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Stars Who Skipped the Oscars and Why

USAFriday, January 23, 2026
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Celebrities have often chosen to skip the Oscars, and their reasons vary widely. Some find the awards unimportant, while others protest the lack of diversity.

Notable Examples

  • Amanda Seyfried
  • Doesn't care much about winning an Oscar.
  • Points out that few people remember past winners.
  • Busy with projects like "The Testament of Ann Lee, " "The Housemaid, " and "Long Bright River, " which got a Golden Globes nod.

  • Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
  • Skipped the 1966 Oscars.
  • Burton didn't want to continue his losing streak.
  • Taylor won Best Actress for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? "

  • Marlon Brando
  • Made a bold statement in 1973.
  • Sent Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather to accept his award for "The Godfather."
  • Woody Allen
  • Known for avoiding award shows.
  • Won multiple Oscars for "Annie Hall" but didn't attend the ceremony.

  • Paul Newman
  • Waited decades before winning an Oscar for "The Color of Money" in 1987.
  • Famously joked that he was too tired to chase the award any longer.

  • Eminem
  • Won for "Lose Yourself" in 2003.
  • Was asleep when his song won.

  • Will Smith
  • Boycotted the 2016 Oscars.
  • Protested the lack of diversity in nominations.

  • Spike Lee
  • Skipped the 2016 Oscars.
  • Despite winning an honorary award.
  • Stood against the all-white acting nominees.

Conclusion

These stars show that skipping the Oscars can be a powerful way to make a statement or simply show indifference to the awards. Their actions highlight the complexities of the entertainment industry and the personal choices celebrities make.

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