Thomas Newman is currently the most nominated composer to have never won the Oscar (and third in line of most nominations for a living artist without a win). Sci-fi hit Passengers marks his 14th nomination. Unfortunately this year he's up against the La La Land juggernaut so he'll have to wait for #15. Or beyond. His cousin Randy Newman waited until his 16th before taking home the gold.
Thomas Newman is on his 14th nomination at age 61. His father won 9 Oscars but he's still waiting on his first.
Composing for Hollywood is a family business in case that connection escaped you but their relatives didn't have to wait nearly as long...
Thomas's dad Alfred Newman won 9 Oscars from 45 nominations (the third most nominated person in Oscar history after Walt Disney and John Williams). Alfred Newman's classics included Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938), Ball of Fire (1941), Love is a Many Splendored Thing (1955), and many many more all the way to a posthumous nomination for Airport (1970). Alfred's brothers (Randy & Thomas's uncles) Lionel and Emil were also Oscar nominated film composers with Lionel winning once.
Thomas does have an Emmy (Six Feet Under main titles) and two BAFTAs (Skyfall & American Beauty) but the Oscar remains elusive. Here are his 13 nominated films (he received two nominations for WALL•E, the second in Original Song). Which is your favorite?