From Gal Balaban

It’s a shame there are only twenty slots to nominate great performances each year, but that also results in the yearly snubs, some of which hurt more than others. In this article, we’re looking at the most unforgettable -- and unforgivable -- times this last decade when the Oscars didn’t nominate a remarkable performance by an actor.

Charles Melton - May December (2023)

Charles Melton in May December — *Photo from Roger Ebert*

This year, it hurt not to see Melton get rewarded for blowing us away in Todd Haynes’ latest drama. It’s quite a feat to upstage Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore in the same film, but the dark emotions that surface as the film goes on make Melton’s turn as Joe Yoo unforgettable.

Greta Lee - Past Lives (2023)

Celine Song’s directorial debut is a film about time and connection, and Lee’s enchantment with reuniting with her childhood lover lights up the screen. Her gentle, layered performance sneaks up on you, especially in the impactful final moments.

Danielle Deadwyler - Till (2022)

It’s unimaginable how voters passed over Deadwyler’s performance, arguably one of the best turns from an actor this decade. She captures the spirit of a woman who turned the loss of her son to history’s most infamous and gruesome lynching into her drive to stand tall and refuse to be silent about racial violence.

Viola Davis - The Woman King (2022)

Viola Davis in The Woman King — *Photo from Variety*

As Nanisca, Davis (along with Michelle Yeoh in EEAAO) proved that women in their mid-50s can still lead an action blockbuster and kick serious ass. The Oscar winner dove into the character’s ferocity and sacrifices and made us cheer at the screen.

Delroy Lindo - Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Delroy Lindo in Da 5 Bloods — *Photo from The Marckoguy*

Lindo shone throughout Spike Lee’s latest as Paul, who returns to Vietnam with his friends and son to find their fallen squad leaders’ remains… and some buried gold. His momentum on screen makes Paul’s every moment one to write home about.

Taron Egerton - Rocketman (2019)

“My name is Elton Hercules John,” says Egerton as the iconic singer at an AA meeting in the film’s opening moments. His breathtaking singing and lovable, if flawed, persona make this performance one we’ll always want to go back to.

Awkwafina - The Farewell (2019)

As her family deals with a heartbreaking choice, Awkwafina commands this leading role as her character faces complex family dynamics, cultural differences, and the grief that’s to come.

Claire Foy - First Man (2018)

Claire Foy in First Man — *Photo from Vanity Fair*

Though Ryan Gosling is quietly potent as Neil Armstrong, Foy is riveting as his wife Janet. In one of the film’s strongest scenes, she insists that he sit his kids down and explain that he might not come back from his trip into space.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson - Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Michael Shannon was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for this film, but Taylor-Johnson’s turn as a deranged, remorseless killer sent chills down our spine. “It’s fun to kill people, you should try it sometime,” he says with a smile on his face.

Idris Elba - Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Elba’s performance as the Commandant, who teaches the young boys of an African nation to become killing machines of soldiers, was spectacular. He gives it his all in a film with sickening violence that speaks to the darkest realities of our world.

David Oyelowo - Selma (2014)

Dvid Oyelowo in Selma — *Photo from NPR*

It’s no easy feat to capture the monumental essence of Martin Luther King Jr., one of history’s most admired men. Oyelowo portrays MLK’s dignity, courageous strength, and love for his people and cause in a way no other actor has been able to.

Jake Gyllenhaal - Nightcrawler (2014)

How could we not end the list with a treasured actor’s career-best performance? Gyllenhaal’s work as shady journalist Louis Bloom is mysterious, twisted, and complicated. You question the character’s moralities and justifications, but you never dare to look away.

Follow Gal