Major Oscars Snubs: Barbra Streisand, Audrey Hepburn, and Others Overlooked by the Academy

Oscars’ Most Notable Oversights: Stars Who Missed Out on Prestigious Nominations

 

The Academy Awards have long been a stage for celebrating cinematic excellence, yet every year, certain performances slip through the cracks, leaving fans and critics scratching their heads. In this look back, we explore some of the biggest oversights in Oscar history, featuring iconic stars who delivered unforgettable roles but were never recognized by the Academy.

 

First up is Audrey Hepburn with her stunning portrayal in the 1964 classic “My Fair Lady.” The film garnered a staggering 12 nominations, yet Hepburn was notably absent from the Best Actress category. While she captivated audiences with her transformation from a Cockney flower girl to a poised lady, critics pointed to the vocal talents of Broadway star Julie Andrews, who many felt should have reprised her stage role in the film.

 

Next, we unveil the journey of Lauren Bacall in “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” Bacall had high hopes for an Oscar but ultimately lost to Juliette Binoche in the acclaimed film “The English Patient.” Reflecting on her experience, Bacall remarked about the competitive nature of the awards, recognizing it as a win for the arts, despite not receiving the nod herself.

 

In 1992, Denzel Washington delivered a powerhouse performance in “Malcolm X,” yet he was overshadowed by Al Pacino’s role in “Scent of a Woman.” Spike Lee, who directed the film, voiced his frustrations, suggesting Washington’s defeat was a reflection of the Academy’s tendency to reward past glories instead of new brilliance.

 

Charlie Chaplin, a titan of cinema, faced a similar fate with his 1931 silent classic “City Lights.” As talkies dominated the industry, this poignant film went unrecognized. The heartfelt connection between Chaplin’s character and a blind girl remains a cinematic landmark, deserving of Oscar acknowledgment.

 

Glenn Close’s gripping performance in “Fatal Attraction” is another significant oversight. Despite earning eight nominations throughout her career, Close has yet to take home an Oscar. She humbly noted the honor of being nominated alongside peers while recognizing the competition she faced, especially from Cher’s breakout role in “Moonstruck.”

 

Barbra Streisand, a force in entertainment, also found herself overlooked with her work in “The Prince of Tides.” This marked another instance where the Academy failed to recognize her directorial prowess, with Streisand expressing that the sting of not being nominated felt especially acute the second time around.

 

Cary Grant, a Hollywood legend, is perhaps one of the most shocking omissions. In the iconic romantic comedy “The Philadelphia Story,” Grant received no recognition despite his leading role. Costar Katharine Hepburn praised him, indicating just how significant his talent was during that era.

 

Pam Grier’s role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown” showcased her extraordinary skills, yet she too was overlooked in a year dominated by “Titanic.” Tarantino remarked on Grier’s ability to embody the character flawlessly, yet the Academy passed her by.

 

Marilyn Monroe, with her unforgettable performance in “Some Like It Hot,” met a similar fate. Critics celebrated her comedic timing and charisma, yet personal struggles and negative press about her on-set behavior seemed to tarnish her chances for recognition.

 

Lastly, Gene Kelly, the legendary director, choreographer, and star of “Singin’ in the Rain,” went without an Oscar nomination. This omission is particularly poignant following the Academy’s recognition of “An American in Paris” in the preceding year, displaying their reluctance to award the same creator twice in such a short span.

 

These notable snubs serve as a reminder that the Academy Awards, while prestigious, don’t always capture the full spectrum of talent and artistry present in cinema. The discussions around these oversights continue to fuel conversations about fairness and representation in the film industry.