Ten Films Surprisingly Left Without Oscar Recognition

The Academy Awards are intended to honor the top cinematic achievements each year.

However, several noteworthy movies never receive a single nod, despite being well received, featuring beloved stars, or having narratives the Academy usually applauds.

Annually, this phenomenon continues; for instance, this year's successful romantic tennis drama was overlooked, despite expectations it would secure nominations for score or song.

In anticipation of the approaching 97th Oscars, let's explore some films you might be astonished to learn were completely bypassed by the Oscars.

"Zodiac" (2007)

Set against the 1970s San Francisco backdrop, "Zodiac," directed by David Fincher, recounts the pursuit of the infamous Zodiac Killer.

Despite the Academy's typical admiration for true-crime stories like "Monster" and "Goodfellas," this film was entirely ignored, although it starred acclaimed actors Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo.

Credit should have gone to Fincher, cinematographer Harris Savides, and production designer Donald Burt for their remarkable work.

"Much Ado About Nothing" (1993)

Kenneth Branagh's 1993 rendition of Shakespeare's play, where he excelled as writer, director, and actor, somehow flew under the Academy's radar.

Despite Branagh and co-actors Emma Thompson and Denzel Washington—all Oscar winners at the time—not being acknowledged, the snub remains puzzling.

"Widows" (2018)

Featuring a star-studded cast led by Viola Davis, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar the previous year, the heist film "Widows" earned critical acclaim yet no Oscar attention.

Although it received a BAFTA nomination, the film’s lack of Oscar recognition was unexpected, given its outstanding performances and inclusion in several top 10 lists.

"The Good Dinosaur" (2015)

Pixar's films usually win Oscar nods, but "The Good Dinosaur" became a rare non-sequel to be left out.

Despite not being Pixar’s most acclaimed production, its omission shocked viewers due to the company's strong track record with the Academy.

"Hustlers" (2019)

In 2019, many anticipated Jennifer Lopez would earn her inaugural Oscar nomination for her role in "Hustlers."

Lopez, portraying the determined character Ramona and also producing this hit movie, was overlooked by the Oscars, despite securing nominations from other prestigious organizations.

She expressed her dismay over the snub through her Netflix documentary.

"Eyes Wide Shut" (1999)

Stanley Kubrick’s revered final film topped IndieWire’s list of best 1990s movies but failed to earn a single Oscar nomination.

Given Kubrick's multiple past nominations without a win, and the prestigious involvement of actors like Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, this was a significant oversight.

"Shutter Island" (2010)

Directed by Martin Scorsese—whose majority of films have received Oscar recognition—"Shutter Island" didn’t land even a solitary nomination.

This exclusion is puzzling since it could have potentially contended for screenplay adaptation, best actor for Leonardo DiCaprio, or editing.

"Boy Erased" (2018)

Despite receiving several other nominations, "Boy Erased," based on Garrard Conley's emotional memoir, did not resonate with the Academy.

Its raw portrayal of conversion therapy, often appealing to Oscar voters, was surprisingly overlooked this time around.

"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" (2019)

Lauded by industry professionals and leading as one of the 2010s premier films, this French cinematic piece didn’t secure a nomination.

France instead put forward "Les Misérables," leaving this widely praised film unrepresented at the Oscars.

"Battle of the Sexes" (2017)

Though featuring performances from past nominees and winners Emma Stone and Steve Carell, the real-life inspired "Battle of the Sexes" went unnoticed by Oscar voters.

Given the Academy's tendency to reward notable physical transformations, the omission of these performances was a surprising omission.