Yesterday, when I posted my list of the top 10 actors who have never been nominated for an Oscar, many people shared in my amazement at the Academy’s neglect. But honestly, I think today’s list is even more shocking. There are so many cinematic legends on here, and I can’t believe none of them have been nominated. Hope you enjoy my picks, and do please feel free to share yours as well.
Maria Bello
Maria Bello is one of my favorite actresses currently working today. No matter the genre, she delivers consistently strong performances, helping curb the awful film trend of women appearing in movies solely to enhance the performance of their male co-star. Bello stands on her own, and the Academy needs to take notice. Should’ve been nominated for: The Cooler(2003), A History of Violence (2005).
Jacqueline Bisset
There are many legends on this list, but few rival Jacqueline Bisset. And while last year’s miniseries, Dancing on the Edge, brought her a fair amount of acclaim (remember her zany Golden Globes speech?) Bisset surely deserves to be a multiple Oscar nominee. Her performance in Day for Night is so shockingly accurate… just, trust me. That’s the type of stuff that happens when you make a movie. Should’ve been nominated for: Day for Night(1973), Under the Volcano (1984).
Hope Davis
Much like Maria Bello, Hope Davis is a contemporary indie darling who almost exclusively plays strong, memorable characters. I mean, for American Spelndor alone… come on. Should’ve been nominated for: About Schmidt (2002), American Splendor (2003), Proof (2005).
Mia Farrow
This is just straight up fucking baffling. No other way to describe it. I cannot get my head around this one at all. Should’ve been nominated for: Rosemary’s Baby (1968), Broadway Danny Rose(1984), The Purple Rose of Cairo(1985), Husbands and Wives (1992).
Rita Hayworth
Here’s another legend that the Academy passed by. From musical goddess to femme fatale to damsel in distress, it’s shocking that no Hayworth role was deemed worthy of Oscar attention. Should’ve been nominated for: Tonight and Every Night (1945), Gilda (1946), The Lady from Shanghai (1947).
Jennifer Jason Leigh
There’s more to Jennifer Jason Leigh than prostitutes and junkies, even if she does play them so damn well. I’m still holding out for that One. Great. Role. for Leigh. Hopefully it’ll come through soon enough. Should’ve been nominated for: Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989), Short Cuts (1993), Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle (1994), Georgia (1995).
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe was the actress that motivated this list. When I discovered that one of the most famous people who has ever lived had never been nominated for an Oscar, I had to see what other Oscar-free performers were out there. I’m not the greatest admirer of Monroe’s work, but I still can’t believe that she wasn’t at least nominated for something. Should’ve been nominated for: Bus Stop (1956), Some Like it Hot (1959), The Misfits (1961).
Kim Novak
Many of Alfred Hitchcock’s leading ladies earned an Oscar nomination (or win) at some point during their careers, but sadly, not Kim Novak. A damn shame, considering that Novak’s performance in Vertigo is inarguably one of the best performances from any Hitchcock film. Should’ve been nominated for: Picnic(1955), Vertigo (1958).
Isabella Rossellini
The daughter of cinematic royalty, Isabella Rossellini should, at the very least, have one Oscar nomination under her belt for bringing tortured dame, Dorothy Vallens, to light so hauntingly. Should’ve been nominated for: Blue Velvet (1986), The Saddest Music in the World (2003).
Robin Wright
I’m still stunned that Wright didn’t ride the Forrest Gump train all the way to an Oscar nomination. Granted, I don’t quite love that movie as much as some, but the Academy gave Oscar nominations to that flick like they were candy. Poor Jenny. Should’ve been nominated for: Forrest Gump (1994), The Pledge (2001).
Honorable Mention
The Women of Bergman
Bibi Andersson in Persona
Liv Ullman landed an Oscar nomination for her towering work in Ingmar Bergman’s Face to Face, but, sadly, she’s the only one of Bergman’s regular ladies to do so. Under Bergman’s direction, Harriet Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, and Bibi Andersson all delivered some of the finest screen work I’ve ever seen. It’s damn near disgraceful they didn’t break through Oscar’s doors.
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