The Biggest Oscar Snubs of All Time

Every year without fail, the Oscars glosses over exceptional movies and actors. Whether the snub is politically motivated or just plain personal, the biggest award show of the year has thrown its fair share of shade over the years. Take Leonardo DiCaprio, for instance. Dude has nine Oscar nominations to his name and not a single win. What’s the guy gotta do to get on of those things? They’ve driven him to eating raw bison liver on camera in the middle of a frozen forest. Thank god he’s n endless supply of models and money to ease them Oscar woes. But we digress... In honor of the upcoming 2016 Oscars, take a look at six major snubs and disappointments from over the last few decades.

1. Do The Right Thing (1989)
Snubbed for: Best Picture
This quintessential 80s flick on racial tensions is undoubtedly Spike Lee’s best work to date. Set on a simmering summer day in Brooklyn, the film deftly explores what happens when bigotry reaches its boiling point. The film was passed over for Driving Miss Daisy, a watered-down and “safe” version of Lee’s compelling story.

2. Mila Kunis in Black Swan (2010)
Snubbed For: Best Supporting Actress
Many of us were surprised when That 70s Show alum and child star Mila Kunis delivered an exceptional performance as a cutthroat ballet dancer in Black Swan. Kunis’ delivery was sexy, raw, and even a bit terrifying. Some critics even argued the actress’ performance outshone Natalie Portman’s lead role. For whatever reason, the gorgeous Russian wasn’t nominated for her portrayal despite winning a Golden Globe earlier that year. Maybe Meg Griffin ruined Mila’s chances?

3. Ben Affleck Argo (2012)
Snubbed For: Best Director
While Argo took home best picture, Ben Affleck lost the title of best director to Birdman's Alejandro González Iñárritu. The snub came as a surprise to industry heavyweights considering Argo cleaned up well at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. Some suspect Ben’s awful 2003 performance in Gigli still haunts his directorial reputation. So about that Batman casting...

4. Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic (1998)
Snubbed For: Best Actor
Where do we even begin? Leo is arguably the most snubbed actor of all time. From celebrated roles in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape to the Aviator, DiCaprio has been passed over time and time again for his impressive work. Did you see him in Django Unchained? What stands out the most, however, is Leo’s Titanic snub. While the film was nominated ELEVEN times, the actor was noticeably left out. At least he survived the ship sinking. Oh wait...

5. Bill Murray in Lost In Translation (2003)
Snubbed For: Best Actor
Along with Leo, Bill Murray is an exceptional actor that the Oscar voters love to snub. Notoriously prickly with the media and the Hollywood establishment in general, Murray has been snubbed on several ocassions but perhaps none more egregious than Lost In Translation. His nuanced, bittersweet performance in Sofia Coppola's outstanding Tokyo-set drama was the bright spot of the movie and perhaps the best performance of his varied career. Well deserving of an Oscar after his long, impressive, and varied career, we've got to wonder if he's ever going to get one.

6. Citizen Kane (1941)
Snubbed For: Best Picture
Orson Welle’s cult classic took home best screenplay but famously failed to snag the highest honor. The loss is unbelievable considering the project has been named the “Best American Film of All Time” by the American Film Institute. Not to mention it’s a critic and fan favorite. William Randolph Hearst’s notorious smear campaign against the movie is often attributed to the loss.

7. Ryan Gosling in Blue Valentine (2011)
Snubbed For: Best Actor
Though it’s hard to imagine the guy from The Notebook as an Oscar contender, Ryan Gosling’s broody and genuine performance in this anti-love story caught the attention of reputable critics. Gosling’s snub could be attributed to his heartthrob status and boy-next-door marketability, a.k.a Ryan’s not highbrow enough, but a list of strong acting credits including previous nominations for Lars and the Real Girl and his brooding turn in Drive, and recent work in The Big Short, we've got to believe he's got a statue coming at some point in the future.