6. Toshiro Mifune
Toshiro Mifune is arguably the most famous Japanese actor of all-time. Among his most acclaimed works were the 16 films he collaborated on with director Akira Kurosawa. During the height of his prolific film career, Mifune appeared in an average of 4 films per year for over 20 years - so there were a lot of great roles to choose from - but he will always be remembered for his work with Kurosawa. Although Foreign language films find it a bit harder to generate attention in the more mainstream Academy categories, it's hard to believe all the fine work Mifune gave in his career was never recognized with an acting nomination. Mifune gave powerful and commanding performances in numerous Kurosawa films, but none of the films garnered Mifune the elusive Best Actor honor. His work in Rashomon, Yojimbo and Throne Of Blood - all classic performances - were not good enough in the Academy's eyes. The greatest snub Mifune fell victim to was not picking up a nomination for Best Actor in the classic Seven Samurai as the noble warrior Kikuchiyo, a substantially tender and even headed performance from the always intense actor. Mifune acted in over 150 films with no Oscar nominations to his credit, he passed away in 1997.