10 Worst Actors/Actresses To Win An Oscar

Published on August 30, 2013. Updated January 25, 2017

“I want to thank the Academy!” is one of the most recognizable lines in the world and it’s usually accompanied by a shaky voice and possibly a few tears. When actors and actresses win an Oscar for their performance in one of their latest films, it’s pretty much the be all and end all of their career – this is what they work so hard for. Unfortunately, some of those Oscars should have been placed in more deserving hands. Here are ten actors (and actresses) who, in our opinion, really shouldn’t have had the chance to give their acceptance speech.

10. Anthony Hopkins, 1992

In 1992, Anthony Hopkins won Best Actor for his role as Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter in “Silence of the Lambs.” While Hopkins is adored, his performance in “Silence…” was a bit over-the-top, according to critics, not to mention that he was only in the film for mere minutes. He beat both Robert De Niro and Robin Williams that year.

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9. Katharine Hepburn, 1981

In 1981, Katharine Hepburn won Best Actress for “The Loons, the Loons!” She beat Diane Keaton, Marsha Mason, Meryl Streep and Susan Sarandon. Hepburn won the Oscar thanks to sentimental votes and not much else.

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8. Al Pacino, 1993

In 1993, Al Pacino won Best Actor for his performance in “Scent of a Woman,” a role that many felt was simplistic and over-acted. Pacino beat Clint Eastwood and Denzel Washington that year.

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7. Renee Zellweger, 2003

In 2003, Renee Zellweger won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Cold Mountain,” beating Patricia Clarkson in “Pieces of April” as well as Shohreh Agdashloo in “House of Sand and Fog.” In truth, Zellweger was kind of responsible for breaking this film, not making it.

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6. Philip Seymour Hoffman, 2005

In 2005, Philip Seymour Hoffman won Best Actor for his performance in “Capote,” beating out Heath Ledger for “Brokeback Mountain,” David Strathairn for “Good Night and Good Luck,” Terrence Howard for “Hustle and Flow” and Joaquin Phoenix for “Walk the Line.” It’s not that Hoffman didn’t deserve a win – his Truman Capote was practically spot on – but in all honestly, Ledger should have won this one because he wasn’t impersonating someone.

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5. Nicole Kidman, 2002

In 2002, Nicole Kidman won Best Actress for her role in “The Hours,” beating Diane Lane in “Unfaithful,” Renee Zellweger in “Chicago,” Julianna Moore in “Far From Heaven” and Salma Hayek in “Frida.” Kidman’s performance in “The Hours” was slightly comical (thanks to the nose) and certainly more uninspired that the other actresses in the film. Moore should have won for her remarkable performance as a Connecticut housewife in the 50s.

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4. Whoopi Goldberg, 1990

In 1990, Best Supporting Actress nominees were Whoopi Goldberg for “Ghost,” Mary McDonnell for “Dances With Wolves,” Lorraine Bracco for “Goodfellas,” Annette Bening for “The Grifters” and Diane Ladd for “Wild at Heart. Goldberg won, but Bening should have. Sure, Goldberg was entertaining, but not spectacular – basic Whoopi, if you ask most.

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3. Ingrid Bergman, 1974

In 1974, Ingrid Bergman won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Murder On the Orient Express.” Other nominees included Diane Ladd for “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” Madeline Kahn for “Blazing Saddles,” Valentina Cortese for “Day for Night” and Talia Shire for “The Godfather Part 2.” Many say that Bergman’s performance in “Murder…” was the weakest of her career.

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2. Gene Hackman, 1992

In 1992, Gene Hackman won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Unforgiven,” beating Jack Nicholson for “One Good Speech,” Shouty McShoutsalot for “Glengarry Glen Ross,” Jaye Davidson for “The Crying Game” and David Paymer for “Mr. Saturday Night.” To many, Hackman’s performance in “Unforgiven” is also unmemorable. On the flip side, many call Davidson’s role in “The Crying Game” the best of his career, especially since his character was so difficult to pull off.

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1. Roberto Benigni, 1998

In 1998, Roberto Benigni won Best Actor for his role in “Life is Beautiful.” The other nominees that year were Ian McKellen in “Gods and Monsters,” Edward Norton in “American History X,” Nick Nolte in “Affliction” and Tom Hanks in “Saving Private Ryan.” This win is one of the most notorious Oscar faux pas – Ian McKellen should have won; Norton should have been a close second.

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