Oscar Snubs That Shocked Hollywood: Who Deserved the Win But Never Got It?

The Academy Awards are known for their glamorous celebrations of cinema, but they’ve also been the source of some of Hollywood’s most shocking snubs.

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Every year, the Oscars recognize talent and achievement, but sometimes, deserving performances or films are overlooked. Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable Oscar snubs—those who truly deserved the win but never got it.

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One of the most heartbreaking snubs in Oscar history is Glenn Close’s near-miss in 2019. Despite being nominated eight times for her powerful performances, she has never won an Academy Award.

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Her portrayal of a long-suffering wife in The Wife (2018) was widely praised, and many believed it was her time.

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Yet, the Oscar went to Olivia Colman for The Favourite. Close’s continued omission from the winners’ circle has made her a symbol of talent that the Academy has repeatedly overlooked.

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Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar journey is one of both disappointment and eventual triumph. After being nominated several times, including for iconic roles in Titanic (1997), The Aviator (2004), and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), DiCaprio finally won in 2016 for The Revenant.

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However, his wait was long and painful, leaving fans and critics questioning why it took so long for the Academy to recognize his immense talent. His journey represents the ultimate snub turned triumph—proving that the Oscars don’t always get it right the first time.

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Martin Scorsese is one of the greatest directors in film history, yet he went unrecognized by the Academy for years. Despite creating masterpieces like Taxi Driver (1976), Goodfellas (1990), and Casino (1995), Scorsese never won Best Director until 2007 for The Departed.

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