As a huge fan of Meryl Streep’s illustrious career, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her remarkable versatility and talent in various roles throughout the years. One film that truly stands out to me is “The River Wild,” which showcases Streep in an action-thriller, a genre that is a delight to see her explore. Her role as Gail Hartman is particularly memorable due to the terrifying performance of Kevin Bacon, who plays her menacing captor.
Meryl Streep’s acting career spanning over five decades is truly impressive, yet we crave for more of her talent. One would assume that with three Oscars and a record number of nominations, there wouldn’t be many overlooked performances from this iconic actor. Regrettably, that’s not the case.
EbMaster ranks Streep’s 10 best film performances that were not nominated for an Academy Award.
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been consistently impressed by Meryl Streep’s remarkable acting talent that has kept her at the forefront of the film industry for decades. Often hailed as the greatest living actress, she continues to astound us with her unrivaled performances and shows no signs of slowing down. With an impressive collection of accolades, including three Oscars for “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Sophie’s Choice,” and “The Iron Lady,” three Emmys for “Holocaust,” “Angels in America,” and as the outstanding narrator for “Five Came Back,” six Grammy nominations, and even a single Tony mention, Meryl has truly left an indelible mark on various award shows.
Exploring Meryl Streep’s remarkable career, it seems incongruous to associate the word “snub” with her. Known for amassing accolades since her debut, her first major film role was in Fred Zinnemann’s “Julia” (1977). This groundbreaking production earned an impressive 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. It clinched three awards: Best Supporting Actor for Jason Robards, Best Supporting Actress for Vanessa Redgrave, and Best Adapted Screenplay by Alvin Sargent.
When examining an actor’s award history, it is noticeable that certain performances were recognized by BAFTA, Golden Globes, yet overlooked by the Academy. Notable films such as “She-Devil” (1989), “The River Wild” (1993), “Marvin’s Room” (1996), and “The Hours” (2002) brought her critical acclaim but fell short of an Oscar nomination. Even performances like “Still of the Night” (1982) with Roy Scheider and “Falling in Love” (1984) alongside Robert De Niro, which didn’t receive any awards recognition, still have devoted fans.
While not an EGOT yet (maybe one day?), Streep is undoubtedly one of the best in the business.
Read EbMaster’s list of Streep’s non-Oscar-nominated best performances below.
“Notable mentions”: Mamma Mia! (2008), Marvin’s Room (1996), Ricki and the Flash (2015), She-Devil (1989)
The Prom (2020)
Role: Dee Dee Allen
Netflix is the distributor of this production. it is directed by Ryan Murphy. The screenplay is penned by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, inspired by the original Broadway musical created by Matthew Sklar.
In her infectiously amusing portrayal as Dee Dee Allen, Meryl Streep heads an illustrious ensemble comprised of newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman, James Corden (marking their second joint project following “Into the Woods”), Andrew Rannells, Nicole Kidman, Ariana DeBose, and Keegan-Michael Key. The film, which was unfortunately halted due to production shutdowns during the pandemic, generated controversy — a trait common to Ryan Murphy productions — yet Streep’s quirky and dazzling performance garnered critical acclaim. Surprisingly, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association overlooked her captivating act in their lead actress category for comedy or musicals, possibly due to competition with her role in Steven Soderbergh’s “Let Them All Talk.”
A singing (or rapping) Streep can never do wrong.
Manhattan (1979)
Role: Jill Davis
Distributed by: United Artists
Directed by: Woody Allen
Written by: Woody Allen, Marshall Brickman
As a movie buff, I can tell you that in the film “Manhattan,” Meryl Streep, who is usually a formidable force to be reckoned with, was surprisingly outshined by one of her co-stars. Mariel Hemingway earned two Academy Award nominations for her role as the original screenplay writer and for her supporting actress performance. In the film festival circuit, however, Streep did manage to secure nods from BAFTA and big wins from LAFCA, NYFCC, and the National Society of Film Critics Awards.
Hope Springs (2012)
Role: Kay
Distributed by: Sony Pictures
Directed by: David Frankel
Written by: Vanessa Taylor
Working once again with David Frankel, the director behind “The Devil Wears Prada” that earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination, Meryl Streep joins forces with Vanessa Taylor’s script for a romantic comedy. In this film, she portrays an empty nest couple trying to rekindle their marriage, resulting in some side-splittingly funny moments alongside Tommy Lee Jones, another Oscar-winning actor (“The Fugitive”). Despite being nominated for a Golden Globe, the Academy missed out on recognizing her exceptional comedic skills.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Role: Mrs. Fox (voice)
As a movie enthusiast with over two decades of experience in the film industry, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing some truly exceptional works of art. Among them is a film produced by the renowned 20th Century Fox, now known as 20th Century Studios. This studio has a rich history of producing high-quality films that never fail to captivate audiences.
Let’s get this out of the way. Voice performances are acting.
After dealing with that topic, Meryl Streep’s vocal performance alongside George Clooney, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, and Owen Wilson in Wes Anderson’s animated Oscar nominee is captivating. I wouldn’t be surprised if some called it Anderson’s finest creation yet. The dry wit of Felicity Fox, portrayed by Streep, is a delight, striking the perfect balance between humor and emotion that leaves us wanting more. Her stunning performance is definitely worth recognizing by Academy members soon.
A Prairie Home Companion (2006)
Role: Yolanda Johnson
Distributed by: New Line Cinema
Directed by: Robert Altman
Written by: Garrison Keillor
It was a delight to see Meryl Streep under the guidance of the esteemed filmmaker Robert Altman. Her remarkable chemistry with Lily Tomlin as the Johnson Girls in the fictional radio show portrayal was a joy to watch. Their natural beauty and authenticity added depth to their performances. Among other notable actors like Virginia Madsen, Kevin Kline, and John C. Reilly, Streep’s supporting role deserved recognition with an Oscar nomination. Despite her standout performance in “The Devil Wears Prada” that same year, she missed out on the nomination.
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
Role: Eleanor Shaw
Produced by: Paramount Pictures
In this political thriller by the late, esteemed director Jonathan Demme, the senator portrayed by Meryl Streep is remarkably fierce and captivating. Her acting skills are put to the test when she goes head-to-head with two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington. However, her most impressive scenes are with her on-screen son, brilliantly played by Liev Schreiber. Although she earned a nod for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, no other accolades followed. Taking on a role that some believe should have earned Angela Lansbury an Oscar in 1962 could have jeopardized Streep’s campaign.
The Hours (2002)
Role: Clarissa Vaughan
Produced for release by: Paramount Pictures
Meryl Streep faces a tough competition this year, as she is up for multiple award nominations and grapples with the dilemma of which category to be recognized in. With an impressive roster of lead and supporting actress contenders, it’s no wonder that securing a nomination for Streep has become a significant challenge. In 2002, she earned an Oscar nod for her supporting role in Spike Jonze’s “Adaptation.” However, her double Globe wins for “Adaptation” and her overlooked performance in the SAG Awards left her with only one modern nomination that didn’t receive recognition from all televised award shows – her nomination for “The Post.”
Despite the strong nominations for Meryl Streep’s performance as a woman planning a party for an old flame, her role was overshadowed by Nicole Kidman’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Virginia Woolf in “Far from Heaven.” Julianne Moore, who also acted in “Far from Heaven,” received attention both for her leading role and her supporting performance in “The Hours,” leaving Streep’s noteworthy work somewhat overlooked.
Her breakdown opposite Jeff Daniels is one of the pivotal scenes of the film.
The River Wild (1994)
Role: Gail Hartman
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Directed by: Curtis Hanson
Written by: Denis O’Neill
As a cinephile, I absolutely adore Meryl Streep in action-thrillers, and her role in one of those films is simply delightful. Around the same time, Curtis Hanson was gearing up to release his masterpiece “L.A. Confidential” (1997), he tapped into the raw, survival instincts of a mother and wife, pushing her character to go to extreme lengths for her family’s well-being. This film pairs perfectly with “The Bridges of Madison County,” released just a year prior, where Streep would be nominated for her exceptional performance.
In “The River Wild,” Streep earned both Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations, but was not acknowledged with an Oscar nod.
It’s Complicated (2009)
Role: Jane Adler
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Directed by: Nancy Meyers
Written by: Nancy Meyers
In Nancy Meyers’ comedy “It’s Complicated,” Meryl Streep captivated both Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin with her allure at the age of 60. Her portrayal of female empowerment was refreshingly new, leaving a lasting impact. The year 2009 became unforgettable for Streep as she earned double nominations at the Globes for this role and “Mamma Mia!” She seized control of Hollywood, challenging conventions and setting an example for what acting roles can offer women in their later years. Through her relationships with her children, future son-in-law (John Krasinski), and heartfelt conversations with Rita Wilson, Streep’s BAFTA-nominated performance remains a standout not only within her own career but also among the nominated works.
Death Becomes Her (1992)
Role: Madeline Ashton Menville
Credit for distribution: Universal Pictures
I strongly believe that “Death Becomes Her” from 1992, with standout performances by Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis, and Meryl Streep’s second finest acting effort, is among the best films of that year. This Oscar-winning dark comedy explores the allure of eternal youth and its consequences when one falls down a staircase.
As a dedicated moviegoer, I was taken aback when Meryl Streep, known for her exceptional performances, decided to take on the role of the “villainous” Madeline Ashton in “The Devil Wears Prada.” This was an unexpected move for me, especially since she had already earned two Oscars and it had been over five years since her last Academy-recognized performance in “Postcards from the Edge.” During this time, she gave us some of her finest works, such as “Defending Your Life,” “The House of the Spirits,” and “The River Wild,” which were not overlooked by the film community. However, despite critical acclaim from the Golden Globes for her portrayal of Miranda Priestly, other major awards eluded her for this powerful performance.
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2024-07-17 00:32