LGBTQ+ Actors Who Should Have Won Awards But Never Did

The entertainment industry has long benefitted from the incredible talents of LGBTQ+ performers who brought unforgettable characters to life on stage and screen. Many of these actors delivered performances that defined generations and reshaped the art of acting itself. Despite their immense contributions and critical acclaim, a surprising number of these legends never took home the industry’s most prestigious competitive trophies. This list highlights the male actors who delivered award-worthy work yet were overlooked by major voting bodies during their careers.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is widely regarded as one of the greatest stage and screen actors in British history. He received Academy Award nominations for ‘Gods and Monsters’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ but never won the statue. His portrayal of Gandalf became a global phenomenon that anchored a massive fantasy franchise with gravitas and warmth. Many critics argued his work in ‘Richard III’ was a masterclass in adapting Shakespeare for modern cinema audiences. McKellen remains a celebrated figure who elevated every project he joined without receiving the Oscar he deserved.

Montgomery Clift

Montgomery Clift was a method acting pioneer who transformed the acting style of 1950s Hollywood alongside Marlon Brando and James Dean. He received four Academy Award nominations during his turbulent career but never secured a win. His vulnerable performances in ‘A Place in the Sun’ and ‘From Here to Eternity’ displayed a raw emotional depth that was rare for leading men of that era. Clift often played complex characters that mirrored his own private struggles with identity and trauma. Film historians continue to cite him as one of the most influential actors to never win an Oscar.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was the quintessential Hollywood heartthrob who dominated the box office in the 1950s and 1960s. He received a Best Actor nomination for his sweeping performance in ‘Giant’ but did not take home the award. Hudson successfully transitioned from dramatic roles to romantic comedies where he displayed impeccable timing and charm. His career was a testament to his versatility and ability to command the screen across different genres. The industry failed to honor his talent with a competitive Oscar before his passing.

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins delivered one of the most chilling and iconic performances in film history as Norman Bates in ‘Psycho’. The Academy completely snubbed him for this role despite it becoming a touchstone for the horror genre. Perkins brought a terrifyingly human quality to a character that could have easily been a caricature. His career spanned decades with notable work on stage and screen that showcased his wide dramatic range. The lack of a major award for his defining role remains one of the biggest oversights in Hollywood history.

James Dean

James Dean became a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment and social estrangement with only three major film roles. He received two posthumous Academy Award nominations for ‘East of Eden’ and ‘Giant’ but did not win either. His raw and improvisational style in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ changed the perception of what a young leading man could do on camera. Dean captured a specific energy of the 1950s that resonated with audiences worldwide. His tragic death cut short a career that was undeniably on the path to earning acting’s highest honors.

Sal Mineo

Sal Mineo made history as one of the first actors to portray a sympathetic gay teenager in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. He received two Academy Award nominations by the age of 22 but never secured a win. Mineo struggled against typecasting in his later years despite possessing immense natural talent and screen presence. His performance in ‘Exodus’ earned him a second Oscar nod and proved his ability to handle heavy dramatic material. Mineo paved the way for future generations of young actors before his untimely death.

River Phoenix

River Phoenix was considered the most promising actor of his generation due to his intense emotional intelligence and vulnerability. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Running on Empty’ but did not win. His performance in ‘My Own Private Idaho’ is frequently cited by critics as a landmark moment in independent queer cinema. Phoenix brought a soulful authenticity to every character he played regardless of the genre. The industry lost a potential future winner when he passed away at a young age.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant was the definition of leading man charm and arguably the biggest movie star of the classic Hollywood era. He received two Academy Award nominations for ‘Penny Serenade’ and ‘None but the Lonely Heart’ yet never won a competitive Oscar. Grant mastered the trans-Atlantic accent and possessed a unique ability to switch between screwball comedy and Hitchcockian thriller. His work in films like ‘North by Northwest’ and ‘The Philadelphia Story’ remains timeless and studied by actors today. The Academy eventually gave him an Honorary Award to rectify the lack of a competitive win.

Dirk Bogarde

Dirk Bogarde was a courageous British actor who risked his matinee idol image to take on complex and controversial roles. He starred in ‘Victim’ which was the first British film to use the word homosexual and explicitly address the blackmailing of gay men. His collaboration with Joseph Losey in ‘The Servant’ resulted in a performance of sinister brilliance that won BAFTAs but no Oscars. Bogarde prioritized artistic integrity over commercial safety throughout his later career. He remains one of the most respected actors to never receive significant recognition from the American Academy.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett broke ground as an openly gay actor who found mainstream success in romantic comedies and dramas. His scene-stealing performance in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ earned him critical praise but failed to garner an Oscar nomination. Everett brought a sharp wit and sophisticated presence to period pieces like ‘An Ideal Husband’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. He later delivered a poignant portrayal of Oscar Wilde in ‘The Happy Prince’ which he also wrote and directed. The industry often overlooked his dramatic range in favor of his comedic persona.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter was a top box office draw in the 1950s who cultivated a clean-cut image while living a closeted life. He proved his acting chops in films like ‘Damn Yankees’ and ‘Battle Cry’ despite being dismissed by some as merely a pretty face. Hunter later reinvented himself by working with cult director John Waters in films that satirized his own hearthrob persona. His career evolution demonstrated a resilience and willingness to take risks that award bodies rarely acknowledged. Hunter remains a symbol of the complex relationship between Hollywood stardom and private identity.

Clifton Webb

Clifton Webb was a distinguished character actor known for his sharp tongue and sophisticated demeanor in classic cinema. He received three Academy Award nominations for ‘Laura’ and ‘The Razor’s Edge’ and ‘Sitting Pretty’ but went home empty-handed each time. Webb stole every scene he was in with a unique delivery that was both acerbic and charming. His portrayal of the villain in ‘Laura’ is considered one of the seminal performances in the film noir genre. Despite his consistent excellence and popularity, the Academy never awarded him the top prize.

Nigel Hawthorne

Nigel Hawthorne was a celebrated stage actor who gained international fame late in life. His title role in ‘The Madness of King George’ earned him an Academy Award nomination but he lost to Tom Hanks. Hawthorne brought a heartbreaking humanity to the monarch’s mental decline that anchored the entire film. He was widely known for his comedic genius in the sitcom ‘Yes Minister’ before showcasing his dramatic power. His film career was shorter than many contemporaries but marked by undeniable brilliance that deserved hardware.

Tom Hulce

Tom Hulce delivered an electrifying performance as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in ‘Amadeus’. He received a Best Actor nomination for the role but lost to his co-star F. Murray Abraham. Hulce infused the character with a manic energy and childish vulgarity that contrasted perfectly with the film’s tragic elements. He continued to do strong work in films like ‘Dominick and Eugene’ and provided the voice for Quasimodo in Disney’s ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. Hulce largely retired from acting to focus on producing theater without ever winning a competitive Oscar.

Jaye Davidson

Jaye Davidson made an explosive debut in ‘The Crying Game’ which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His performance was central to one of the most famous plot twists in cinema history and required immense subtlety. Davidson followed this with a memorable villainous turn as Ra in ‘Stargate’ before largely retiring from the industry. His brief filmography contains a performance that is still discussed and analyzed today for its gender dynamics. The Academy missed a unique chance to reward a truly singular acting debut.

Brad Davis

Brad Davis is best remembered for his intense and harrowing lead performance in ‘Midnight Express’. He won a Golden Globe for the role but was not nominated for an Academy Award despite the film’s success. Davis brought a raw physicality to the character of Billy Hayes that anchored the brutal prison drama. He continued to work in daring films like ‘Querelle’ which further explored themes of sexuality and power. His potential was cut short by illness but his impact on 1970s cinema remains significant.

Denholm Elliott

Denholm Elliott was a prolific character actor with over 120 film and television credits. He received an Academy Award nomination for ‘A Room with a View’ where he played the kind-hearted Mr. Emerson. Elliott had a unique ability to bring warmth and eccentricity to supporting roles in blockbusters like ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’. His reliability and screen presence elevated every ensemble cast he joined. Despite winning several BAFTAs he never secured an Oscar for his extensive body of work.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a giant of the American theater who has successfully crossed over into film and television. While he has won Tony awards for his stage work he has never received an Oscar nomination for his film roles. His voice work in ‘The Lion King’ and his comedic performance in ‘The Birdcage’ are beloved by audiences worldwide. Lane consistently delivers energetic and precise performances that define the projects he appears in. The film industry has yet to honor his screen acting with its highest competitive award.

Tim Curry

Tim Curry created an enduring pop culture phenomenon with his performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furtur in ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. He brought a campy magnetism and powerful singing voice to a role that defied all conventional gender norms. Curry later showcased his range by playing the terrifying clown Pennywise in the miniseries ‘IT’. His career spans massive cult hits and serious dramatic work without major recognition from the Academy. He remains one of the most versatile and distinct performers to never win a major film acting award.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain was the undisputed king of the television miniseries during the 1980s. He starred in massive hits like ‘The Thorn Birds’ and ‘Shogun’ which drew record-breaking audiences. Chamberlain possessed a classic leading man quality that worked perfectly for epic historical romances. Despite winning Golden Globes for his television work he never crossed over into major film award recognition. His contribution to the golden age of television drama was immense and largely unparalleled.

George Takei

George Takei is a sci-fi legend known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series and films. He broke barriers for Asian American actors in television at a time when positive representation was scarce. Takei has used his platform to advocate for civil rights and share his experiences in Japanese internment camps. His career has been defined by longevity and cultural impact rather than a shelf full of acting trophies. The industry rarely afforded him the leading roles that would have garnered serious award consideration.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein is a distinctive voice in entertainment who has written and starred in groundbreaking queer works. He appeared in films like ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ where he brought his signature gravelly voice and warmth. Fierstein has been a major force on Broadway but his film work has often been in supporting comedic capacities. He challenged Hollywood’s perceptions of masculinity and gay identity through his scripts and performances. The Academy has never recognized his acting with a nomination despite his trailblazing status.

John Waters

John Waters is primarily known as a director but his acting cameos and persona are an integral part of his brand. He has appeared in various films and television shows where he brings a unique trash-culture aesthetic. Waters championed the bizarre and the grotesque in a way that forced the mainstream to pay attention to underground art. His influence on independent cinema and drag culture is immeasurable. While he received honorary recognition later in life he never won competitive acting awards.

Divine

Divine was the muse of John Waters and a counterculture icon who redefined the art of drag performance. He delivered fearless performances in films like ‘Pink Flamingos’ and ‘Hairspray’ that pushed the boundaries of taste. Divine proved he was a capable character actor who could handle dialogue and comedy with expert timing. He was on the verge of a mainstream breakthrough with a role in ‘Married… with Children’ before his sudden death. The conservative nature of award bodies meant his revolutionary work was never seriously considered for trophies.

Farley Granger

Farley Granger starred in two of Alfred Hitchcock’s most famous thrillers ‘Rope’ and ‘Strangers on a Train’. He played sophisticated and often morally ambiguous characters that fit the noir atmosphere perfectly. Granger had a boyish charm that contrasted effectively with the darker themes of the films he inhabited. He worked steadily in film and television for decades while maintaining a private life away from the tabloids. Despite his central role in cinema classics he never received an Academy Award nomination.

Ramon Novarro

Ramon Novarro was one of the biggest silent film stars and a leading “Latin Lover” of the 1920s. He starred in the original epic ‘Ben-Hur’ which was the most expensive film of the silent era. Novarro struggled to transition his typecast image as sound films took over and he aged out of heartthrob roles. His contribution to early Hollywood spectacle was massive and helped build the studio system. The Academy Awards were established after his peak and he never secured a competitive win.

Paul Lynde

Paul Lynde was a comedic genius known for his snarky one-liners and distinct delivery on ‘Hollywood Squares’ and ‘Bewitched’. He was the master of the double entendre and brought a camp sensibility to mainstream living rooms across America. Lynde often played the “uncled” character who was implicitly understood to be gay by the audience. His comedic timing was impeccable and influenced generations of comedians who followed. Television academies nominated him for Emmys but he tragically never took one home.

Raymond Burr

Raymond Burr became a television icon playing the title character in the long-running legal drama ‘Perry Mason’. He won two Emmy awards for that specific role but arguably deserved more for his lifetime of work. Burr later found success again as the wheelchair-bound detective in ‘Ironside’. He lived a discreet life with his partner while maintaining a tough-guy persona on screen. While he did win Emmys early on he never received the film industry acclaim that his talent warranted.

Robert Reed

Robert Reed is immortalized as the father Mike Brady in ‘The Brady Bunch’ despite his background in serious Shakespearean theater. He often clashed with producers because he wanted the show to be more realistic and less farcical. Reed brought a grounding authority to the sitcom that helped it become a syndication juggernaut. He struggled privately with his identity while projecting the image of the perfect American dad. The industry pigeonholed him into the sitcom dad role and rarely gave him the chance to compete for dramatic awards.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a British national treasure known for his intellect and comedic partnership with Hugh Laurie. He delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Oscar Wilde in the biopic ‘Wilde’. Fry brings a deep intelligence and wit to every character he plays ranging from ‘Gosford Park’ to ‘V for Vendetta’. His contributions to literature and advocacy often overshadow his pure acting skill in the eyes of voters. Despite his immense fame and talent he has never won an Academy Award.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a dynamic performer who can shift seamlessly between disturbing drama and high camp. He delivered a memorable turn in ‘GoldenEye’ and gained fame for his role as Nightcrawler in ‘X2’. Cumming is also a celebrated stage actor who brought the Emcee to life in ‘Cabaret’. His film work is eclectic and often supports the ensemble rather than seeking the spotlight. He has received awards recognition for stage and TV but remains without an Oscar.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is one of the most acclaimed British actors working today known for his voice work as Paddington Bear. He played Q in the recent James Bond films bringing a youthful tech-savvy energy to the franchise. Whishaw has won BAFTAs and Globes for his television work in ‘A Very English Scandal’. His film performances in ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’ and ‘Bright Star’ showcased incredible range. Despite consistent critical praise he has yet to receive an Academy Award nomination.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott gained global fame as the “Hot Priest” in ‘Fleabag’ and as the villain Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’. He recently delivered a devastating performance in ‘All of Us Strangers’ that many critics felt was snubbed by the Oscars. Scott possesses an ability to convey deep internal pain and rapid-fire intellect simultaneously. His work spans theater and film with a consistent level of excellence. The lack of Academy recognition for his recent leading roles has been a point of contention for film journalists.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer has transitioned from a TV heartthrob in ‘White Collar’ to a serious dramatic actor. He delivered a harrowing performance in ‘The Normal Heart’ which earned him a Golden Globe but no Oscar attention. Bomer played a complex supporting role in ‘Maestro’ that showcased his ability to hold the screen with heavyweights. He continues to take on challenging roles that defy his early career typecasting. The Academy has yet to nominate him despite his impressive dramatic growth.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto broke out as the villain Sylar in ‘Heroes’ before taking on the iconic role of Spock in ‘Star Trek’. He brought a fresh intensity to the Vulcan character that honored Leonard Nimoy while adding new depth. Quinto produced and starred in ‘Margin Call’ where he held his own against an ensemble of legends. His theater work has been praised for its emotional availability and precision. He remains a prominent actor and producer who has not yet cracked the Academy’s winners circle.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is a versatile actor known for his commanding presence in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. He starred in the cult classic series ‘Pushing Daisies’ which showcased his romantic leading man potential. Pace has built a career playing powerful and often otherworldly figures with great conviction. His work in ‘The Fall’ is considered a visual and acting masterpiece by many cinephiles. Despite his range and participation in massive franchises he has not received major individual film awards.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff originated the role of King George III in ‘Hamilton’ and voiced Kristoff in ‘Frozen’. He showed his dramatic chops as the lead in the psychological thriller series ‘Mindhunter’. Groff has a background in musical theater that translates into a unique discipline and charisma on screen. His performance in ‘Knock at the Cabin’ was a recent highlight that displayed his vulnerability. While a favorite of theater critics he has not yet translated that acclaim into a film Oscar.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has established himself as a reliable action star and dramatic actor in films like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Dracula Untold’. He brings a theatrical gravity to blockbuster roles that elevates the material. Evans has also excelled in smaller character-driven projects that explore complex masculinity. His background in London’s West End prepared him for a wide variety of screen roles. The industry often utilizes him for spectacle rather than the intimate dramas that typically yield awards.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a staple of British television and film known for ‘Being Human’ and ‘Looking’. He delivers naturalistic performances that often explore the nuances of working-class life and gay identity. Tovey has a distinct screen presence that allows him to play both vulnerable and menacing characters. His work in ‘The Pass’ was a critical success that highlighted the pressures of homosexuality in professional sports. He remains a consistently working actor who is often underrated by major award bodies.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is a powerful character actor who has recently stepped into leading roles. He received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Rustin’ where he played the civil rights leader with electric energy. Domingo has been a standout in films like ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ and ‘Zola’. His command of the screen is undeniable and he brings a theatrical intensity to his film work. While he is finally receiving nominations he has yet to take home the Oscar.

Udo Kier

Udo Kier is a prolific German actor with over 200 credits in both art-house and exploitation cinema. He is a favorite of directors like Lars von Trier and Gus Van Sant for his piercing gaze and eccentric delivery. Kier finally received a leading role showcase in ‘Swan Song’ where he played a retired hairdresser. The performance was hailed as a career-best that deserved serious award consideration. He remains a cult legend who has operated largely outside the mainstream awards ecosystem.

Helmut Berger

Helmut Berger was the muse of director Luchino Visconti and a star of European cinema in the 1960s and 70s. He gave a defining performance in ‘The Damned’ which captured the decadence and moral rot of the era. Berger was known for his incredible beauty and volatile screen presence. His career was marked by personal excess that often overshadowed his genuine acting talent. The American Academy rarely recognized European actors of his type during his prime.

Jean Marais

Jean Marais was a legendary French actor and the long-time partner of Jean Cocteau. He starred in the surrealist masterpiece ‘Beauty and the Beast’ creating one of cinema’s most enduring images. Marais was also a popular action star in swashbuckling films where he performed his own stunts. His contribution to French culture and cinema history is monumental. As a foreign language star in the mid-20th century he was never in contention for Hollywood’s Oscars.

Michael Dunn

Michael Dunn was a pioneering actor with dwarfism who broke stereotypes with his role in ‘Ship of Fools’. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the film but did not win. Dunn played the character with a cynical intelligence that served as the film’s moral compass. He appeared in various television shows including ‘Star Trek’ where he played a memorable villain. His career was a testament to talent overcoming the physical limitations placed on him by casting directors.

Charles Nelson Reilly

Charles Nelson Reilly was a Tony-winning stage actor who became famous for his erratic persona on game shows like ‘Match Game’. He often played up a neurotic and campy image that delighted television audiences for decades. Reilly was a serious director and acting teacher who mentored many future stars. His “One Life to Live” appearances showed he could handle dramatic material with ease. The industry largely viewed him as a television personality rather than the serious actor he was trained to be.

We want to hear from you—which of these actors do you think was the most overlooked by the Academy? Share your thoughts in the comments.