10 Performances That Should’ve Been Oscar Nominated

The Oscars celebrate incredible acting, but every year, some jaw-dropping performances slip through the cracks. Whether due to tough competition, genre bias, or lack of studio push, these roles often shine brighter in hindsight than some of the actual nominees.

I’ve picked ten performances that were unfairly ignored by the Academy. These actors delivered unforgettable work, from raw emotion to subtle brilliance, and their snubs still sting for fans and critics alike.

10. Jamie Foxx in ‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of Django, a freed slave turned bounty hunter, in ‘Django Unchained’ was a bold mix of grit and heart. His journey from oppression to vengeance carried the film’s emotional weight, making him a perfect counterpoint to Christoph Waltz’s Oscar-winning role.

Despite the film’s success and Waltz’s nod, Foxx was overlooked. Many argue his commanding performance, especially in intense scenes like the plantation confrontation, deserved recognition for its depth and charisma.

9. Lupita Nyong’o in ‘Us’ (2019)

Lupita Nyong’o’s dual role in ‘Us’ as both a loving mother and her terrifying doppelgänger was a masterclass in versatility. Her physicality and chilling vocal work made each character distinct, elevating Jordan Peele’s horror to new heights.

Horror often gets ignored by the Academy, and Nyong’o’s snub feels criminal. Fans on platforms like Reddit have called her performance one of the decade’s best, with her haunting presence lingering long after the credits.

8. Mark Wahlberg in ‘Boogie Nights’ (1997)

Mark Wahlberg’s breakout as Dirk Diggler in ‘Boogie Nights’ transformed him from a rapper to a serious actor. He captured the naive ambition and tragic downfall of a porn star with raw honesty, balancing charm with vulnerability.

The Academy’s hesitance to honor a film about the adult industry likely cost Wahlberg a nod. His fiery performance, especially in scenes of drug-fueled paranoia, remains a career-defining turn that deserved more love.

7. Bill Murray in ‘Rushmore’ (1998)

Bill Murray’s role as Herman Blume in ‘Rushmore’ marked a shift from his comedic roots to nuanced drama. Playing a lonely businessman, he blended sly humor with quiet pain, creating a character both funny and heartbreaking.

The Academy’s bias against comedies likely led to this snub, with Roberto Benigni’s win for ‘Life Is Beautiful’ overshadowing subtler work. Murray’s understated brilliance in Wes Anderson’s gem still feels like a missed opportunity.

6. Toni Collette in ‘Hereditary’ (2018)

Toni Collette’s gut-wrenching performance as a grieving mother in ‘Hereditary’ is a horror standout. Her raw depiction of unraveling despair, especially in the dinner table scene, pushed emotional and physical boundaries.

The Academy’s reluctance to embrace horror left Collette out, despite critical acclaim. Fans, including Reddit users, have called her snub a travesty, arguing her fearless intensity rivaled any nominated performance that year.

5. Jake Gyllenhaal in ‘Nightcrawler’ (2014)

Jake Gyllenhaal’s chilling turn as Lou Bloom in ‘Nightcrawler’ showcased a creepy, driven loner chasing fame through crime journalism. His gaunt appearance and unsettling charisma made the character unforgettable.

Despite critical praise, the 2015 Best Actor race was crowded, and Gyllenhaal missed out. His ability to make a morally complex figure both repulsive and magnetic deserved a spot among the nominees.

4. Edward Norton in ‘American History X’ (1998)

Edward Norton’s searing performance as a neo-Nazi seeking redemption in ‘American History X’ was both brutal and transformative. His raw intensity in scenes like the curb stomp and his emotional evolution carried the film.

The Academy’s choice of Roberto Benigni over Norton feels baffling in retrospect. Norton’s fearless portrayal of a man confronting his own hatred remains one of the era’s most powerful performances.

3. Amy Adams in ‘Arrival’ (2016)

Amy Adams brought quiet strength to ‘Arrival’ as a linguist decoding alien language. Her subtle, emotional performance grounded the sci-fi drama, conveying grief and hope without overacting.

Despite the film’s eight nominations, Adams was snubbed, possibly due to Meryl Streep’s nomination for ‘Florence Foster Jenkins’. Her understated brilliance deserved recognition for carrying the film’s heart.

2. Jeff Bridges in ‘The Big Lebowski’ (1998)

Jeff Bridges’ iconic role as The Dude in ‘The Big Lebowski’ is a comedic masterpiece. His laid-back charm and quirky delivery made the slacker hero a cultural icon, quotable to this day.

The Academy’s comedy bias and a competitive year left Bridges out, despite his transformative performance. Fans still argue his snub, especially against flashier winners like Roberto Benigni, was a major oversight.

1. Scarlett Johansson in ‘Her’ (2013)

Scarlett Johansson’s voice-only role as Samantha in ‘Her’ was a stunning feat. As an AI with evolving emotions, she brought warmth, curiosity, and heartbreak to a character without a physical presence.

Voice acting rarely gets Oscar love, and Johansson’s snub stings given her ability to captivate through sound alone. Her performance made the unconventional romance feel real, deserving a historic nod.

Which snubbed performance do you think was the biggest Oscar miss, or is there another role I overlooked? Share your picks in the comments!