Why do some of the most brilliant films get overlooked by the Oscars? This question is as old as the award itself, with many film lovers able to list titles they believed were robbed of academy attention. From Coen Brothers hits to unsung comic heroes, here are 24 exceptional movies that failed to receive a nomination from the Academy yet have stood the test of time.
The Shining
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a masterpiece of horror. It features Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable performance as he weaves through the haunting Overlook Hotel. Proving that Academy recognition isn’t always indicative of true value, The Shining left a lasting impact on the horror genre.
Fight Club
Initially met with mixed reviews, David Fincher’s Fight Club has now achieved cult classic status. Its innovative narrative and compelling performances by Brad Pitt and Edward Norton failed to resonate with the Academy, leaving it without a single nomination.
Heat
If there was ever a heist sequence to go down in Hollywood history, it would be from Heat. Al Pacino and Robert De Niro’s on-screen chemistry in Michael Mann’s Heat created one of the most gripping crime dramas ever, but intense action sequences and complex characters didn’t earn any Oscar nods. Despite this, it thrilled us and grabbed movie fans’ attention everywhere.
Don’t Look Now
Nicholas Roeg’s Don’t Look Now is celebrated for its innovative editing and psychological depth. Despite its unique storytelling and chilling atmosphere, however, the Academy has not recognized it.
The Big Lebowski
Achieving cult status, the Coen brothers’ The Big Lebowski is beloved for its quirky characters and memorable dialogue. Tackling themes of male humiliation and “dudeism” and with political allegory to boot, this eccentric comedy is one of the most quotable films of the 1990s. Surprisingly, it was completely overlooked during award season.
The Thing
Standing as a masterclass in suspense and special effects, John Carpenter’s The Thing is a blueprint for subsequent horrors. Playing on the uncanny and our fear of the unknown, groundbreaking creature designs and a tense narrative failed to capture the Academy’s attention, leaving it without nominations.
Harold and Maude
Blending dark humor with poignant themes of life and love, Harold and Maude, directed by Hal Ashby, remains beloved despite its lack of Oscar recognition. Its unconventional storyline and memorable performances didn’t earn any nominations.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Sergio Leone’s epic western The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is considered one of the greatest films in its genre. Sadly, the Oscars overlooked the iconic score and stunning cinematography and failed to predict its lasting legacy.
Zodiac
Meticulous in its chronicle of the hunt for the Zodiac Killer, David Fincher’s Zodiac featured detailed storytelling and strong performances. Despite this, it didn’t translate into Oscar recognition, though fans nowadays cite it as the best depiction of this disturbing case.
The Long Goodbye
Robert Altman’s The Long Goodbye, featuring Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe, stands out in the neo-noir genre. Despite critical acclaim and countless reasons for gaining recognition, it didn’t receive any nominations and ultimately missed its chance.
The King of Comedy
Surprisingly, this meditation on money, fame, and power wasn’t acknowledged by the Oscars in the year of its release. Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy starred Robert De Niro in a stellar performance, offering a darkly comedic look at fame and obsession.
In the Mood for Love
Celebrated for its visual beauty and emotional depth, Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love features exquisite cinematography and performances. Entirely overlooked by the Academy, it remains a cherished film.
Halloween
Setting the standard for slasher films, John Carpenter’s Halloween features suspenseful direction and iconic villain Michael Myers. Surprisingly, it didn’t receive any Oscar nods.
American Psycho
Christian Bale’s chilling performance in Mary Harron’s adaptation of American Psycho has become a cult classic. The film combines sharp social commentary with a disturbing narrative. But why wasn’t this enough to earn American Psycho Oscar nods at the time? For some reason, it just slipped through the cracks.
Before Sunrise
A beautiful exploration of a fleeting romantic connection, Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise features authentic dialogue and chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Despite this, the Academy did not recognize it.
The Big Heat
Fritz Lang’s The Big Heat is a seminal film noir that delves into themes of corruption and vengeance. Despite critical acclaim and influence, it did not receive any Oscar nominations.
Breathless
What revolutionized cinema with Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless? Bold style and narrative techniques made it a cornerstone of the French New Wave, and while the Oscars didn’t recognize it, it revolutionized cinema.
M
A chilling portrayal of a child murderer, Fritz Lang’s M profoundly impacted the thriller genre and provided fresh content for the psychologically disturbing side of cinema. Despite this, the Academy did not acknowledge it, though it has since received critical acclaim.
Touch of Evil
Orson Welles’ Touch of Evil remains a masterful noir film with a gripping plot and stunning cinematography to boot. It’s also a film that most people thought would be nominated for an Oscar, but despite critical acclaim, it didn’t receive Academy attention.
Margaret
One girl’s rigid moral principles are tested in Margaret, featuring a powerful performance by Anna Paquin. Kenneth Lonergan’s Margaret is a complex drama that seems worthy of critical attention, but its troubled production and delayed release may have contributed to its lack of recognition.
A Matter of Life and Death
Powell and Pressburger’s A Matter of Life and Death is visually inventive and emotionally resonant. It features imaginative storytelling and stellar performances, but though it ticked all these boxes, it wasn’t enough to garner any Academy nominations.
Local Hero
Bill Forsyth’s Local Hero is a charming comedy-drama about an American sent to buy a Scottish village. It features endearing characters and a heartfelt story. Many people are still perplexed as to why the Oscars didn’t acknowledge Local Hero.
Miller’s Crossing
A stylish and complex gangster film, the Coen brothers’ Miller’s Crossing features an intricate plot and strong performances. Filled to the brim with stunning shots, expert editing, and pervasive uneasiness, Miller’s Crossing is yet another Coen Brothers film that the Academy failed to recognize.
Play Misty for Me
Another masterpiece to be overlooked by the Oscars, Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut Play Misty for Me is a suspenseful thriller about obsession. Its tense narrative and Eastwood’s performance didn’t secure any Oscar nods, but it has since been recognized as a classic in the genre.
