The Bitter Truth: And the Oscar didn't go to..

Every year, the interest and anticipation builds up to a feverish pitch leading up to the Oscars in February. The Oscars are perhaps the single most important event in which Hollywood Fans all over the world watch in bated breath as to see who gets global recognition as the best actor/actresses or which movie walks away with the Best Picture. Over the years, we have seen great personalities cherishing their lifelong dream of standing on the podium, holding the coveted trophy in hand. However, what we generally don't realize amidst the euphoria ,is the other great actors who have delivered compelling performances, standing heartbroken. They applaud their compatriots heartily, but at the same time one feels for them. So close, yet so far. There are many such A list actors, who despite being nominated for the awards, haven't won yet. We bring you a list of such actors, who you might feel have won the Oscars, but are still waiting for their moment of triumph.

Gary Oldman:-

A fan once commented,"Whenever I feel the world is in a great state, I read a newspaper, thinking about the people in the Middle East, and remind myself that Gary Oldman hasn't won an Oscar ." How aptly it sums up the general opinion among the people, especially those who have watched this guy breathe life into his characters. Best known for his versatility,From indie flicks to blockbuster franchises, Oldman has done it all. However, it comes as a shock that he earned his first academy award nomination for 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', nearly 30 years after his debut, and still hasn't laid his hands on the Oscar.

Edward Norton:-

There has to be something special about you if you win 2 Academy award nominations in your first six roles. But Edward Norton has done just that. With his dedication and brilliant acting, he has done justice to those who backed him, churning out unforgettable performances in Primal Fear, The Illusionist and most notably as the conflicted youth Nazi in 'American History X'. You can truly see how sick and brainwashed he is in the first half. Norton seriously jacked himself up for this role. Secondly, I still don't understand why was not awarded the Oscar for this.

Leonardo Di Caprio:-

Leo and his chase of the Oscar is well documented. Regarded as one of the best of the generation, Leo has enthralled one and all with the diversity of his roles and the intensity with which he portrays them. From Inception to The Wolf of Wall Street, Leo has won over everyone with his acting. Having been nominated for the SIXTH time this year, he is tipped to be the front runner in the race for the Best Actor award. He has got rave reviews for his portrayal of Hugh Glass, a fur trapper in The Revenant, a movie which has swept all awards including BAFTA. I really hope that Leo wins it this time and fulfills his dream.

Johnny Depp:-

Whether it is captivating audiences as Captain Jack Sparrow in The Pirates Of The Caribbean or mesmerising everyone as the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka in Charlie and The Chocolate factory, Depp has been phenomenal. His charisma and personality is second to none. Having been nominated for the Oscars thrice, it comes as a big surprise that he hasn't won one. However with a host of other awards in his kitty, and his penchant for venturing out into newer pastures,we cannot just rule him out yet.

Robert Downey Jr.:-

When the list of famous actors yet to win an Oscar is discussed, this man's  name is sure to be on the list. Over the years, he has transformed into a very respected actor, with a huge overseas fan base, primarily due to his role in the Iron man series, .He may be the worlds highest paid thespian, but he is yet to translate that into Oscar gold. He earned his best Actor Nomination in 1992  for Chaplin and another one for his supporting role in Tropic Thunder. An Oscar is not far given his never say die attitude.

Brad Pitt :-

The world famous actor has been nominated three times for his turns in 'The Crious Case of Benjamin Button, Twelve Monkeys and Moneyball, each time just falling short of the Oscar.  Known for his method acting and the seriousness with which he approaches a particular character, trying his best to live like him. Given that he is getting better with age, an Oscar award would sure be his best bet at creating an immortal legacy.

Will Smith:-

The Maverick actor has given many incredible performances over the years, churning both blockbusters and critical hits every year. And so very award season, fans are faced with just one question, Why Hasn't He Won An Oscar Yet? Well this is truly puzzling given the fact that  he is tinsletowns biggest crowd puller.His eerie mimicry of boxing great Muhammad Ali in Ali was heart rendering, so was his performance in The Pursuit of Happyness. Both the times he came agonisingly close. This year too he is in the mix with this role in The Concussion, but might just miss out to Leonardo di Caprio.

Albert Finley:-

The versatile and evergreen actor was first nominated for 'Tom Jones' way back in 1964, the Mancunian actor received further nominations in 1975, 1984, 1985,and most recently for his starring role on Erin Brockovich. He lost out to Benicio Del Toro's Turn in the Traffic for the latter, which sums up his luck. He continues to strive hard for the only trophy missing from his overflowing cabinet.

Jim Carrey:-

The eccentric, funny and sometimes dramatic career of Jim Carrey has been pretty interesting. His performances in both comedy and drama at his peak have earned him global recognition. His roles in Ace Ventura, Pet Detective and Liar Liar launched him as the funniest actor in the 90's. He put on his dramatic pants in The Truman show, the film becoming a poignant glimpse into the future of reality television and it was Carrey's genuine performance and commanding screen presence that turned him into something more than just a comedian. But even after such wonderful performances over the years, his mantelpiece still lacks the Oscar.

Peter Toole:-

From the Lawrence of Arabia in 1962' until Venus in 2006, the mercurial star picked up a staggering eight Best Actor nominations, yet was left empty handed on each occasion. He brings out the emotion required in his characters with consummate ease, giving them a sense of reality. He can certainly be considered unlucky as his Oscar bid wasn't aided by the fact that he faced performances such as Marlon Brando's in the Godfather and Robert De Niro's in The Raging Bull.

Despite their defeats, these men have gone from strength to strength, coming up with better performances and above all delighting the audiences. I am sure that even though they haven't been awarded the Oscar, they will certainly do so and nothing can belittle their contribution to the film industry. Over to the Oscars.