Michael Shannon (2 Oscar Nominations)

Much like Willem Dafoe, Michael Shannon is a memorable character actor known for strong performances in commercial blockbusters and indie darlings. The Kentucky native has two Oscar nominations (though he should have one more for Take Shelter), with his first coming in 2009. That year he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in Revolutionary Road, but lost to the late Heath Ledger, who posthumously won it for his iconic portrayal of the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. His second nomination came in 2017 for Nocturnal Animals, but again he lost out, this time to Mahershala Ali, who truly broke out with his role in Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight.