Who lost an Oscar 18 times?

Meryl Streep’s Oscar Curse Continues

Even legends face heartbreak. At the 2018 Academy Awards, Meryl Streep walked the red carpet not as a winner, but once again as the most nominated—and most frequently overlooked—actor in Oscar history. Her performance in The Post earned her a record 21st Academy Award nomination, but like 20 times before (not 18—though the myth persists), she left empty-handed.

Wait, 18 times? That’s a common mix-up. The truth is more impressive: Streep has been nominated 21 times and won just three—Best Actress for Sophie’s Choice (1982) and The Iron Lady (2011), plus Best Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979). Each loss isn’t a failure; it’s a testament to her enduring brilliance in an industry that rarely rewards consistency.

Strong performances from rivals like Frances McDormand in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri ultimately took the spotlight that year. Yet Streep’s legacy isn’t defined by trophies. It’s built on decades of transformative roles, fearless choices, and a career that continues to inspire.

Some call it a curse. Others call it the price of greatness in a fickle system. But for fans worldwide, every nomination—win or lose—feels like a victory. After all, how many actors can command awe with just a glance, a pause, or a raised eyebrow?

So no, Meryl didn’t lose 18 times in a row. She’s been recognized like no one else—nominated for excellence over four decades, often against stiffer competition than most face in a lifetime. And while the golden statuette may be elusive, her impact is unquestionable.