The announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations always sparks excitement, with films likeOne Battle After Another,Hamnet, andSinners– the latter garnering a record-breaking sixteen nominations – leading the charge. March 15th promises a dazzling red carpet, filled with hopefuls clutching their acceptance speeches. But beneath the glamour lies a poignant truth: for some, the golden statue remained forever out of reach.
Throughout the Academy Awards’ history, only two actors have received Oscars after their passing. However, many more faced the heartbreak of nomination, only to be lost before the ceremony or even the final shortlist. Their stories are a testament to talent cut short, and a reminder of the enduring power of their performances.
Jeanne Eagels, a captivating force on Broadway and in early sound films, delivered a mesmerizing performance inThe Letter, a gripping drama set in Singapore. Tragically, her life ended in October 1929, at just 39 years old, the cause later determined to be a sedative overdose. Two months later, she became the first actor to receive a posthumous Oscar nomination, though the process was then considered ‘unofficial.’ Despite the honor, the award went to Mary Pickford forCoquette.
James Dean, an icon of rebellious youth, left an indelible mark on cinema despite a career tragically curtailed by a car crash in 1955, at the age of 24. His final films,East of EdenandGiant, earned him posthumous Oscar nominations in 1956 and 1957, making him the first male actor to be recognized after his death. Though he didn’t win, his impact on film remains immeasurable.
Spencer Tracy, a Hollywood legend and the first actor to win consecutive Best Actor awards, faced his final challenge with 1967’sGuess Who’s Coming to Dinner, a groundbreaking film addressing interracial marriage. He completed the movie just seventeen days before his death, a loss so profound that his longtime partner, Katharine Hepburn, confessed she could never bear to watch the finished product. Both received nominations, but Tracy lost to Rod Steiger, while Hepburn secured her win.
The first posthumous acting win arrived in 1977, awarded to British-Australian actor Peter Finch for his electrifying portrayal of a news anchor in the satirical masterpiece,Network. Finch tragically died of a heart attack in the lobby of the Beverly Hills Hotel, just weeks before the ceremony. His widow, Eletha, accepted the award, marking a historic moment in Oscar history.
Sir Ralph Richardson, a celebrated British stage and screen actor, received a posthumous nomination for his final role inGreystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes. The film, a reimagining of the Tarzan story, saw Richardson portray a rejuvenated Earl reconnecting with his lost grandson. He passed away in October 1983, after a series of strokes, but his performance ultimately lost to Haing S. Ngor forThe Killing Fields.
Massimo Troisi, a beloved Italian actor, director, and comedian, achieved international recognition with his 1994 film,Il Postino, a touching story of friendship between Pablo Neruda and an Italian postman. Sadly, Troisi was battling a long-term heart condition during production and died just twelve hours after filming concluded. He received posthumous nominations for both Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay, but the awards went to Nicolas Cage andBraveheartrespectively.
Heath Ledger’s haunting and unforgettable performance as The Joker inThe Dark Knightcemented his place in cinematic history. His tragically early death in January 2008, due to an accidental overdose at the age of 28, shocked the world. He became only the second actor to win a posthumous Oscar, with his mother and sister accepting the award on behalf of his daughter, Matilda.
The most recent posthumous nomination honored Chadwick Boseman, revered for his portrayal of T’Challa in Marvel’sBlack Panther. He continued to work through his battle with colon cancer, delivering a powerful final performance inMa Rainey’s Black Bottom. Though he didn’t win the Oscar, his legacy was celebrated with numerous other accolades, a testament to his extraordinary talent and inspiring spirit.
