9 Celebrities Who Have Surprisingly Never Won an Oscar

• Tom Cruise has starred in many blockbuster hits but has never won an Oscar.
• Sigourney Weaver, known for her iconic role in “Alien,” also has no Oscar wins.
• Despite his versatile roles, Johnny Depp has not bagged the prestigious award.

Many Hollywood A-list stars have been recognized for their work in the entertainment industry, winning Oscar Awards. Yet, some big names in show business still do not possess this prestigious honor so find out who they are.

Some of Tinseltown’s leading men and women are yet to add an Academy Award to their list of achievements. From movie actress Angela Bassett to actor Johnny Depp, here are the world-famous celebrities who have surprisingly never won Oscar Awards.

Tom Cruise initially aspired to be a priest during his high school years. However, he later developed an interest in acting, which led him to drop out of school and move to New York at 18 to pursue a career in acting.

Cruise made his film debut with a minor role in “Endless Love” (1981). His early performances quickly showcased his undeniable appeal, drawing in both male and female audiences.

Five years later, he starred in top-grossing films including “Top Gun” (1986), “Rain Man” (1988), and “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989).

By the 1990s, Cruise was one of the highest-paid actors in the world. His blockbuster hits included “Interview with the Vampire” (1994), “Mission: Impossible” (1996), and “Jerry Maguire” (1996).

The “Mission: Impossible” franchise is Cruise’s biggest project. The actor has also taken on producing, notably with the “Mission: Impossible” series.

Despite his contributions to the film industry, Cruise has never won an Academy Award following three nominations. At 61, he was overlooked yet again at the 2024 Oscars, not even securing a nomination.

Sigourney Weaver has created numerous memorable characters and has captivated audiences as one of the most versatile actresses on stage and screen.

The actress’s first professional acting stint was in the production of “The Constant Wife.” She made her onscreen debut in “Annie Hall” (1977), followed by her iconic role in “Alien” (1979).

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Weaver starred in a variety of successful films, including “Ghostbusters” (1984), and “Working Girl” (1988).

Weaver’s versatility continued with roles in “The Ice Storm” (1997) and “Avatar” (2009). Her performance in “Avatar” contributed to the film becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time.

Despite her impressive career, Weaver has been nominated for three Academy Awards but has yet to win. Her nominations include Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and Best Actress in a Leading Role.

In 1976, Liam Neeson made his professional acting debut in “The Risen People.” He later moved to Dublin’s Abbey Theater, where director John Boorman discovered him and cast him in “Excalibur” (1981).

Neeson’s career in the 1980s included roles in films such as “The Bounty” (1984), “The Mission” (1986), and “Duet for One” (1986). He gained recognition in Hollywood and starred in “Darkman” (1990).

His breakthrough role came in Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” (1993), where he played Oskar Schindler. He made his Broadway debut in “Anna Christie,” in 1993 earning a Tony nomination.

His roles in films such as “Michael Collins” (1996), and “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999) solidified his status as a leading man.

Neeson found unexpected success as an action star with “Taken” (2008). He continued to secure high-profile roles in films like “Clash of the Titans” (2010) and “The A-Team” (2010).

Michelle Pfeiffer initially pursued a career as a court reporter but realized her passion for acting while working at a supermarket. At 20, she decided to become an actress, creating a resume with fictional experiences.

Following her win in the Miss Orange County beauty pageant, she appeared in commercials and had some roles on television. Pfeiffer landed her first film role at age 22 in “Grease 2.”

Pfeiffer has been nominated for three Academy Awards. Her nominations include two Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Angela Bassett’s powerful presence has graced theaters, television screens, and stages worldwide. She first appeared in small roles on “The Cosby Show” (1984) and “Spenser: For Hire” (1985), gaining recognition in 1990.

Bassett’s breakthrough role came in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993), where she played Tina Turner. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

Bassett is a two-time Academy Award nominee. She received nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.

Despite the snubs over the years, the legendary actress was recognized with an Oscar Honorary Award in 2024 for her notable acting chops.

Samuel L. Jackson has appeared in over 100 films, including “Die Hard with a Vengeance” (1995), “Unbreakable” (2000), and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He became well-known in the 1980s through his work in films like “Do the Right Thing” (1989).

Jackson gained prominence in the early 1990s with roles in “Jurassic Park” (1993) and “Pulp Fiction” (1994). He later appeared in the film like “Die Hard with a Vengeance” (1995).

Jackson portrayed the Marvel character Nick Fury in several films, including “Iron Man” (2008) and “The Avengers” (2012). The actor also voiced characters in “The Incredibles” (2004) and “Afro Samurai” (2007).

Jackson has been nominated for one Academy Award for his role in “Pulp Fiction” (1995). He received an Oscar Honorary Award in 2022.

A visit to Los Angeles led Johnny Depp to meet actor Nicolas Cage, who encouraged him to pursue acting. In 1984, Depp made his film debut in the film “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”

In 1987, he gained fame on the TV series “21 Jump Street,” and became known for his unique roles. Depp continued to receive critical acclaim with roles in “Ed Wood” (1994) and “Donnie Brasco” (1997).

In 1999, Depp starred in “Sleepy Hollow,” and later became popular following his role in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003).

Depp has been nominated for three Academy Awards. He received nominations for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in 2005 and 2008 and Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2004.

In 2015, Depp commented on his Oscar nominations saying that he did not want to win the prestigious award. “[…] The idea of winning means that you’re in competition with someone and I’m not in competition with anybody,” he continued.

Willem Dafoe has appeared in more than 100 films and is known for his versatility and bold roles. He has starred in projects worldwide from Hollywood to independent cinema.

In 1979, Dafoe was cast in “Heaven’s Gate” and has since worked with numerous renowned directors. Dafoe’s awards include two Los Angeles Film Critics Awards and two New York Independent Spirit Awards.

The “Spiderman” star has received four Academy Award nominations: Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Leading Actor.

Bill Murray is an American actor, comedian, and writer who joined “Saturday Night Live” (1975). He later starred in comedy films like “Meatballs” (1979) and “Ghostbusters” (1984).

Murray received critical acclaim for his role in “Lost in Translation” (2003). He won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for his stint in the movie.

Murray also received Golden Globe nominations for “Ghostbusters,” “Rushmore” and “St. Vincent.” He then won a second Primetime Emmy Award for “Olive Kitteridge.”

Despite their numerous nominations, these celebrities have yet to win an Oscar, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Academy Awards.