When we give more than is expected, the boss is extra happy with us. Your beef, although stated with no specifics, is with those subordinates who you see as sucking up to the boss or other such behaviors. From what you tell me, you are the kind of employee any boss would love to have. Yet, when recognition by the boss is handed out, it goes to someone else. Then review again specifically what you do that is discretionary.
Ingratiation is the act of giving which in turn creates a debt of goodwill.
Ingratiation that is two-faced and manipulative, once it is perceived that way, will be deplored. It occurs over time. Some employees are very political. They know how to do the deeds that in the future will entitle them to call in the chips. Ideally, both the bossed and the boss would not tactically plan or scrutinize all their behaviors as a give and take exchange.