Hollywood stars who haven’t won an Oscar: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton and more

Awards season often brings excitement, celebration and sometimes surprise results. While many actors and filmmakers eventually take home an Academy Award, some of Hollywood’s most acclaimed talents have spent decades delivering memorable performances without ever winning the coveted Oscar.

The 98th Academy Awards once again highlighted that reality. Despite critical acclaim and multiple nominations, several high-profile stars are still waiting for their first win.

Below are some of the most famous actors and filmmakers who have yet to secure an Oscar.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet has become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated young actors, yet an Academy Award still eludes him. 

By the age of 30, he had already earned four Oscar nominations.

His first came for his breakout role in Call Me by Your Name (2017), making him one of the youngest Best Actor nominees in decades. He later earned praise for portraying Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown and was nominated again in 2026 for Marty Supreme.

However, he lost the Best Actor race to Michael B. Jordan for Sinners.

Ralph Fiennes

British actor Ralph Fiennes has delivered acclaimed performances for decades but still hasn’t won an Oscar.

He earned early nominations for Schindler's List (1993) and The English Patient (1996). More recently, he received another Best Actor nomination for Conclave.

Edward Norton

Edward Norton began his career with an Oscar nomination for Primal Fear (1996).

He later earned nominations for American History X and Birdman, among others. Despite four nominations, the actor still hasn’t secured a win.

Glenn Close

Veteran actress Glenn Close holds one of the most surprising records in Oscar history.

She has been nominated eight times without winning, tying the record for the most acting nominations without a victory. Her nominated performances include Fatal Attraction and The Wife.

David Fincher

Director David Fincher is widely considered one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation.

Known for films such as Fight Club, Gone Girl and Zodiac, he has received three Best Director nominations, including for The Social Network. Despite widespread acclaim, he has yet to win an Oscar.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is another highly respected performer still waiting for her first Academy Award.

She was nominated for Best Actress for portraying Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It and later for Best Supporting Actress in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Richard Burton

Late Welsh actor Richard Burton was nominated for seven Oscars but never won.

Among his most notable nominated roles were performances in Becket, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Anne of the Thousand Days.

Eddie Murphy

Comedian and actor Eddie Murphy has enjoyed enormous success in Hollywood but still lacks an Oscar.

He earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Dreamgirls but lost the award that year.

Annette Bening

Annette Bening has received four Oscar nominations for films such as American Beauty and The Kids Are All Right. Despite decades of acclaimed performances, she has yet to win.

Ian McKellen

British acting legend Ian McKellen has won numerous awards including Tonys and BAFTAs.

However, the star of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and Gods and Monsters has never taken home an Oscar.

Wes Anderson

Director Wes Anderson is known for his distinctive cinematic style.

His films — including The Grand Budapest Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom — have earned several nominations, but he has yet to win an Academy Award.

Despite their immense contributions to cinema, these stars are still waiting for their Oscar moment — proving that even in Hollywood, the most prestigious award can remain elusive.