Getting the Second Oscar Nomination

Getting an Oscar nomination is hard. Getting a second one can be even more difficult.

Some actors develop into Academy “favorites,” winning numerous nods with apparent ease. The road to Oscar recognition isn’t an easy one for most performers, however. Many well-known stars have never received a nomination, while others have managed the trick only once. Reasons for both can be similar. Some actors concentrate their careers in genres that often struggle for awards attention. Some performers are primarily known for mediums other than film, causing a relative scarcity of opportunity. Similarly, international actors may concentrate in films that don’t receive the necessary U.S. release to qualify for Academy Award consideration. Some might be unlucky, often in the conversation but finishing outside the top five in voting. And others just may be Academy blind spots.

Looking at a handful of notable “one time only” nominees from the past couple decades, what are the odds that one or more of these actors might break through and earn that second acting nomination?

Salma Hayek

Best Actress nominee, 2003, Frida

Prior to her nomination, Hayek was probably better known for her stunning beauty than her acting, which is somewhat unfair. She was always expressive and blessed with amazing screen…