Many of the world's most beloved actors and directors have never won an Oscar, despite their widespread acclaim and widespread recognition of their work. Despite numerous nominations over their careers, many deserving candidates go home empty-handed. For instance, Peter O'Toole, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, was nominated for an Oscar multiple times but never won.
Even Alfred Hitchcock, one of the best directors of all time according to many, did not take home an Oscar. Though he won an Oscar, and only an Oscar, for visual effects, none of Stanley Kubrick's films received recognition for the greatness of their directors. Who else in their careers has been repeatedly ignored by the Academy?
1. Johnny Depp
Source: Getty Images
Now that he's on the verge of making a comeback, maybe Depp will get the Oscar nod he's deserved all along. For a long time, Johnny Depp was not only one of the highest-paid actors, but also one of the biggest draws at the movies. A major setback in his career occurred when his ex-wife Amber Heard made allegations of physical and sexual abuse against him; however, since he was exonerated in a successful defamation lawsuit, perhaps everything is about to change for him.
2. Natalie Wood
Source: Getty Images
Wood spent his formative years in the limelight, during which he played famous roles in countless Hollywood classics. As a child, she starred in holiday staples like Miracle on 34th Street and portrayed Maria in the film adaptation of West Side Story. Wood received numerous nominations but never went home with a trophy. Wood drowned in the waters off Catalina Island in the early 1980s, and her death has long been the subject of speculation and inquiry.
3. Rita Hayworth
Source: Getty Images
Hayworth was a pioneering Hollywood siren and a fan favorite during the Golden Age of the film business. However, Hayworth was never recognized by the Academy, despite a lengthy filmography that included such classics as Salome, Gilda, and Orson Welles' noir The Lady From Shanghai.
4. Richard Burton
Source: Getty Images
Burton exemplified traditional masculinity in its prime. He was also well-known for his on-again, off-again relationship with Elizabeth Taylor and his drinking problem. Burton's filmography ranged from modern takes on Shakespeare to timeless classics like Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, in which he starred alongside Taylor. Unfortunately, Burton never won an Academy Award despite his many noteworthy performances.
5. Peter Sellers
Source: Getty Images
Although comedies have a low chance of Oscar success, a truly great one will occasionally get nominated. If there was one vintage Hollywood comedian as legendary and as quick-witted as Peter Sellers, you'd assume he'd have no trouble taking home an Oscar or two. The Pink Panther celebrity, sadly, was never a victor.
6. Brian De Palma
Source: Getty Images
Given the wide range of De Palma's directing work, this is one of the list's more unexpected additions. His filmography includes controversial works like Scarface and commercial successes like Mission: Impossible. Despite his extensive work, De Palma was never nominated for an award for his directing. He's well into his 80s now.
7. Alfred Hitchcock
Source: Getty Images
Avid moviegoers appear taken aback when they realize Hitchcock never received an Oscar. Several of his
Movies.are still included in the AFI's list of the 100 best films. Famous actors from across the industry can be found in such classics as Vertigo, Psycho, Rear Window, North by Northwest, and The Birds (James Stewart, Cary Grant, etc.). Yet even it wasn't enough to win over the Oscar voters of his era.
However, he probably didn't need an award to know he was a fine director because his films are still well-liked even without his having won one. He received five nominations.