the narrative is communicated through visual storytelling and Johansson’s nuanced expressions. Her character’s detachment from humanity is palpable, yet there’s a subtle curiosity and vulnerability beneath the surface, hinting at an internal conflict that captivates the audience. The more she interacts with humanity, the more human she wants to become. Watching Johansson discover everything for the first time, become enthralled by emotions, and then become heartbroken she can never truly have them or experience life as a human is a rollercoaster only she could take a viewer on.
63. Ryan Gosling | Blue Valentine (2010)
Dean is a troubled and complex character who struggles to find his place in the world. He is a handsome and charming man who uses his wit and humor as a defense mechanism, masking his deep insecurities and inner turmoil. He is a high school dropout and works as a house painter, living a humble life with his daughter Frankie and wife Cindy. Dean is a romantic at heart, constantly yearning to try and cover up his deep-rooted insecurities and vulnerabilities. Growing up, Dean faced several challenges, including a difficult childhood and a broken family. As a result, he has a hard time trusting and connecting with people. Dean is the exact opposite of a rom-com lead. He’s not particularly good-looking, he’s hard to root for and painfully annoying. This is why I love the fact that this is the type of role Gosling seeks out. He easily could’ve gone after the easy paycheck gigs early in his career. He’s gorgeous enough that romantic comedies could’ve been his bread and butter but he, like Brad Pitt before him, never cashed in on his looks. They both went for roles that required acting, not just a model to prove they had the goods. Gosling continues to pick the challenging role to prove he’s the best actor of his generation even though this should’ve been enough to convince everyone he already is.
62. Eric Bana | Chopper (2000)
Because Americans have no idea who Eric Bana is, his performance as Chopper, while impressive, isn’t as revelatory as it should be. Anyone with eyes can see how impressive the physical transformation is and anyone who’s bothered to Google the real Mark Brandon Read (the notorious Australian criminal this is based on) can clearly tell Bana has done his homework but if you hadn’t watched his work before landing that gig, you don’t understand how monumental a career shift it is. Imagine if Ben Stiller gained a shit ton of weight to play John Wayne Gacy or Seth Rogen was cast as hitman Richard Kuklinski and they somehow nailed it. That’s how insane Bana in this movie is. He was a goofy Australian actor who shocked the nation by how good he was. He quickly came to America and he hasn’t had a worthy role since. Watching him masterfully capture the essence of Chopper’s unpredictability, vocal mannerisms, and body language should’ve put him on every director’s need-to-work-with list. Whether it’s a moment of explosive violence or a rare display of vulnerability, Bana handles each beat with finesse, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. His nuanced performance elevates the film, making it a character study that goes beyond the surface of a typical crime drama.
61. Michael Fassbender | Shame (2011)
When Steve McQueen (with Abi Morgan) wrote the screenplay for Shame, he created the greatest showcase for Fassbender’s talents but he really made him sing for his supper. It’s a demanding role in a hard-to-sit-through movie that only works because of the commitment of its lead. It’s the kind of performance that everyone talks about if you knock it out of the park and everyone ridicules forever if you fail. You need to leave it all on the dance floor and Fassbender proves to be up for the challenge. His portrayal of Brandon is intense and nuanced, capturing the internal struggles of a man grappling with his compulsive behavior and the consequences it brings. His body language and facial expressions speak volumes, effectively conveying the character’s internal torment. The actor masterfully embodies Brandon’s inner conflict, creating a sense of empathy and understanding for a character whose actions may be challenging to sympathize with.
The chemistry between Fassbender and his co-star Carey Mulligan, who plays Brandon’s troubled sister, Sissy, adds another layer of depth to the film. Fassbender seamlessly navigates the complex dynamics of their relationship, further highlighting the film’s exploration of shame, intimacy, and familial bonds. One of Fassbender’s strengths in this role lies in his ability to communicate vulnerability amid the character’s seemingly detached exterior. The actor allows the audience to glimpse into Brandon’s psyche, revealing the pain and loneliness that drive his self-destructive behavior. This depth of characterization elevates Shame beyond a mere exploration of addiction, making it a poignant study of human connection and the toll of unresolved trauma.
80-71 | 60-51
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!
