It Blows My Mind That Robert Redford Only Won One Oscar, Here Are 9 Times He Could Have Won Others

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As a film buff, I always felt it was a bit of a crime that Robert Redford, who sadly passed away this week at 89, only took home one competitive Oscar. He won Best Director for *Ordinary People* back in 1980, which was fantastic, but it felt like just a small reward for a career that lasted almost six decades! He did get an Honorary Oscar in 2002 recognizing his overall contribution to film, but honestly, it didn’t quite feel like enough considering how many times he deserved recognition. He was nominated as an actor only once, and I’ve always thought about all the performances and films where he *could* have won – there were so many!

The Sting (Best Actor)

It’s surprising to learn that Robert Redford only received one Oscar nomination for acting throughout his entire career. It was in 1974 for his role in the classic gambling film, *The Sting*, alongside Robert Shaw and Paul Newman. While *The Sting* won seven Oscars that night, including Best Picture and Best Director, Redford lost the Best Actor award to Jack Lemmon in *Save the Tiger*. No disrespect to Lemmon, but *The Sting* and Redford’s performance in it have become much more memorable over time.

Quiz Show (Best Director)

I might be a little partial, but *Quiz Show* is a movie I absolutely love. It often gets overlooked when people discuss the best films of 1994 – it was nominated for Best Picture along with *Pulp Fiction*, *The Shawshank Redemption*, *Four Weddings and a Funeral*, and the ultimately (and debatably) winning film, *Forrest Gump*. While it didn’t revolutionize filmmaking like *Pulp Fiction* or become as iconic as *Shawshank*, *Quiz Show* is a brilliantly made and wonderfully structured movie.

Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (Best Actor)

While Robert Redford began his acting career in the early 1960s, his role in the 1969 film *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* truly made him a star. Partnering with Paul Newman in *Butch and Sundance* propelled him to lasting superstardom. The film is considered one of the greatest Westerns of all time, and the incredible chemistry between Redford and Newman is a major reason why.

Redford loved the role and film so much that he used the movie’s title to name his famous film festival, Sundance.

The Natural (Best Actor)

For those of us in Generation X, like me, Robert Redford often came into our lives through the 1994 film, *The Natural*. He plays Roy Hobbs, a gifted baseball player in the 1920s whose promising career is ruined when a disgruntled fan shoots him. Sixteen years later, he gets another chance, culminating in a legendary home run – a truly unforgettable movie moment. Performances like this one have made Redford a favorite across generations, starting with the baby boom era. Surprisingly, despite the film’s impact, the Academy didn’t even nominate him for an award.

Let me tell you, Robert Redford isn’t just a legend, he’s magnetic. Even Glenn Close, who’s been overlooked by the Oscars herself a few times, recently called him her best onscreen kiss! Honestly, after seeing the film, it’s baffling that his performance didn’t get the recognition it deserved. It’s a truly captivating performance, and it feels like everyone missed out.

A River Runs Through It (Best Director)

In 1992, Robert Redford directed *A River Runs Through It*, a truly beautiful film. The movie’s gorgeous visuals rightfully earned Philippe Rousselot an Oscar, but surprisingly, Redford wasn’t even nominated for Best Director. It’s a shame, considering how wonderful the film is – even though winning against Clint Eastwood’s *Unforgiven* would have been difficult, the lack of a nomination feels unfair.

All Is Lost (Best Actor)

Robert Redford gives a remarkable and unique performance in the 2013 film *All Is Lost*, considered by many to be one of his best. At 77 years old, Redford carried the entire movie essentially alone – with very little dialogue and no other actors sharing the screen. You can watch this compelling film with an Amazon Prime subscription.

Even without much dialogue, Robert Redford’s performance is among his best, and it’s surprising he wasn’t recognized with more awards. While Matthew McConaughey deservedly won the Oscar in 2014 for *Dallas Buyers Club*, many might have felt Redford was equally deserving of the honor.

All The President’s Men (Best Actor)

I’ve always been fascinated by politics – ever since high school, when the Watergate scandal really captured my attention. I think that was largely due to watching the movie *All the President’s Men*. It wasn’t just that the film told the story of Woodward and Bernstein so well, but it made what could have been a dull topic incredibly gripping and suspenseful.

Everyone in the movie delivers an exceptional performance, arguably the best of their careers. Though Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jane Alexander received Oscar nominations, Jason Robards took home the award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee. Once again, Robert Redford didn’t receive any Oscar nominations.

Out Of Africa (Best Actor)

Okay, I’ll admit, my love for *Out of Africa* might be a little personal. I first saw it back in 1990, right before a trip to Kenya – where the whole story unfolds. It’s probably not the typical movie a teenage guy would gravitate towards, but I was completely captivated by the gorgeous scenery and the incredible performances from Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. Sydney Pollack really knocked it out of the park directing this one, and it swept the 1986 Oscars, winning seven awards! Meryl Streep deservedly took home Best Actress, and Pollack won for Best Director, and it snagged the Best Picture award too. It’s just ridiculous that Redford didn’t even get a nomination for his performance – honestly, it’s almost funny if it weren’t so frustrating.

Mr. Redford, you were a truly memorable actor, and your work brought joy to so many, myself included. It’s a shame the Academy Awards didn’t always recognize your talent like the rest of us did, but your legacy will live on.

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2025-09-16 21:11