Actors Who Refused Award Shows & Why They Did It

Award shows are meant to be the biggest night for actors — red carpets, golden trophies, and ultimate glory in front of the world. But what happens when a superstar says "No thanks" to an invite? 
From bold protests to personal feuds, here’s a roundup of famous actors who said 'No' to award shows — and the surprising reasons why.

Marlon Brando — The Oscars Boycott

When: 1973 Academy Awards
Reason: Political protest

Hollywood icon Marlon Brando made history when he refused his Best Actor Oscar for The Godfather.
Instead of showing up, he sent activist Sacheen Littlefeather to reject the award on his behalf — as a protest against Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans.
This bold move shocked the industry and remains one of the most talked-about moments in Oscar history.

Will Smith — Skipping the Grammys

When: Late 1980s & early 1990s
Reason: Lack of representation

Before he became a movie megastar, Will Smith boycotted the Grammy Awards because they didn’t televise the rap category.
He publicly stated that the Recording Academy was “ignoring” hip-hop culture, joining other artists in the protest. Years later, the Grammys began giving rap its proper spotlight.

Katharine Hepburn — A Career-Long Absence

When: All major award shows
Reason: Dislike for public appearances

Legendary actress Katharine Hepburn won four Oscars but famously never attended the ceremonies.
Her reason? She believed her work should speak for itself and hated the “circus” of award shows.
When she finally did appear once — in 1974 — it was only to present an award, not to receive one.

Eminem — Skipping His Oscar Win

When: 2003 Academy Awards
Reason: Didn’t think he would win

Rapper Eminem made history when Lose Yourself from 8 Mile won Best Original Song — but he wasn’t there to accept.
He later admitted he stayed home watching cartoons with his daughter, convinced a rap song could never win an Oscar.

George C. Scott — Calling the Oscars a “Meat Parade”

When: 1971 Academy Awards
Reason: Disdain for competition

Actor George C. Scott refused his Best Actor Oscar for Patton, calling the awards “a meat parade” and criticizing Hollywood for pitting actors against each other.
He believed art shouldn’t be a competition — and stayed true to his word by skipping the ceremony.

Why Stars Refuse Award Shows

From political protests to personal beliefs, the reasons vary:

• Making a statement about industry issues

• Rejecting the idea of competition in art

• Avoiding media attention and red carpet culture

• Disagreeing with how awards are judged

Final Thoughts

Despite whether it is Marlon Brando’s historic protest or Eminem’s laidback cartoon night, refusing to participate in an award show is never about the award show — it is about sending a message. Sometimes, it is a message that can echo louder than even the finely-honed acceptance speech.