1. Will Smith
Will Smith is one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars and a household name, but despite his career longevity and versatile performances, he’s never won an Oscar for Best Actor. While he was nominated for his standout role in Ali (2001), where he portrayed the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, the award went to Denzel Washington for Training Day (2001). Smith’s portrayal was full of charisma and depth, bringing the iconic fighter’s personality and struggles to life in a way that many thought was deserving of a win. His portrayal of the real-life character Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) was another critical performance that was snubbed by the Academy, despite his heartfelt, emotional performance says the Ringer.
Smith’s range is impressive, from dramatic roles like The Pursuit of Happyness to his work in King Richard (2021), where he finally won the Oscar for Best Actor after many years of being passed over. His snubs, particularly in the early years of his career, were frustrating for fans who felt he had proven his acting chops in such varied roles. It’s surprising that after decades of work in film, the Academy didn’t honor him sooner for the immense depth he brought to his characters.
2. Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy has brought countless memorable characters to life in his career, yet despite his brilliance, he has only won a single Oscar, and that was for Best Supporting Actor in Dreamgirls (2006). This win was long overdue, but it was his performance as the glitzy, ambitious Jimmy “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls that earned him critical acclaim, not his comedic prowess that has solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s greats. Murphy’s career is defined by a wide range of characters—from the fun-loving yet tough Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop (1984) to the lovable and hilarious Donkey in Shrek (2001). Despite this versatility, he has never been recognized with the Best Actor Oscar he so clearly deserves for performances like The Nutty Professor (1996) or Coming to America (1988) says Medium.
Murphy’s ability to switch between high-energy comedy and deeper, more dramatic roles has long been a hallmark of his career. His nuanced and compelling work in The Distinguished Gentleman (1992) and Trading Places (1983) should have earned him the respect of the Academy. It’s perplexing that someone with his wide-ranging talents has been so overlooked, especially when you consider the lasting impact of his performances on film and popular culture.
3. Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson is another incredibly talented actor who has yet to win an Oscar despite delivering multiple powerhouse performances over the years. Her portrayal of the sharp, tenacious mathematician Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures (2016) was nothing short of extraordinary. Henson embodied Johnson’s quiet strength and intelligence, giving a nuanced performance that helped bring the story of these unsung heroes to the big screen. While Henson was nominated for her role in Hidden Figures, the Oscar went to Emma Stone for La La Land (2016), a decision many felt was a missed opportunity to honor a groundbreaking performance adds ALA.
Henson’s career has spanned many genres, from action to drama, and her ability to make each character distinct and memorable sets her apart. Her portrayal of the determined yet vulnerable Cookie Lyon in the TV series Empire has earned her numerous accolades, but the Oscar remains elusive. With her impressive range and undeniable presence, Henson has more than earned the recognition she has yet to receive from the Academy.
4. John Boyega
John Boyega’s breakout role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) catapulted him to international fame, but despite his captivating performance as Finn, he has yet to win an Oscar. His role in Attack the Block (2011) showed his ability to handle both comedy and drama, demonstrating his impressive versatility early in his career. Boyega’s more recent work in They Cloned Tyrone (2023) and Breaking (2022) has proven that he is far more than a blockbuster star. His portrayal of a distressed war veteran in Breaking was haunting, and many critics believed it was deserving of award recognition, but the Academy failed to acknowledge his exceptional talent explains Screen Rant.
Boyega is a rare talent who brings authenticity and raw emotion to every role he plays, yet he has been overlooked by the Academy for far too long. The fact that his range, from action-packed roles to intense, dramatic performances, hasn’t earned him an Oscar nomination is a frustrating testament to the challenges faced by Black actors in Hollywood. Boyega’s future in film is bright, and it’s clear that he is a talent who will continue to prove his worth, even if the Academy has been slow to recognize it.