When it comes to film, some actresses shine brighter than others. They often leave a lasting impact with their incredible talent and unforgettable performances.
Here, we celebrate remarkable women who have earned acclaim and admiration for their roles in movies, captivating audiences with their skills and powerful presence.
1. Meryl Streep
With a record 21 Oscar nominations and 3 wins, Streep is renowned for her versatility and excellence in film. Notable wins include Best Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) and The Iron Lady (2011).
2. Katharine Hepburn
Hepburn holds the record for the most Academy Awards for Best Actress, winning four times for Morning Glory (1933), On Golden Pond (1981), The Lion in Winter (1968), and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967).
3. Viola Davis
Davis won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Fences (2016), becoming the first Black actress to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting” (Emmy, Tony, and Oscar).
4. Jodie Foster
Foster has won two Oscars for Best Actress, for The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and The Accused (1988), and is acclaimed for her roles in both dramatic and thriller genres.
5. Nicole Kidman
Kidman has won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Hours (2002) and has been recognized for her work in film and television, including Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
6. Frances McDormand
McDormand has won three Academy Awards for Best Actress for Fargo (1997), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), and Nomadland (2021), known for her powerful and distinctive performances.
7. Audrey Hepburn
Hepburn won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Roman Holiday (1953) and is celebrated for her elegance and contributions to cinema, including her humanitarian work.
8. Helen Mirren
Mirren won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006) and has been honored with numerous awards for her extensive career in both film and theater.
9. Jane Fonda
Fonda has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978) and is recognized for her influential work in film and activism.
10. Jessica Chastain
Chastain won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021) and is acclaimed for her diverse roles and contributions to film.
11. Ginger Rogers
Rogers won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Kitty Foyle (1940) and is celebrated for her work in both film and stage, particularly for her iconic dancing partnership with Fred Astaire.
12. Shirley MacLaine
MacLaine won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Terms of Endearment (1983) and has been recognized for her versatile roles and contributions to film and theater.
13. Laura Linney
Linney has received multiple awards, including the Academy Award nomination for You Can Count on Me (2000) and several Emmys and Golden Globes for her roles in television and film.
14. Sally Field
Field won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for Norma Rae (1979) and Places in the Heart (1984), known for her powerful performances and strong presence in both film and television.
15. Charlize Theron
Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Monster (2003) and has been praised for her transformative roles and contributions to both dramatic and action films.
16. Judi Dench
Dench won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Shakespeare in Love (1998) and has received numerous other awards for her distinguished work in film, television, and theater.
17. Glenn Close
Close has been nominated for the Academy Award several times and has won Emmys and Golden Globes. Her powerful performances in films like Fatal Attraction (1987) and Dangerous Liaisons (1988) are highly acclaimed.
18. Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Louis-Dreyfus has won multiple Emmy Awards, including for her roles in Seinfeld, The New Adventures of Old Christine, and Veep. She is celebrated for her outstanding comedic performances and has also received Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
19. Bette Davis
Davis won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for Dangerous (1935) and Jezebel (1938). Known for her intense performances and distinctive voice, she was a major star of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Davis’s career was marked by her roles in classics like All About Eve (1950), for which she received critical acclaim, and she was nominated for a total of 10 Academy Awards.
20. Cate Blanchett
Blanchett has won two Academy Awards, one for Best Supporting Actress for The Aviator (2004) and one for Best Actress for Blue Jasmine (2013), and has received acclaim for her work in a range of genres and roles.
Through their dedication and artistry, these women helped shape the film industry and continue to influence how stories are told on screen.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
