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.

Tom Cruise poses on the Spanish Steps on June 19, 2023, in Rome. | Source: Getty Images

Many Hollywood A-list stars have been recognized for their work in the entertainment industry, with Oscar Awards. Yet, some big names still do not possess this prestigious honor.

Sigourney Weaver attends the Givenchy Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show on September 28, 2023, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images

From Angela Bassett to Johnny Depp, here are nine world-famous celebrities who have surprisingly never won an Oscar.

Angela Bassett attends the 2023 Palm Springs International Film Festival: Variety’s Directors To Watch Brunch at Parker Palm Springs on January 6, 2023, in Palm Springs, California. | Source: Getty Images

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise initially aspired to be a priest in high school. He later developed an interest in acting, leading him to drop out of school and move to New York at 18 to pursue it.

An undated image of Tom Cruise | Source: Getty Images

Cruise made his film debut with a minor role in “Endless Love” (1981). His early performances quickly showcased his appeal. Five years later, he starred in “Top Gun” (1986), “Rain Man” (1988), and “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989).

Tom Cruise on the set of “Born On The Fourth Of July,” 1989 | Source: Getty Images

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

Tom Cruise on the set of “Jerry Maguire,” 1996 | Source: Getty Images

The “Mission: Impossible” franchise is Cruise’s biggest project and he also produces the series. Despite his contributions, Cruise has never won an Oscar even after being nominated three times. At 61, he was overlooked yet again at the 2024 Oscars.

Tom Cruise attends the 95th Annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 13, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver has created numerous memorable characters and captivated audiences with her versatility on stage and screen. Her first professional acting role was in “The Constant Wife.”

Sigourney Weaver pictured on January 1, 1980, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

She later made her onscreen debut in “Annie Hall” (1977), followed by her iconic role in “Alien” (1979). Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Weaver starred in successful films like “Ghostbusters” (1984) and “Working Girl” (1988).

Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver on the set of “Working Girl,” 1988 | Source: Getty Images

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

Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver at the Paris Photocall for the movie “Avatar” on December 7, 2009. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Sigourney Weaver attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Liam Neeson

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

Liam Neeson on the set of “Excalibur,” 1981 | Source: Getty Images

Neeson’s career in the 1980s included roles in “The Bounty” (1984) and “The Mission” (1986). He gained recognition in Hollywood and starred in “Darkman” (1990).

Liam Neeson, poses for a photo portrait session for “Dark Man,” on January 1, 1990 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

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,” that same year, 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.

Liam Neeson at the “Movie Action for Children” auction at Sotheby’s on March 6, 2001 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Neeson found success as an action star with “Taken” (2008) and continued with roles in “Clash of the Titans” (2010) and “The A-Team” (2010). Despite his achievements, Neeson has only been nominated for an Oscar once.

The much-beloved action star was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Oskar Schindler.

Liam Neeson at the 81st annual Academy Awards on February 22, 2009 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Michelle Pfeiffer

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.

Michelle Pfeiffer photographed on December 1, 1968 | Source: Getty Images

After winning the Miss Orange County beauty pageant, she appeared in commercials and TV roles. Pfeiffer landed her first film role at 22 in “Grease 2.”

Michelle Pfeiffer on the set of “Grease 2,” 1981 | Source: Getty Images

Pfeiffer has been nominated for three Academy Awards but has never won. Her nominations include two for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Michelle Pfeiffer at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards on March 7, 2010 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett’s powerful presence has graced theaters, television screens, and stages worldwide. She gained recognition in 1990 with small roles on “The Cosby Show” and “Spenser: For Hire.”

Angela Bassett during 25th Annual NAACP Image Awards on January 16, 1993 in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

Bassett’s breakthrough role came in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993), earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

Angela Bassett pictured on September 11, 1993 in Deauville, Normandy. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Angela Bassett at the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ 14th Annual Governors Awards on January 9, 2024 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel L. Jackson

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

Samuel L. Jackson during 57th Annual NY Film Critics Awards on January 12, 1992 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Jackson gained prominence in the 1990s with roles in “Jurassic Park” (1993) and “Pulp Fiction” (1994). He portrayed Nick Fury in several Marvel films and voiced characters in “The Incredibles” (2004) and “Afro Samurai” (2007).

Craig T. Nelson and Samuel L. Jackson arrive at the premiere of “The Incredibles,” 2004 | Source: Getty Images

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

Samuel L. Jackson at the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Johnny Depp

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

In 1987, he gained fame on “21 Jump Street” and became known for his unique roles. Depp later received acclaim for roles in “Ed Wood” (1994) and “Donnie Brasco” (1997).

Johnny Depp on the set of “Donnie Brasco,” 1996 | Source: Getty Images

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.

Johnny Depp at the 80th Annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2008 in Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Johnny Depp attends the UK premiere of “Jeanne Du Barry,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Willem Dafoe

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.

Willem DaFoe during 59th Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon on October 21, 2010, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

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.

Willem Dafoe attends the Miu Miu Women’s Tales 9th Edition “De Djess” screening on February 18, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

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

Willem Dafoe at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 14th Annual Governors Awards on January 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

Bill Murray

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).

Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramiss on the set of “Ghostbusters,” 1984 | Source: Getty Images

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

Bill Murray at the 61st Annual Golden Globe Awards on November 24, 2000, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Murray also received Golden Globe nominations for “Ghostbusters,” “Rushmore” and “St. Vincent.” He then won a second Primetime Emmy Award for “Olive Kitteridge.” Despite numerous nominations, Murray has yet to win an Oscar.

Bill Murray at the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

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