Top 10 WORST Acting Oscar Wins of ALL TIME

[@adelaflores2027]

To me it will always be Gwyneth Paltrow for Shakespeare in Love. She honestly has never impressed me with any of her acting. She bores me in everything she does and the Oscar should have gone to Cate for Elizabeth

[@laudicea00]

Totally agree!👍

[@dullahans7180]

It was the epitome of a Weinstein win

[@M.A.C.01]

She probably bought her way to get that Oscar

[@rafaelsale6364]

Harvey Weinstein had a lot to do with Gwyneth getting the best actress oscar and Shakespeare in Love winning best picture.

[@MeganKoumori]

She was really bad in that movie. Ironic, considering her character is supposed to be a great actress.

[@MK-gv1wd]

Ralph Fiennes losing to Tommy Lee Jones is the one that bothers me the most. Ralph Fiennes was absolutely terrifying in Schindlers List and Tommy Lee Jones was playing… a grizzled cop who was essentially… Tommy Lee Jones. It was weird.

[@guteksan]

Well, for sure TLJ in Fugitive was 'meh', but shouldn't Ralph Fiennes lose to TLJ, he would eventually lose to Leonardo DiCaprio that year. Leo was unmatched in "What's eating GG".

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Jones often plays himself. Showboating. ( He was excellent in "Coal Miner's Daughter" however.)

[@donaldduck7461]

@@elizabethlinsay9193Good comment, he plays himself in every film.

[@americansoccerunited]

Came here to comment this and then saw it was already commented lol. For sure Ralph should have won. Leo for What's Eating Gilbert Grape was a better performance over Jones too. He was literally the third best that year and somehow won...

[@americansoccerunited]

​@guteksan No I'm sorry I love Leo and that performance but Ralph Fiennes was FAR better. Absolutely incredible performance.

[@MrMcsia]

I expected Gwyneth Paltrow on Place 1. Her winning over Cate Blanchett and Fernanda Montenegro is still mindblowing.

[@jhhone]

I expected Paltrow to be somewhere on the list if not at number one because Zellweger deserves number one!

[@colecolettecole]

for sure not paltrow that year ~ i did not even like that movie ~ elizabeth & kate were glorious history storys stuffed into 123 minutes ~ loved geoffrey too ~

[@sdl1ishappy]

Oh yeah. Paltrow's wooden performance took Shakespeare in Love down. It would have been a classic movie with a better actress in the part. And Elizabeth is still an amazing performance.

[@hymnofthenightingale]

@@sdl1ishappyWhat scene exactly shows her performance to be "wooden"? I've rewatched Shakespeare in Love many times, and Gwyneth Paltrow's performance was far from wooden. I also don't think she brought down the movie at all. It's perfectly fine to be upset that your favorite didn't win, but that doesn't mean that you have to diminish her performance. She didn't do anything wrong.

[@janehasson6650]

This guy puts Rami Malek’s amazing performance on this list but not Paltrow is beyond comprehension. Shakespeare in Love basically stunk in totality.

[@denniswarrink4761]

Gwyneth Paltrow not being on this list is absolutely criminal

[@rowan64official]

Absolutely!!!!

[@fitzcorraldo8570]

I recently rewatched Shakespeare in love. She’s actually pretty good in it. Oscar worthy ? Probably not. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Lukesky5917]

Agree. How is her mother, Blythe, so cool and a great actress and she’s just well…meh 😮

[@anthonycaruso8443]

She's # 11

[@mrs.harper8832]

I’m still surprised that Glenn Close has not won an Oscar. She’s been nominated, but never won.

[@Purplenpinkk]

Agreed. It really pisses me off. She’s literally on par with Meryl Streep in terms of her performances. I don’t get it, at all.

[@iamhungey12345]

They probably didn't like her skinning Dalmatians.

[@cafeabasedecinema]

She deserved for Dangerous Liasions

[@tejaswoman]

That's mind-blowing.

[@HlotSfan]

@@cafeabasedecinema ... and Fatal Attraction ... and Albert Nobbs ... and ...

[@cc1k435]

Too often Oscar goes to someone for career achievements, not a specific role.

[@thenextrung]

Nailed it!

[@theoriginalmr.j1422]

Glenn Close should have won for "Dangerous Liaisons" and" Hillbilly Elegy".

[@Gaminating]

Jamie Lee Curtis is a good recent example. I like her, but there was a very clear different supporting actress from that same movie who was a winner.

[@theoriginalmr.j1422]

@@Gaminating Props to Academy award nominee Annette Benning!

[@theoriginalmr.j1422]

Viola Davis!

[@annabarr1304]

A week before my grandma went on hospice and died and took her to go see Precious. I wanted to see it and thought she would fall asleep. She cried her throughout the film and when Monique was violent, grandma signaled to me Gabrielle was her. After the movie grandma told me the movie was her story. My grandma was a tiny little white lady, but Monique and Gabrielle's performance was transcending. That last week of grandma's life I thanked her for not continuing the cycle of abuse and being a wonderful mom to my mom who was wonderful to me. She also told us what we all suspected that her father raped her, but she insisted she did nothing wrong and was a good child. We told her she did nothing wrong. Then she died. I really think she was holding onto some sort of closure and Precious gave it to her. She spent her whole life feeling worthless because she didn't have a career and money, but really she was so strong for leaving her toxic family. Anyways, I totally forget Sandra's character leaving thr cinema.

[@crystalshaw8744]

Damn I'm bawling now, but what a beautiful heartfelt story. Thank you for sharing.

[@tgriffin3059]

Anybody who would voluntarily sit through 2 hours of that repellent sow is certifiable. Any white person who would do so...is probably a liberal...

[@gwarren6386]

Your comments were heart breaking. Your Gram sounds like an amazing woman. The harm we do to each other! To carry that around so late in life. Bless her heart and bless you.

[@danielapardo9776]

It was a beautiful story told so graciously and with so much affection. It made me smile. Thanks.

[@Hartley_Hare]

Just... thank you, so much, for sharing that. It gives this whole thing some emotional depth.

[@MiketheratguyMultimedia]

John Cazale: Starred in a total of five films, every one of them a hard-hitting drama nominated for best picture. Never nominated for an acting award. Gwyneth Paltrow: "lifestyle entrepreneur" who starred in a dull comedy fluff about Shakespeare. Won an Oscar the very first time she was nominated for one.

[@revjim77]

I think you mean John Cazale. Cimino is a director.

[@MiketheratguyMultimedia]

@@revjim77 I don't know why but I have ALWAYS switched their names around, lol. You're right, and thank you for the correction.

[@aerpx]

Cazale, all time great

[@corerlt]

It's all about politics.

[@btjaf]

The no. 1 worst Oscar win of all time is Gwyneth Paltrow for Shakespeare in Love. Her flat performance aside, that her character was disguising as a male and she supposedly had everyone fooled was laughable. But the real Shakespearean tragedy is how she defeated Cate Blanchett.

[@nhmooytis7058]

Her father’s a movie producer her mom is a movie star. Nepo baby.

[@denysmace3874]

And didn't Judi Dench win best supporting actress for that film? For being on screen for about 5 minutes?

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@denysmace3874 yes she did. Has anyone taken her seriously since the execrable CATS?

[@elizabethroberts6215]

@@nhmooytis7058……or her horrific talk, & trying to sing combo of ‘Send in the Clowns’. THAT was painful to see, & hear………

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@elizabethroberts6215 Send in the Cats 😹😹😹

[@marcusbah]

For me it is Edward Norton Jr. not winning the supporting actor award for Primal Fear. He lost to Cuba Gooding Jr. for Jerry McGuire. I do not understand that at all.

[@danavixen6274]

Not mad at this at all. I love Cuba and Edward as DEDICATED and MASTERFUL actors. It would've been groundbreaking if Cuba had earned his for Boyz N the Hood. But Jerry Maguire? Nah! Norton ate up his DEBUT performance in Primal Fear. EXCELLENT performance! EXCELLENT ensemble cast! Rest in peace Andre Braugher. 😔🙏🏾❤️🕊️ EXCELLENT movie! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@alvingilmore5485]

I DONT understand how The Color Purple won nothing

[@IronheartvsMiles]

JR was better

[@maryrosekent8223]

@@IronheartvsMiles JR?

[@maryrosekent8223]

_The House of Sand and Fog_ was outstanding, plus Ben Kingsley is an amazing actor in general. I keep hoping THofS&F will eventually show up on Netflix.

[@9winewine]

It's also surprising how Ralph Fiennes in Schlinder's List managed to lose the Best Supporting Actor Oscar to Tommy Lee Jones in Fugitive.

[@guteksan]

if not to TLJ, he would lose to DiCaprio anyway.

[@MamaJewels99]

I agree, that one hurt.

[@leus]

Lee Jones in The Fugitive stole the show.

[@gloriaf6971]

I love both actors and both performances.

[@BillofRights1951]

Agree! Jones's was a showy, but not demanding part. Fiennes was absolutely, sadistically, frighteningly, chilling in his performance. I like Jones but there was NO comparison.

[@ceciliaSF-TX]

Ellen Burstyn in Requiem For A Dream lost to Julia Roberts Ellen’s performance was brutally incredible, transformative. It was a difficult movie to watch as all the main characters suffered from addiction. But it was the best performance of the year! This was one was one the worst snubs!!

[@patrickkleemann4919]

Burstyns Performance in Requiem for a Dream was the best one I have ever Seen!

[@marquesq.4499]

She was nothing short of perfection in that role. They all were. Hell, even Marlon Wayans was believable and moving. No other nominee was even close to Ellen's performance imo.

[@punpun5888]

Her performance was so brilliant, honestly I think the movie wouldn't be as good as it is if it wasn't for her, she was robbed

[@doreenalexander1670]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@co7314]

I think she was more of a supporting actress in that movie, though. Just my opinion.

[@lynnbailham3286]

I would add Gywneth Paltrow. This was very one-dimensional and i was shocked that she won over Cate. I also thought it was a travesty that Joseph Fiennes wasn't even nominated for Shakespeare in Love or Elizabeth.

[@persona_64]

One can call that cronyism

[@mimim8532]

And she stole that role from her best friend at the time

[@Savgeseason]

Ralph Feinnes not winning for Schindler’s List is still a headscracter

[@rory4605]

Willem Dafoe's performance as Van Gogh in "At Eternity's Gate" was hugely underrated. Van Gogh's been portrayed many times, but Dafoe's portrayal was so unflinching, so real and heartfelt. He wasn't playing him as a "great artist", he was portraying a deeply troubled, ill, misunderstood man who saw the World in a breath-takingly beautiful way.

[@Atomykpimp]

He should have won for Nosferatu.

[@fmc291]

Never heard of they film, but I will check it out. Thank you ❤

[@TheDreamingJune]

Agreed. Willem gave an exceptional performance in that film and it's a shame he didn't get as much attention for it as he deserved. If it were up to me, he'd have easily won instead of Rami Malek.

[@ChloeFletcher-gk1fo]

I agree.

[@marionmarino1616]

Dafoe was brilliant as Van Gogh! He became the artist, the only actor I’ve seen who showed the depth of Van Gogh’s troubled personality.

[@montecristo1845]

The flaw is believing awards are based solely on merit and not about the marketing. This unfortunately, more often than not, creates a chasm between who wins and who ought to have won.

[@LynetteSpooner]

I totally agree. How can you compare Gwenith Paltrow's ditzy,one-dimensional performance to Cate Blanchett's deep portrayal of Elizabeth. You just have to look at their body of work since.

[@LaHabana41]

This is why I have come to despise the Oscars.

[@frankieseward8667]

Hell Meryl Streep could've been justified on One True Thing

[@marynoonan6111]

Cate B was at her very best as Elizabeth 1.

[@teejae2065]

Who was her Dad? Hmmm

[@robertveith6383]

* Gwyneth

[@goodidea60s]

Gwyneth Paltrow for shakespear in love was a total scandal

[@stanlogan5996]

I agree.

[@Vydio]

In keeping with Shakespeare in Love winning Best Picture over Saving Private Ryan.

[@bigman25plus25]

Weinstein weaved his dark arts to get that film its awards.

[@vjerez1149]

It's even worse after MeToo when you realize that entire win was basically just Weinstein flexing how much power he had over Hollywood.

[@carolholly1608]

TOTALLY, TOTALLY AGREE!!!

[@kevinkeene1593]

John Hurt not winning for "The Elephant Man" was the greatest travesty in Oscar history.

[@yougottabekidding7476]

I agree!!

[@nuntiuso7347]

It’s a great performance, but he had some tough luck competing against De Niro for Raging Bull

[@ceemartin5624]

What, he didn't win?!!!!

[@lindakahler4799]

Gotta understand he was against DeNiro in Raging Bull

[@TysonGraham-gu7ck]

Nah Bob De Niro losing the Bafta to John Hurt for the Elephant Man is the travesty. Both great. But De Niro was better.

[@dk60ish]

For Asian-American actress Anna Mae Wong, mainly typecast as the villain at the time, her absolute worst Hollywood experience was losing the part of O-Lan in "The Good Earth" (1935) to Luise Rainer. Her filmed audition reportedly brought casting agents to tears, but in 1935 Hollywood, casting an Asian Actress in the lead opposite white leading Man Paul Muni, simply wasn't going to happen; they offered her the part of Lotus instead, which she made clear she would audition for but would not play, it being another stereotypical Asian role. This was when Anna pretty much gave up on Hollywood & herself, becoming a broken Alcoholic, just working to pay the bills, until her death in 1961 from a heart attack. This is what makes Luise Rainer's Oscar win for this role truly galling, as well as tragic.

[@kaihamilton5131]

We all already know this. Try to state something that isn’t from a film history Or analysts book-that you came up with yourself.

[@dk60ish]

@@kaihamilton5131 You don't speak for everyone, many don't know, or would even bother to research as I do, film buff that I am, hence the likes, wise guy!

[@ccowley2740]

I totally agree!

[@kittykatz4001]

@@kaihamilton5131No we didn’t know all of what happened to Anna May Wong.

[@kosztaz87]

@@kaihamilton5131 Who hurt you?

[@annestabile7822]

Gwenath Paltrow in Shakespeare in Love really pissed me off.

[@shadykatie100]

Cate Blanchett should have won that year.

[@scipioafricanus5871]

@@shadykatie100 Cate was robbed!

[@scipioafricanus5871]

Wdym her performance was like "a riot in the heart and nothing to be done" lmao

[@BernocoXd]

That year, Fernanda Montenegro deserved way more than her. If you didnt watch it, pls watch the brazilian movie Central do Brasil (Central Station).

[@Mickey-1994]

I like the movie and her performance, but I agree that she shouldn't have won. Cate in Elisabeth gave one the best performances of the whole damn decade and should've won that year.

[@marlonbeltran1135]

Gwyneth Paltrow not being the no.1 is a crime. Like come on, for every list of "undeserving" wins, she should always be on top.

[@science4ever025]

Her “acting” is like her website “POOP”

[@qbear1045]

Exactly! I was waiting for Gwyneth to be on the list.

[@JIM-ot4ws]

She was okay in Glee though.

[@vickenator]

I really enjoyed her in Emma until I realized she was just playing herself.

[@russellhinson3167]

Guys like this narrator, just LOVE Paltrow type stuff

[@ElinorMahoney]

It always upset me too that Rami Malek won Best Actor for Bohemian Rhapsody, but Taron Egerton wasn’t even nominated for Rocket Man. Not only did he do his own singing, but he also gave a way better performance in my opinion.

[@jacquiestafford988]

He was freaking awesome at portraying Freddie. Haters gonna hate. He deserved the Oscar. Hands down!!!

[@alisontopalian8592]

I was ok with Rami winning. But like elinor,, Taron was definitely robbed. He was so much better as Elton

[@Lbarrow22]

⁠@@alisontopalian8592 - agree with you, he was amazing, was totally robbed

[@ElinorMahoney]

@@alisontopalian8592 100% AGREE

[@Tvjunkieful12]

@@alisontopalian8592 Taron probably lost out because Rocketman followed too closely after Bohemian Rhapsody. And also important, facially Taron looked more like himself than like Elton John in that movie. Rami Malek looked more like Freddie Mercury than himself when portraying him. When actors don't look like themselves - or play characters miles away from their own personality - that is a shoe in the door to win awards.

[@WillCamx]

Ginger Rogers beating Joan Fontaine in "Rebecca" and Katherine Hepburn in "The Philadelphia Story" is the worst ever.

[@DavidVarkonyi]

There are LOADS more … Ellen Burstyn to lose to Julia Roberts’s average performance? Judy Garland to lose to Grace Kelly.. really? Glenn Close to lose with Fatal Attraction to Cher? Oh please! Gweneth Paltrow to win over Fernanda Montenegro and Cate Blanchett… and so on…

[@swaymcthunder1219]

Ellen Burstyn is always the first to come to my mind. Honestly its one of my favorite performances ever

[@DavidVarkonyi]

@@swaymcthunder1219 It should have been her that year! It’s a disgrace that they just gave it to Roberts for her extremely average performance, it’s sadly not about acting performances!

[@margaret928]

proof that these awards are not about the best performance@@swaymcthunder1219

[@Attmay]

Even in the 1954 race, Grace Kelly getting nominated for *The Country Girl* over *Rear Window* is baffling. Did AMPAS voters really hate Alfred Hitchcock that much? Don’t forget that both of them were competing with Dorothy Dandridge for *Carmen Jones.* Judy’s wasn’t even the only musical nomination.

[@kimberlytyrcha5930]

Judi Dench to lose with Mrs Brown to Helen Hunt in As Good as it Gets...Come on

[@jimalancook3157]

Elizabeth Taylor stated in many interviews that she knew it was a sympathy vote . And that she hated her performance in that .

[@nhmooytis7058]

My best friend in college said he popped his first boner ever watching Liz in her slip in B-8 😂

[@Attmay]

How many people would have remembered that movie if not for her? If anything, Shirley MacLaine’s Oscar for *Terms of Endearment* was to make up for not winning for *The Apartment.* When she said “I deserve this,” you could tell who she was saying it to, and what movie she was talking about, and it wasn’t the one with Jack Nicholson, but the one with Jack Lemmon.

[@carolholly1608]

SHE HATED THE 'ENTIRE'MOVIE'!! 😱😵😱

[@revive_memes275]

Can we get an “elusive Oscar” video for Viggo Mortensen?? Incredible actor.

[@jonathanvelazquezph.d.2719]

Great idea

[@rbelf001]

Unbelievable actor

[@wvu05]

Ed Harris, too.

[@jonathanvelazquezph.d.2719]

@@AJHyoton That would be epic!!

[@lauratomczak6797]

captain fantastic

[@barbaracataldo566]

Aside from Gwyneth Paltrow's win in Shakespeare in Love I thought Reese Witherspoon 's win in I Walk the Line was weak. It didn't do anything for me.

[@Zainsings]

Always thought Felicity Huffman was robbed that year. She was unstoppable in Transamerica.

[@susannabonke8552]

I loved that Reese Witherspoon performance.

[@AMERASIAN12]

I agree completely. Felicity Huffman should have won.

[@paulojrneto]

- The main reason why Barbara Stanwick never won an Oscar it's because she was a freelancer and didn't have the power of a studio to push a big campaign for her. (Luise Rainer's back-to-back wins had MGM written all over them) - Helen Hayes is the only actor to get an Oscar for her first film and for her last. - Anna May Wong, the most famous Asian-American actress of the 1930s, campaigned hard for the lead role in The Good Earth, but since Paul Muni was cast as the male lead and the Hayes Code forbidded onscreen interracial couples, Wong couldn't play the lead role (even though she was the real Asian). If that stupid code didn't exist, we probably could have seen the first Asian actress getting an Oscar.

[@jonathanvelazquezph.d.2719]

Very interesting

[@branagain]

Airport wasn’t Helen Hayes’ last film. She did several Disney movies in the 70s like the Love Bug sequel.

[@py.5831]

I didn't know 'The Sin of Madelon Claudet' was her first film! She was so good in it!

[@jhhone]

@@branagain And "Candleshoe" with Jodie Foster.

[@bambi274]

Joan Crawford never got an award while on MGM. It only happened after going to Warner Bros and refusing scripts for 2 years, till they gave her Mildred Pierce.

[@amandakim2624]

Ted Levine not being even nominated for “Silence of the Lambs” as criminal. He was terrifying and creepy… but Jody and Anthony got nominated and I think won? Director Jonathan Demmy recognized Levine in his best director win Oscar speech.

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

Well Sir Anthony deserved it.

[@lisagillette-martin2247]

Silence of the Lambs swept the top 5 awards; 3rd of only 3 to do it. I agree Ted Levine should have been nominated; when he turned up on Monk, I didn’t even realize it was him at first!

[@joebarr725]

There can only be 5 nominees. Which one would you eliminate in favor of Ted Levine?

[@roshieifra]

​@@lisagillette-martin2247 I didn't realize it was him either, my mother knew right away because of his voice.

[@rafac7384]

I completely agree! He should have won Best Supporting Actor!

[@calebcostigan2561]

Gwyneth Paltrow not being in the top five of your list is absolutely criminal. I mean, between her and Blanchett? Come on, Brian lol

[@ciudadanakane8743]

I agree, comparing Gwyneth and Cate is like a joke, that Oscar to Gwyneth was bought by Harvey.

[@liliesofthefieldyt]

I couldn’t believe Paltrow isn’t even on this list.

[@hymnofthenightingale]

@@ciudadanakane8743Yeah, because a woman can't win anything without a man buying it for her 🙄😒 Her performance was fantastic. She deserved her award. Get over it.

[@broncoi40]

what about m'nique?

[@poett8875]

@@broncoi40mo’nique gave one of the best supporting performances of all time. Why would she be anywhere near this list? Lmao😂😂

[@oliverbaba1882]

Bohemian Rhapsody - when an extended SNL sketch gets nominated

[@barryscott8041]

Agreed. What a shitshow

[@nealmceneaney3771]

Queen are the most overrated band of all time . They’re spoken of on par with the Beatles in the Uk Mental

[@joselembo4661]

These lists are always personal and must be respected. I, personally, think that Gwyneth didn't deserve to win over Cate Blanchett and Fernanda Montenegro (but I haver my bias, because I'm from Brazil 😬). I often see people mentioning that Ellen Burstyn deserved the Oscar in 2001 for Requiem for a Dream, over Julia Roberts.

[@marionmarino1616]

Burstyn’s performance in Requiem had to be one of the best in movie history! Roberts was only being cute, indicates how completely shallow that Academy thing is. It’s all about box office receipts, not talent. A total disgrace!!

[@marionmarino1616]

Some of the wins are actually funny, aren’t they?! Roberts winning over Burstyn, for one. The gulf is so wide a 747 wouldn’t make it.

[@Spiderman7Bob7]

I agree with you . Perhaps because Ellen Burstyn's role was smaller than Julia Roberts ! Julia Roberts was and is apop' star favorite and that always means a lot .

[@marionmarino1616]

@@Spiderman7Bob7 Right! It’s all about money.

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

@@marionmarino1616 I'm not saying Roberts should have won but she is a good actress, not just ''cute''.

[@CocogoatMain0501]

Paltrow's win will never make sense to me, Fernanda Montenegro was amazing in Central Station!

[@Davey7358]

She was wonderful. And she's still alive!!!

[@alexagaba]

Blanchett was better as well

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

She (fernanda) is not native to america, and was starring in a foreign-language film that didnt set the box office on fire in the USA. By contrast, Gwyneth starred in a true Hollywood production loaded with A-list talent - and backed by Miramax.

[@yddubbud8229]

​@@wylierichardson-tu6zsstill doesn't make it better

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

@@yddubbud8229 Perhaps not, I just was pointing out some of the factors in Paltrow's favor.

[@bandygreen2456]

Literally how Gwyneth Paltrow wasn’t mentioned for Shakespeare in Love is crazy.

[@eduardochavacano]

not as crazy as saying the actress in Previous deserved an Oscar for just being herself in a very boring comedy film.

[@conniecarroll747]

I liked her in Shakespeare in Love

[@6tiple6ix6afia]

Do any of you know how to listen? What part of him saying this is in no way comprehensive did you all miss?

[@bandygreen2456]

@@6tiple6ix6afia you think your smart huh. no part of Shakespeare in Love required comprehension. it was bad all around except for judi dench

[@marguskiis7711]

@@conniecarroll747 you wanna be funny, I see

[@Shorty_Lickens]

I do like Sandra Bullock, and I hope she earns an Oscar one day, but she didnt deserve it for Blind Side.

[@lumberlikwidator8863]

Shirley MacLaine was wonderful in The Apartment. Liz Taylor was just so-so in Butterfield 8. Shirley got robbed.

[@gloriaf6971]

I have never been moved or impressed by any acting done by Elizabeth Taylor. Shirley McClain is a far better actress. I love all of the characters I have seen her play.

[@cmorris9494]

Best part is Liz hated the movie

[@robs6952]

Was it Shirley MacLaine that said “I lost to a tracheotomy”? Or was that someone else that year?

[@BGK8345]

I am so glad you said Gabourey Sidibe should have won Best Actress over Sandra Bullock, because she absolutely should have!!! I was so mad when she lost! I wanted her and Monique to have their moment together!! Totally agree!

[@johnsmi213]

I think it was that they didn't know if she was a real actress or just well-cast and well-directed. She didn't have a career that let people know "This was definitely something she was did through talent and not guidance." But performance wise, it definitely was Academy Award winning and especially in her category that year.

[@fmc291]

@@johnsmi213however since people know Sandra Bullock, shouldn’t they expect more from her instead of an Ok performance. Personally I thought she was really great in Crash.

[@RichV20]

@@fmc291 I hate that movie Crash, so overrated and an eye roller.

[@shimmeringfairydust3275]

Christopher Walken was pretty much unknown before winning his Oscar - he’d had one role of some significance - Annie’s Hall’s weird brother in “Annie Hall.” It was a pretty short scene, and I didn’t even recognize him in “The Deer Hunter.” He sure deserved that Oscar, though.

[@maxcandlestick8027]

@@johnsmi213 Yeah, there are a lot of people who are the film/TV equivalent of one-hit wonders, unique people who get a part that's absolutely perfect for them. The lead acting are usually a lot more competitive, more inclined to reward people who change in order to disappear into roles. Whoopi Goldberg won a supporting Oscar for Ghost, and yeah, she was pretty good, but not any better than she was in Jumping Jack Flash or basically any Whoopi Goldberg movie.

[@stevers62]

All good picks, but two of the worst were Grace Kelly over Judy Garland’s stellar performance in “A Star is Born”, and the incredibly irritating Judy Holiday over both Gloria Swanson (“Sunset Boulevard”) AND Bette Davis (“All About Eve”).

[@Brian-uy2tj]

The only thing irritating about Judy Holiday are your comments disparaging her. She was marvelous in "Born Yesterday" Gloria Swanson was certainly powerful in Sunset Boulevard and Bette Davis too..... but that is no reason to kick Judy Holiday's brilliant performance in Born Yesterday.

[@wreckim]

Gloria Swanson in SB, is a total legendary performance. I think the Oscars should have a make-up oscar every so many years or something. She deserved that Oscar.

[@stevers62]

@@Brian-uy2tj For what it’s worth, I understand Judy Holiday was a very nice person and it’s terrible that she died so early. I just found her performance really annoying. I watched with two other people and all three of us kept having to speed through the movie out of irritation to make that sound stop. I’m not proud or happy about that. I wanted to find it good. I just couldn’t see anything positive about it. Maybe it would have been different at the time when the “dumb blond” wasn’t such a cliche? So, positive intentions here and really tried to appreciate her performance, but failing that, I can appreciate her as a nice person.

[@Brian-uy2tj]

@@wreckim

[@Brian-uy2tj]

@@stevers62

[@wingchundragon]

Im still pissed Academy gave Al Pacino's only Oscar is A Scent of a Woman. That clearly was a consolation prize for all the work he did in the 70s. That award shouldve been Denzel for Malcolm X or Clint Eastwood for Unforgiven

[@MaxVerstappenGlazer]

And he should have won best actor in 1974 not 1993

[@carlosbranca8080]

I'm still sore about Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich winning over Ellen Burstyn in Requiem For A Dream...

[@derekdalton5658]

It was a travesty. Big budget [and big tits] trumped art house quality 😢

[@joemachunda]

@@derekdalton5658 Julia's aren't that big. Push up bras do wonders

[@dpcisunbreakable]

Yes, Ellen made Ms cry in her very powerful role in Requiem, but, Julia attacked her role as Erin, abd was able to show the world she's got acting chops!

[@kkp0505]

That is my number one.

[@annestabile7822]

Gah! hated Requiem.

[@macc.1132]

How about Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman? That was a legacy win, for sure. "Hoo-ah!" Ugh, after all the incredible characters of the '70's and '80's, they honor him for chewing up the scenery - "Hoo-ah!" He beat Eastwood in Unforgiven; Denzel in "Malcolm X"; Stephen Rea in "The Crying Game"; and RDJ in "Chaplin". The Academy is so messed up.

[@jdsnyc]

Hated that movie, & loved Pacino every other movie he has every been in. Go Figure.

[@Dee54Harlen]

I thought he was deserving of the Oscar.

[@AlkisenSuper]

Pacino is one of the most deserving Oscar winners. No it's not my favorite role, but he did an amazing job and it was about time that he got one. If anything it should have happened much earlier, maybe for Dog Day Afternoon, ... And Justice For All or Scarface.

[@heathernks8]

I think they gave it to him bc he was the "safe" choice. Denzel should have won but RDJ also did a great job w/ a biopic. It was too tough to choose, at the end of the day.

[@ackbarfan5556]

That was basically throwing him a bone to make up for subbing him before hand. If they hadn't gave it to Art Carney for Harry and Tonto (Because he was old and they thought it was gonna be his only chance for an Oscar) and gave it to Pacino for the Godfather, then he probably wouldn't have been nominated in the first place.

[@justawatcherofpeople]

The most interesting about Elizabeth Taylor’s win on Butterfield 8 is that she kind of cringed the fact that she won an Oscar for that movie.

[@jimc6054]

She spoke disparagingly of the film and said she won because she almost died. And she had lost 3 years in a row.

[@cliffarroyo9554]

She didn't like it but... it's one of her most iconic performances and not just for the oscar. IINM Camille Paglia loved it.

[@pazza4555]

​@@cliffarroyo9554Camille Paglia liked something?

[@cliffarroyo9554]

@@pazza4555 She adored Taylor in her prime, callling her the greatest actess and singled out Butterfield 8 in particular.

[@yvonneplant9434]

There are videos on youtube of her reaction when she won. She looked truly surprised. She was unbelievably beautiful in any case. Gorgeous Dior gown.

[@JIM-ot4ws]

And what about the Oscar that was deprived from Bette Davis for Baby Jane, because scheming Joan Crawford her co-star campaigned to the Academy for Bette not to get it. In the past Joan stole 2 of Bette's boyfriends, one of the guys was handsome actor Franchot Tone who Bette once described as her soul mate.

[@SherrieMonica]

That Davis was so great

[@JIM-ot4ws]

She was phenomenal, just adore her and her films.

[@AnthonyChambers-y4k]

That was one of the worst mistakes In Oscar history. Bette Davis was INCREDIBLE in this performance. She should’ve won hands down

[@dagmarpreinerstorfer1609]

Peter O‘Toole should have won an Oscar three or four times!!!!

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Very,very true-he deserved much better from the Academy.

[@thomasbyrnes3191]

Absolutely! But he wasn't part of the Hollywood crowd at all and they don't like that.

[@shadykatie100]

I totally concur!

[@johnfulton4061]

Especially. for the Lion in Winter

[@mart73100]

The same with Richard Burton.

[@LeniG-123]

Tommy Lee Jones winning for "The Fugitive" over Leonardo De Caprio's performance as Arnie in "What is Eating Gilbert Grape."

[@bigchungus8287]

Or Ralph Fiennes in Schindler’s list

[@SherrieMonica]

Leo is a great actor he becomes the person he's portraying He should have a lot more Oscars

[@DannyBkyn]

I agree with all your choices. I also think Helen Hunt’s win for As Good As It Gets was undeserved. It should have been Judi Dench for Mrs. Brown. And then Dench winning Supporting Actress for Shakespeare in Love was clearly to make up for that slight.

[@Davey7358]

100% agreed. Helen even stated on the Oscar stage that Judi was going to win it! Awful.

[@gauravw6947]

@@Davey7358 That’s humility, to acknowledge your competitors… It doesn’t take away from her fine performance…

[@martinpascoe5904]

Helen HUnt was brilliant in that movie AGAIGets

[@tencontento9177]

@@martinpascoe5904 I think she sucked in that. She didn't know what or who she was trying to portray. Even though Nicholson was supposed to be the fucked up curmudgeon, she was even worse and more damaged than he. Perhaps that's the point................

[@Essenceofblood5238]

@tencontento9177 That's your opinion. Not a popular one, at that. 🤣

[@Elliefurtado]

How could Gwenyth Paltrow be left off the list? She’s horrible in every role she plays. And to win for her worst role??

[@6tiple6ix6afia]

Do any of you know how to listen? What part of him saying this is in no way comprehensive did you all miss?

[@JanBee1122]

No kidding...you can't watch and you can't turn away. She is always in a movie that is worth watching, but the price you pay is her nasally, always Gwyneth, performance. She is truly a one-dimensional actress who only got into the biz because of her mother. Just watch her wooden performance and compare it to the incredible Cate Blanchett in The Talented Mr. Ripley if you want to see the worst and best in acting juxtaposed within the same movie.

[@marguskiis7711]

all her roles are worst

[@ellagoreyshorrorstories7524]

Has anyone done a "vindicated by time" list? As in, people thought they shouldn't win, but on revisiting, their performance is better. I'm thinking of Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny. She was great but everyone thought it was a mistake!

[@danavixen6274]

Awesome idea. Marisa Tomei had me at Untamed Heart. I wish she had at least been nominated for her role as Caroline. She, Christian Slater and Rosie Perez had great chemistry. One of my FAVORITE romantic stories EVER! ❤

[@MiketheratguyMultimedia]

At the very lest, several Oscar voters were asked which awards they'd do differently if they had the chance to decide them today. Marisa Tomei was not one of them.

[@Dolly19752]

I agree. Marissa Tomei was great in that role. I still remember that character today. It was a great role.

[@Mickey-1994]

Good one, she was great and I remember being surprised at the time that she was getting this backlash for winning. What a great movie and performance from her.

[@scottibrown3274]

The whole courtroom scene when talking about the cars and going off, spewing her knowledge about tire tracks, and making the FBI guy and the prosecutor look inept is the best courtroom scene ever.

[@andyroo9381]

One Oscar win that I DEFINITELY did not agree with is Michael Caine for "Cider House Rules". That Best Supporting Oscar should have gone to Michael Clark Duncan for "The Green Mile". That one still eats at me.

[@Essenceofblood5238]

OR Haley Joel Osment for "The Sixth Sense". Watching that wrinkled Brit walk away with their award... just... 🤬 Definitely a hard pill to swallow that year.

[@bexp436]

Completely agree with you.

[@arianbyw3819]

Yup. Michael Cain is only famous for playing Michael caine!

[@jeffreyromain7336]

​@@arianbyw3819and not a lot of people know that 😉

[@saphiael-mansub2206]

Ok, I'd swear at people for calling Micheal Caine a wrinkled Brit if the comparison wasn't the Green Mile which should have been Oscars all around.

[@Spiqaro]

Top three that you missed: 1. Art Carney for Harry & Tonto 2. Reese Witherspoon for Walk the Line 3. Gwyneth Paltrow for Shakespeare in Love

[@RickDesper-v8z]

Reese's problem is that her best work was in Election, when Hollywood likely thought she was too young. Winning for Walk the Line is a bit embarrassing. The Academy has overrewarded biopics in recent years. I'm all for recognizing June Carter Cash's contributions, but giving the Oscar to Reese isn't the way to do that. As for Gwyneth...that's a true embarrassment.

[@Spiqaro]

@@RickDesper-v8zI always felt that Reese's performance was a bit of a nothing burger. Charlize Theron was great in North Country, but I didn't think she could win because she'd spanked the competition only a couple years earlier with Monster.

[@dnasty312]

​@@RickDesper-v8z_Election_ then _Wild_ for me

[@davidao2551]

Reese? hell no She may not be one of the very best but she was absolutely deserving on her year Period

[@davidao2551]

​@@RickDesper-v8zyou see this was almost 20 years ago right

[@thebrokefoodie]

I always thought Sally Field should have won best supporting actress for Lincoln instead of Anne Hathaway for Les Miserables . Her argument with Abe to save her oldest son from enlisting was soul wrenching

[@Attmay]

Steven Spielberg needs to stay as far away from Tony Kushner as possible.

[@anitaroot2389]

Dermal repair complex

[@skylark1250]

This is what I say as well. That Sally should have won for her terrific acting in Lincoln; Anne Hathaway should not have won simply because her hair was shorn. She was in a movie no one will ever see again.

[@luddite4change449]

Sally Fields already had two oscar wins, she wasn't going to get a third for that performance.

[@rggreen1409]

Anyone but Anne Hathaway that year.

[@penguinsrbirds2]

Jamie Lee Curtis winning for Everything Everywhere All At Once was one of the most obvious legacy wins vs performance wins I've seen. Everyone was baffled by it. Edit: Man, you guys are DEFENSIVE about a fairly decent but not particularly notable performance, LOL.

[@tkusterb]

Not me. Jamie Lee was wide-ranging and balls-out in EEAAO.

[@HlotSfan]

@@tkusterb That movie was awful everywhere and all at once, I couldn't even make it through. And JLC's win was definitely a lifetime achievement award.

[@allendracabal0819]

Stephanie Hsu's performance in the same film (also nomianted in the same category) was far superior.

[@upallnite3164]

@@HlotSfan GG I barely got through the trailer. No it was not a lifetime, it was Legacy Tony Curtis & Janet Lee her Parents.

[@tkusterb]

@@HlotSfan We just have to agree to disagree.

[@markblomquist1338]

Al Pacino deserved Oscar's for a lot of other movies, but there's no way he should have won over Denzel Washington in Malcolm X.

[@lexkanyima2195]

Why ? Denzel was not quite there yet at that level

[@barry4649]

He should’ve only been up for best supporting actor for that too

[@Mickey-1994]

RDJ for Chaplin would've been my pick.

[@jamesdugas571]

Scent of a woman is vague. Academy owed 1 to Pacino from many losses

[@jamesdugas571]

​@lexkanyima2195 u gotta be Malcolm he played a great assumption of the historical figure

[@roximol9829]

Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton should have win an Oscar!

[@maggiegarber246]

O’Toole losing to John Wayne was a travesty.

[@numinousbookofreview]

@@maggiegarber246 Surely it was Burton who lost to John Wayne - True Grit over Anne of the 1000 Days.

[@Attmay]

Peter O’Toole was also nominated that year for the musical version of *Goodbye Mr. Chips* with Petula Clark. As it is, Robert Donat won for the original 1939 film over Clark Gable in *Gone with the Wind.*

[@numinousbookofreview]

@@Attmay Ah yes, the musical, dreadful film, I thought.

[@lauramcintyre483]

I agree that Peter O'Toole should have had several Oscars, but Richard Burton was not a very good actor.

[@jrwxtx]

It seems like actors often win for playing real people over actors who play fictional characters.

[@Attmay]

Julie Christie won an award for playing a fictional character over Julie Andrews playing a real person.

[@Greenballoffire]

Which movies?? 😊​@@Attmay

[@Greenballoffire]

Also I agree with this statement! 👌 😊

[@mtnstrand2819]

Very true! Charlize Theron winning for Monster is a good example.

[@mati.p172]

Julia Roberts (Erin Brokovich) winning over Ellen Burstyn (Requiem for a Dream)

[@arontamas5639]

Julia deserved it even though I think obviously Ellen was the best.

[@mati.p172]

@@arontamas5639 yes, Julia Roberts was great in that role, but Ellen Burstyn was outstanding, i don't care she already won an Oscar, her perfomance was mesmerizing and hauting

[@mati.p172]

@@arontamas5639 but of course "Requiem for a dream" was too bizzare and disturbing for Academy, it's a shame it got only 1 nomination, it should have won at least 8 Academy Awards

[@gauravw6947]

Julia won all the precursors awards that season and deserved the Oscar as well… Ellen was more of a supporting role (a category fraud IMO), she’s hardly in the movie for half an hour…

[@mati.p172]

@@gauravw6947 i think there was no clear lead in "Requiem for a dream", but the other big female role in that movie was Jennifer Connelly and she had even less screen time, so they decided to throw Burstyn in lead and Connelly in supporting

[@romana34]

Elizabeth Taylor also benefited from the make up Oscar. She has been screwed out of an award for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, because the public believed she had destroyed Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher’s marriage.

[@dpcisunbreakable]

That's one of her best roles.

[@johnfulton4061]

I love Liz in Cat but Susan Hayward gave a tour de force powerhouse performance in I want to live it was a very competitive yr you also had Roz Russell in Auntie Mame

[@johnfulton4061]

I thought Liz deserved it for Butterfield 8 the way she played that call girl trying to deal with her demons and conflicted emotions was amazing playing a call girl is challenging is a challenging role because you're playing someone in a profession that no one in their right mind aspires to become and how they handle it emotionally her most underrated performance and I know she hated the film she didn't want to do it

[@suzettemyers6058]

@@johnfulton4061 I thought her performance was Oscar worthy. She has stated that she hated the movie and believed she was awarded the Oscar because it was a sympathy vote, due to the recent passing of Mike Todd.

[@romana34]

@@suzettemyers6058 actually, it was a sympathy vote because she had nearly died while filming Cleopatra. When Mike Todd died, she hooked up with Eddie Fisher and that demonized her for a while. it was the situation that possibly cost her an Oscar for Cat

[@richardcanedo1614]

Jack Nicholson winning best actor for As Good As It Gets in 1998 belongs on this list. He mailed in his performance, doing his Jack Nicholson persona, and he was _badly_ miscast (much too old, even by Hollywood standards) against Helen Hunt, but (as we see several times on this list), he got the Best Actor award as a kind of "Lifetime Achievement" Oscar. He has given some wonderful performances (and won Oscars for some of them), but this was SO not one of them. Either Robert Duvall (for the Apostle) or Matt Damon (for Good Will Hunting) were far more deserving.

[@janel.8921]

I wanted Peter Fonda to win for Ulee’s Gold.

[@bls5160]

Nope definitlely should have gone to Leo for Titanic. He was the reason that movie was so great!

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Dreadful performance and movie that I hated. For me, Jack was done with the Shinning and never recovered.

[@richardcanedo1614]

@@nicholasschroeder3678 Can't say I disagree. He was okay to good in Prizzi's Honor and in Reds, but that's around where he stopped acting and just played his "Jack Nicholson" character incessantly. Zzzzz.

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

@@nicholasschroeder3678 What about the Crossing Guard?

[@perplexedbystander6203]

I read an article where Elizabeth Taylor said she'd won one Oscar for her tracheotomy. I'm in my 70s so old enough to have read articles from the 1960s when they came out.

[@dj71162]

The ones that bug me the most are when the old veteran who hasn't won before, gets recognition late in their career because they've come back and they win because of their career's work or because "wouldn't it be great if they won", regardless of how good the actual performance is. Even though they have an Honorary Oscar that they could give to them for their career. It defeats the idea of a competitive win and means that people who are worthy are themselves overlooked, only to be give "their turn" to win later in their career.

[@syria0110]

That's kinda how I felt with the Jamie Lee Curtis win this year in EEAO. I knew Angela Bassett wasn't going to win for a Marvel role, especially since she was the first to be nominated for a Marvel movie. I was hoping it would go to Stephanie Hsu since Joy's relationship with Evelyn and the multiple versions of Evelyn are the heart of the movie. I knew Hsu likely wasn't going to get it on her first nomination since she was a "newcomer" by Academy standards

[@srldwg]

I believe that happened when George Burns for the "Sunshine Boys". The man who played Billy in "One Flew Over The Cookcoo's Nest" deserved to win that award!

[@brewerrkjb]

Yes, like Jack Palance winning for City Slickers in 1992?

[@dj71162]

@@brewerrkjbAbsolutely.

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

#syria0110: Who can ever forget the reaction Ms. Bassett had to Jaime Lee Curtis winning the Award? You can actually see the actor who played Elvis sitting by her side holding her hand.😢

[@earheard]

I was patiently waiting for you to mention Jamie Lee Curtis winning for 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'. 😬

[@lisasaims3007]

I didn’t know, another wooden crazy, maybe it was for her previous slasher flicks? Legacy win? She was still young, no telling actually

[@danavixen6274]

Thank you! JLC should've received an Honorary Oscar. Hint. Hint. Is what it is. 😒 Sidenote: Michelle Yeoh was very DESERVING of her Best Actress Oscar. Loved her and EEAAO! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@harlow9175]

@@danavixen6274 Really? Should have been Cate Blanchett. Academy box ticking ... again! I agree with JLC though, more a nod to her parents Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh then to her.

[@danavixen6274]

​@@harlow9175Cate Blanchett is INCREDIBLE! I heard she was great in Tar. I see what you're saying. Hopefully, we can respectfully disagree. Granted, the Oscars IS about box checking and politics. CLEARLY! However, while absorbing EEAAO, long before I knew Michelle would be nominated for anything, I believed she would deserve an Oscar SOLELY for her dedication to her performance. I could care less about her being Asian. I cared more for how brilliant she was in her performance.

[@bibaolaitan5189]

This!!!!!

[@WillScarlet16]

When Grace Kelly beat Judy Garland for the Oscar in '55, Groucho Marx wrote to Judy "This is the biggest robbery since Brinks." Ironically, when Renee Zellweger won in '19 for playing Judy Garland, I wanted to write Cynthia Erivo and tell her "This is the biggest robbery since Judy Garland."

[@annrodriguez2891]

Kelly beating Garland for that movie was pure robbery

[@Attmay]

The nomination being for *The Country Girl* instead of *Rear Window* is what gets me. There would’ve been more honor in losing to an Alfred Hitchcock movie.

[@TheAdnanmajor]

Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linnings Playbook. I was incredibly upset of her win on that. Completely undeserved

[@AviZaientz]

Agreed. She was amazing in mother! and winning for that would have made more sense to me.

[@6tiple6ix6afia]

she is the first woman ever bro she invented women obviously she won

[@McFatteh]

I remember thinking she did ace the role (even though her being ridiculously young did take me out of it a tad) but Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro also aced their roles at least just as much. Yet I feel they didn't get as much praise. Like they were highly praised but not to the same level? I dunno let's be real, I wasn't even that aware of the movie when it came out until my friend asked if I'd gone to see it but that's what I seem to recall

[@melissaermantrout8038]

I thought that whole movie was crap 😂

[@lindalincita]

@@melissaermantrout8038 totally... The book is amazing and they totally changed it for the movie...

[@loluolusesan-falade1181]

Where is Gwyneth Paltrow's win for Shakespeare in Love over Fernanda Montenegro in Central Station and Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth? (1999 Oscars) - The Harvey Weinstein influenced Win. That's my number one. The Year Shakespeare in Love won over Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture.

[@kdavies3105]

100% agree

[@walkrwalkr3622]

Totally agree

[@bernardmungin5940]

I completely agree. I thought Fernanda Montenegro should’ve won.

[@mrbear1302]

1000 percent agree

[@roxy5588]

You summed it up. The 1999 Oscars was a bloody mess and the Best Picture mess makes my blood boil. Saving Private Ryan is the real winner for best picture. It was a travesty that probably the greatest war movie ever made was robbed it was way more successful than Shakespeare in Love and I don't have to see the film because I have seen clips on the internet and I will dodge them. Saving Private Ryan's legacy is unforgettable and its a movie that everyone revisits nobody will ever watch that trashy BP winner.

[@carlosvega9502]

One “Oscar Winning” performance that has always bothered me was Roberto Benigni for Life is Beautiful. Great movie, but he basically plays the same character in every movie. I guess he also should had been nominated for Son of the Pink Panther too. Edward Norton for American History X was the clear winner that year.

[@bobsmith3217]

I remember seeing Edward Norton in The Illusionist and The Painted Veil in 2006 and thinking, "This guy's headed for a Best Actor Oscar." He's still in his 50's so maybe there is still time.

[@wreckim]

I liked both roles there. Norton is just a superb actor period, but AHX, is such a depressing movie, that might have been why.

[@aliya6158]

I would give him a pass in that， that moment right before he was shot he did play very well just by his eyes - realization that he will now die ， that it s the last time than he is seeing his son and that he do not want scare him.. that last walk was everything. and honestly I think the scene with that doctor was also pretty good，especially when you comparing the atmosphere between their all in cafe and in the camp

[@christinemaclean3718]

@aliya6158 I appreciated Benigni’s blend of comedic and dramatic acting in this role; not an easy thing to do.

[@annshaw9334]

Fanny Brice

[@texasred2702]

The Oscars get it wrong more often than not. Just one example--Jonah Hill, a pretty good, occasionally memorable actor, has been nominated twice for an Academy Award. Harry Dean Stanton, one of the greatest actors of all time with a decades-long career that included performances in classic films and his towering leading role in Paris, Texas--never nominated. Not even once.

[@NostalgiNorden]

He deserved it for Wolf hut not for Moneyball.

[@bartjargengarblbargeler1980]

Donald Sutherland as well. Not one nomination

[@suzettemyers6058]

100% Agree with Harry Dean Stanton! Great understated actor!

[@suzettemyers6058]

100% Agree with Harry Dean Stanton! Great understated actor!

[@jellyrollnorton]

@@bartjargengarblbargeler1980Donald Sutherland should’ve been nominated for Ordinary People alongside Hutton and Hirsch.

[@cherylreaves253]

For me, the biggest farce at the Oscars and the whole reason I never watched again was the year Bette Midler lost for her portrayal of Janis Joplin in the Rose to Sally Field in Norma Rae. I hated Norma Rae and Sally didn’t hold a candle to Bette. Of course here we are all these years later and I can’t stand anything that comes out of Midler’s mouth due to everything having to be political.

[@joshdrayton1230]

The character in The Rose was not Janis Joplin. You can certainly make a case for her being inspired by Joplin, but she was not called Janis and the writer, director and Midler all denied that it was Joplin. That aside, I can see why Field won over Midler. Her performance has a level of realism, a subtlety and an emotional heft, while Midler's more full-bodied turn might well be seen as over-the-top by some.

[@moniquedavis7604]

I feel you. I believe Denzel, although was great in Training Day, there were many other performances he should have won for including Malcolm X. I think Whoopi should have won for The Color Purple rather than Ghost. I agree with your assessment of Green Book. Although it is a very important story in history to be told, I believe Viggo Mortensen's performance in that movie should have gotten the Oscar.

[@BadFluffy]

Whoopi winning for Ghost was a total "sorry you didn't win for The Color Purple, we love you" award. No question, she was funny and nuanced in Ghost, far more than the movie deserved, but the part just wasn't enough for a win.

[@wreckim]

Viggo was awesome in A History of Violence btw...I'm sure you know.

[@danavixen6274]

​@@BadFluffyAgree with you about Whoopi. She OWNED it as Celie in the 1985 version of The Color Purple! They knew what they were doing. Training Day? It was a sympathy win for Denzel too. In my opinion, Denzel should've won for Malcolm X, American Gangster and Fences. His directing is INCREDIBLE too.🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

[@homeaccount5943]

Edward Norton should have won for Primal Fear.

[@andyx6766]

As was often said by Robert Patrick (the playwright, not the actor) regarding Oscars, "The award is for the BEST acting, not the MOST acting."

[@angelag669]

I would add Denzel Washington in Training Day in 2001. He was good but Russel Crowe in A Beautiful Mind should have won. I think Washington should have won for his performance in Man on Fire on 2004. Most considered it a critical flop but I thought it was really good and Washington's performance was exceptional. Also, Cher for Moonstruck. It should have been maybe Glenn Close for Fatal Attraction but although good, Cher's performance was not her best. She should have probably won in 1985 for Mask. It was her best performance but the category was really tough that year. And lest we not forget Shakespeare in Love. Neither Gwyneth Paltrow nor Judi Dench should have won for their performances in that movie. Paltrow was not that good and Dench was barely in the film. There are so many others and now the Oscars are just a joke.

[@flmbyz]

Joan Fontaine winning for an Alfred Hitchcock film a year after Rebecca is a makeup award for not winning the year before…BUT it was also a big deal because of the “sibling rivalry” between Fontaine & Olivia de Havilland (for Hold Back the Dawn). Stanwyck was the only nominee whose film wasn’t up for best picture, so she had that going against her. So, yeah, it was a makeup award & a decisive factor in the “sibling rivalry”.

[@debrarobey3749]

joan isnt. A pimple on Olivia's. Kister. Couldn't hold a candle. To her sisters beauty. Inside and out

[@FLOJo83]

Julia Roberts for Erin Brokovich over Ellen Burstyn in Requiem for a Dream was a huge upset

[@Attmay]

She lost to an actress who isn’t even better than Linda Lavin!

[@ashleighcalvert8937]

It is an iconic performance especially retrospectively but it was definitely a career win

[@6tiple6ix6afia]

She did not even act. She acted like a stuck up b1tch the whole movie. Julia had to dig about half an inch above her skin, that is how deep she had to go to find that character lmfao

[@davedavis8786]

Rami Malek got a lot of votes by positioning a vote for him as a tribute to Freddie Mercury. As a result, Bradley Cooper lost that year, but he might get some extra votes this year if people see it as a tribute to Leonard Bernstein.

[@RickDesper-v8z]

Cooper's nose prosthetic will hurt him a lot. And he's still got a reputation as a bit of a lightweight - a vestige from getting noticed in The Hangover.

[@spinyg]

The Rami Malek is even worse when you compare it to Taron Eggerton’s Elton John who didn’t even get nominated for it when he did the singing and was all around a better performance

[@thomashavard-morgan8181]

I will never get over Carey Mulligan losing for Promising Young Woman. It had been a decades long snubbing for amazing performances and finally for a role that was and is magnificent she gets her second nomination and Mcdormand takes it. Don't get me wrong McDormand gives a wonderful performance, but one we have seen from her before. Carey was much more interesting and unique and captivating and for her to lose to a two time winner, that had done better, it hurt.

[@fredd8556]

Or even for An Education over Sandy Bullock.

[@gauravw6947]

Agree completely… During the Oscars live streaming, I was so looking forward to see Mulligan and Sir Hopkins to win the lead categories… Though I was happy to see Hopkins win, I was disappointed to see McDormand winning her third Oscar over Carey’s fabulous performance… The whole ceremony was such a disaster…

[@Kimdone365]

Omg gurl I know. Carey Mulligan losing for PMY is the beginning of my joker arc

[@kellie-nd1yp]

For some reason I kept thinking Frances McDormand would take it . She had the BAFTA and Davis had. the SAG you usually ( although not always) need one of those. Frances had a best picture too. I just couldn’t shake the feeling. I would have been happy with any of the three winning for the performances alone . PYW would have been an interesting win for her . I really love Nomadland and Promising Young Woman.

[@poett8875]

It’s funny because it didn’t even seem like McDormand wanted to win anyway. She barely campaigned and didn’t show up to any of the awards shows (which were on ZOOM😂).

[@creativeliberdade]

I still get annoyed that Gloria Grahame won the best supporting actress Oscar for The Bad And The Beautiful in 1953, the actress who I believe deserved the award is Jean Hagen for Singing In The Rain, she was outstanding.

[@maizie9454]

dont be. gtraham should. have won an oscar for a number of different roles. im mad she didnt win more

[@creativeliberdade]

I think she should have got an Oscar for Sudden Fear, there's another one that I can't remember. I still believe the Oscar should have gone to Jean Hagen.@@maizie9454

[@marknewton6984]

Hagen was great!

[@laurajones1773]

I'm annoyed Jean Hagen is the only acting Oscar nomination in Singin' in the Rain. I'm annoyed Donald O'Connor wasn't at least nominated because he's my favorite performance in that movie. He's so fun and entertaining. Also, hilarious.

[@laurajones1773]

I think Jean Hagen's performance in Singin' in the Rain is a better version of Judy Holliday's performance in Born Yesterday who won an Oscar for that film who robbed the Oscar from Gloria Swanson's masterful performance in Sunset Boulevard. Judy Holliday had a squeaky voice and starred as a dumb blonde like Jean Hagen, but Judy Holliday was not funny and annoying. Jean Hagen was enjoyably dumb and entertaining to the point of being hilarious. Jean Hagen was nominated for Singin' in the Rain and lost. I think Jean Hagen is more worthy of winning an Oscar for Singin' in the Rain than Judy Holliday winning for Born Yesterday.

[@kimbargwanna1169]

How Gwyneth won over Cate still baffles me. I feel it was a sympathy vote to Gwen due to the loss of her father.

[@sammyfulcherjr2442]

It wasn't even that. Her father was still alive and at the ceremony when she won. He died in 2002. Miramax basically bought that Oscar for her. The movie itself won best picture and shouldn't have.

[@kendallevans4079]

Hmmmm.....wasn't he in the industry?

[@paineintheass233]

@@sammyfulcherjr2442 Saving Private Ryan, which was Spielberg who was overdue. Just goes to show you how....

[@lorileeann7623]

Gwyneth Paltrow did not deserve to win the Best Actress Oscar for SIL, nothing about that film deserved to win... Gwyneth, Judi Dench, Best Picture...but Paltrow's father was still alive at the time...both her parents accompanied her to the Oscars...

[@12classics39]

It astounds me that Elijah Wood and Sean Astin didn’t even get nominated for “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” The Oscars were smart enough to give the film the technical awards it deserved, but completely snubbed two absolutely phenomenal performances that carry the entire film, let alone the entire trilogy, on their shoulders.

[@L1623VP]

Sean Astin definitely was nominated for supporting actor for Return of the King. It's a shame he didn't win because he totally deserved it. Astin is the only actor in the entire series to be nominated for an Academy Award, which is a shame too because there were so many other worthy performances among the cast. Sadly, the academy frowns on "action" movies, but the Lord of the Rings series was so much more than that.

[@12classics39]

@@L1623VP sadly you’re mistaken. Sean Astin was not Oscar-nominated for Return of the King. The only actor nominated for an Oscar for this trilogy was Ian McKellen for “Fellowship of the Ring.” But I agree that so many of the performances deserved Academy recognition.

[@L1623VP]

@@12classics39 That's crazy, but also disappointing because I swore I saw him at an awards show nominated for that performance where he didn't win, but I checked and it's not the Oscars, SAG Awards, or Golden Globes. His Wiki page says he was nominated seven times for various awards (Saturn Award, "X" Critics' Award, etc.) for that role and won five of them. So he did win something for his performance in Return of the King, it's just that those things weren't what I was thinking of. Oh well, I must have dreamed it. It just seems crazy that Return of the King, a film that won 11 Academy Awards, including director, picture, score, and adapted screenplay, won none for the performances. The film didn't act itself all the way to the Best Picture Oscar. The actors did that. I believe the shunning of the actors when it came to nominations was due to the Hollywood elitists that only saw Return of the King (and the other two films in the series) as "just action movies".

[@beaupianiste3738]

@@L1623VP I liked Viggo in the Return of the King, strong performance. But maybe it was the fact that the whole series was more of an ensemble performance by very talented actors... Ian McKellen's acting was outstanding throughout the series.

[@benjihudson2768]

LOVE the Karen Black shoutout, she has never got the level of respect I think she deserves, especially for her Five Easy Pieces performance. Justice for Karen Black !!

[@northernlights6459]

@benjihudson, Karen Black was amazing in ‘The Day of the Locust’.She never got the credit that was due to her. I shall have to watch Five Easy Pieces again, it was a standout film with standout performances.

[@andyroo9381]

"Come Back To The Five & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean". I liked her in that too.

[@markelijio6012]

Wrong!

[@willnoiles2001]

Bette Davis already had "a lot of Oscars?" When did 2 become a lot? It's the same number as Elizabeth Taylor and Davis could act circles around Taylor. But I will agree that Barbara Stanwyck deserved at least 1 Oscar. Both she and Gena Rowlands have been nominated at least twice but never won, yet they are two of the greatest actors of their generations. The Academy has not only been good at giving out awards for performances/films that didn't even deserve a nomination, let alone a win. But they've also been good at cheating performers!

[@danhutson3460]

Bette Davis was nominated for 11 Oscars.

[@duskymoor9]

@@danhutson3460 If we had a seance right now, I bet she'd say, "That's not the same as winning."

[@deantailor357]

Bette Davis would have won another for "All About Eve" but didn't because of Ann Baxter being nominated in the same category and splitting the vote. Same thing happened with Susan Sarandon and Geena Davies for "Thelma & Louise". Also, Glenn Close would have won for "Fatal Attraction" if the Academy wasn't making up to Cher for not being nominated for "Mask" 2 years earlier. And poor Sigourney Weaver was nominated in two different categories in 1989 (lead for "Gorillas in the Mist" and supporting for "Working Girl") and lost them both. Both Close and Weaver have yet to win and if they do, it'll likely be "career" wins, given as recognition for past losses, which just takes away someone else's "win" and the cycle continues.

[@RickTBL]

The public loved Helen Hayes in Airport. It was one of my favorite movies of the time, largely due to Helen Hayes hilarious performance as Ada Quonsett, serial stowaway. She stole the show, the public was very much under her spell with that role.

[@cliffarroyo9554]

yes I remember that Airport was a very big thing and she was the breakout star of the movie.

[@williamnelson8165]

I would agree, I'm glad she win it

[@studbstrd3589]

I’m wondering if this was updated, would it have Robert Downey Jr in it for Oppenheimer?

[@wavesofwoodenlegs]

I actually like Rami Malek's performance in "Bohemian Rhapsody" and believe he deserved the win. And this is coming from someone is a Queen fan but thought the film was utterly disappointing because of how much it sanitized and cliched the band's story. He captures every one of Freddie's mannerism and truly shines in the quieter moments. Also, the other actors who played Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon were really good too.

[@kellie-nd1yp]

I liked it too.

[@jonathanvelazquezph.d.2719]

😬

[@kellie-nd1yp]

I get people not loving it and Bradley was my favorite that year but it didn’t look like he was going to win and I didn’t think Christian Bale did anything special in Vice.

[@melanie62954]

Agreed. I find it odd that people criticize Rami Malek, but think Austin Butler should have won for Elvis. Butler was great in it, but the way the film was written didn't give much to do other than impersonate. No moments that actually focused on Elvis's internal world--it was all filtered through the perspective of Tom Hanks's awful character.

[@roxy5588]

The actor that played Brian May Gwilym Lee eerily looked the same as Brian May back in the 80s. They got that spot on.

[@nolabobo1]

# 1 should have been the travesty that Cher won over Glenn Close in Dangerous Liaisons for Cher Moonstruck. Glenn was FANTASTIC! Cher should have won for Mask!

[@dnasty312]

Actually, Cher's win came over Glenn Close for _Fatal Attraction_ and I personally feel that year's winner should have been Holly Hunter in _Broadcast News._

[@anne-no2ic]

I like Cher as a person, not as an actress or siinger. She makes me wince.

[@SherrieMonica]

Sorry I love Cher In everything she does

[@Lady-gd8zl]

I always think Kim Basinger didn’t deserve the Oscar for L.A. Confidential. The film is good, but her performance to me is merely so so.

[@thechabala1993]

Couldn't have said it better. Like Wtf?

[@beaupianiste3738]

Gloria Stuart should have won for Titanic. Her role was the best in the movie, in my opinion.

[@aerpx]

Solid movie with solid performances. Nothing Oscar worthy at all.

[@brobbus0-dl6vl]

She didn't deserve it at all. It was an average acting performance, not even a strong one let alone Oscar worthy. Compare hers to Sharon Stone's in Casino (who was nominated but didn't win). There is no comparison.

[@mtnstrand2819]

Agreed. Kim Basinger is simply not Oscar material.

[@johnjim6793]

Your comment on Rami Malek reminded me of Cate Blanchett winning the Oscar for the role of Katherine Hepburn in Aviator. Same thing here, she is trying far too hard to make an impression. Like so often, you get the Oscar simply for playing a famous person.

[@wsidechris]

Renee shouldn't have even been nominated, the EASY swap is Christina Ricci for "Monster". (Who, BTW, became famous well before Renee!) You captured what I think are 2 of the most embarrassing losses, those being Karen Black (whose performance as Rayette practically wrote the book on what constitutes a "best supporting actress" role); and Gabourey Sidibe goes in the books for one of the best film debut performances of all time (think Emily Watson level). I can't even watch "The Blind Side" due to that loss.

[@nikolascepanovic539]

Gabourey Sidibe was utterly horrible and wooden. Emily Watson completely overacted in "Breaking the Waves"; she made grimaces and expressions that would make Jim Carrey green with envy.

[@wsidechris]

@@nikolascepanovic539 Your commentary is horrible, wooden and overacted. You apparently lack soul. Thanks for sharing, though.

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

Renee had been a working actress for over a decade, by the time "Cold Mountain" came out.

[@robb7398]

Actually Helen Hayes was very, very popular with audiences in Airport. People really enjoyed her impish performance.

[@JIM-ot4ws]

That's what I thought. Woeful movie though, but she helped it through.

[@querellenono2683]

LOL, I never could stand that old Ho

[@heleneb2105]

She was great.

[@Wineoclockbookworm]

How is Gwyneth Paltrow not on this list?

[@adelaflores2027]

My thoughts exactly. Especially in the year Cate was phenomenal for Elizabeth.

[@claranism]

She'd be my no. 1, esp knowing tt her win is due mostly to the Harvey Weinstein underhand tactics

[@gauravw6947]

Honestly, it wasn’t a bad performance… Whether it was the best, could be debatable… I’d prefer Fernanda Montenegro that year…

[@poett8875]

@@gauravw6947I agree. I watched the film and thought she was genuinely very good in it. I think a nomination for her is fair, but her actually winning is crazy to me.

[@nicwink6195]

Huh? Not no 1 or even on list? Just started watching and not sure if worth watching the rest now…😮

[@Mcvthree3]

Makes me realize what a waste of space the Oscars are.

[@lonellfletcher]

I still don't understand the hate for Zellweger in Cold Mountain. She brought some much needed life to a dreary film and was a perfect counterbalance to Kidman's more reserved performance.

[@jackmahanes4591]

Aghdashloo was just a million times better

[@gauravw6947]

I liked her performance too… It definitely wasn’t worse than Rami Malek in BR…

[@andreiiliepopescu6393]

At the time, I also saw Renée's performance as compensation for losing for Chicago the year prior. At least she was for sure the lead in "Chicago", while Nicole Kidman was one of three leads in "The Hours."

[@ChrolliForever]

It just a make-up win and all other nominees were better, especially Shooreh Aghdashloo, that's why! Zellweger was cartonish and over the top.

[@gregmcfarnon1140]

You're definitely correct, it is a dreary film which only serves to make her over-the-top performance seem all the more hammy.

[@maisiesummers42]

I think the Academy selection, nomination, and election is a very political process. There's a lot of lobbying behind the scenes, and persuading Academy members how to vote. Half the time (as I understand it), the members haven't even seen the films they're voting for.

[@PunguinYoga]

I think you're right.

[@6tiple6ix6afia]

Duh. That is why dogshit like Green Book and Crash won awards lmfao

[@MamaJewels99]

Why is Gwyneth Paltrow not on this list? She was the least deserving of a nomination let alone a win. I loved moonlight and I agree that Virgo should have snagged best supporting actor.😊

[@VesuvioXXL]

The Oscar not only honors good performance, but there is also a lot of politics involved.

[@LJ-ht4zs]

Suspicion is one of my favorite films - ever. Also, I feel that Cary Grant always gave a great performance

[@heatherrobertson6110]

Lots of commenters mention Gwyneth Paltrow for this category, but for me a much bigger travesty that year came from the same film - Judy Dench's Best Supporting Actress win. I love Judy Dench, but this was the sort of role she can rock up and churn out in her sleep. It was almost certainly an apology Oscar to make up for her not winning for Mrs Brown the year before, which is always a terrible reason for an award. As for who should have won, it is a long time since I saw any of the films other actresses were nominated for in this category, but I remember Rachel Griffiths being good in Hilary and Jackie, so that is at least one more deserving winner.

[@pazza4555]

She thought the win was ridiculous too

[@frumaatholoid]

I think Lynn Redgrave should have won that year for Gods and Monsters. Shame she died without ever winning.

[@RickDesper-v8z]

That was basically a "show up for one day of work" job. The voters should be embarrassed.

[@littlekingtrashmouth9219]

Art Carney in Harry and Tonto. Should’ve been Al Pacino in Godfather II

[@nhmooytis7058]

Nicholson was also nominated for Chinatown and Hoffman for Lenny.

[@bobsmith3217]

Agree. Then Pacino won for Scent of Woman, when Denzel Washington should have won for Malcolm X. Then Denzel Washington won for Training Day, when Russell Crowe should have won for A Beautiful Mind.

[@kendallevans4079]

I think that was one of those "sentimental" giveaways. Sort of like here's for all you've done type things.

[@littlekingtrashmouth9219]

@@kendallevans4079 yeah. That’s why Robert Altman said he was grateful for the lifetime achievement award as opposed to getting a late in life kudos

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@kendallevans4079 yup

[@conniecarroll747]

You got the part about Elizabeth Taylor partly right. She did get ill and almost died. It was during the filming of Cleopatra. She had to undergo a trac on her troat to save her life. You can see the scar in that film. Elizabeth said in an interview or one of her books that she never liked Butterfield 8 and knew she didn't deserve the Oscar. It was a sympathy vote that the Oscars are known for doing more and more these days. Unfortunately.

[@Attmay]

The large format negative probably makes it very easy to see. There are parts of *My Fair Lady* where on a big enough screen, you can actually see Audrey Hepburn‘s dental fillings.

[@geraldstephens6612]

Some say that Elizabeth Taylor should have won an Oscar for her performance in the movie Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

[@cloudburstlia456]

I found that movie so boring I was so disappointed she looks amazing though. Idk if it was the glam

[@KabobHope]

She's Maggie The Cat and she's alive.

[@SandViolet]

1958 was a red-letter year for best actress performances and all 5 nominated actresses could have won on a lesser year. Even though "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" was the third biggest box office hit of 1958 and Elizabeth still had the sympathy vote (Mike Todd had died during the filming of the movie), Rosalind Russell, in her 4th best actress nomination, was the star of "Auntie Mame", the second biggest movie of the year, and a favorite to win. If it hadn't been for Susan Hayward, in her 5th best actress nomination, starring in the most talked-about movie of the year and giving one of her best performances. And then there's my favorite: Deborah Kerr, in her 5th best actress nomination, giving her best performance ever in "Separate Tables", and Shirley MacLaine, in her showy breakthrough role - the kind that the Academy loves - in "Some Came Running".

[@Attmay]

She gave a great performance of a bowdlerized version of the show.