Leonardo DiCaprio isn’t the only one to have had his share of award snubs, but it’s hard to believe some of the films that have missed out on the biggest prizes in Hollywood. So as the world turns its attention to The Academy Awards for another year, we look back at the greatest pictures to have never bagged an Oscar. And there are some serious shockers.
1. The Wizard Of Oz
Hailed as one of the toughest categories in the ceremony’s history, the 1940 Oscars saw The Wizard Of Oz miss out on the Best Picture gong to Gone With The Wind. Although the two films shared a director in Victor Fleming, the much-loved musical was arguably his better work.
2. Brokeback Mountain
Despite being tipped to take home Best Picture at the 2006 ceremony, Brokeback Mountain missed out to Paul Haggis’ Crash on the night. Even Jack Nicholson couldn’t believe the news as he announced the winner on stage, leaving Hollywood sobbing over Brokeback’s awards snub.
3. Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction may have cemented itself as one of the most iconic films of all time, but a 1995 battle against Forest Gump meant missing out on Best Picture. We’re not big fans of anything that makes Bruce Willis pull a sad face, but the cult flick did find some justice in the Best Original Screenplay category.
4. Drive
Look away Ryan Gosling supporters, the actor’s 2012 efforts in Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive didn’t do much for his Oscars campaign. The 80s-style thriller should have arguably been up for Best Actor on Gosling’s part, but was lumped with just one nomination for sound editing. Humph.
5. Edward Scissorhands
Of all the Tim Burton and Johnny Depp hook-ups, 1990‘s Edward Scissorhands has marked their partnership in history. Besides some much-deserved recognition for Best Makeup, which went to Dick Tracy on the night, Depp should’ve been a shoo-in for Best Actor, going to Jeremy Irons for Reversal Of Fortune.
6. Fight Club
Even the sight of Brad Pitt as tough-guy Tyler Durden wasn’t enough to get Fight Club a significant gong at the 1999 Oscars. Nevermind the fact that Helena Bonham Carter was denied a spot on the Best Supporting Actress shortlist, the David Fincher flick was given just one nomination in the Best Effects category.
7. Singin’ In The Rain
Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly created one of the most loved films in American movie history with 1952’s Singin’ In The Rain. But the heartwarming production failed to bag a nomination at the following year’s Oscars, leaving The Greatest Show On Earth to take home all the Best Picture glory.
8. Psycho
There’s no denying the cold chill Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho sent down the spines of cinema-goers in 1960. Despite nods in the Best Director category and a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Janet Leigh, the legendary film left the Academy Awards empty handed.
9. It’s A Wonderful Life
Even after five nominations at the 1947 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life bagged no Oscars at the coveted ceremony. James Stewart’s lead role was at least expected to earn him the Best Actor title, which ended up in the hands of Fredric March for The Best Years of Our Lives.
