Many fans and critics were shocked when Ryan Gosling's name didn't pop up in the pool of nominees for this year's Academy Awards, and here are the reasons why the actor deserved a nod.

1. Gosling had three Oscar-worthy films.

Since the movies 'Drive,' 'Ides of March,' and 'Crazy Stupid Love' came out late last year, critics were certain that the actor would rate at least have one nomination for Best Actor of Best Supporting Actor for the 84th Academy Awards.

2. Gosling delivered a stellar performance for the movie 'Drive.'

His performance in 'Drive' as a stunt driver by day and getaway driver by night showed a versatile side of Gosling - that he can pull off daring roles and not just be the universal eye candy of women.

3. Gosling is naturally a talented actor.

Since his breakout role as the young version of 'Hercules' in the TV series, Gosling has established a name for being an adaptable and flexible character actor. His big screen performance for the Nicholas Sparks movie adaptation of 'The Notebook' made a lot of women (and men) burst into tears. Gosling established his signature role in this fim as the "raunchy hopeless romantic" that every woman wants in their life.

4. Gosling is a better actor than Jonah Hill.

Jonah Hill gained an unexpected nomination for Best Supporting Actor for this year's Oscars, and many are unsure if the comedic actor deserves this citation. First off, Hill is known for his kooky roles for his past films, and his performance in 'Moneyball' certainly wasn't enough for him to gain the coveted nomination.

On the other hand, Gosling's acting prowess surpasses beyond any actor who has emerged for the past few years. His performance for the drama 'My Blue Valentine' alone was so impressive; he could have won several awards for his heart-wrenching role. Many believe that Jonah Hill's slot in the nominations rightfully belongs to Ryan Gosling because of his role in 'Ides of March' and it would be much of a dissapointment if Hill wins the award over Hollywood vetearan Nick Nolte. Since when did the Oscars become like the MTV Movie Awards?

5. Gosling is one of the most in-demand actors of today.

It is obvious that every casting director and producer in Tinseltown wants Gosling to be a part of their projects. Too bad for them, Gosling is one actor who knows how to pick his projects right up to his game. Actors who share the same strategy are Emile Hirsch ('Into the Wild') and Michael Pitt ('Boardwalk Empire,' 'Last Days,' 'Murder by Numbers'), whose off-beat roles prove that talent hovers over publicity.

Some are saying Gosling followed the footsteps of Leonardo diCaprio, whose projects surged in years after his 'Titanic' and 'Romeo + Juliet' breaktrough. Since then, diCaprio became Hollywood's biggest actor and it's no surprise if Gosling will be this generation's most-wanted lead actor.

View the slideshow to see Gosling's best looks and photographs.