The Academy Awards have long been a benchmark for cinematic excellence, but some outstanding films have shockingly gone unrecognized. Here are a few beloved movies that failed to secure a single Oscar nomination, despite their critical acclaim and cultural impact.

Shutter Island (2010) – A Scorsese Thriller Overlooked
Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was a psychological masterpiece that deserved more recognition. With 18 of Scorsese’s films receiving Oscar nods, it’s surprising this one didn’t make the cut. The film’s gripping narrative and performances could have easily earned nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay (Laeta Kalogridis), Best Actor (DiCaprio), and Best Editing (Thelma Schoonmaker).

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) – Kubrick’s Last Work Went Unnoticed
Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut is now considered a cinematic classic, ranking as the best film of the 1990s according to IndieWire. Despite featuring powerhouse performances from Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, as well as Kubrick’s visionary direction and Larry Smith’s stunning cinematography, the Academy passed it over entirely. Given Kubrick’s four previous nominations without a win, this was a missed opportunity to honor his legacy.

Zodiac (2007) – A Masterclass in True Crime Ignored
David Fincher’s Zodiac meticulously explored the hunt for the infamous Zodiac Killer in 1970s San Francisco. Featuring Oscar favorites Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo, the film was lauded by critics yet failed to garner any Academy recognition. Given the Academy’s track record of rewarding true-crime films like Monster and Killers of the Flower Moon, Zodiac’s snub remains baffling. Fincher’s direction and Harris Savides’ cinematography certainly deserved acknowledgment.

The Good Dinosaur (2015) – Pixar’s Uncharacteristic Snub
Pixar has an impressive Oscar track record, with 19 of its 25 films earning nominations since the Best Animated Feature category was introduced in 2001. Yet, The Good Dinosaur became the first non-sequel Pixar film to be left out. While not Pixar’s most celebrated film, its stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling made its omission a surprise.

A Legacy of Overlooked Greats
While the Oscars celebrate many deserving films, history shows that even some of the most iconic movies can slip through the cracks. Whether due to timing, competition, or Academy preferences, these films stand as proof that Oscar recognition isn’t the only mark of greatness.