Many remarkable film performances by women remain unrecognized by the Academy Awards, even though they’ve received numerous nominations, topped box office charts, and garnered top honors at various guilds and film festivals. Regrettably, these talented actresses have not yet been able to secure the coveted Oscar statuette.
Here’s one way to rephrase it: This list highlights fifteen well-respected artists who have yet to win an Oscar for the first time. Each individual’s entry provides their nomination history when relevant, as well as significant films, industry accolades, and notable achievements that demonstrate their prominence within their profession.
This list showcases fifteen esteemed professionals who are yet to receive their first Oscar award. Each profile includes details of their previous nominations, plus key films, major awards, and career highlights that underscore their standing at the pinnacle of their craft.
Glenn Close
Glenn Close has been recognized with a total of eight Academy Award nominations, spanning both lead and supporting roles. Her Oscar-nominated performances encompass titles such as ‘The World According to Garp’, ‘The Big Chill’, ‘The Natural’, ‘Fatal Attraction’, ‘Dangerous Liaisons’, ‘Albert Nobbs’, ‘The Wife’, and ‘Hillbilly Elegy’.
Her career boasts significant recognition on both television and theater, earning her Primetime Emmy Awards and Tony Awards. Spanning numerous decades, she has spearheaded critically acclaimed projects and collaborated with esteemed directors like Stephen Frears, Adrian Lyne, and Rob Reiner.
Amy Adams
Amy Adams has earned a total of six Academy Award nominations across various categories, encompassing both leading and supporting roles. Among her recognized performances are ‘Junebug’, ‘Doubt’, ‘The Fighter’, ‘The Master’, ‘American Hustle’, and most recently, ‘Vice’.
She’s amassed numerous Golden Globe awards and graced the silver screen in a variety of roles, spanning from intricate character portrayals to big-budget productions such as ‘Arrival’. Her filmography showcases collaborations with acclaimed directors like Paul Thomas Anderson, David O. Russell, and Denis Villeneuve.
Annette Bening
I’ve always been in awe of the incredible talent that is Annette Bening, whose remarkable acting abilities have earned her an impressive five Academy Award nominations. Among these recognitions, she was nominated for her breathtaking performances in ‘The Grifters’, ‘American Beauty’, ‘Being Julia’, ‘The Kids Are All Right’, and the captivating ‘Nyad’. Each role showcases her versatility and passion for her craft, making me even more eager to see what she brings to life next.
She boasts several Golden Globe victories and an extensive career in theater, earning notable accolades. Her filmography showcases a mix of indie hits and major studio productions. Notably, she’s collaborated with esteemed directors like Mike Nichols and Sam Mendes.
Michelle Williams
As a cinephile, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride when I reflect on my acting journey. Over the years, I’ve been honored to be nominated for no less than five Oscars – both in the lead and supporting categories!
These nominations have come from some truly remarkable films that have left an indelible mark on me, as well as audiences worldwide. The list includes ‘Brokeback Mountain’, where I shared the screen with the legendary Heath Ledger; ‘Blue Valentine’, a deeply moving drama; ‘My Week with Marilyn’, in which I had the privilege of portraying the iconic Marilyn Monroe; ‘Manchester by the Sea’, a heart-wrenching tale that struck a chord with many; and most recently, ‘The Fabelmans’, Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece.
Each of these roles has been a unique challenge, but also an incredible opportunity to grow as an artist and tell stories that resonate with people. I am forever grateful for these experiences and the recognition they have brought me in the world of cinema.
She’s garnered both a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award, portraying historical personalities as well as intricate fictional characters in films and miniseries. Her repertoire encompasses cooperative efforts with directors like Kelly Reichardt and Todd Haynes, along with high-profile studio ventures.
Saoirse Ronan
18-year-old Saoirse Ronan garnered four Oscar nominations unusually early in her career, with the following roles being recognized: ‘Atonement’, ‘Brooklyn’, ‘Lady Bird’, and ‘Little Women’.
She boasts a Golden Globe award win and recurring acclaim from critically-acclaimed organizations on both the eastern and western shores of the Atlantic. Her acting repertoire encompasses historical dramas as well as modern narratives, and she often collaborates with filmmakers such as Greta Gerwig and Joe Wright.
Carey Mulligan
Carey Mulligan has been nominated for three Oscars, each time for her lead roles. These notable performances include ‘An Education’, ‘Promising Young Woman’, and ‘Maestro’.
In my own words, I’m fortunate to boast a BAFTA victory and accolades from both film festivals and esteemed critic circles. My career spans the realms of indie cinema and high-profile productions, and I’ve graced some of the most prestigious stages in London and New York.
Scarlett Johansson
In the same year, Scarlett Johansson was nominated for two Academy Awards, one for a leading role in ‘Marriage Story’ and another for a supporting role in ‘Jojo Rabbit’.
This individual boasts a BAFTA victory and a Tony Award, and their filmography spans blockbuster hits that dominated worldwide box offices as well as introspective dramas directed by visionary filmmakers. Their acting prowess is showcased in films like ‘Lost in Translation’ and the Marvel series, often collaborating with esteemed directors such as Noah Baumbach and Taika Waititi.
Helena Bonham Carter
Helena Bonham Carter has been nominated for two Academy Awards, one for ‘The Wings of the Dove’ and another for ‘The King’s Speech’.
She bagged a BAFTA for ‘The King’s Speech’ and gained significant acclaim in television awards for her work in both historical and modern roles. Throughout her career, she’s worked alongside Tim Burton and has been part of popular film series like ‘Harry Potter’.
Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts received two nominations for best leading actress at the Oscars, for her performances in the movies ’21 Grams’ and ‘The Impossible’.
Among her achievements, she’s been recognized with festival awards and was part of the Best Ensemble at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for ‘Birdman’. She seamlessly transitions between indie dramas and larger productions, having collaborated with directors such as Alejandro González Iñárritu and J.A. Bayona.
Laura Linney
As a devout movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to boast that Laura Linney, the esteemed actress, has graced the Academy Awards with her presence a grand total of three times-once in the lead category, and twice in the supporting category. Her lauded performances can be found in the captivating films ‘You Can Count on Me’, ‘Kinsey’, and the poignant ‘The Savages’.
In the world of performing arts, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing a truly extraordinary talent who has graced both the Broadway stage and our television screens. This multiple Primetime Emmy winner is not just a household name, but a beacon of excellence in the industry. Her screen work, spanning from critically acclaimed limited series to feature films, is nothing short of breathtaking.
Collaborating with filmmakers like Kenneth Lonergan and Tamara Jenkins, she has proven time and again that her artistry knows no bounds. Each performance she delivers leaves an indelible mark on audiences, making her a frequent presence that we all eagerly anticipate.
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver boasts three Oscar nods spanning genres like science fiction, biographical dramas, and corporate satire. These nods came from her performances in ‘Aliens’, ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, and ‘Working Girl’.
In the same year, she managed to secure multiple Golden Globe awards, not just for ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ but also for ‘Working Girl’. Her filmography spans across various productions, including the ‘Alien’ series, ‘Avatar’, as well as a variety of independent and major studio films.
Toni Collette
Toni Collette has been nominated once for an Academy Award, specifically in the category of Best Supporting Actress. This nomination came from her performance in ‘The Sixth Sense’.
She’s garnered both a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe award for her work on television, and she’s gained considerable acclaim through films like ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ and ‘Hereditary’. Her career encompasses a diverse range of projects, including Australian productions and international movies.
Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek has one Oscar nomination for a leading performance. The nomination was for ‘Frida’.
She works across various roles such as acting and producing for productions in both English and Spanish, contributing to significant movie series and indie films alike. Additionally, she’s been awarded accolades by esteemed institutions celebrating accomplishments in international filmmaking.
Keira Knightley
Keira Knightley has earned two Academy Award nominations, both in the lead and supporting actress categories. These nominations came from her performances in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘The Imitation Game’.
As a passionate movie buff, I’d be thrilled to highlight one remarkable artist whose work never fails to captivate me. Her repertoire spans from timeless period pieces, laughter-filled contemporary comedies, to pulse-pounding action adventures. She has earned accolades from prestigious organizations like BAFTA and guild awards. Remarkably, she’s collaborated with visionary directors such as Joe Wright, James Righton on musical projects, and the brilliant Morten Tyldum, making every project she touches a must-watch masterpiece.
Rooney Mara
Rooney Mara has earned a total of two Oscar nods, both in the lead and supporting acting categories. These nominations came from her performances in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ and ‘Carol’.
As a cinephile, I can proudly say that I’ve been honored to share the Best Actress award at Cannes for the film ‘Carol’. I’ve also had the privilege of working on both independent productions that have made waves, as well as major studio releases. Among my notable collaborations are projects with directors like David Fincher, Todd Haynes, and Steven Soderbergh.
Share the names you would add to this list in the comments so we can keep the conversation going.
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2025-08-26 14:16