13 Actresses with Missing Nominations

These are the performances that were left off the list on nomination morning throughout my years of Oscar viewing. I only went as far back as I've been watching the Oscars (1990), and stuck with the performances I actually remember being shocked were not included at the time. Cue the niavite. There are, of course, others that I've seen for the first time years after their qualification for awards and wondered "Now, why wasn't that performance nominated?"


Batman Returns, Michelle Pfieffer, 3 times nominated. This was, I guess, before it was cool to nominate comic book villains.

Dolores Claiborne, Kathy Bates, 3. One of the biggest shocks ever for me. Bates is brilliant here.

Evita, Madonna, 0. She was great. There's no getting around it.

The Fall, Catinka Untaru, 0. I was hoping against hope she would get in.

For Your Consideration, Catherine O'Hara, 0. Too close to home for Academy voters?

The House of the Spirits, Glenn Close, 5. The best part of the entire film.

Interview With The Vampire, Kirsten Dunst, 0. I'm sure giving the Supporting Actress award to Anna Paquin the previous year counted against Dunst.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Cate Blanchett, 5. A small part, but she perfectly embodied the character.

Magnolia, Julianne Moore, 4. The pharmacy scene alone should have gotten her nominated.

The Others, Fionnula Flanagan, 0. The ultimate creepy maid.

Passion Fish, Alfre Woodard, 1. What's this great actress have to do to get a second Oscar nomination?

Pleasantville, Joan Allen, 3. I was miffed she wasn't nominated!...This was back when such things had the ability to miff me.

Postcards From the Edge, Shirley MacLaine, 5. A character based on Debbie Reynolds, and a wonderful and hilarious performance.