Hollywood often misses recognizing certain performances that are truly brilliant, either due to competition, genre bias, or lack of promotion. These performances showcase the power and depth actors can bring to their roles, even without the formal recognition they deserve. For viewers, they offer a compelling reason to revisit these films and appreciate these actors’ often overlooked brilliance. Here’s a look at 20 exceptional performances that deserved more celebration, each leaving an indelible mark but often overlooked at award time.
Jake Gyllenhaal – Nightcrawler (2014)
Role: Lou Bloom, a sociopathic videographer
Why It Stands Out: Gyllenhaal’s transformation into a morally bankrupt night-crawler capturing accidents for profit was chilling. Despite critical acclaim, he didn’t receive an Oscar nomination.
Chuck Zlotnick
Amy Adams – Arrival (2016)
Role: Dr. Louise Banks, a linguist deciphering alien language
Why It Stands Out: Adams’ subtle, powerful portrayal grounded the sci-fi film emotionally, though she was snubbed by the Academy for a nomination.
Jan Thijs/Photo credit: Jan Thijs
Jim Carrey – The Truman Show (1998)
Role: Truman Burbank, a man discovering his life is a reality show
Why It Stands Out: Carrey balanced humor and pathos, proving his dramatic chops, but his performance was ignored by the Oscars despite winning a Golden Globe.
Moviestore/Shutterstock
Toni Collette – Hereditary (2018)
Role: Annie Graham, a grieving mother
Why It Stands Out: Collette’s raw portrayal of trauma and horror was a masterclass, yet horror performances are rarely acknowledged by the Academy.
A24, via Associated Press
Ethan Hawke – First Reformed (2017)
Role: Reverend Ernst Toller, a priest grappling with despair
Why It Stands Out: Hawke’s nuanced performance was acclaimed for its intensity and depth but went unrecognized at the Oscars.
vanityfair
Rebecca Hall – Christine (2016)
Role: Christine Chubbuck, a troubled news anchor
Why It Stands Out: Hall’s dedication to portraying Christine’s mental health struggles was haunting and poignant but overlooked in award circuits.
IMDb
Michael B. Jordan – Fruitvale Station (2013)
Role: Oscar Grant, a young Black man unjustly killed by police
Why It Stands Out: Jordan’s heartfelt, authentic performance was praised widely, though it wasn’t acknowledged by the Academy.
The Weinstein Company
Donald Sutherland – Ordinary People (1980)
Role: Calvin Jarrett, a father dealing with family tragedy
Why It Stands Out: Sutherland’s understated performance contributed deeply to the film’s power, but he received no Oscar nod, despite co-stars being nominated.
IMDb
Ryan Gosling – Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Role: Lars Lindstrom, a socially awkward man
Why It Stands Out: Gosling’s touching and quirky performance brought humor and compassion to a unique role but was not recognized by major awards.
Everett Collection
Zoe Kazan – Ruby Sparks (2012)
Role: Ruby Sparks, a writer’s fictional character come to life
Why It Stands Out: Kazan’s layered performance as an idealized character struggling for autonomy was both charming and heartbreaking, though unrecognized.
nytimes
Willem Dafoe – The Lighthouse (2019)
Role: Thomas Wake, an eccentric lighthouse keeper
Why It Stands Out: Dafoe’s raw, intense portrayal of a man on the edge was praised, but he was overshadowed by award voters despite critical praise.
IMDb
Hugh Grant – Paddington 2 (2017)
Role: Phoenix Buchanan, a self-absorbed actor
Why It Stands Out: Grant’s self-aware, comedically brilliant performance was unexpectedly perfect but overlooked due to the film’s family-friendly genre.
Jay Maidment ©P&Co Ltd. / SC 2017
Angela Bassett – What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993)
Role: Tina Turner, music icon
Why It Stands Out: Bassett’s powerhouse portrayal captured Turner’s life with authenticity, yet she didn’t win the Oscar, despite a nomination.
©Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
Naomi Watts – Mulholland Drive (2001)
Role: Betty Elms/Diane Selwyn, an aspiring actress
Why It Stands Out: Watts gave a career-defining, complex performance that still resonates with audiences, though it went unrecognized by the Academy.
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
John Goodman – The Big Lebowski (1998)
Role: Walter Sobchak, a volatile Vietnam vet
Why It Stands Out: Goodman’s unique, memorable character became iconic, but the Academy rarely acknowledges quirky comedy performances.
medium
Jennifer Lopez – Hustlers (2019)
Role: Ramona, a savvy stripper with a complex moral code
Why It Stands Out: Lopez’s role showcased her full range, but despite critical acclaim and awards buzz, she was snubbed by the Academy.
IMDb
Oscar Isaac – Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
Role: Llewyn Davis, a struggling folk singer
Why It Stands Out: Isaac’s emotionally resonant performance was central to the film, but the Academy ignored this transformative portrayal.
Youtube
Emily Blunt – Sicario (2015)
Role: Kate Macer, an FBI agent
Why It Stands Out: Blunt’s portrayal of a principled agent facing ethical dilemmas was intense and grounded, though largely overlooked during awards season.
indiewire
Adam Sandler – Uncut Gems (2019)
Role: Howard Ratner, a high-stakes jeweler and gambler
Why It Stands Out: Sandler delivered a relentless, high-energy performance that shattered his comedy persona, yet was ignored by the Academy.
A24
Delroy Lindo – Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Role: Paul, a Vietnam vet grappling with PTSD
Why It Stands Out: Lindo’s raw, riveting performance was a highlight of the film, yet he received no major award nominations despite high praise.
ew.com
