Why Ryan Reynolds Was This Close to an Oscar – And What Stopped Him!

Ryan Reynolds is a household name, thanks to his beloved roles in films such as Deadpool, Free Guy, and Deadpool & Wolverine. Despite his widespread popularity and numerous accolades, Reynolds has yet to secure an Academy Award nomination, though his journey to Oscar recognition has come surprisingly close on more than one occasion.

In 2016, Reynolds’ portrayal of the wise-cracking, antihero mercenary in Deadpool earned him widespread praise. His performance was met with critical acclaim, and the film’s unconventional blend of action and comedy made it a standout. While Deadpool went on to become a cultural phenomenon, Reynolds’ performance led to a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. However, despite this recognition, Deadpool did not receive any Oscar nominations that year, marking the closest Reynolds has come to an Academy Award nod to date.

The following years saw Reynolds continuing to explore different genres, with 2022’s Free Guy being another notable moment in his career. While the film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects, Reynolds’ acting was not part of the equation. This snub reinforced the challenge of getting recognized by the Academy, especially when competing against other blockbuster films and performances.

In 2024, Reynolds reprised his iconic Deadpool character in Deadpool & Wolverine, alongside Hugh Jackman. Despite the film’s commercial success and massive fan following, it, too, was overlooked during Oscar nominations, leaving Reynolds once again on the outside looking in.

Although he has yet to receive an Oscar nomination, Reynolds has not gone unnoticed by the entertainment industry. In addition to his Golden Globe nomination, he was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for his work on Deadpool 2. His versatility as an actor and producer has been recognized, but the Academy Award still eludes him.

Reynolds has been vocal about the difficulties of comedy acting, an often underappreciated genre when it comes to awards season. In a recent interview, he advocated for greater recognition of comedy performances, acknowledging that “comedy is also very difficult” and that it requires real emotion to resonate with audiences.

As of 2025, Reynolds’ Oscar aspirations remain unfulfilled, but his body of work continues to be admired by fans and peers alike. And while the Academy may have overlooked him thus far, the speculation around Reynolds and Jackman potentially hosting the 97th Academy Awards points to a different kind of recognition—a celebration of their enduring influence in the entertainment world, regardless of the elusive Oscar.