15 Actors That Just Deserve More Recognition

The most famous actors of Hollywood deserve the recognition they get. They do the hard work, and their journey transformed them into a brand more than a celebrity, gaining well deserved praise. There are other actors, however, that may not be as immediately recognizable, but they still deserve some praise for what they do.

They don’t always get the big headlines or the major awards, and yet the movies we know and love wouldn’t be the same without them. These are the less celebrated actors that, at least for today, we’ve decided deserve a bit more time in the spotlight.

Walton Goggins

You know him when you see him, from his Emmy-nominated role in Justified to his recent turn in Fallout. Goggins has a long career of playing unforgettable, intense characters but still feels like Hollywood’s best-kept secret.

Carrie Coon

A true critical darling, Carrie Coon has racked up nominations for Emmys, Tonys, and a Golden Globe. Whether it was her breakout role in The Leftovers or her work in Fargo, she’s consistently one of the best actors on TV.

Ben Foster

Ben Foster is famous for his intense, all-in performances in films like Hell or High Water. Many fans and critics feel it’s an injustice that his incredible work hasn’t earned him a major award like an Oscar yet.

Naomie Harris

She’s been in some of the biggest blockbusters ever, playing Moneypenny in the James Bond films and Tia Dalma in Pirates of the Caribbean. But her Oscar-nominated work in Moonlight (2016) proved she’s also a dramatic powerhouse.

Paul Dano

He can go from the mostly silent teen in Little Miss Sunshine to the terrifying Riddler in The Batman without missing a beat, showing a tremendous range. He completely transforms for every single role he takes on.

Riley Keough

The granddaughter of Elvis Presley has more than earned her own spotlight. She’s received Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her compelling lead roles in The Girlfriend Experience and Daisy Jones & The Six.

Shea Whigham

Shea Whigham is the definition of a “that guy” actor. You’ve seen his face in dozens of projects, from his role as Eli Thompson on Boardwalk Empire to parts in big movies like Joker and The Wolf of Wall Street.

Andrea Riseborough

This chameleon-like English actress made waves with a last-minute, celebrity-backed Oscar campaign for the little-seen film To Leslie in 2022. The campaign was unusual, but no one denied her performance was absolutely astounding and deserved the recognition.

Scoot McNairy

From the brilliant tech drama Halt and Catch Fire to supporting roles in award-winning films like Argo and 12 Years a Slave, Scoot McNairy is everywhere. He’s that actor who always makes a scene better just by being in it.

Kerry Condon

You might know her voice as F.R.I.D.A.Y. in the Marvel movies, but her amazing performance in The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) finally got her face the recognition it deserves, earning her a BAFTA win and an Oscar nomination.

Corey Stoll

He was unforgettable as the tragic congressman Peter Russo in the first season of House of Cards, a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 2014. He has a unique presence that always stands out.

Hong Chau

Hong Chau earned a well-deserved Oscar nomination for her incredible performance in The Whale (2022). Born in a refugee camp to Vietnamese parents, she’s had a remarkable journey to becoming one of today’s most compelling actors.

Garret Dillahunt

Dillahunt was so good on HBO’s Deadwood that he was cast as two entirely different characters on the same show. He shines in everything from gritty Westerns to the quirky sitcom Raising Hope.

Jessie Buckley

This Irish actress and singer is a force of nature. Since graduating from a prestigious drama school in 2013, she has collected nominations for an Academy Award and multiple BAFTAs, alongside an actual win for a Laurence Olivier Award.

David Oyelowo

His powerful portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in 2014’s Selma earned him a Golden Globe nomination, but many felt his lack of an Oscar nod was a major snub. He’s a powerhouse actor on stage and screen.