Say certain names out loud and you'll almost instinctively think, "Oh, they've definitely got an Oscar." Then you look it up — and the truth stops you cold.
Some of the greatest actors in film history have never once held that golden statuette. They've been nominated, dressed up, smiled through the ceremony, and gone home empty-handed. Here are ten stars you probably assumed were Academy Award winners.
1. Glenn Close
Glenn Close holds one of the most heartbreaking records in Hollywood: she's among the most-nominated actresses never to win. Eight times her name appeared on the ballot, and eight times it wasn't called.
Her unforgettable turns in Fatal Attraction and Dangerous Liaisons both earned nominations, and she was a strong contender again for The Wife — yet the statue slipped away every single time.
2. Amy Adams
Amy Adams has landed six nominations across lead and supporting categories, for films like Doubt and American Hustle — and someone else always walked off with the trophy.
Many know her from the Iron Man and Doctor Strange universe, but in reality she's one of the most frequently nominated stars still waiting for her first win.
3. Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp has picked up three nominations, including one for playing Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean — a rare bit of Academy love for a big blockbuster performance.
Finding Neverland and Sweeney Todd brought him nods too, but the Oscar always went to someone else.
4. Timothée Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet earned his first nomination for Call Me by Your Name, becoming one of the youngest Best Actor nominees in modern Hollywood history.
He's been nominated several times since — but the win, so far, has eluded him.
If you love tracing the surprising twists of Hollywood careers, you'll want to keep reading — the next few names are the ones that really catch people off guard.
5. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson has exactly one competitive nomination, for his role as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction.
He's since appeared in hundreds of films and become practically the face of Hollywood itself — yet that early nod remains his only official one.
6. Edward Norton
Edward Norton has been an Oscar contender three times: first for his stunning film debut in Primal Fear, then for American History X and Birdman.
The respect of his peers was never in doubt — the actual award, however, never made it into his hands.
7. Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer has three nominations to her name, including for Dangerous Liaisons and The Fabulous Baker Boys.
As one of the defining actresses of the '90s, many assume a career like hers couldn't possibly be Oscar-less — but the record says otherwise.
8. Viggo Mortensen
Viggo Mortensen has been nominated for Eastern Promises, Green Book and Falling, putting him in the Best Actor race three separate times.
He's etched into millions of memories as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, yet he's never taken home an Oscar for any of his performances.
9. Harrison Ford
Across his entire career, Harrison Ford has received just a single nomination — for Witness — even though the Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchises made him one of the most iconic actors alive.
Plenty of fans would bet money he's a winner. He isn't.
10. Annette Bening
Annette Bening has been in the Best Actress race more than once, for films like American Beauty and The Kids Are All Right — and every time, the award went to another name.
The nominations have kept coming for decades, but an Oscar is still missing from her shelf.
Who has the most Oscar nominations without a win on this list?
Glenn Close leads the way, with eight nominations and no wins — one of the most striking records in Academy Award history.
Was Johnny Depp really nominated for playing Jack Sparrow?
Yes. His performance in Pirates of the Caribbean earned him a nomination, an unusually big-budget blockbuster role to be recognized by the Academy.
Why do people assume Harrison Ford has an Oscar?
Because of his iconic roles in Indiana Jones and Star Wars, his status feels unquestionable. In reality, he's only ever received one nomination, for Witness.
Has Timothée Chalamet ever won an Academy Award?
Not yet. He's been nominated several times, starting with Call Me by Your Name, but the win has so far eluded him.
