LGBTQ+ Actors with Critic-Winner Records but No Oscar Nom

Awards season always spotlights the same handful of names, yet plenty of LGBTQ+ actors keep stacking up wins from critics groups without hearing their names on Oscar morning. These performers have headlined acclaimed films, anchored festival favorites, or delivered scene-stealing turns that critics singled out across regional circles and year-end lists. Still, the Academy has never given them a nomination.

This roundup focuses on performers who have received notable recognition from critics organizations, film festivals, and year-end awards bodies, while never securing a personal Oscar nod. Each entry highlights projects, breakthrough roles, and the kinds of honors they have picked up so far, along with the film lanes where their next awards push could come together.

Andrew Scott

Critics rallied around his lead turn in ‘All of Us Strangers’ with wins and best-actor citations from multiple regional organizations, plus top ten placements on year-end lists. He had earlier film notices for ‘Pride’ and ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ that reinforced his credibility with festival programmers and reviewers.

He has built a résumé that travels well between independent features and prestige releases, often premiering at major fall festivals where awards chatter begins. The concentration of critics’ prizes around his recent work signals a performer likely to stay on shortlists as soon as his next high-profile film arrives.

Janelle Monáe

Monáe’s film performances in ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Hidden Figures,’ and ‘Glass Onion’ earned multiple critics awards as part of acting ensembles and for breakthrough or supporting recognition. Reviewers frequently cited the precision of their supporting turns and the way those roles elevate ensemble storytelling.

Feature work tends to land in buzzy festival slots and wide release windows that invite year-end attention. With a track record of scene-stealing supporting parts in acclaimed movies, Monáe’s path to a future nomination runs through another sharp supporting showcase in a critics favorite.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza drew strong critics notices and regional wins for ‘Black Bear’ and later sustained acclaim for ‘Emily the Criminal’ on the festival circuit and year-end ballots. Reviewers highlighted the intensity of those performances in lists that spotlighted independent standouts.

Her best film work has premiered at prestige festivals and rolled into limited releases that critics champion. With continued lead roles in sharp, midsize indies, she remains one of the most frequently cited performers by critics who track breakthrough and comeback performances.

Ezra Miller

Miller’s early film breakthroughs in ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ and ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ collected wins from several critics organizations for supporting and breakthrough categories. Those performances appeared regularly on year-end lists that track rising actors.

Feature choices have ranged from challenging indies to studio releases, but critics attention has clustered around the character-driven dramas. A return to a grounded supporting role in a festival-launched film is the clearest route to another critics run.

Ben Whishaw

Whishaw has picked up critics prizes across the years for nuanced supporting work and ensemble contributions in films like ‘The Lobster,’ ‘Paddington 2,’ and ‘Women Talking.’ Although much of his trophy case comes from television, his film performances consistently appear on critics lists and group ballots.

He often gravitates to literate scripts and auteur-driven ensembles that travel through Cannes, Venice, or Toronto. Continued placement in those lineups keeps his name circulating among critics bodies that reward understated supporting turns.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson’s feature roles in ‘Carol,’ ‘12 Years a Slave,’ and ‘Blue Jay’ drew attention from critics circles with citations for supporting and independent performance. She has frequently been included on year-end lists that celebrate ensembles and standout supporting actors.

Her filmography mixes arthouse dramas with larger prestige titles led by acclaimed directors. When she lands a meaty supporting role in a fall season release, critics groups tend to respond, keeping her in the conversation even without an Academy nod.

Matt Bomer

Bomer earned festival and critics recognition for films like ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘Papi Chulo,’ along with notices for scene-stealing supporting parts in studio fare. Reviewers often flagged his range moving from light comedy to grounded drama in independent features.

He has balanced television success with steady film work that plays well on the circuit. A high-visibility supporting role in an awards-season ensemble remains the logical next step for broader awards traction.

Zachary Quinto

Quinto’s film credits include acclaimed ensemble work in ‘Margin Call’ and character roles that landed on critics lists and breakout mentions. Regional critics singled out the precision of his supporting turns in dialogue-driven dramas.

He continues to split time between studio franchises and independent productions that court critical attention. When he returns to a compact, talky drama that premieres at a major festival, critics groups typically take notice.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson’s performances in ‘Creed,’ ‘Sorry to Bother You,’ and ‘Passing’ collected festival buzz and regional critics citations, including mentions for lead and supporting work. Critics often highlighted the control and clarity in her character choices across varied genres.

Her most decorated film roles tend to arrive via Sundance and fall festivals where word of mouth builds quickly. Another lead role in a formally bold indie could yield a stronger sweep of critics wins.

John Cameron Mitchell

Mitchell’s performance and direction in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ earned significant critics support, including wins that recognized the film’s artistry and his central turn. The movie’s enduring presence on best-of lists keeps his work in the critical conversation.

He has remained active across film and music projects that resonate with festival audiences and critics who champion boundary-pushing stories. A new feature built around a performance showcase could trigger another round of critics accolades.

Robin de Jesús

De Jesús earned critics citations and awards attention for ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ with several groups calling out his supporting work. Earlier stage acclaim translated into film roles that reviewers placed on year-end supporting shortlists.

His strongest notices come from character parts in musical and biographical dramas that run through the late-year corridor. Continued collaboration with directors who shape actor-forward ensembles can extend his critics momentum.

Rupert Everett

Everett’s supporting turn in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ drew multiple critics awards and year-end citations that marked a career peak in film recognition. Later roles continued to attract praise in period dramas and literary adaptations.

He often finds material in prestige productions where wit and timing are central, the kind of work critics groups reward in supporting categories. A fresh supporting showcase in a widely seen fall release could put him back into awards talk.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon’s feature work in ‘Bombshell,’ ‘Yesterday,’ and ‘Barbie’ led to several critics mentions for scene-stealing supporting performances, often appearing in lists that honor comedic turns. She has also collected critics prizes across television, which keeps her on voters’ radars.

Her film choices frequently place her in ensembles that benefit from strong scripts and cultural impact. A supporting role in a grounded dramedy could convert frequent critics mentions into a broader sweep of wins.

Billy Porter

Porter has been singled out by critics for film appearances and soundtrack-driven projects, building on an extensive stage and television awards record. Reviewers often note how his presence lifts ensemble pieces in music-forward storytelling.

Feature work that merges performance and narrative tends to attract festival interest and critics attention. With the right character part in an autumn premiere, he could consolidate more film-specific critics wins.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Rodriguez’s transition from acclaimed television work to features has already produced critics notices for roles in independent films and festival premieres. Reviewers have cited her screen presence and control in character-centric stories.

She gravitates toward projects with strong directorial voices, a lane that critics groups track closely each season. A lead role in a mid-budget drama with a strong rollout could generate a concentrated run of wins.

Indya Moore

Moore’s film appearances have drawn critics mentions that spotlight rising performers, especially in projects that center character intimacy and social context. Festival programmers and reviewers have followed their work since early breakthroughs.

They continue to build a résumé in independent features that appeal to regional critics circles. With more screen time in a quiet, actor-driven drama, Moore is poised for a stronger haul of critics citations.

Neil Patrick Harris

Harris earned critics attention for sharp supporting turns in films like ‘Gone Girl,’ along with earlier recognition across stage and television. Reviewers often point to his precision in roles that benefit from timing and tonal shifts.

His filmography shows a preference for directors who value ensemble craft, which aligns with the kinds of projects critics highlight at year’s end. Another supporting role in a tightly constructed thriller could draw a fresh wave of awards mentions.

Lena Waithe

Waithe’s on-camera work in independent features has received critics mentions alongside her acclaimed writing and producing. Reviewers have recognized the grounded quality she brings to character roles in socially attuned stories.

Her projects often debut at major festivals where critics gather, creating natural opportunities for recognition. Continued collaboration with directors developing intimate dramas could translate to more wins tied directly to performance.

Jonathan Groff

Groff has picked up critics notices for feature work that ranges from musical performances to psychological thrillers, with reviewers citing his versatility on screen. His broader awards profile across stage and television keeps attention on his film roles when they land.

He tends to choose projects from directors who value precise performances and tight storytelling. A supporting part in a fall festival title could yield more concentrated critics recognition.

Holland Taylor

Taylor’s film roles in literate comedies and dramas have earned critics mentions that underline her reliability in supporting parts. She has a long track record of work that reviewers single out for craft and timing.

Recent features continue to place her in ensembles that critics reward at year’s end. With a substantial supporting showcase in a prestige release, she remains well positioned for additional citations from regional groups.

Share the names you think we missed in the comments so we can keep this list growing with your favorites.