The Absolute Best American Actresses of the Past 10 Years

The landscape of American cinema and television has been defined by a generation of actresses who have delivered transformative performances over the last decade. From independent darlings to blockbuster icons, these women have pushed the boundaries of storytelling through complex character studies and historical portrayals. This period has seen a significant shift in the industry, with actresses taking on greater creative control as producers and directors. The following list highlights fifty performers whose work between 2014 and 2024 has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson rose to prominence as the creator and lead actress of the mockumentary series ‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021). For her work on the show, she became the first Black woman to be nominated for three comedy Emmy Awards in a single year. She eventually won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2023. Her performance as Janine Teagues has been praised for its heart and comedic timing.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri transitioned from a successful writing career into a breakout acting star within the last few years. She received widespread acclaim for her role as Sydney Adamu in the restaurant drama ‘The Bear’ (2022). This performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2023. She further showcased her comedic range in the film ‘Bottoms’ (2023).

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney became a household name through her intense performances in several high-profile television projects. She earned double Emmy nominations in 2022 for her roles in the drama series ‘Euphoria’ (2019) and the anthology series ‘The White Lotus’ (2021). Beyond television, she starred in the reality-based drama ‘Reality’ (2023), playing the whistleblower Reality Winner. Her ability to portray vulnerability and psychological complexity has defined her recent career.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega transitioned from a child star to a leading lady with several major roles in the horror and fantasy genres. She gained international recognition for her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the series ‘Wednesday’ (2022). This role earned her nominations at the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards. She also established herself as a modern scream queen with appearances in ‘Scream’ (2022) and ‘Scream VI’ (2023).

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has balanced major franchise roles with acclaimed performances in independent cinema. She gained widespread attention for her role in ‘Creed’ (2015) before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017). In 2021, she received critical praise for her nuanced performance in the period drama ‘Passing’. Her work often explores themes of identity and social dynamics with significant depth.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña has maintained a dominant presence in the highest-grossing film franchises of the last decade. She reprised her role as Neytiri in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022) and continued her portrayal of Gamora in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014) trilogy. Beyond blockbusters, she starred in the emotional limited series ‘From Scratch’ (2022). She remains one of the most prolific and commercially successful actresses in the industry.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross defined a decade of television comedy with her role as Rainbow Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ (2014). Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2017. She also received several Emmy nominations for the same role, highlighting her consistency as a performer. Ross has also used her platform to produce projects that focus on diverse storytelling.

Annette Bening

Annette Bening has continued to deliver powerful performances well into the fourth decade of her career. She received significant critical acclaim for her role in ’20th Century Women’ (2016), which many considered a high point in her filmography. More recently, she earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad in ‘Nyad’ (2023). Her work remains characterized by a sophisticated and grounded approach to character.

Laura Linney

Laura Linney showcased her dramatic range in the crime drama series ‘Ozark’ (2017), playing the complex Wendy Byrde. This role garnered her multiple Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations throughout the show’s run. On the film side, she delivered a touching performance in ‘The Savages’ and more recently in ‘The Miracle Club’ (2023). Linney is widely regarded for her technical precision and emotional intelligence on screen.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates remained a force in television and film, notably through her long-running association with ‘American Horror Story’ (2011). She won an Emmy Award for her role in ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ and continued to appear in subsequent seasons. In 2019, she received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Bobi Jewell in the biographical drama ‘Richard Jewell’. Her ability to blend menace with pathos remains a hallmark of her acting style.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts transitioned toward more character-driven roles and prestige television during the last decade. She starred in the first season of the psychological thriller series ‘Homecoming’ (2018), earning a Golden Globe nomination. In film, she delivered a raw performance as a mother dealing with her son’s addiction in ‘Ben Is Back’ (2018). She also returned to the romantic comedy genre alongside George Clooney in ‘Ticket to Paradise’ (2022).

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock continued to prove her status as a major box office draw and a versatile dramatic actress. She starred in the post-apocalyptic thriller ‘Bird Box’ (2018), which became one of the most-watched films on its streaming platform. She also led the all-female ensemble of ‘Ocean’s 8’ (2018), playing the sister of Danny Ocean. In 2021, she delivered a stark dramatic performance in ‘The Unforgivable’, portraying a woman re-entering society after prison.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina made a significant impact on the industry with her transition from music and comedy to serious acting. She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her lead role in the family drama ‘The Farewell’ (2019). This win marked the first time a woman of Asian descent won a Golden Globe in a lead actress film category. She also balances her dramatic work with voice roles and her own series, ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’ (2020).

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy expanded her repertoire from broad comedy to acclaimed dramatic work over the past ten years. She earned her second Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Lee Israel in ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’ (2018). While she remained a comedic staple in films like ‘Spy’ (2015), she also explored darker themes in the limited series ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ (2021). Her career demonstrates a unique ability to find humanity in both eccentric and tragic characters.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway continued to take on diverse roles following her early career success. She starred in the science fiction epic ‘Interstellar’ (2014) and the comedy ‘The Intern’ (2015) alongside Robert De Niro. She received praise for her performance as a woman battling addiction in the monster movie ‘Colossal’ (2016). More recently, she led the romantic drama ‘The Idea of You’ (2024), showcasing her enduring appeal and dramatic range.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon transformed her career by becoming one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood while continuing to act. She starred in and produced ‘Wild’ (2014), earning an Academy Award nomination for her performance. She followed this with the massive success of ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017), which won several Emmy Awards. Her work on ‘The Morning Show’ (2019) has further solidified her position as a leading figure in the current television golden age.

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried achieved a new level of critical recognition with her work in both film and television. She received her first Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Marion Davies in ‘Mank’ (2020). In 2022, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance as Elizabeth Holmes in the limited series ‘The Dropout’. This role was widely praised for Seyfried’s physical and vocal transformation into the disgraced entrepreneur.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara has become a staple of prestige and independent cinema through her collaborative work with acclaimed directors. She won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in ‘Carol’ (2015). She also starred in the challenging drama ‘Women Talking’ (2022), which explored heavy themes of justice and faith. Mara is known for her quiet intensity and her choice of complex, often enigmatic characters.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart redefined her career over the last decade by moving away from blockbuster franchises into daring independent roles. She became the first American actress to win a César Award for her performance in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ (2014). In 2021, she received her first Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’. She continues to push boundaries with roles in genre-bending films like ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ (2024).

Issa Rae

Issa Rae made history with the creation and starring role of the HBO series ‘Insecure’ (2016). The show ran for five seasons and earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her performance as Issa Dee. She has since transitioned into film with roles in ‘The Photograph’ (2020) and the blockbuster ‘Barbie’ (2023). Rae’s work is celebrated for its authentic and humorous depiction of modern life and relationships.

Rachel Brosnahan

Rachel Brosnahan became a prominent figure in television through her lead role in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017). She won a Primetime Emmy Award and two consecutive Golden Globe Awards for her portrayal of Midge Maisel. Her performance was noted for its incredible energy and mastery of rapid-fire dialogue. She has since expanded into dramatic film roles, including a lead part in ‘I’m Your Woman’ (2020).

Julia Garner

Julia Garner established herself as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation through her work in television. She won three Primetime Emmy Awards for her role as Ruth Langmore in the crime drama ‘Ozark’ (2017). In 2022, she received further acclaim for her portrayal of Anna Delvey in the limited series ‘Inventing Anna’. Her ability to inhabit distinct accents and complex moralities has made her a standout performer.

Elisabeth Moss

Elisabeth Moss has dominated the television drama landscape with her intense and physically demanding roles. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of June Osborne in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017). Her performance in the series has been praised for its emotional depth and resilience. She also led the psychological horror film ‘The Invisible Man’ (2020), which was a critical and commercial success.

Zendaya

Zendaya made a swift transition from teenage stardom to becoming the youngest two-time winner of the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She won these awards for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in ‘Euphoria’ (2019), a role that demanded immense emotional vulnerability. She also stars as Chani in the ‘Dune’ (2021) franchise and played Michelle in the recent ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy. Her impact on both the fashion and film industries is significant.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy became a global phenomenon with her performance in the limited series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020). She won a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of the chess prodigy Beth Harmon. Since her breakout in the horror film ‘The Witch’ (2015), she has starred in diverse projects like ‘Emma’ (2020) and ‘The Menu’ (2022). She is recognized for her striking screen presence and ability to play stylized characters.

Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen became a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe through her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff. Her work culminated in the critically acclaimed limited series ‘WandaVision’ (2021), which earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Outside of superheroes, she delivered a haunting performance in the neo-Western ‘Wind River’ (2017). She continues to be praised for her ability to ground fantastical characters in real human emotion.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph has had an exceptional rise in the industry, culminating in major award wins. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mary Lamb in ‘The Holdovers’ (2023). Before this victory, she was known for her standout work in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ (2019) and the series ‘Only Murders in the Building’ (2021). Her performances are often cited for their warmth and powerful presence.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone made history as the first Native American woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She received this nomination and won a Golden Globe for her performance in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ (2023). Prior to this, she gained critical notice for her role in the independent film ‘Certain Women’ (2016). Her acting is characterized by a profound stillness and emotional clarity.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett continued to demonstrate her legendary status with a series of powerful performances in the last decade. She received her second Academy Award nomination for her role as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022). She also maintained a strong television presence in ‘American Horror Story’ (2011) and the procedural drama ‘9-1-1’ (2018). In 2024, she was honored with an Honorary Academy Award for her contributions to the film industry.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson became one of the most decorated television actresses of the decade through her collaborations with Ryan Murphy. She won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’ (2016). She is also a central figure in ‘American Horror Story’ (2011), playing a wide variety of distinct characters. Her career is defined by her willingness to take on extreme and transformative roles.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga successfully transitioned from a global music icon to a critically acclaimed leading actress. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in ‘A Star Is Born’ (2018). She also won an Oscar for Best Original Song for the film’s soundtrack. She followed this success with a lead role in the biographical drama ‘House of Gucci’ (2021), earning further award nominations for her performance.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson reached the pinnacle of critical and commercial success within the last ten years. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her harrowing performance in ‘Room’ (2015). Shortly after, she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the titular character in ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019). She has also ventured into directing with ‘Store Store’ (2017) and lead television roles in ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ (2023).

Allison Janney

Allison Janney added an Academy Award to her extensive collection of Emmys during this period. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as LaVona Golden in the biopic ‘I, Tonya’ (2017). Simultaneously, she starred in the long-running sitcom ‘Mom’ (2013), for which she won multiple Emmy Awards. Her ability to navigate between dark drama and high-energy comedy is nearly unparalleled.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore reached a career milestone in 2014 when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Still Alice’. In the years following, she starred in major projects like ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’ (2014) and ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ (2017). She recently received critical praise for her role in the drama ‘May December’ (2023). Moore remains one of the most respected actresses for her dedication to complex and often fragile characters.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close continued her streak of acclaimed performances, earning multiple Academy Award nominations in the last decade. She received significant praise for her lead role in ‘The Wife’ (2017), for which she won a Golden Globe. She also earned a nomination for her transformative work in the drama ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ (2020). Close remains a formidable presence in the industry, consistently tackling roles that challenge her range.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence remained one of the most prominent actresses of the decade, following her early career surge. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Joy’ (2015) and starred in the controversial psychological thriller ‘Mother!’ (2017). She also concluded her role as Katniss Everdeen in ‘The Hunger Games’ (2012) franchise. Recently, she produced and starred in the comedy ‘No Hard Feelings’ (2023) and the drama ‘Causeway’ (2022).

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer followed her earlier Oscar win with two more nominations during this period. She was recognized for her roles as Dorothy Vaughan in ‘Hidden Figures’ (2016) and Zelda Fuller in ‘The Shape of Water’ (2017). Spencer has also become a regular lead in television, starring in the series ‘Truth Be Told’ (2019) and ‘Self Made’ (2020). Her screen presence is often noted for its warmth, authority, and relatability.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson earned two Academy Award nominations in the same year for her work in ‘Marriage Story’ (2019) and ‘Jojo Rabbit’ (2019). This rare achievement highlighted her ability to excel in both lead dramatic roles and supporting character-driven parts. She also concluded her decade-long tenure as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the solo film ‘Black Widow’ (2021). Her performances consistently balance vulnerability with strength across various genres.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman continued to deliver high-caliber performances while exploring different aspects of the film industry. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in the biopic ‘Jackie’ (2016). In 2023, she starred in ‘May December’, a role that earned her significant critical acclaim during the awards season. She also returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as The Mighty Thor in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (2022).

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron solidified her status as a premiere action star and dramatic force in the last ten years. She delivered an iconic performance as Imperator Furiosa in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015). In 2019, she received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Megyn Kelly in the drama ‘Bombshell’. She has also become a significant producer, championing projects like ‘The Old Guard’ (2020) and ‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017).

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman experienced a major career resurgence led by her work in prestige television. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the series ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017). On the film side, she received Academy Award nominations for ‘Lion’ (2016) and for her portrayal of Lucille Ball in ‘Being the Ricardos’ (2021). Kidman is widely praised for her fearless approach to diverse and often difficult roles.

Laura Dern

Laura Dern enjoyed a highly successful decade marked by both major awards and popular television roles. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a high-powered lawyer in ‘Marriage Story’ (2019). She also reached a new level of fame playing Renata Klein in the series ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017), a role that earned her an Emmy. Her ability to portray intense, often high-strung characters has become a signature of her work.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan solidified her status as a leading talent with a series of acclaimed performances in coming-of-age dramas. She earned Academy Award nominations for her roles in ‘Lady Bird’ (2017) and ‘Little Women’ (2019), both directed by Greta Gerwig. Her ability to portray internal emotional depth was also showcased in the period drama ‘Brooklyn’ (2015). Ronan’s work over the past decade has consistently highlighted her versatility and precision as an actress.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams remained one of the most consistently nominated actresses of the decade, known for her incredible range. She delivered a celebrated performance in the science fiction drama ‘Arrival’ (2016) and earned an Oscar nomination for ‘Vice’ (2018). She also starred in the acclaimed limited series ‘Sharp Objects’ (2018), showcasing her ability to handle dark and complex television roles. Her work is characterized by a deep emotional sincerity and technical mastery.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams continued to be a favorite of critics and award bodies for her subtle and profound acting style. she earned Academy Award nominations for ‘Manchester by the Sea’ (2016) and ‘The Fabelmans’ (2022). In 2019, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Gwen Verdon in the limited series ‘Fosse/Verdon’. Williams is frequently cited as one of the most talented performers of her generation due to her emotional authenticity.

Regina King

Regina King transitioned from a respected character actress to one of the most powerful figures in the industry. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ (2018). Simultaneously, she won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for her work in ‘American Crime’ (2015) and ‘Watchmen’ (2019). She also made her feature directorial debut with the critically acclaimed ‘One Night in Miami…’ (2020).

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain has consistently delivered high-powered performances in a variety of genres. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her transformative portrayal of Tammy Faye Bakker in ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ (2021). Throughout the decade, she led major films like ‘A Most Violent Year’ (2014) and ‘Molly’s Game’ (2017). She is known for playing strong, intelligent women and for her commitment to gender equality in the film industry.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress within the last ten years. Her first win came for the musical ‘La La Land’ (2016), and her second followed for the surrealist comedy ‘Poor Things’ (2023). She also received a nomination for her supporting role in ‘The Favourite’ (2018). Stone is celebrated for her comedic timing, expressive range, and her ability to anchor large-scale productions with personal charm.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis achieved the Triple Crown of Acting within the last decade, winning an Academy Award, an Emmy, and two Tony Awards. Her performance in ‘Fences’ (2016) earned her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, while her lead role in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2014) made her a television icon. She continued to receive acclaim for ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2020), which garnered her a fourth Academy Award nomination. In 2022, she led the historical epic ‘The Woman King’, demonstrating her incredible physical and emotional range.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand earned two Academy Awards for Best Actress within the last decade. She first won for her role as a grieving mother seeking justice in ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ (2017). She followed this success with ‘Nomadland’ (2020), where she portrayed a woman living as a modern-day nomad in the American West. Her performances are celebrated for their raw authenticity and departure from conventional Hollywood glamour. She also won an Oscar as a producer for ‘Nomadland’, solidifying her influence on the industry.

Tell us who your favorite American actress from the last decade is in the comments.