The Absolute Best Latina Actresses of the Past 10 Years

The landscape of modern cinema and television has been significantly shaped by the contributions of talented Latino actresses. Over the last decade, these performers have broken barriers and delivered acclaimed performances across genres ranging from independent dramas to massive superhero franchises. This list highlights fifty actresses who have made a substantial impact on the industry through their artistic range and commercial success. Their work continues to influence the global entertainment market and inspire new generations of performers.

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas gained international recognition for her breakout role in the 2019 mystery ‘Knives Out’. She continued her ascent with a starring role as Marilyn Monroe in ‘Blonde’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Her filmography includes major blockbusters such as ‘No Time to Die’ and ‘Blade Runner 2049’. She has worked with prominent directors like Denis Villeneuve and Rian Johnson during her career. This actress remains a sought-after talent in both independent cinema and major studio productions.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek remains a prominent figure in cinema with a career spanning several decades and multiple genres. Over the past ten years, she has appeared in films like ‘House of Gucci’ and ‘Eternals’. She received praise for her comedic performance in ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’ and its sequel. Hayek also starred in the drama ‘Beatriz at Dinner’, showcasing her dramatic range as a holistic therapist. Her ongoing contributions to the industry include both acting and production work through her company Ventanarosa.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the 2021 drama ‘Parallel Mothers’. She has maintained a strong partnership with director Pedro Almodóvar, appearing in several of his recent works. Her roles in the past decade also include big-budget films like ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and ‘Ferrari’. She became the first Spanish actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Cruz continues to balance Spanish-language cinema with high-profile English-language projects.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña is known for her appearances in several of the highest-grossing films of all time. She portrays Neytiri in ‘Avatar’ and ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, utilizing performance capture technology. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she plays Gamora, appearing in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Beyond science fiction, she starred in the Netflix series ‘From Scratch’ and ‘Special Ops: Lioness’. Her career is marked by her presence in major film franchises and streaming television.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega achieved global fame for her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. She has established herself as a contemporary scream queen with roles in ‘Scream’ and ‘Scream VI’. Her earlier work includes the lead role in the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle’ and a recurring part in ‘Jane the Virgin’. In 2024, she joined the cast of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’, directed by Tim Burton. Ortega is recognized for her ability to navigate both horror and coming-of-age narratives.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy rose to prominence with her debut film role in the horror movie ‘The Witch’. She earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for her performance in the limited series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. Her recent work includes starring in ‘The Menu’ and taking on the titular role in ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’. Although she has a diverse heritage, she often discusses her Argentine roots and early life in Buenos Aires. She is considered one of the most versatile young performers in the industry today.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera received an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in the 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’. She previously gained fame for her leading roles in ‘Ugly Betty’ and the sitcom ‘Superstore’. Ferrera has also been active in voice acting, lending her voice to Astrid in the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ franchise. Beyond acting, she has directed episodes of television and served as an executive producer. Her work often highlights the experiences of the Latino community in the United States.

Melissa Barrera

Melissa Barrera transitioned from Mexican telenovelas to Hollywood with the musical film ‘In the Heights’. she gained further recognition as Sam Carpenter in the ‘Scream’ revival films. Her television credits include a leading role in the Starz drama series ‘Vida’. In 2024, she starred in the horror film ‘Abigail’, continuing her work within the genre. Barrera is noted for her musical talents and her ability to lead modern horror narratives.

Eiza González

Eiza González made her English-language debut in the series ‘From Dusk till Dawn: The Series’. She has since appeared in several high-profile action films, including ‘Baby Driver’ and ‘Hobbs & Shaw’. In 2021, she starred in ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ and the thriller ‘I Care a Lot’. She recently took on a leading role in the science fiction series ‘3 Body Problem’. González has successfully established herself as a consistent presence in major Hollywood productions.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler made her film debut as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of ‘West Side Story’. For this performance, she became the first actress of Colombian descent to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress. She followed this success with a role in the superhero film ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’. In 2023, she starred as Lucy Gray Baird in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. Zegler is frequently recognized for her vocal abilities and her rapid rise in the industry.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Anita in ‘West Side Story’. Her background in musical theater includes an original cast role in the Broadway production of ‘Hamilton’. She has since branched into various film roles, including ‘The Prom’ and the spy thriller ‘Argylle’. DeBose also provided the voice for the lead character Asha in the Disney animated film ‘Wish’. Her career is defined by her skills as a triple-threat performer in dance, song, and acting.

Sofía Vergara

Sofia Vergara is best known for her long-running role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the sitcom ‘Modern Family’. During the show’s tenure, she became one of the highest-paid actresses in television history. Recently, she took on a dramatic role portraying the notorious cartel leader in the Netflix miniseries ‘Griselda’. She has also served as a judge on the competition show ‘America’s Got Talent’ for several seasons. Vergara continues to be a major influential figure in both Hispanic and American media.

Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez rose to fame as the titular character in the comedy-drama series ‘Jane the Virgin’. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy. She has starred in films such as the science fiction thriller ‘Annihilation’ and the action movie ‘Miss Bala’. Rodriguez also voiced the lead character in the animated series ‘Carmen Sandiego’. She frequently works behind the camera as a director and producer for various television projects.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is widely recognized for playing Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She showcased her singing range as the voice of Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney hit ‘Encanto’. Her film credits include the musical ‘In the Heights’, where she played the role of Carla. She also stars in the action-comedy series ‘Twisted Metal’, based on the popular video game franchise. Beatriz is known for her distinctive voice work and her ability to balance comedy with drama.

Adria Arjona

Adria Arjona has appeared in a variety of television and film projects, including the series ‘Good Omens’ and ‘Andor’. She starred alongside Jared Leto in the Marvel film ‘Morbius’ and played a lead role in ‘Father of the Bride’. In 2023, she received critical praise for her role in the romantic action-comedy ‘Hit Man’. Arjona has worked steadily in both streaming series and theatrical releases over the past decade. Her career continues to grow with upcoming roles in major studio films.

Yalitza Aparicio

Yalitza Aparicio made a historic debut in Alfonso Cuarón’s 2018 film ‘Roma’. She became the first Indigenous American woman to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Since her breakout, she has appeared in the horror film ‘Presences’ and the series ‘Mujeres Asesinas’. Aparicio has used her platform to advocate for Indigenous rights and domestic workers. She remains a significant figure in Mexican cinema and international advocacy.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez has successfully transitioned from a teen star to a critically acclaimed actress and producer. She currently stars in the mystery-comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’ alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short. Her film work includes roles in ‘The Dead Don’t Die’ and the 2024 musical crime film ‘Emilia Pérez’. Gomez also executive produced the hit series ’13 Reasons Why’ and her own cooking show. She has received multiple nominations for her acting and producing work in recent years.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson has a prolific career that includes roles in ‘The Mandalorian’ and her own lead series ‘Ahsoka’. She portrayed Claire Temple across several Marvel series on Netflix, including ‘Daredevil’ and ‘Luke Cage’. Her film work in the last decade includes ‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ and ‘Haunted Mansion’. Dawson is also known for her voice work in various DC animated projects as Wonder Woman. She remains a staple in both the Star Wars universe and various independent projects.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is a veteran of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, where she plays the role of Letty Ortiz. Over the last decade, she has continued her role in multiple sequels, including ‘Fast X’. In 2023, she starred in the fantasy adventure ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’. She is known for portraying tough, independent characters in high-budget action films. Rodriguez has maintained a consistent presence as one of Hollywood’s leading action actresses.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria, widely known for ‘Desperate Housewives’, has focused heavily on directing and producing in the last decade. She made her feature directorial debut with the 2023 biographical film ‘Flamin’ Hot’. As an actress, she appeared in the film ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ and the series ‘Grand Hotel’. Longoria is also an active philanthropist and advocate for Latino representation in Hollywood. She continues to develop content that focuses on Hispanic stories and creators.

Alice Braga

Alice Braga is a Brazilian actress who has achieved significant success in American television and film. She starred as Teresa Mendoza in the drama series ‘Queen of the South’ for five seasons. Her film credits include ‘The Suicide Squad’, ‘The New Mutants’, and the thriller ‘Hypnotic’. Braga is known for her work in both English and Portuguese language productions. She remains one of the most prominent Brazilian actresses working in Hollywood today.

Morena Baccarin

Morena Baccarin is well known for her role as Vanessa in the ‘Deadpool’ film franchise. She also played Dr. Leslie Thompkins in the television series ‘Gotham’ for several seasons. Her earlier work includes the acclaimed series ‘Homeland’, which earned her an Emmy nomination. Baccarin has appeared in various science fiction and superhero projects throughout her career. She recently reprised her role in the 2024 sequel ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’.

Christian Serratos

Christian Serratos is best known for her portrayal of Rosita Espinosa on the long-running series ‘The Walking Dead’. She also took on the iconic role of Selena Quintanilla in ‘Selena: The Series’ on Netflix. Her career began with roles in ‘Twilight’ and the Nickelodeon series ‘Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide’. Serratos received praise for her physical transformation and performance in the biographical Selena project. She continues to be a prominent figure in television drama.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

MJ Rodriguez made history as the first transgender woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Drama. She earned this accolade for her performance as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in the series ‘Pose’. Following the success of ‘Pose’, she starred in the comedy series ‘Loot’ alongside Maya Rudolph. She has also pursued a music career and voiced characters in animated projects like ‘Transformers: EarthSpark’. Her work has been instrumental in increasing visibility for the LGBTQ+ Latino community.

Justina Machado

Justina Machado is highly regarded for her lead role as Penelope Alvarez in the revival of ‘One Day at a Time’. Her performance in the series garnered critical acclaim for its depiction of a Cuban-American family. She has also appeared in the series ‘Queen of the South’ and ‘The Horrors of Dolores Roach’. Machado’s career spans several decades, including roles in ‘Six Feet Under’ and ‘ER’. She remains a frequent presence in television comedies and dramas alike.

Alexa Demie

Alexa Demie rose to prominence for her role as Maddy Perez in the HBO drama series ‘Euphoria’. Her performance has made her a fashion icon and a significant figure in Gen Z culture. She also appeared in the critically acclaimed film ‘Waves’ and the series ‘Ray Donovan’. Demie is known for her selective approach to roles and her distinct aesthetic style. She continues to be one of the most talked-about young actresses in contemporary television.

Camila Mendes

Camila Mendes gained fame for her role as Veronica Lodge on the CW series ‘Riverdale’. Since the show’s debut, she has branched out into film with roles in ‘Do Revenge’ and ‘Upgraded’. She also starred in and executive produced the romantic comedy ‘Música’ in 2024. Mendes has been vocal about her Brazilian heritage and its influence on her career choices. She is currently expanding her portfolio into producing and more diverse film genres.

Barbie Ferreira

Barbie Ferreira earned widespread recognition for her role as Kat Hernandez in the series ‘Euphoria’. Before her acting career, she was a successful model known for promoting body positivity. She starred in the 2020 film ‘Unpregnant’, which received positive reviews for its handling of sensitive themes. Ferreira also appeared in the horror-thriller ‘Nope’, directed by Jordan Peele. She continues to pursue roles that challenge traditional beauty standards in Hollywood.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced starred as the lead in ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ and the action film ‘Sweet Girl’. She transitioned from a child star on Nickelodeon to a versatile actress in films like ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’. In 2024, she joined the cast of ‘Madame Web’ and was cast in the second season of ‘The Last of Us’. Merced is also a singer and has released several singles throughout her acting career. She is considered a rising star in major film franchises and television.

Xochitl Gomez

Xochitl Gomez joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as America Chavez in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. Before her superhero debut, she starred in the Netflix series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. Her performance in the Marvel film was noted for bringing a major Latina superhero to the big screen. In 2023, she won the 32nd season of the competition show ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Gomez continues to be a prominent young representative for the Latino community in entertainment.

Sasha Calle

Sasha Calle made her major film debut as Supergirl in the 2023 movie ‘The Flash’. She is the first Latina actress to portray the character in a live-action film. Prior to her film work, she earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for her role in ‘The Young and the Restless’. Calle’s performance was highlighted as a standout in the DC Extended Universe. She continues to develop her career in both film and television projects.

Bruna Marquezine

Bruna Marquezine is a Brazilian actress who made her Hollywood debut in the 2023 film ‘Blue Beetle’. She played Jenny Kord, the female lead and love interest to the titular superhero. In Brazil, she is a massive star with a career that began in early childhood with various telenovelas. Her transition to the English-language market was met with significant interest from international audiences. Marquezine remains a highly influential figure in Brazilian media and global fashion.

Leslie Grace

Leslie Grace transitioned from a successful Latin music career to acting with the film ‘In the Heights’. She played the role of Nina Rosario in the musical adaptation, receiving praise for her vocal and acting performance. Grace was also cast in the lead role for the ‘Batgirl’ film, which was ultimately unreleased by the studio. She continues to work on both her music and her acting career in Hollywood. Her presence in ‘In the Heights’ established her as a capable lead in modern film musicals.

Camila Morrone

Camila Morrone received critical acclaim for her breakout role in the independent film ‘Mickey and the Bear’. She further solidified her acting credentials with a starring role in the miniseries ‘Daisy Jones & the Six’. Her performance in the series earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Morrone has transitioned from modeling to becoming a respected dramatic actress. She continues to choose projects that emphasize complex character development.

Diane Guerrero

Diane Guerrero is well known for her roles in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Jane the Virgin’. She also stars as Jane in the DC Universe series ‘Doom Patrol’. Guerrero provided the voice for Isabela Madrigal in the Disney animated film ‘Encanto’. Beyond acting, she is a prominent author and advocate for immigration reform in the United States. Her memoir ‘In the Country We Love’ details her personal experiences with the immigration system.

Cierra Ramirez

Cierra Ramirez has starred as Mariana Adams Foster in ‘The Fosters’ and its spin-off ‘Good Trouble’ for over a decade. She also serves as an executive producer on ‘Good Trouble’, taking an active role in the show’s creative direction. In addition to television, she has appeared in films like ‘Girl in Progress’ alongside Eva Mendes. Ramirez is also a recording artist with several pop and R&B releases. She has been a consistent figure in young adult television programming.

Francia Raísa

Francia Raisa is currently known for her leading role in the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Father’. She previously starred in ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’ and the series ‘Grown-ish’. Raisa has a long history in the industry, including a lead role in the cult classic ‘Bring It On: All or Nothing’. She is also recognized for her philanthropic work and her high-profile friendship with Selena Gomez. Her career continues to flourish in the realm of television comedy.

Karla Souza

Karla Souza gained international fame for her role as Laurel Castillo in the legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Before her American television success, she was a major star in Mexico, appearing in hit films like ‘Nosotros los Nobles’. She recently starred in the sitcom ‘Home Economics’ and the Amazon series ‘El Presidente’. Souza is an advocate for women’s rights and has spoken out against misconduct in the entertainment industry. She successfully maintains a career in both the Mexican and American markets.

Kate del Castillo

Kate del Castillo is a powerhouse in Spanish-language media, best known for ‘La Reina del Sur’. She has also made significant inroads in Hollywood with roles in ‘Bad Boys for Life’ and ‘The 33’. In the last decade, she has produced and starred in several projects through her company Cholawood Productions. Her work often focuses on strong, complex female leads in the action and drama genres. She remains one of the most recognizable Mexican actresses globally.

Roselyn Sánchez

Roselyn Sánchez currently stars as Elena Roarke in the reboot of ‘Fantasy Island’. Her career includes long-running roles in ‘Without a Trace’ and ‘Devious Maids’. She has appeared in films such as ‘Rush Hour 2’ and ‘Act of Valor’ throughout her years in Hollywood. Sánchez is also a singer and writer, having produced and starred in her own independent projects. She continues to be a prominent representative of Puerto Rican talent in the mainland United States.

Lorenza Izzo

Lorenza Izzo is a Chilean actress who gained attention for her roles in horror films like ‘The Green Inferno’. She transitioned into mainstream Hollywood with a role in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. She also appeared in the dark comedy series ‘Hacks’ and the film ‘Confess, Fletch’. Izzo is known for her ability to work across different languages and genres. Her career has seen a steady rise in high-profile American productions.

Dania Ramirez

Dania Ramirez has held prominent roles in series such as ‘Devious Maids’ and ‘Once Upon a Time’. Currently, she stars in the police procedural drama ‘Alert: Missing Persons Unit’. Her film credits include ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ and ‘Premium Rush’. Ramirez has been a consistent presence on American television for nearly two decades. She continues to lead major network series with her dramatic performances.

Genesis Rodriguez

Genesis Rodriguez has appeared in films such as ‘Man on a Ledge’ and ‘Tusk’ over the past decade. She provided the voice for Honey Lemon in the Disney film ‘Big Hero 6’ and its subsequent television series. Recently, she joined the cast of the Netflix series ‘The Umbrella Academy’. Rodriguez began her career in Spanish-language telenovelas before moving into English-language media. She is the daughter of the famous Venezuelan singer José Luis Rodríguez.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has become a major star through her role as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She also stars in the ‘Creed’ franchise as Bianca and the HBO series ‘Westworld’. Thompson received critical acclaim for her role in the 2021 film ‘Passing’, which explored themes of racial identity. While she has a diverse background, she frequently highlights her Afro-Panamanian heritage. She is recognized for her activism and her production company, Viva Maude.

Sônia Braga

Sonia Braga is a legendary Brazilian actress who has seen a resurgence in international acclaim in recent years. She starred in the 2016 film ‘Aquarius’ and the 2019 film ‘Bacurau’, both of which received worldwide praise. In 2024, she appeared in the horror film ‘The First Omen’. Braga has been a major figure in cinema since the 1970s and continues to work with top-tier directors. Her recent work has solidified her status as a titan of global cinema.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno is one of the few performers to have won an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). In the last decade, she starred in the reimagining of ‘One Day at a Time’ and appeared in the 2021 ‘West Side Story’. She was the subject of the 2021 documentary ‘Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It’. Despite being in her 90s, she continues to act in films like ’80 for Brady’ and ‘Fast X’. Moreno remains a pioneering icon for all Latino performers in Hollywood.

Cote de Pablo

Cote de Pablo is best known for her role as Ziva David on the long-running series ‘NCIS’. She played the character for many years and returned for guest appearances that drew massive viewership. In the past decade, she also starred in the miniseries ‘The Dovekeepers’ and the film ‘The 33’. De Pablo is recognized for her intense dramatic performances and her portrayal of strong female characters. She remains a fan favorite in the world of television procedurals.

Danay García

Danay García is a Cuban actress known for her role as Luciana Galvez on ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. She also gained recognition for her earlier work on the series ‘Prison Break’. Throughout the last decade, she has appeared in several independent films and action projects. García has also moved into writing and directing her own short films. She continues to be a staple of the horror and thriller genres on television.

Melissa Fumero

Melissa Fumero is widely recognized for her role as Amy Santiago on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Following the show’s conclusion, she starred in the Netflix series ‘Blockbuster’. She has also provided voice work for animated series like ‘Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K.’. Fumero often uses her platform to discuss Latino representation in comedy. Her career has established her as a leading comedic actress in the current television landscape.

Victoria Justice

Victoria Justice transitioned from her Nickelodeon stardom on ‘Victorious’ to a variety of adult roles. In the last decade, she has starred in films like ‘A Perfect Pairing’ and ‘Trust’. She also appeared in the television series ‘Eye Candy’ and the musical special ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again’. Justice continues to balance her acting career with her musical pursuits. She remains a prominent figure for the generation that grew up with her early work.

Please share which of these talented actresses has delivered your favorite performance in the comments.