Despite the prior reactions to this year’s Academy Award nominations, some Oscar nominations continue to surprise the public years after they were snubbed. Here are some of the biggest Oscar nomination shocks of all time.
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The Color Purple(1986)
The Academy Awards infamously snubbed the film despite receiving critical and commercial successes. The Color Purple’s awards journey at the 1986 Oscars was complex, marked by immense recognition and a surprising lack of wins. It garnered 11 nominations, tying the record for most nominations without a single win. This included Best Picture, Best Actress(Whoopi Goldberg), Best Supporting Actress(Oprah Winfrey, Margeret Avery) Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song.
Malcolm X(1992)
While Spike Lee’s powerful biopic “Malcolm X” (1992) did not sweep the Academy Awards, its impact cannot be denied. Denzel Washington’s electrifying portrayal of the iconic civil rights leader earned him a well-deserved nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Still, he narrowly lost to Al Pacino in “Scent of Woman”. However, the film did find recognition elsewhere. The National Board of Review awarded “Malcolm X” their prestigious prize for Best Acting by an Ensemble, highlighting the film’s powerful cast, which included Angela Bassett, Al Freeman Jr., and Delroy Lindo. Additionally, Washington won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor, further solidifying his critical acclaim for the role.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Another Steven Spielberg film on the list, E.T., was snubbed at the Academy Awards despite being nominated for nine categories, including Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects Editing.
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Leonardo DiCaprio
Despite being one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, Leonardo DiCaprio’s relationship with the Academy Awards is complicated. He boasts seven nominations, including a win for “The Revenant” in 2016 and a string of notable snubs that have bewildered fans and critics. From early career gems like “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” and “Romeo + Juliet” to career-defining performances in “The Departed” and “Catch Me If You Can,” many argue that the Academy has consistently overlooked some of his finest work. Some point to the “Leo’s Oscar meme” and suggest awards fatigue might be at play. In contrast, others whisper of subtle industry politics or the Academy’s traditional preference for dramatic transformations over nuanced portrayals.
Angela Bassett
While Angela Bassett has had a glittering career filled with accolades, a few notable Oscar snubs left fans and critics alike scratching their heads, in 2023, her powerful performance as Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was widely considered a frontrunner for Best Supporting Actress. Bassett delivered a nuanced portrayal of grief, strength, and leadership, capturing the film’s emotional core. Many awards shows recognized her talent, including Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice wins. A similar sentiment was expressed in her iconic portrayal of Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” Yet, in one of the most shocking Oscar snubs of all time, she was overlooked for the Best Actress award, leaving audiences and critics alike dumbfounded.
The Shawshank Redemption(1995)
The film adaption of Stephen King’s novel was snubbed at the Oscars the following year despite receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. However, the film reportedly didn’t stand a chance against “Forrest Gump, ” which was also listed in the same categories for Best Picture and Best Actor.
GoodFellas(1990)
While Martin Scorsese’s 1990 masterpiece “Goodfellas” is celebrated as a genre-defining film today, its Oscar journey was unexpectedly rocky. Despite critical acclaim and widespread recognition as a cinematic powerhouse, the film was overlooked in the Best Picture category at the 1991 Academy Awards. However, “Goodfellas” did not leave empty-handed. The film secured nominations for six Oscars, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Scorsese, and won in the Best Editing category. While the Best Picture loss stung, the film’s lasting legacy and influence on subsequent mob movies remain undeniable.