11 Doctor Who Actors Who Were Nominated For Oscars

7. John Hurt

Best Actor, 1980 The unmistakable figure of John Hurt caused some serious rumour-spinning in 2013 in the run-up to the Doctor Who 50th anniversary event when his existence was revealed in the finale of "The Name Of The Doctor." The subsequent revelation of his past, and the tragedy of his momentous war decision was a particular high-point of the anniversary celebrations and Hurt sold the performance perfectly. To think he might not have even been invited to play a part in the show had Christopher Eccleston not grumpily turned down the chance to re-appear is now inconceivable, and Hurt has forged his way into Whovian history in a very real, very poignant way. Unthinkably, Hurt's portrayal as Joseph Merrick in The Elephant Man wasn't deemed good enough to turn the Best Actor nomination into a win. But then when your major competition is Robert De Niro in Raging Bull, it's a little hard to argue.