Winning an Oscar is like getting into an exclusive club where the bouncers are impossibly picky. Some actors waltz in on their first try, while others knock on the door year after year, only to be told, “Not tonight.” These Hollywood legends have delivered powerhouse performances, racked up multiple nominations, and still—no golden statue to show for it. It’s almost criminal. So, who are the greatest actors who have been snubbed time and time again? Here’s the list of the most-nominated stars who have yet to make that victory speech.
The A-list of Oscar bridesmaids and groomsmen!
- Peter O'Toole – Eight nominations, zero wins. The man who brought Lawrence of Arabia to life once quipped he wanted to “win the lovely bugger outright.” Respect.
A legendary talent, but the Oscar remained just out of reachGetty Images
- Glenn Close – Eight nominations, zero wins. From bunny-boiling in Fatal Attraction to her haunting role in The Wife, she’s the queen of near-misses.
Eight nominations, yet the Oscar still plays hard to getGetty Images
- Richard Burton – Seven nominations, zero wins. The Welsh powerhouse dazzled in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? but never took home the gold.
Seven nominations, but the Oscar stayed out of reachGetty Images
- Deborah Kerr – Six nominations, zero wins. From The King and I to From Here to Eternity, she was elegance personified—just not Oscar-winning.
Grace, talent, and six nominations—but no OscarGetty Images
- Thelma Ritter – Six nominations, zero wins. The ultimate supporting actress who stole scenes in All About Eve but never the trophy.
A scene-stealer with six nominations, but no OscarGetty Images
- Amy Adams – Six nominations, zero wins. Whether conning her way through American Hustle or boxing in The Fighter, she’s always a contender.
Six nominations and counting—Hollywood’s perpetual contenderGetty Images
- Bradley Cooper – Twelve nominations, zero wins. From Silver Linings Playbook to Maestro, he’s been the Academy’s eternal runner-up.
Twelve nominations, but the Oscar still waitsGetty Images
- Irene Dunne – Five nominations, zero wins. A Golden Age icon who lit up screens in The Awful Truth but never got her Oscar moment.
Five nominations, endless charm, but no OscarGetty Images
- Albert Finney – Five nominations, zero wins. From Tom Jones to Erin Brockovich, he was a force of nature—just not an Oscar-winning one.
Five nominations, a powerhouse talent, but no OscarGetty Images
- Glenn Ford – Zero nominations. Wait, what? Yes, the star of Gilda and The Big Heat never even got a nod. Talk about a snub.
A Hollywood legend—without a single Oscar nodGetty Images
So, what’s the takeaway? That an Oscar is the ultimate prize? Sure. But these actors remind us that greatness isn’t always measured in gold. It’s in the performances that make us laugh, cry, and question everything. It’s in the legacy they’ve left behind—a legacy that doesn’t need a statuette to shine. So, here’s to the almost-winners, the forever-nominees, and the unsung heroes of Hollywood. Because sometimes, the best stories aren’t about winning—they’re about the journey. And these legends? They’ve given us one hell of a ride.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.