8 Actors Who Should Have Won Oscars (But Never Will)

6. Alan Rickman

Why They Should Have Won: Yet another case of franchise-based performances being ignored by Academy critics. Known for his stage acting (Rickman was awarded a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London) and roles in Die Hard, Love Actually and Sweeney Todd, Rickman's Magnum Opus as an on-screen performer is undoubtedly Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series.

Over the course of the series, Snape goes from a deeply hateful to a deeply sympathetic character, and plays a key role in shaping the events of the series. Snape has a relentlessly enigmatic relationship with Daniel Radcliffe's Harry Potter and is masterfully balanced by Rickman up until the character's tragic death. Many critics were crying out for Rickman to be recognised by the Academy, and believed he finally would be after the release of 2011's final instalment in the series, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2. Sadly, a nomination never came. Why They Never Will: Put simply, Rickman's role of a lifetime has come and gone. His portrayal of Snape encompassed everything great about the actor, from his deep, monotonous voice to his potentially sinister physical appearance. Ever since Harry Potter, Rickman has had a string of relativity low-key support roles, none of which have garnered much attention. His upcoming appearance as the CGI caterpillar in the sequel to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland is unlikely to be the celebrated role he needs.