Unpredictability defines awards season, defying expectations at every turn. Notable mishaps, like the Moonlight/La La Land mix-up in 2017, demonstrate that surprises on Oscar night can be both glaring and subtle. Take, for instance, the paradox of an actor who seems to be immersed in a sea of Academy Awards, only to have none in their possession.
Within the realm of superhero blockbusters, the performances of Marvel and DC actors have mesmerized viewers. Despite attaining remarkable fame and critical acclaim, it is astonishing that certain immensely talented individuals are yet to secure the highest form of recognition: the esteemed Oscar. Let’s have a look at some DC and Marvel actors who haven’t won the coveted award yet.
Samuel L. Jackson
Despite possessing one of Hollywood’s most distinctive voices, Jackson’s portrayal in Pulp Fiction (1994) couldn’t secure him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Following his exclusion from the nominations for The Hateful Eight (2015), Samuel L. Jackson’s wife, LaTanya Richardson, revealed that they had accepted and “moved on” from the disappointment. Samuel L. Jackson is also known for his portrayal of Nick Fury in the MCU.
Liam Neeson
In 1994, Liam Neeson received a Best Actor nomination for his transformative performance in the Holocaust drama Schindler’s List. To the surprise of many, he did not emerge victorious, as that year witnessed Tom Hanks securing the first of his two consecutive Best Actor awards for his exceptional portrayals in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. Neeson’s loss was widely regarded as a significant upset in the industry. Neeson’s portrayal of Ra’s al Ghul in Batman Begins also received critical acclaim.
Ethan Hawke
Ethan Hawke’s filmography is renowned and spans various genres, encompassing beloved indie and arthouse gems like Reality Bites and the Before trilogy, as well as mainstream successes like Dead Poets Society and Gattaca. Surprisingly, despite his illustrious career, he has only received two Oscar nominations for his acting: Training Day in 2002 and Boyhood in 2015. Regrettably, he has yet to claim the prestigious award. The actor was recently seen in Marvel’s Moon Knight.
Ian McKellen
The iconic actor has garnered two nominations for his exceptional performances in Gods and Monsters (1998) and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), but the elusive Oscar victory has eluded him thus far. However, there is no need for sympathy, as he proudly boasts an impressive collection of accolades, including seven Olivier awards, a Tony, and a Golden Globe. Ian McKellen also known for his role as Magneto in the X-Men franchise.
Glenn Close
Throughout her illustrious career, Glenn Close has amassed an astonishing eight nominations for prestigious roles in films such as The Big Chill (1983), Fatal Attraction (1987), and Dangerous Liaisons (1988). Surprisingly, she has never had the pleasure of claiming an Oscar victory, with her most recent bid in 2021 being thwarted by Yuh-Jung Youn.
However, Close’s talent and resilience continue to shine, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. She was seen in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
Source: Vogue
