17 Actors Who Gave The Performance Of Their Lives, But Didn't Get Any Credit For Them

Simply iconic.

Truly is disrespectful that SMG didn't get an Oscar for this.

Reese has made a career out of playing the overachiever who's also overlooked, but there was no role better than Elle Woods. She's a feminist icon who singlehandedly changed my perception of our justice system. Anyone who can convince me that all you need in order to get into Harvard Law is a few weeks of studying and a fleeting whim deserves ALL THE AWARDS!

I was actually convinced that Jaime Lee Curtis became a young person in this film. Her ability to embody the the ~teen spirit~ was simply iconic. IDK how Brad Pitt was nominated for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Jaime Lee Curtis was snubbed for this.

Broke: Whiplash. Woke: Spider-Man 2. J.K.'s embodiment of a Gilded-age-media-tycoon was, in a word, legendary.

I know, I know. But hear me out! Amy Adams' portrayal of the campy-to-a-fault princess is a performance for the ages. ESPECIALLY when you juxtapose it next to her dramatic roles. It's not hard for Amy to play someone in a dramatic role — re: Sharp Objects and Arrival — but this happy-go-lucky doe-eyed princess? That was the REAL challenge. And this girl SOLD IT!

Not ONLY was he a human — he was also a ghost! "Can I keep you?" If those four words didn't shake you to your core, then I don't know what to tell you. Brava, Devon. Brava.

Q's entire storyline in this film is an Oscar-worthy performance. His struggles, his successes, his realization that love is, in fact, more important than basketball — all of these factors had my eyes glued to the screen every time he was on it. It truly was an epic performance, one that didn't get NEARLY enough acclaim.

Besides the fact that Carmen's storyline was the most compelling of the quad, America took her role to a whole other level. Carmen and I don't have much in common — besides the fact that we're both women who would do anything for a pair of perfect-fitting jeans — but her story resonated with me the most. I FELT THAT PAIN WHEN SHE ASKED HER DAD WHY HE WAS ASHAMED OF HER. Ugh, phenomenal job.

This is, and I don't say this lightly, my favorite role Meryl has ever done. This film changed my perception of Meryl. I know she's a sweet, seasoned actor who everyone adores. But she played Miranda Priestly a little too well and now I'm afraid of her.

The fact that Gabs was able to play a convincing 17-year-old at the age of 27 merits every award out there.

Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf is pop culture. Like, I know elves aren't real, but this tongue-in-cheek Christmas movie really had me second-guessing myself. Will's depiction was comedic, but also had heart.

Talk about going above and beyond! Anyone who's willing to wax their hairy-ass chest for a role deserves an Academy Award.

Fly-as-heck soccer moves aside, Parminder brought a subtle, yet effective, energy to her character, Jess. I was captivated by her story and the way Parminder brought it to life. There was nuance, there was strength, and there was humor. The holy trinity.

APV being only 12 when Spy Kids first graced our screens still blows my mind. Yes, it was a kids movie. Yes, Alexa was a child. But that doesn't mean that she didn't rock the hell out of this role! You say James Bond? I say Carmen Cortez.

Hot take: this is one of the best performances of the 21st century. How Jon Heder was able to take this script and evoke this iconic oddball still has me scratching my head, years after this movie came out.

Her role was small, but mighty, and boy did it have an impact. I always felt like the character Knives Chau was overlooked, not only in pop culture, but in general. Her mercurial mood swings were a lil' frightening, but also captivating to watch. I still think about her performance over Michal Cera's and he played the titular character in this movie.

The twist of the CENTURY was Gwen Grayson turning out to be the villain in Sky High and BOY did she hide it well. I thought she just your typical one-note popular girl, but this woman had an AGENDA! I'm here for more female villains, and Mary Elizabeth, for me at least, paved the way.

Regina deserved her Oscar WAY BACK in 2004 for her role as Rhonda in a lil' flick called A Cinderella Story. She changed the game for any and all actors who dare play fairy godmothers. They can try to give as amazing of a performance as she gave, but they won't succeed.