25 best movies that never won an Oscar

1. The Shining

Here are by far the two most interesting facts I uncovered during my research for this piece:

1. Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining wasn’t nominated for a single award at the 1981 Oscars.

2. Not only was it completely overlooked by the Academy, but it was actually nominated for two Razzie Awards — Kubrick for Worst Director and Shelley Duvall for Worst Supporting Actress.

There are plenty of movies that were misunderstood when they were first released, but The Shining might be the best film that was not only under-appreciated but clearly reviled by awards-voting bodies upon its first theatrical run. The Stephen King adaptation is now considered to be one of the best films based on his novels, but it’s too little too late in terms of its missed Oscars glory.

Honestly, it could have easily beaten 1981 Best Picture winner Ordinary People if given the chance. Ditto for Kubrick beating Ordinary People helmer Robert Redford for Best Director. Jack Nicholson might not have beaten Robert De Niro’s Raging Bull performance for Best Actor, but he at least would’ve been able to give him a run for his money.

Kubrick was nominated for 13 Oscars over his long, strange career, but only earned one in 1969 for his 2001: A Space Odyssey Visual Effects. It’s not like his legacy needed cementing, but a few more Oscar nominations and/or wins would’ve certainly bolstered his GOAT director resume.

So, which films from the 2019 Oscars will join this list? Tune into the telecast on Feb. 24 to find out! If it’s The Favourite, let’s all agree right now to riot. Cool? Cool.