Have you ever wondered why some iconic actors only have one Oscar nomination? These stars have wowed us on the big screen, yet the Academy seems to have given them the cold shoulder. Let’s dive into the surprising list of legendary actors nominated for one Oscar—prepare to be astounded!
1. Taraji P. Henson – Nominated For Best Supporting Actress (The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button)
Taraji P. Henson boasts over thirty acting award nominations, yet only one Oscar nod for her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). It’s baffling that she wasn’t nominated for Hidden Figures—she was every bit as stellar as her co-star Octavia Spencer.
2. Hugh Jackman – Nominated For Best Actor (Les Misérables)
Hugh Jackman is one award away from an EGOT, but his single Oscar nomination is for Les Misérables. Given his powerhouse performances in Logan and The Greatest Showman, it’s hard to believe he’s been overlooked so often.
3. Salma Hayek – Nominated For Best Actress (Frida)
Salma Hayek’s only Oscar nomination came from her stunning portrayal in Frida (2002). Despite her iconic status and compelling performances in Traffic and Beatriz at Dinner, she’s been consistently snubbed by the Academy.
4. Matthew McConaughey – Nominated For Best Actor (Dallas Buyers Club)
Matthew McConaughey’s unforgettable win for the Dallas Buyers Club (2013) remains his sole nomination. Surprisingly, he wasn’t recognized for his roles in The Wolf of Wall Street and Mud.
5. Samuel L. Jackson – Nominated For Best Supporting Actor (Pulp Fiction)
Despite being a scene-stealer in countless films, Samuel L. Jackson has only one Oscar nomination for Pulp Fiction (1994). His performances in Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight were Oscar-worthy, but at least he received an honorary Oscar in 2021.
6. Jamie Lee Curtis – Nominated For Best Supporting Actress (Everything Everywhere All At Once)
Jamie Lee Curtis, master of horror, comedy, and drama, won her first and only Oscar for Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022). Surprisingly, she wasn’t nominated for her work in My Girl and A Fish Called Wanda.
7. Harrison Ford – Nominated For Best Actor (Witness)
Harrison Ford, a cinematic legend, received his sole Oscar nomination for Witness (1985). With iconic roles in Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and The Fugitive, it’s a mystery why the Academy hasn’t shown him more love.
8. Mark Wahlberg – Nominated For Best Supporting Actor (The Departed)
Mark Wahlberg’s transformation from “Marky Mark” to an acclaimed actor has been remarkable. His only Oscar nomination is for The Departed (2006), but his performances in Boogie Nights and The Fighter were also top-notch.
9. Halle Berry – Nominated For Best Actress (Monster’s Ball)
Halle Berry’s groundbreaking win for Monster’s Ball (2001) remains her only Oscar nomination. Surprisingly, she wasn’t recognized for her roles in Frankie & Alice and other compelling films.
10. Sharon Stone – Nominated For Best Actress (Casino)
Sharon Stone’s brilliant performance in Casino (1995) is her only Oscar nomination. Despite winning a Golden Globe for Basic Instinct and delivering a stellar performance in The Muse, she remains underappreciated by the Academy.
11. Liam Neeson – Nominated For Best Actor (Schindler’s List)
Liam Neeson’s Oscar nod for Schindler’s List (1993) remains his only one. Despite his standout performances in The Gangs of New York, Michael Collins, and Rob Roy, the Academy has overlooked him.
12. Lupita Nyong’o – Nominated For Best Actress (12 Years A Slave)
Lupita Nyong’o’s heart-wrenching performance in 12 Years A Slave (2013) won her an Oscar. However, despite her exceptional work in Us, Queen of Katwe, and the Black Panther films, she hasn’t been nominated again.
13. Sean Connery – Nominated For Best Supporting Actor (The Untouchables)
Sean Connery, despite being an icon, was nominated only once for The Untouchables (1987), which he won. His roles in The Hunt For Red October and The Name Of The Rose were equally deserving of recognition.
14. Alec Baldwin – Nominated For Best Supporting Actor (The Cooler)
Alec Baldwin’s only Oscar nomination came for The Cooler (2003). His performances in Glengarry Glen Ross and Prelude To A Kiss were certainly nomination-worthy but overlooked.
15. Diane Lane – Nominated For Best Actress (Unfaithful)
Diane Lane’s stellar turn in Unfaithful (2002) earned her one Oscar nomination. Despite her remarkable performances in A Walk on the Moon and The Perfect Storm, she remains a one-nomination wonder.
So there you have it—15 amazing actors who have given us unforgettable performances yet remain surprisingly underappreciated by the Oscars. Who knows, maybe the Academy will eventually give these stars the recognition they truly deserve!
