10 Unforgettable Performances That Deserved an Oscar, But Didn't Get One

1. "Do the Right Thing" (1989) – Danny Aiello

In the raw, pulsating heart of Brooklyn, as depicted in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing," Danny Aiello gave a stellar performance as Sal, the pizzeria owner. Despite the tensions escalating around him, Sal is a man attempting to hold onto a semblance of harmony in his neighborhood. Aiello's ability to blend the flawed, yet sympathetic aspects of his character was commendable. Critics agreed – Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 92%. Yet, despite the audience adoring Aiello's powerhouse performance, the Academy decided to do the wrong thing and overlooked him.

2. "Blue Velvet" (1986) – Dennis Hopper

David Lynch's "Blue Velvet" is as unnerving as accidentally sending a text about your boss... to your boss. A significant reason for this is Dennis Hopper's performance as the deranged Frank Booth. Hopper, with his unhinged and intimidating demeanor, provided one of the most memorable villains in cinema history. Rotten Tomatoes awarded the film an impressive score of 95%, with critics praising Hopper's frightening performance. However, the Oscar statue was not ready to grace Hopper's mantle that year, leaving fans and critics bewildered.

3. "The Remains of the Day" (1993) – Anthony Hopkins

Hopkins' role as the fastidious butler, Mr. Stevens, in "The Remains of the Day," is akin to a well-made cocktail – subtle, nuanced, yet impactful. The film, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 96%, allowed Hopkins to depict the internal struggle of a man enslaved by duty, shunning his emotional needs. However, as the Oscar nominations rolled in, Hopkins was left on the sidelines. Despite the missed award, the film remains an exemplar of Hopkins' ability to convey profound emotion beneath a stoic exterior.

4. "Mulholland Drive" (2001) – Naomi Watts

In David Lynch's hypnotic puzzle box of a film, "Mulholland Drive," Naomi Watts delivers an unforgettable performance. She played the dual roles of Betty and Diane, embodying the wide-eyed innocence and dark desperation of her characters. The film, boasting a score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, showcased Watts' ability to navigate through Lynch's surreal narrative. Although her performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, Watts was overlooked by the Academy.

5. "In the Bedroom" (2001) – Tom Wilkinson

Tom Wilkinson, in "In the Bedroom," portrayed the anguish and thirst for revenge of a grieving father with gripping intensity. The film, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%, depicted a profound exploration of grief and justice. Wilkinson's restrained performance held audiences captive. Despite being a critics' favorite and garnering considerable praise for his gut-wrenching performance, Wilkinson didn't hear his name called on Oscar night.

6. "We Need to Talk About Kevin" (2011) – Tilda Swinton

In "We Need to Talk About Kevin," Tilda Swinton gave a bone-chilling portrayal of a mother wrestling with her feelings for her sociopathic son. Swinton's performance is as haunting as a lonely howl in the woods, balancing a cocktail of guilt, despair, and resentment. The film, which boasts a 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes, is a nerve-racking ride mainly due to Swinton's brilliant performance. Critics and audiences sang praises, but the Oscar call never came.

7. "The Truman Show" (1998) – Jim Carrey

While we're used to seeing Jim Carrey's rubber face antics, his role in "The Truman Show" as an unwitting star of a reality TV show showed us a different side. Carrey perfectly balanced the line between drama and comedy, delivering an emotionally resonant performance that won audiences' hearts. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%, the film showcased Carrey's tremendous range as an actor. However, the Academy didn't agree, leaving many fans surprised and disappointed.

8. "Leaving Las Vegas" (1995) – Elisabeth Shue

Elisabeth Shue's portrayal of Sera, a compassionate sex worker, in "Leaving Las Vegas," was as electrifying as a lightning bolt. Her delicate handling of a complex character was remarkable and made for a compelling watch. The film, with an 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, received critical acclaim for its unflinching narrative and Shue's powerhouse performance. Despite the strong critical reception, Shue didn't bag the golden statuette.

9. "City of God" (2002) – Alexandre Rodrigues

In "City of God," Alexandre Rodrigues brought to life the character of Rocket, a young photographer navigating the violent favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Rodrigues' naturalistic and endearing performance helped ground the film, giving it a human touch amidst the chaotic violence. The movie, with a whopping 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, was appreciated for its gritty narrative and Rodrigues' memorable performance. However, the Academy didn't see fit to reward him with a nomination.

10. "The Florida Project" (2017) – Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe, as Bobby in "The Florida Project," offered an empathetic portrayal of a motel manager looking out for the impoverished families living in his establishment. Dafoe's down-to-earth performance was a cornerstone of the film, helping it earn a high score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. His portrayal was widely appreciated, showing a softer side of Dafoe rarely seen on screen. But alas, despite being a critics' favorite, Dafoe was snubbed by the Academy.