Young Actresses Who Are National Treasures

The concept of a national treasure often refers to individuals whose talent and cultural contributions have made them indispensable to their country’s artistic identity. In the film and television industry, a new generation of performers has rapidly ascended to this status through critically acclaimed performances and record-breaking projects. These actresses have garnered major awards and captured the public’s imagination, becoming the modern faces of global cinema. This list examines the careers of fifty young stars who are widely celebrated for their impact on the medium.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp gained significant recognition for her role as Isadora Duncan in the 2016 film ‘The Dancer’. She later appeared alongside Timothée Chalamet in the historical drama ‘The King’, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. In 2023, she took on a leading role in the television series ‘The Idol’, portraying a pop star navigating the complexities of fame. Her career is characterized by a mix of high-fashion presence and bold choices in independent cinema.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell transitioned into the spotlight with her performance in the 2019 film ‘Waves’, which earned her a Gotham Independent Film Award. She solidified her reputation in the industry by starring in ‘Bones and All’, directed by Luca Guadagnino. Her work in the science fiction series ‘Lost in Space’ showcased her ability to lead a major franchise ensemble. Russell is noted for her grounded performances and her selectiveness in choosing character-driven narratives.

Posy Sterling

Posy Sterling rose to prominence after winning the BIFA Breakthrough Award for her performance in the 2024 drama ‘Lollipop’. Her portrayal of a young woman navigating the care system was described by critics as an urgent and bold breakout. In 2026, she received an EE BAFTA Rising Star nomination, further establishing her as a significant talent in British cinema. Sterling has also appeared in high-profile television productions such as ‘The Outrun’ and ‘World on Fire’.

Chase Infiniti

Chase Infiniti became a breakout star following her lead role in the 2025 Paul Thomas Anderson film ‘One Battle After Another’. Her performance in the project earned her the National Board of Review award for Breakthrough Performance. Prior to her film success, she appeared in the Apple TV+ series ‘Presumed Innocent’ and was cast as the lead in the upcoming adaptation of ‘The Testaments’. Infiniti’s rapid rise in 2026 led to her nomination for the prestigious EE BAFTA Rising Star Award.

Angourie Rice

Angourie Rice first garnered attention as a child actress in the Australian film ‘These Final Hours’ before finding international success in ‘The Nice Guys’. She became a household name within the Marvel Cinematic Universe by playing Betty Brant in the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy starting with ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. Rice has also demonstrated her range in television, starring in the limited series ‘Mare of Easttown’. Her work often balances mainstream blockbuster appeal with nuanced supporting roles in prestige dramas.

Cailee Spaeny

Cailee Spaeny achieved critical acclaim for her portrayal of the titular character in the 2023 biographical drama ‘Priscilla’. For this performance, she was awarded the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice International Film Festival. She followed this success with a leading role in the 2024 dystopian thriller ‘Civil War’, directed by Alex Garland. Spaeny is recognized for her ability to inhabit complex, historically significant figures with emotional depth.

Mia Goth

Mia Goth has established herself as a contemporary icon in the horror genre through her collaboration with director Ti West. She starred in and co-wrote the 2022 film ‘Pearl’, a prequel to the slasher film ‘X’ released the same year. Her performances in these films earned her nominations at the Independent Spirit Awards and the Critics’ Choice Super Awards. Goth’s career is marked by her dedication to transformative, often intense roles in the world of independent filmmaking.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler was selected from thousands of applicants to play Maria in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of ‘West Side Story’. Her debut performance won her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. She continued her ascent in Hollywood by starring as Lucy Gray Baird in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. Zegler is also set to portray the title character in the upcoming live-action reimagining of ‘Snow White’.

Phoebe Dynevor

Phoebe Dynevor reached international stardom as Daphne Bridgerton in the Netflix period drama ‘Bridgerton’. The series became one of the most-watched shows on the platform, making her a central figure in modern television. Following her success in the Regency era, she starred in the 2023 financial thriller ‘Fair Play’, which received praise at the Sundance Film Festival. Dynevor has since been recognized as a rising talent capable of transitioning from television to high-stakes psychological dramas.

Nicola Coughlan

Nicola Coughlan first gained a loyal following for her role as Clare Devlin in the sitcom ‘Derry Girls’. She transitioned to global fame by playing Penelope Featherington in the popular series ‘Bridgerton’. In 2024, she took on a leading role in the dark comedy ‘Big Mood’, further showcasing her comedic timing and dramatic range. Coughlan is frequently celebrated for her vocal support of independent creators and her impact on Irish representation in media.

Mia McKenna-Bruce

Mia McKenna-Bruce received widespread critical acclaim for her performance in the 2023 drama ‘How to Have Sex’. Her work in the film led to her winning the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2024. She began her career in British television with roles in ‘The Dumping Ground’ and ‘Tracy Beaker Returns’ before moving into feature films. McKenna-Bruce is now considered one of the leading young talents in the United Kingdom’s film industry.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone made history as the first Native American to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. Her performance in the Martin Scorsese-directed film earned her a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She previously received critical praise for her work in the independent film ‘Certain Women’, directed by Kelly Reichardt. Gladstone is noted for her understated acting style and her advocacy for indigenous storytelling.

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning became a prolific child actress after her breakout role in the 2001 film ‘I Am Sam’, which made her the youngest person to be nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award. She successfully transitioned into adult roles, starring in projects such as ‘The Alienist’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. In 2024, she appeared in the Netflix limited series ‘Ripley’, continuing her streak of high-profile dramatic work. Fanning remains a staple of American cinema, having maintained a continuous presence in the industry for over two decades.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan is an Irish actress who received her first Academy Award nomination at age thirteen for ‘Atonement’. She has since been nominated three additional times for her lead roles in ‘Brooklyn’, ‘Lady Bird’, and ‘Little Women’. Her collaborations with director Greta Gerwig helped define a generation of coming-of-age cinema. Ronan is widely regarded as a national treasure in Ireland and one of the most talented performers of her generation.

Sophie Thatcher

Sophie Thatcher gained mainstream recognition for her role as the younger version of Natalie in the thriller series ‘Yellowjackets’. Her performance in the show has been praised for its intensity and contribution to the series’ cult following. She also appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ universe in ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ and starred in the 2023 horror film ‘The Boogeyman’. Thatcher’s work often involves dark, character-driven narratives that highlight her distinctive screen presence.

Mikey Madison

Mikey Madison first caught the attention of audiences with her role as Max Fox in the television series ‘Better Things’. She earned further acclaim for her performance as a member of the Manson Family in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. In 2024, she starred in the film ‘Anora’, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Madison is recognized for her ability to play volatile and memorable characters in both television and film.

Joey King

Joey King started her career as a child actress in ‘Ramona and Beezus’ before gaining widespread fame through ‘The Kissing Booth’ trilogy. She shifted toward serious dramatic work with her Emmy-nominated performance as Gypsy Rose Blanchard in the miniseries ‘The Act’. In 2024, she starred in the historical drama ‘We Were the Lucky Ones’, depicting a family’s survival during the Holocaust. King has proven her versatility by balancing commercial romantic comedies with intense historical and biographical roles.

Thomasin McKenzie

Thomasin McKenzie is a New Zealander actress who had her international breakthrough in the 2018 film ‘Leave No Trace’. She earned significant praise for her role as Elsa Korr in the satirical comedy ‘Jojo Rabbit’, which was nominated for several Academy Awards. McKenzie also took a leading role in Edgar Wright’s psychological horror film ‘Last Night in Soho’. She is known for her expressive acting style and her ability to portray vulnerability in high-concept films.

HoYeon

HoYeon Jung was already a successful fashion model before making her acting debut in the South Korean series ‘Squid Game’. Her portrayal of Kang Sae-byeok became a global phenomenon, winning her the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series. Following this success, she was cast in Alfonso Cuarón’s Apple TV+ series ‘Disclaimer’. Jung’s rapid ascent from the runway to international acting stardom has made her a prominent cultural figure.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough is known for her work in independent cinema, including her roles in ‘American Honey’ and ‘The Lodge’. She received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for her lead performance in the series ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’. In addition to acting, she has moved into directing, with her debut film ‘War Pony’ winning the Caméra d’Or at Cannes. Keough is recognized for her soulful performances and her contribution to the legacy of American entertainment.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson achieved worldwide fame playing Hermione Granger in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series over a ten-year period. Following the franchise, she transitioned to adult roles in films such as ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ and ‘The Bling Ring’. She starred as Belle in the 2017 live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’, which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Watson is celebrated both for her film career and her work as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.

Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer rose to international prominence for her role as the assassin Villanelle in the series ‘Killing Eve’. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award and a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress. She made a successful transition to film with leading roles in ‘Free Guy’ and Ridley Scott’s ‘The Last Duel’. In 2023, she won a Tony Award for her performance in the one-woman play ‘Prima Facie’, solidifying her status as a powerhouse on both screen and stage.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega became a global household name after starring as the title character in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. The show’s success broke several streaming records and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Ortega has also become a prominent figure in the horror genre, appearing in ‘X’ and the most recent installments of the ‘Scream’ franchise. Her work is often credited with revitalizing classic characters for a younger generation.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning made her debut as a child actress and gained early recognition for her roles in ‘Somewhere’ and ‘Super 8’. She reached a new level of acclaim starring as Catherine the Great in the satirical series ‘The Great’, for which she received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Fanning also portrayed Princess Aurora in the ‘Maleficent’ films, showcasing her ability to lead large-scale Disney productions. She is noted for her fashion influence and her consistent presence in both prestige television and indie film.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson is the creator, executive producer, and lead actress of the mockumentary sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary’. Her work on the series has earned her multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Brunson first gained fame through her self-produced content on Instagram and her work with BuzzFeed. She is recognized for her significant impact on the landscape of network television and her advocacy for the teaching profession.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh garnered international attention for her role in the 2016 independent drama ‘Lady Macbeth’. She achieved further success in 2019 with a string of hits including ‘Fighting with My Family’, ‘Midsommar’, and ‘Little Women’, the latter of which earned her an Oscar nomination. Pugh joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow’ and appeared in the 2023 blockbuster ‘Oppenheimer’. She is celebrated for her grounded acting style and her outspoken personality.

Margaret Qualley

Margaret Qualley first received attention for her supporting role in the HBO series ‘The Leftovers’. She earned an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Ann Reinking in ‘Fosse/Verdon’ and appeared in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. Her lead performance in the Netflix limited series ‘Maid’ received universal acclaim and multiple award nominations. Qualley is known for her physical acting style, often attributed to her background as a trained dancer.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn in the HBO teen drama ‘Euphoria’. Her performance was praised for its authenticity and she has since become a prominent advocate for the transgender community. In 2023, she starred in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’, expanding her career into major film franchises. Schafer remains a major figure in both the acting and fashion industries, frequently collaborating with high-end designers.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney gained widespread recognition for her roles in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The White Lotus’. Her performances in these shows earned her two simultaneous Emmy Award nominations in 2022. She has since transitioned into film production with her company, Fifty-Fifty Films, and starred in the 2023 romantic comedy ‘Anyone But You’. Sweeney is noted for her business acumen and her ability to portray complex, often misunderstood characters.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakthrough came with the 2015 horror film ‘The Witch’, which established her as a talent to watch. She achieved global superstardom with her role as Beth Harmon in the Netflix miniseries ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, winning a Golden Globe for the performance. She has since starred in high-profile projects such as ‘Last Night in Soho’, ‘The Menu’, and ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’. Taylor-Joy is recognized for her unique look and her ability to anchor diverse cinematic genres.

Olivia Cooke

Olivia Cooke first gained notice in the television series ‘Bates Motel’ before starring in the 2015 film ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’. She took on a leading role in Steven Spielberg’s ‘Ready Player One’, further increasing her international profile. In 2022, she began starring as Alicent Hightower in the ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel series ‘House of the Dragon’. Cooke is frequently praised for her expressive performances and her steady rise through the ranks of prestige television.

Milly Alcock

Milly Alcock became an international breakout star for her portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen in ‘House of the Dragon’. Before her role in the HBO epic, she appeared in several Australian television productions, including ‘Upright’. Her performance in the fantasy series earned her a nomination for a Critics’ Choice Television Award. Alcock has since been cast in major upcoming projects, marking her as a key talent in the next generation of Hollywood stars.

Julia Garner

Julia Garner is best known for her role as Ruth Langmore in the crime drama series ‘Ozark’, which earned her three Emmy Awards. She also received critical praise for her portrayal of the titular character in the miniseries ‘Inventing Anna’. Garner’s career began with independent films such as ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ and ‘The Assistant’. She is noted for her distinctive voice and her ability to play resilient, street-smart characters.

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley achieved early success in the series ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’ before transitioning to film with ‘The Descendants’. She led the ‘Divergent’ franchise and starred in the critically acclaimed drama ‘The Fault in Our Stars’. Woodley earned further accolades for her role as Jane Chapman in the HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’. She is recognized for her environmental activism and her commitment to naturalistic acting.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a Disney Channel child star to an Emmy-winning actress for her role as Rue Bennett in ‘Euphoria’. She is the youngest person to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series twice. Her film career includes starring roles in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise and the ‘Dune’ series directed by Denis Villeneuve. Zendaya is widely regarded as a fashion icon and one of the most influential young figures in the global entertainment industry.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri rose to prominence as a writer and actress, most notably for her role as Sydney Adamu in ‘The Bear’. For this performance, she won a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Emmy in 2024. She has also voiced characters in ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. Edebiri is celebrated for her sharp comedic timing and her quick ascent as a leading voice in modern television.

Victoria Pedretti

Victoria Pedretti became a standout performer in the horror genre after starring in ‘The Haunting of Hill House’. She followed this success with a leading role in ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ and portrayed Love Quinn in the Netflix series ‘You’. She also appeared in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ as a member of the Manson Family. Pedretti is known for her emotional depth and her ability to play psychologically complex characters.

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Daisy Edgar-Jones achieved international fame for her role as Marianne in the 2020 adaptation of ‘Normal People’. Her performance earned her nominations for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe Award. She continued her success with leading roles in the film ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ and the miniseries ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’. Edgar-Jones is recognized for her subtle acting style and her ability to lead high-profile literary adaptations.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin gained widespread recognition for their portrayal of Lady Diana Spencer in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. The performance earned them a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for an Emmy. They have since starred in the film ‘My Policeman’ and the limited series ‘A Murder at the End of the World’. Corrin is noted for their fashion-forward presence and their commitment to playing unconventional, historically significant roles.

Elizabeth Debicki

Elizabeth Debicki first drew major attention in ‘The Great Gatsby’ before starring in the limited series ‘The Night Manager’. She received global acclaim for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the final seasons of ‘The Crown’, winning both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Her film work includes roles in ‘Tenet’ and the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise. Debicki is celebrated for her statuesque screen presence and her precise, highly-researched performances.

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever established her reputation as a versatile actress with her roles in the sitcom ‘Last Man Standing’ and the film ‘Booksmart’. She received significant critical acclaim for her dramatic work in the limited series ‘Unbelievable’ and ‘Dopesick’, earning multiple award nominations. In 2025, it was announced she would join the cast of ‘The Last of Us’ for its second season. Dever is recognized for her ability to navigate between broad comedy and harrowing drama with ease.

Natalia Dyer

Natalia Dyer became a household name for her role as Nancy Wheeler in the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’. The show’s immense global popularity helped launch her career into feature films such as ‘Velvet Buzzsaw’. She has appeared in several independent projects, including ‘Yes, God, Yes’, which she also executive produced. Dyer is noted for her consistent performance in one of the most successful streaming series of all time.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke joined the cast of ‘Stranger Things’ in its third season as Robin Buckley, quickly becoming a fan favorite. She is also a singer-songwriter and has released multiple albums to critical praise. Her film career includes roles in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ and the 2023 film ‘Asteroid City’. Hawke is recognized for her unique personality and her ability to balance music and acting careers successfully.

Kiernan Shipka

Kiernan Shipka grew up on screen playing Sally Draper in the acclaimed series ‘Mad Men’. She later starred as the title character in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, which ran for four seasons on Netflix. In 2024, she appeared in the disaster film ‘Twisters’, continuing her transition into adult film roles. Shipka is celebrated for her maturity as a performer and her status as a long-standing fixture in American television.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld received an Academy Award nomination at age fourteen for her breakout role in ‘True Grit’. She has since balanced a successful music career with starring roles in ‘The Edge of Seventeen’ and the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise. Steinfeld joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Kate Bishop in ‘Hawkeye’ and voices Gwen Stacy in the ‘Spider-Verse’ films. She is recognized as a multi-talented performer with a massive international following.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey first gained notice as the formidable Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’. They achieved a new level of stardom playing Ellie in the 2023 series ‘The Last of Us’, which earned them an Emmy nomination. Ramsey also starred in the 2022 film ‘Catherine Called Birdy’, directed by Lena Dunham. They are noted for their powerful screen presence and their advocacy for non-binary representation in the industry.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown became a global superstar as Eleven in ‘Stranger Things’, a role that earned her two Emmy nominations. She transitioned to film by starring in and producing the ‘Enola Holmes’ series for Netflix. In 2024, she led the fantasy film ‘Damsel’, further establishing her status as a leading action star. Brown is also an entrepreneur and the youngest-ever UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink received widespread praise for her role as Max Mayfield in ‘Stranger Things’, particularly for her performance in the show’s fourth season. She transitioned into prestige film with her role in Darren Aronofsky’s ‘The Whale’ in 2022. She also starred in Taylor Swift’s ‘All Too Well: The Short Film’, which became a major cultural moment. Sink is recognized for her emotional intensity and her ability to hold her own alongside veteran actors.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner rose to fame playing Sansa Stark in the HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’, a role she held for eight seasons. During the show’s run, she joined the ‘X-Men’ film franchise as Jean Grey, starring in ‘Dark Phoenix’. She has since appeared in the 2022 series ‘The Staircase’ and the 2024 drama ‘Joan’. Turner remains a significant figure in pop culture, known for her transition from child star to leading woman in high-end drama.

Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams made her professional acting debut as Arya Stark in ‘Game of Thrones’, becoming one of the show’s most popular characters. For her performance, she received two Emmy Award nominations and global recognition. Since the show’s conclusion, she has starred in the miniseries ‘Pistol’ and ‘The New Look’, where she portrayed Catherine Dior. Williams is also known for her work in the tech industry and her influence in the world of high fashion.

Which of these young actresses do you think has had the biggest impact on the industry so far? Share your thoughts in the comments.