7 Major Stars Who Have Never Won A Major Acting Award

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most prolific and charismatic actors in Hollywood, with memorable roles in films like “Pulp Fiction”, “Django Unchained”, “The Avengers” series, and “Jungle Fever”. Though Jackson has been nominated for several major awards, including an Academy Award for his performance in “Pulp Fiction” (1994), he has never won an Oscar or Golden Globe.

He has won numerous accolades throughout his career, including a BAFTA for his supporting role in “Pulp Fiction”, but the lack of an Oscar remains a surprising omission in his career. However, Jackson did take home an Honorary Academy Award in 2021 but it does not hold the same weight as winning a traditional Oscar. He has yet to make a major awards run for his current performance in “The Piano Lesson” but could maybe surprise with an Oscar nod on nomination day.

Despite his illustrious career and a string of critically acclaimed performances, Bradley Cooper has surprisingly never won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, or an individual SAG Award, even though he has been nominated for each multiple times. Cooper has earned 12 Academy Award nominations over the years, including for his roles in “A Star Is Born”, “American Sniper”, “Silver Linings Playbook”, and more recently, “Maestro”, where his direction and acting were widely lauded.

He has also garnered six Golden Globe nominations, with notable nods for “American Hustle” and “A Star Is Born”, but has yet to claim a win in either category. His portrayal of complex characters, from the tortured musician in “A Star Is Born” to the conflicted war hero in “American Sniper”, has earned him widespread admiration. However, despite these numerous nominations, Cooper’s failure to secure one of these major acting awards remains one of Hollywood’s more surprising omissions, leaving many to wonder if the industry has overlooked one of its finest talents.

Willem Dafoe is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, yet he has astonishingly never received major acting awards recognition despite earning four Academy Award nominations and several Golden Globe nods. His ability to seamlessly shift between intense villains, complex antiheroes, and sensitive characters has earned him praise in films like “Platoon”, “The Florida Project”, “Shadow of the Vampire”, and “At Eternity’s Gate”.

Dafoe’s performances are often marked by their raw intensity and commitment to his roles, yet despite this, he has never secured an Oscar or a Golden Globe win. His ability to elevate every project he’s in, regardless of its scale or genre, has solidified his reputation as a critically acclaimed actor, yet the lack of awards recognition is an enduring oddity in his remarkable career.

Paul Rudd has long been a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for his charm, versatility, and impeccable comedic timing, yet he has only just received his first major awards recognition with an Emmy nomination for his role in “Only Murders in the Building”. Despite an extensive career that spans decades, with memorable performances in films like “Clueless”, “Anchorman”, “I Love You, Man”, and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”, Rudd has been notably overlooked by major awards bodies.

Though he has earned a loyal fanbase and critical praise, especially for his ability to blend humor and heart in both comedic and dramatic roles, he has never received nominations for prestigious accolades like the Oscar, Golden Globe, or SAG Award. His first-ever Emmy nod, for his work in the hit Hulu series alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short, finally acknowledges his skill as a dramatic performer, but it’s striking that it took so long for one of Hollywood’s most consistent and likable stars to receive such recognition.

Jake Gyllenhaal is one of the most talented and consistently compelling actors of his generation, yet he has surprisingly never won a major acting award, despite receiving significant nominations throughout his career. His career breakthrough came with his Oscar nomination for “Brokeback Mountain” (2005), where his portrayal of Jack Twist earned him widespread acclaim, but he was ultimately passed over for the coveted trophy. Gyllenhaal’s performances in films like “Nightcrawler”, “Prisoners”, “Southpaw”, and “Zodiac” have consistently drawn rave reviews, yet the Academy has never recognized him with a win.

More recently, his Golden Globe nomination for his role in the hit show “Presumed Innocent” further highlighted his impressive range, yet he continues to be overlooked by major awards bodies. Despite being one of the most dynamic and fearless actors in both film and television, Gyllenhaal remains one of the most prominent stars without a major acting award to his name.

Kerry Washington has long been a standout in both television and film, yet she has often been overlooked by major awards bodies despite her captivating performances. As the fierce and complex Olivia Pope in “Scandal” and the multi-layered Mia Warren in “Little Fires Everywhere”, Washington received nominations across virtually every major award platform, including the Golden Globe, Emmy, and SAG Awards, but never took home a win.

While she has consistently delivered powerhouse performances on the small screen, she has not garnered the same level of recognition in film, despite standout roles in movies like “Ray” and “Django Unchained”. More recently, Washington starred in the Netflix drama “The Six Triple Eight”, portraying an inspiring and powerful true story, yet again missed out on major awards recognition. Despite being a highly respected talent in Hollywood, Washington’s lack of top-tier awards continues to be one of the industry’s more perplexing oversights.

Selena Gomez has enjoyed significant acclaim for her performances in both “Only Murders in the Building” and “Emilia Pérez”, yet she has yet to secure a major acting award despite numerous nominations. Her portrayal of Mabel Mora in Only Murders in the Building has earned her widespread praise, with nominations from the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics’ Choice Awards, but she has yet to win a major acting honor.

Similarly, her role in the highly acclaimed “Emilia Pérez”, a show that recently took home four Golden Globe Awards, further showcased her talent, yet she was once again passed over in favor of her co-star, Zoe Saldana, who won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. While Gomez’s work has earned recognition from critics and audiences alike, her lack of a major award continues to be a striking anomaly in a career that has already solidified her as a standout performer in both TV and film.

In the world of Hollywood, where awards often define success, it’s fascinating how some of the most talented and beloved stars have been repeatedly overlooked by major awards bodies despite their remarkable performances. Their ability to captivate audiences and deliver unforgettable performances speaks volumes, and while awards are a great honor, their legacy will ultimately be defined by the lasting impact they’ve made on film and television. Sometimes, it’s the performances themselves—rather than the trophies—that leave the most lasting mark.