The 150+ Greatest Actresses Who Have Never Won An Oscar (For Acting)

Glenn Close, a powerhouse of stage and screen, has been nominated for an impressive eight Oscars, yet never managed to snag one. From her chilling portrayal of Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction to her more recent turn as Joan Castleman in The Wife, Close has consistently delivered captivating performances that merit award recognition. Although having lost to Jodie Foster and Olivia Colman, respectively, among others, we remain hopeful that this distinguished actress will eventually secure the elusive Academy Award she richly deserves.

Embracing an eclectic mix of characters, the uniquely talented Helena Bonham Carter has garnered two Oscar nominations for her remarkable work in The Wings of the Dove (1997) and The King's Speech (2010). Despite losing to Helen Hunt and Melissa Leo, Carter's transformative renditions continue to hold our attention, with memorable roles in both Tim Burton's Gothic masterpieces and, more recently, as Princess Margaret in Netflix's The Crown. A truly versatile performer, Bonham Carter is undoubtedly deserving of a future Oscar win.

Though she sadly never won an Oscar for acting, the legendary Judy Garland possesses an enduring legacy, with her timeless performance as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (1939) forever etched in our collective memory. Her two Academy Award nominations for lead actress in A Star Is Born (1954) and supporting actress in Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) attest to her extraordinary talent; however, Garland ultimately lost to Grace Kelly and Rita Moreno. It's impossible not to wonder whether a posthumous honorary Oscar might one day be granted as a tribute to this incomparable artist.

Earning a staggering six Oscar nominations, the versatile and striking Amy Adams has wowed audiences and critics alike with her performances in films such as Junebug, Doubt, and American Hustle. Unfortunately, she has yet to win, losing out to the likes of Cate Blanchett and Patricia Arquette; however, her remarkable range continues to leave us in awe, and an Oscar win seems all but inevitable. As we eagerly await her next captivating role, we remain convinced that Adams' day will come.

The sci-fi queen herself, Sigourney Weaver has garnered three Oscar nominations throughout her illustrious career, most notably for her iconic role as Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise. Losing out to Jodie Foster and Geena Davis in her respective categories, Weaver's on-screen presence remains undeniably powerful, riveting audiences across genres from science fiction to drama. We continue to hold out hope that Weaver will finally claim an Oscar, cementing her place as one of Hollywood's finest actresses.

Exuding elegance and magnetism in equal measure, Michelle Pfeiffer has taken audiences' breath away, earning three Oscar nominations for her roles in Dangerous Liaisons, The Fabulous Baker Boys, and Love Field. Unfortunately, she fell short against opponents like Jodie Foster and Emma Thompson. Though she has yet to win, Pfeiffer's unwavering talent and distinctive allure will no doubt keep her firmly in our hearts and minds as a legendary actress deserving of the ultimate accolade.