10 Iconic Performances That Weren't Even Nominated For An Oscar

4. Robert Shaw - Jaws

Pretty much everything about Robert Shaw's performance in Jaws has become the stuff of legends. He was one of the most esteemed actors on the Jaws set, but his serious problems with alcohol abuse put quite a strain on the cast and crew during the already troubled shoot. But sometimes when you want brilliance, you have to be willing to put up with some irritation. Robert Shaw's best scene in the film hands down is when he drunkenly recalls the tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis, where hundreds of sailors were left stranded in the middle of the ocean and subjected to dehydration, hypothermia, and devastating shark attacks. But the first time they tried to shoot this scene, Shaw decided to be method and actually be drunk for his speech. As you might imagine, this did not work out well. Feeling terrible for wasting a night of shooting, Shaw called up Spielberg on the phone apologizing and asking to try the scene again. The next night he nailed it in one take, and created the incredible moment you see in the film. Unfortunately, Jaws was just not the type of film to be nominated for acting Oscars, and Robert Shaw was never acknowledged for his fantastic performance.