77 Greatest Actresses of All Time

Creating a list of the greatest actresses is a subjective process. Every person has their own idea of what makes a performance great. Acting styles have also changed over many years. This list is not a final ranking. It is a celebration of talented women who have made a big impact on film.

This article highlights 75 actresses who have shown incredible skill. They have given unforgettable performances and won important awards. From the early days of Hollywood to today, these women have left their mark on the world of acting. They have influenced other actors and helped shape the movies we love.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is one of the most respected actresses in film history. She is famous for her ability to master different accents and transform into her characters. Streep holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations for an actor, with 21 nominations. She has won the award three times for her roles.

Her career has lasted for over four decades and includes many memorable films. She won Oscars for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Sophie’s Choice (1982), and The Iron Lady (2011). Streep has also starred in popular movies like The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and Mamma Mia! (2008), showing her talent in both drama and comedy.

Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn had a long and successful career in Hollywood for more than 60 years. She was known for her independent personality and strong-willed characters. Hepburn won four Academy Awards for Best Actress, which is still the record. Her unique style and spirit made her a leading lady for decades.

She starred in many classic films, including The African Queen (1951) with Humphrey Bogart and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967). Her other award-winning roles were in Morning Glory (1933), Woman of the Year (1942), and On Golden Pond (1981). Hepburn’s strong presence changed how women were shown on screen.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn was a beloved actress and fashion icon. She was known for her grace, elegance, and charm. Hepburn became a star with her role in Roman Holiday (1953), for which she won an Academy Award. Her style and look were copied by millions of women around the world.

Beyond her acting career, she was a dedicated humanitarian. Hepburn worked as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, helping children in need. Her most famous films include Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), My Fair Lady (1964), and Charade (1963). Her legacy continues through her timeless films and charity work.

Bette Davis

Bette Davis was known for playing strong and complex female characters. She was not afraid to take on difficult roles and often played characters who were unsympathetic. Davis was a major star at Warner Bros. studio during Hollywood’s Golden Age. She was nominated for an Academy Award ten times and won twice.

Her powerful performances made her a legend. She won Oscars for her roles in Dangerous (1935) and Jezebel (1938). One of her most iconic roles was as Margo Channing in All About Eve (1950). Davis was known for her distinctive voice and intense acting style.

Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish actress who became a major Hollywood star. She was known for her natural beauty and incredible acting talent. Bergman won three Academy Awards during her career. She was loved by audiences for her ability to show both strength and vulnerability.

Her most famous role was Ilsa Lund in the classic film Casablanca (1942). She also starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s thrillers Spellbound (1945) and Notorious (1946). Bergman won Oscars for her work in Gaslight (1944), Anastasia (1956), and Murder on the Orient Express (1974).

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett is an Australian actress known for her versatile performances. She can play a wide range of characters, from historical figures to fantasy creatures. Blanchett has won two Academy Awards and is highly respected for her craft. She moves easily between big-budget movies and independent films.

She won her first Oscar for playing Katharine Hepburn in The Aviator (2004). Her second Oscar was for her leading role in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine (2013). Blanchett is also famous for her role as Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings film series.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is a powerful actress known for her intense and emotional performances. She is one of the few performers to have achieved the “Triple Crown of Acting,” winning an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. Davis is celebrated for bringing depth and humanity to her roles.

She won an Academy Award for her supporting role in Fences (2016). She is also well-known for her leading role as Annalise Keating in the television series How to Get Away with Murder. Her performance in the film The Help (2011) also earned her wide praise.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was a legendary star known for her beauty and dramatic acting. She started her career as a child actress and grew up to become one of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. Taylor won two Academy Awards for Best Actress. Her personal life often made headlines, but her talent was undeniable.

She won her Oscars for BUtterfield 8 (1960) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966). Her role in the historical epic Cleopatra (1963) made her the highest-paid actress at the time. Taylor was also a dedicated activist, raising awareness and funds for AIDS research.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand is known for playing unconventional and strong-willed characters. She has a reputation for choosing interesting and challenging roles. McDormand has won three Academy Awards for Best Actress, placing her in an elite group of actors. She often collaborates with filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen.

Her Oscar-winning performances were in Fargo (1996), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), and Nomadland (2020). McDormand is respected for her down-to-earth personality and her commitment to her craft. She avoids the typical Hollywood spotlight.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith is a beloved British actress with a career spanning over 70 years. She is known for her sharp wit and perfect comedic timing. Smith has won two Academy Awards and is famous for her work on stage, in film, and on television. She is a true master of her craft.

She won an Oscar for Best Actress in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and for Best Supporting Actress in California Suite (1978). More recently, she gained international fame as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and as the Dowager Countess in the TV show Downton Abbey.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren is an Italian actress who became an international film star. She is celebrated for her beauty and her powerful dramatic performances. Loren was one of the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. In 1961, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the Italian film Two Women (1960), making her the first actor to win an Oscar for a foreign-language performance.

Her career includes memorable roles in films like Marriage Italian Style (1964) and A Special Day (1977). In 1991, she received an Honorary Academy Award for her contributions to world cinema. Loren remains a symbol of Italian glamour and cinematic excellence.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster began her career as a child actress and successfully transitioned into a respected adult star. She is known for her intelligence and for playing strong, capable characters. Foster has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress. She has also become a successful director.

She won her first Oscar for her role as a survivor of assault in The Accused (1988). Her second came for her iconic performance as FBI trainee Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). Foster is also known for her roles in Taxi Driver (1976) and Contact (1997).

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren is a highly respected English actress known for her work in theater, film, and television. She can play a wide variety of roles, from queens to assassins. Mirren has won an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and several Emmy Awards. She is praised for her regal presence and her versatility.

She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006). She is also famous for playing detective Jane Tennison in the television series Prime Suspect. Her other notable films include Gosford Park (2001) and The Last Station (2009).

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon is an actress known for her roles in films with strong social and political themes. She often plays passionate and determined women. Sarandon has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress five times, winning once. Her career has spanned over five decades.

She won the Oscar for her performance as Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking (1995). Sarandon is also famous for her role as Louise in the landmark film Thelma & Louise (1991). Her other notable films include The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and Bull Durham (1988).

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts became one of the biggest movie stars in the world in the 1990s. She is known for her radiant smile and charismatic screen presence. Her romantic comedies have been huge box office hits. Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Erin Brockovich (2000).

Her breakout role was in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman (1990). She also starred in successful films like My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) and Notting Hill (1999). Roberts proved her dramatic range in films like Steel Magnolias (1989) and August: Osage County (2013).

Judi Dench

Judi Dench is one of Britain’s most treasured actresses. She is highly respected for her work on the stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Dench became a major international film star later in her career. She won an Academy Award for her role as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love (1998), despite being on screen for only eight minutes.

She is widely known for playing M in the James Bond series, from GoldenEye (1995) to Skyfall (2012). Dench has received seven Oscar nominations in total, for films such as Mrs Brown (1997), Chocolat (2000), and Notes on a Scandal (2006). Her talent and grace have made her a cinematic icon.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton is known for her androgynous look and her bold, unconventional film choices. She often transforms her appearance for her roles. Swinton is celebrated for her work in both independent art-house films and large Hollywood productions. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film Michael Clayton (2007).

Her versatile career includes roles such as the White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia series and the Ancient One in Marvel’s Doctor Strange (2016). She has also collaborated frequently with directors like Wes Anderson and Jim Jarmusch. Swinton is considered one of the most adventurous actresses of her generation.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet is an English actress known for her powerful and emotionally honest performances. She gained international stardom for her role as Rose in the blockbuster film Titanic (1997). Winslet is respected for her commitment to her roles and for playing complex, often troubled women. She has been nominated for seven Academy Awards.

She won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in The Reader (2008). Winslet has shown great range throughout her career, with notable roles in films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) and Sense and Sensibility (1995). More recently, she won an Emmy for the TV series Mare of Easttown (2021).

Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman is an English actress who has gained widespread acclaim for her versatile and compelling performances. She began her career primarily in comedy television shows in the UK. Colman later transitioned to dramatic roles, earning praise for her ability to portray a wide range of emotions.

She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Queen Anne in The Favourite (2018). She also received Oscar nominations for her work in The Father (2020) and The Lost Daughter (2021). Colman is also known for playing Queen Elizabeth II in the television series The Crown.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close is a highly acclaimed actress known for her intense and powerful performances. She has been nominated for an Academy Award eight times, though she has not yet won. Close is celebrated for her ability to play complex and often intimidating characters. She is equally accomplished on stage, having won three Tony Awards.

Her iconic film roles include the dangerously obsessive Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction (1987) and the manipulative Marquise de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons (1988). She also played the memorable villain Cruella de Vil in the live-action 101 Dalmatians (1996). Close is considered one of the great actresses of her generation.

Isabelle Huppert

Isabelle Huppert is a French actress who is celebrated for her fearless and intellectually rigorous performances. She has appeared in more than 120 films since her debut in 1971. Huppert is known for playing complex, often morally ambiguous characters. She has received more nominations for the César Award (France’s national film award) than any other actress.

She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the psychological thriller Elle (2016). Huppert is also known for her work with director Michael Haneke in films like The Piano Teacher (2001) and Amour (2012). She is considered one of the finest international actresses working today.

Marion Cotillard

Marion Cotillard is a French actress who has achieved international success. She is known for her captivating performances and her ability to fully embody her characters. Cotillard won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of the legendary French singer Édith Piaf in La Vie en Rose (2007). This made her the second actress to win for a foreign-language performance.

She has since starred in many major American films, including Inception (2010) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Cotillard received another Oscar nomination for her role in the Belgian film Two Days, One Night (2014). She is praised for her versatility and her powerful screen presence.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron is a South African and American actress and producer. She is known for her versatility and her willingness to physically transform for her roles. Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster (2003), for which she gained 30 pounds and was unrecognizable.

She has also shown her talent in action films, most notably as Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Theron received further Oscar nominations for her roles in North Country (2005) and Bombshell (2019). She is a powerful force in Hollywood, both on and off the screen.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman is an Australian actress known for her elegance and her wide range of roles. She first gained international recognition in the thriller Dead Calm (1989). Kidman has become one of Hollywood’s most respected and sought-after actresses. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of writer Virginia Woolf in The Hours (2002).

Her diverse filmography includes the musical Moulin Rouge! (2001), the horror film The Others (2001), and the drama Rabbit Hole (2010). Kidman has also had great success in television, winning an Emmy for the series Big Little Lies (2017). She continues to take on challenging roles in film and TV.

Anjelica Huston

Anjelica Huston is an American actress, director, and former model. She is known for her distinctive features and her strong, commanding presence on screen. Huston comes from a famous Hollywood family; her father was director John Huston and her grandfather was actor Walter Huston. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Prizzi’s Honor (1985), which was directed by her father.

She is also beloved for her role as Morticia Addams in The Addams Family (1991) and its sequel. Huston has frequently collaborated with director Wes Anderson, appearing in films like The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) and The Darjeeling Limited (2007). She has a reputation for playing elegant and powerful characters.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda is an actress, activist, and former fitness guru. She has had a long and varied career, winning two Academy Awards for Best Actress. Fonda was a major star in the 1960s and 1970s, known for both her comedic and dramatic roles. She became a prominent political activist, particularly in her opposition to the Vietnam War.

She won her Oscars for the thriller Klute (1971) and the war drama Coming Home (1978). In the 1980s, she launched a series of successful workout videos. After a long break from acting, she returned to film and television, starring in the popular Netflix series Grace and Frankie.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman is an actress who began her career as a child. She made her film debut in Léon: The Professional (1994) at the age of 13. Portman is known for her intelligence and the serious, dedicated approach she takes to her roles. She holds a degree from Harvard University.

Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her intense performance as a troubled ballerina in Black Swan (2010). She has also received Oscar nominations for her roles in Closer (2004) and Jackie (2016). She is also known for playing Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson is a British actress, screenwriter, and producer. She is known for her intelligence, wit, and emotionally resonant performances. Thompson is the only person to have won Academy Awards for both acting and screenwriting. She won Best Actress for Howards End (1992).

She won her screenwriting Oscar for her adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (1995), in which she also starred. Thompson is also beloved for her roles in films like Love Actually (2003) and the Harry Potter series, where she played Professor Trelawney. Her versatility makes her one of Britain’s most celebrated talents.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore is an acclaimed actress known for her ability to portray emotionally complex characters. She is not afraid to take on challenging and often controversial roles. Moore has been nominated for an Academy Award five times. She finally won Best Actress for her moving performance as a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in Still Alice (2014).

She has worked with many of the industry’s most respected directors. Her notable films include Boogie Nights (1997), The End of the Affair (1999), The Hours (2002), and Far from Heaven (2002). Moore is celebrated for her consistent excellence and her daring choice of roles.

Sally Field

Sally Field is an American actress who has enjoyed a long and successful career. She began on television in sitcoms like Gidget (1965) and The Flying Nun (1967). Field then proved her dramatic abilities in film, winning two Academy Awards for Best Actress. She is known for playing determined and resilient characters.

She won her Oscars for Norma Rae (1979), where she played a factory worker, and Places in the Heart (1984). She delivered the famous Oscar acceptance speech where she exclaimed, “You like me, right now, you like me!” Field has also had memorable roles in Smokey and the Bandit (1977), Steel Magnolias (1989), and Forrest Gump (1994).

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver is an actress who broke new ground for female action heroes. She is best known for her role as Ellen Ripley in the Alien film series. Her performance in the first film, Alien (1979), was a landmark, and she received an Academy Award nomination for the sequel, Aliens (1986). Weaver is known for her tall, commanding presence.

She has also shown her talent in comedy and drama. Weaver received two more Oscar nominations in the same year for her work in Gorillas in the Mist (1988) and Working Girl (1988). She has also starred in the blockbuster film Avatar (2009) and the comedy hit Ghostbusters (1984).

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz is a Spanish actress who has become a major international star. She began her career in Spanish cinema, often collaborating with director Pedro Almodóvar. Cruz is known for her beauty and her passionate, fiery performances. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Woody Allen film Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008).

She was the first Spanish actress to win an Oscar. Cruz has also received Oscar nominations for her roles in Volver (2006), Nine (2009), and Parallel Mothers (2021). She has successfully balanced a career in both Hollywood and European cinema, starring in films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011).

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress who had a stunning breakout role. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her feature film debut in 12 Years a Slave (2013). Her powerful performance as Patsey earned her immediate international recognition. Nyong’o is also known for her striking sense of style.

Since her debut, she has taken on a variety of roles. She starred in the horror film Us (2019), where she played two different characters. Nyong’o is also part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Nakia in Black Panther (2018). She is also a children’s book author.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams is an American actress known for her versatility and her consistently strong performances. She has been nominated for six Academy Awards. Adams gained widespread attention for her charming, Oscar-nominated role in the independent film Junebug (2005). She is known for her ability to appear both innocent and complex.

Her other Oscar-nominated roles were in Doubt (2008), The Fighter (2010), The Master (2012), American Hustle (2013), and Vice (2018). Adams has also starred in major blockbusters, playing Lois Lane in the DC Extended Universe and starring in the sci-fi film Arrival (2016).

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton is an actress known for her quirky charm and her unique sense of style. She became a major star in the 1970s, largely through her collaborations with director Woody Allen. Keaton won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her iconic role as the title character in Annie Hall (1977). The film’s fashion had a significant influence on women’s style.

Keaton has had a long and successful career in a variety of film genres. She received further Oscar nominations for Reds (1981), Marvin’s Room (1996), and Something’s Gotta Give (2003). She is also known for her roles in The Godfather trilogy and The First Wives Club (1996).

Holly Hunter

Holly Hunter is an actress known for her intensity and her distinctive Southern accent. She often plays determined and intelligent women. Hunter won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in The Piano (1993), in which she played a mute woman and communicated primarily through her piano playing and sign language.

In the same year, she was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Firm (1993). Hunter also received Oscar nominations for Broadcast News (1987) and Thirteen (2003). She is also the voice of the superhero Elastigirl in The Incredibles films.

Sissy Spacek

Sissy Spacek is an American actress known for her ability to portray innocent yet complex characters. She rose to fame in the 1970s with a series of acclaimed performances. Spacek won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of country music singer Loretta Lynn in Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980). She did her own singing in the film.

Her breakout role was as the telekinetic teenager in the horror classic Carrie (1976), which earned her an Oscar nomination. Spacek has been nominated for six Academy Awards in total, for films such as Missing (1982) and In the Bedroom (2001). She is admired for her authentic and naturalistic acting style.

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is a legendary performer who has found success as a singer, actress, director, and producer. She is one of the few entertainers to have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award (EGOT). Streisand won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her debut film role in Funny Girl (1968), tying with Katharine Hepburn.

She is also known for her starring roles in films like The Way We Were (1973) and A Star Is Born (1976). She won a second Oscar for Best Original Song for “Evergreen” from that film. As a director, her most notable film is Yentl (1983), which she also co-wrote, produced, and starred in.

Faye Dunaway

Faye Dunaway was one of the leading actresses of the New Hollywood era in the 1960s and 70s. She was known for her cool, glamorous, and often neurotic portrayals. Dunaway became a star with her role in the landmark film Bonnie and Clyde (1967). She was celebrated for bringing a new kind of intensity to the screen.

She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as a ruthless television executive in Network (1976). Dunaway also gave a memorable performance in the neo-noir mystery Chinatown (1974). She was known for playing beautiful but often dangerous and complicated women.

Jessica Lange

Jessica Lange is an acclaimed actress known for her powerful and often emotionally raw performances. She began her career as a model before making her film debut in King Kong (1976). Lange quickly proved her acting talent, winning two Academy Awards. She is known for her intense portrayals of fragile but resilient women.

She won Best Supporting Actress for the comedy Tootsie (1982) and Best Actress for the drama Blue Sky (1994). In recent years, Lange has had a major career resurgence on television, winning Emmy Awards for her roles in the series American Horror Story and Grey Gardens.

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford was a major movie star whose career spanned from the silent film era to the late 1960s. She was the embodiment of Hollywood glamour and durability. Crawford was known for her ambitious nature and for playing determined, hard-working women. She constantly reinvented her image to stay relevant.

She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her comeback role in Mildred Pierce (1945). The film revitalized her career after she was labeled “box office poison.” Her other famous films include Grand Hotel (1932) and the camp classic What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), in which she co-starred with her rival Bette Davis.

Liv Ullmann

Liv Ullmann is a Norwegian actress who is best known for her collaborations with Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. She was Bergman’s muse and starred in many of his most famous films. Ullmann is celebrated for her expressive face and her ability to convey deep and complex emotions, often with little dialogue. She received two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress.

Her nominated roles were for Bergman’s films The Emigrants (1971) and Face to Face (1976). Other major collaborations with Bergman include Persona (1966), Cries and Whispers (1972), and Autumn Sonata (1978). Ullmann has also had a successful career as a director.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is an American actress known for her subtle and emotionally resonant performances. She first gained fame on the television series Dawson’s Creek. Williams then transitioned to a successful film career, focusing on challenging roles in independent cinema. She has been nominated for four Academy Awards.

Her Oscar nominations came for her roles in Brokeback Mountain (2005), Blue Valentine (2010), My Week with Marilyn (2011), and Manchester by the Sea (2016). Williams is praised for her ability to portray vulnerability and quiet strength. She is considered one of the finest actresses of her generation.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and singer. Her career spanned from the 1910s to the 1980s. She was known for her glamorous and exotic persona and for her androgynous style. Dietrich became an international star after her role in the German film The Blue Angel (1930) and her subsequent move to Hollywood.

She frequently collaborated with director Josef von Sternberg in films like Morocco (1930), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award, and Shanghai Express (1932). During World War II, she was a high-profile entertainer for Allied troops. Dietrich remains an icon of style and cinematic allure.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates is a versatile American actress known for her powerful performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. She had a long and successful career in theater before becoming a film star. Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her terrifying performance as the obsessed fan Annie Wilkes in Misery (1990).

She has received three other Oscar nominations for her supporting roles in Primary Colors (1998), About Schmidt (2002), and Richard Jewell (2019). Bates is also an accomplished television actress, winning Emmy Awards for her work on Two and a Half Men and American Horror Story.

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was a Swedish film actress and an international star during Hollywood’s silent and classic periods. She was known for her mysterious and elusive persona, both on and off the screen. Garbo was a top star for the MGM studio. She was famous for her subtle and naturalistic acting style, which was ahead of its time.

She received three Academy Award nominations for Best Actress. Her most famous films include Flesh and the Devil (1926), Grand Hotel (1932), Camille (1936), and Ninotchka (1939). She retired from acting at the age of 35 and lived a very private life, which only added to her legend.

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall was an American actress known for her husky voice and sultry looks. She became an instant star with her film debut at age 19, opposite her future husband Humphrey Bogart in To Have and Have Not (1944). Her famous line from that film, “You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow,” is one of the most iconic in movie history.

She and Bogart became one of Hollywood’s most famous couples, starring together in films like The Big Sleep (1946) and Key Largo (1948). Bacall had a long career that also included roles in How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) and The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996), for which she received an Oscar nomination. She received an Honorary Academy Award in 2009.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone is an American actress known for her charisma and versatility in both comedy and drama. She is recognizable by her husky voice and her expressive eyes. Stone won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the musical La La Land (2016), where she showcased her singing and dancing skills.

She first gained wide notice in the comedy Easy A (2010). Stone has received two other Oscar nominations for her supporting roles in Birdman (2014) and The Favourite (2018). She is one of the most successful and well-liked actresses of her generation.

Regina King

Regina King is an American actress and director who has received critical acclaim for her work in film and television. She began her career as a teenager on the television show 227. King is known for her powerful and nuanced performances. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film If Beale Street Could Talk (2018).

King has also won four Emmy Awards, most notably for her roles in the series American Crime and Watchmen. She has successfully transitioned to directing, earning praise for her feature film directorial debut, One Night in Miami… (2020). She is highly respected for her talent and consistency.

Shirley MacLaine

Shirley MacLaine is an American actress, singer, dancer, and author known for her long and varied career. She has been a star for over six decades. MacLaine is known for playing quirky and strong-willed characters. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the dramedy Terms of Endearment (1983).

She has been nominated for an Oscar six times in total. Her other notable films include The Apartment (1960), Irma la Douce (1963), and Steel Magnolias (1989). MacLaine is also known for her writing and her interest in spirituality and reincarnation.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank is an American actress known for her intense commitment to her roles. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress, and she won both times she was nominated. Swank is known for her willingness to transform her body and immerse herself completely in her characters.

Her first Oscar was for her portrayal of Brandon Teena, a transgender man, in Boys Don’t Cry (1999). She won her second Oscar for playing a determined female boxer in Clint Eastwood’s film Million Dollar Baby (2004). Swank is respected for her dedication and the powerful performances she delivers.

Gena Rowlands

Gena Rowlands is an American actress known for her collaboration with her husband, director John Cassavetes. She was a key figure in the American independent film movement. Rowlands is acclaimed for her raw, fearless, and emotionally powerful performances. She received two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress.

Both of her Oscar nominations were for films directed by Cassavetes: A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980). Her performance in A Woman Under the Influence as a troubled housewife is considered one of the greatest in cinema history. In 2015, she received an Honorary Academy Award for her work.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is a Malaysian actress who first gained fame as a martial arts star in Hong Kong action films. She is known for performing her own dangerous stunts. Yeoh later became an internationally recognized dramatic actress. For decades, she has been one of the most famous Asian actresses in the world.

She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her lead role in the genre-bending film Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022). This made her the first Asian woman to win the award. Her other notable films include the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and the martial arts epic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000).

Anne Bancroft

Anne Bancroft was an American actress known for her versatility and her powerful stage and screen presence. She was one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Bancroft won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Annie Sullivan, the teacher of Helen Keller, in The Miracle Worker (1962), a role she had originated on Broadway.

She is also famously known for her iconic role as the seductive older woman Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate (1967), which earned her another Oscar nomination. Bancroft was a “triple crown” winner, having also won Tony and Emmy awards. Her other notable films include The Turning Point (1977) and Agnes of God (1985).

Julie Christie

Julie Christie was a British actress and a major icon of the “Swinging London” era in the 1960s. She was known for her modern and independent screen persona. Christie won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as a fashion model in the film Darling (1965). That same year, she also starred in the epic romance Doctor Zhivago.

She received three other Oscar nominations during her career, for McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), Afterglow (1997), and Away from Her (2007). Christie was celebrated for her beauty and her intelligent, nuanced performances. She later chose to live a more private life away from the spotlight of Hollywood.

Juliette Binoche

Juliette Binoche is a French actress who has had a celebrated career in both European and American films. She is known for her emotional depth and her luminous screen presence. Binoche won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a Canadian nurse in The English Patient (1996).

She was also nominated for Best Actress for the romantic film Chocolat (2000). Binoche is a favorite of many international art-house directors and is known for taking on complex and challenging roles. Her other notable films include Three Colors: Blue (1993) and Certified Copy (2010).

Vanessa Redgrave

Vanessa Redgrave is a British actress and political activist. She comes from a famous acting dynasty that includes her father, Sir Michael Redgrave, and her siblings. Redgrave is considered one of the greatest living actresses, known for her work in theater, film, and television. She has been nominated for six Academy Awards.

She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film Julia (1977). Redgrave is known for her commanding presence and her willingness to take on politically charged roles. Her other nominated performances were in films like Morgan! (1966), Isadora (1968), and Howards End (1992).

Joan Fontaine

Joan Fontaine was a British-American actress who was a major star in the 1940s. She was known for playing vulnerable, timid women who must navigate difficult circumstances. Fontaine is the only actor to have ever won an Academy Award for a performance in a film directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

She won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Hitchcock’s Suspicion (1941), in which she played a woman who believes her husband is trying to kill her. She was also nominated for her roles in Hitchcock’s Rebecca (1940) and the drama The Constant Nymph (1943). She had a famous, lifelong rivalry with her sister, actress Olivia de Havilland.

Olivia de Havilland

Olivia de Havilland was one of the last surviving stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was known for her gracious and intelligent performances. De Havilland won two Academy Awards for Best Actress. She is also famous for her legal victory against the Warner Bros. studio, which resulted in the “de Havilland law” that gave actors more creative freedom.

She won her Oscars for To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949). De Havilland is also beloved for her role as the gentle Melanie Hamilton in the epic film Gone with the Wind (1939), for which she received an Oscar nomination. Her career spanned more than 50 years.

Anna Magnani

Anna Magnani was an Italian actress known for her fiery and passionate performances. She was a key figure in the Italian Neorealist film movement. Magnani was celebrated for her earthy, realistic portrayals of working-class women. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the American film The Rose Tattoo (1955).

She was the first Italian actor to win an Oscar. Her most famous Italian film is Roberto Rossellini’s Rome, Open City (1945), which brought her international attention. Magnani was admired for her powerful and explosive acting style, which was very different from the polished glamour of many Hollywood stars.

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan is a British actress known for her poised and subtle performances. She gained international recognition for her breakout role in the film An Education (2009), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Mulligan is known for her ability to convey deep emotion with quiet intensity.

She has since received two more Oscar nominations for her roles as a vengeful woman in Promising Young Woman (2020) and as Felicia Montealegre in Maestro (2023). Mulligan is respected for her thoughtful choice of roles and her consistent excellence on screen and stage.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan is an Irish and American actress who has been praised for her talent from a young age. She received her first Academy Award nomination at the age of 13 for her role in the film Atonement (2007). Ronan is known for her captivating presence and her ability to master different accents.

She has been nominated for four Oscars in total. Her other nominated roles were for Brooklyn (2015), Lady Bird (2017), and Little Women (2019). Ronan is considered one of the leading actresses of her generation, known for her mature and nuanced performances.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock is an American actress and producer who is one of Hollywood’s most popular and bankable stars. She rose to fame in the 1990s with roles in films like Speed (1994) and While You Were Sleeping (1995). Bullock is known for her comedic timing and her relatable, girl-next-door persona.

She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the drama The Blind Side (2009). Bullock also received an Oscar nomination for the science fiction thriller Gravity (2013). She has had massive success in a wide range of genres, from romantic comedies like The Proposal (2009) to thrillers like Bird Box (2018).

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence is an American actress known for her down-to-earth personality and her powerful acting abilities. She became a huge star at a young age. Lawrence won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the romantic comedy-drama Silver Linings Playbook (2012). She was only 22 years old at the time.

She received her first Oscar nomination for the independent drama Winter’s Bone (2010). Lawrence is also famous for playing the heroine Katniss Everdeen in the blockbuster The Hunger Games film series. She has been nominated for four Academy Awards in total, making her one of the most successful young actresses in Oscar history.

Laura Dern

Laura Dern is an American actress known for her versatile and often fearless performances. She is the daughter of actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd. Dern has worked with many acclaimed directors, particularly David Lynch, in films like Blue Velvet (1986) and Wild at Heart (1990). She has been nominated for three Academy Awards.

She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a sharp divorce lawyer in Marriage Story (2019). Her other nominations were for Rambling Rose (1991) and Wild (2014). Dern has also had great success in television, winning Emmy Awards for her roles in Big Little Lies and the TV film The Tale.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is an American actress and producer known for her energetic and charismatic performances. She became a major star in the early 2000s. Witherspoon won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line (2005).

She is also famous for her iconic role as Elle Woods in the comedy Legally Blonde (2001). Witherspoon received another Oscar nomination for her performance in the drama Wild (2014). As a producer, she has created successful, female-led projects like the television series Big Little Lies and The Morning Show.

Vivien Leigh

Vivien Leigh was a British actress who is best remembered for two iconic film roles. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for both of them. Leigh was known for her stunning beauty, but also for her struggles with mental illness. Her talent for playing complex women made her a legend.

Her most famous role was as the determined Southern belle Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939). She won her second Oscar for playing the fragile Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), a role she had also played on the London stage. Her performances in these two films are considered among the greatest in movie history.

Annette Bening

Annette Bening is a highly respected American actress known for her intelligent and nuanced performances. She has been nominated for an Academy Award five times. Bening is known for her versatility, moving easily between comedy and drama. She has had a long and distinguished career on both stage and screen.

Her Oscar-nominated roles were in The Grifters (1990), American Beauty (1999), Being Julia (2004), The Kids Are All Right (2010), and Nyad (2023). Bening is praised for her ability to create complex and believable characters. She is considered one of the finest actresses of her generation.

Catherine Deneuve

Catherine Deneuve is a French actress who has been a major star of French cinema for over 60 years. She is known for her cool, elegant beauty and for playing mysterious, sophisticated women. Deneuve became an international star with her role in the musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964).

She is also famous for her performance in Luis Buñuel’s surrealist film Belle de Jour (1967). Deneuve received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in the historical drama Indochine (1992). She remains a symbol of French style and cinematic excellence.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is an American actress known for her powerful and commanding performances, particularly in biographical roles. She is acclaimed for her ability to portray strong, resilient women. Bassett received her first Academy Award nomination for her explosive performance as Tina Turner in the biopic What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993).

She has also been praised for her roles in films like Malcolm X (1992) and Waiting to Exhale (1995). In 2023, she received a second Oscar nomination for her role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, becoming the first actor to be nominated for a role in a Marvel movie.

Youn Yuh-jung

Youn Yuh-jung is a veteran South Korean actress whose career spans more than five decades. She is one of South Korea’s most respected actresses, known for her bold and unconventional roles. She gained widespread international acclaim late in her career.

She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as the eccentric grandmother in the American film Minari (2020). She was the first Korean actor to win an Oscar for acting. Her win was celebrated as a major moment for Asian representation in Hollywood.

Janet Gaynor

Janet Gaynor was a major star of the silent and early sound film eras. She was known for her sweet and innocent persona. In 1929, at the very first Academy Awards ceremony, Gaynor became the first person to win the award for Best Actress. The award was given for her work in three different films: 7th Heaven (1927), Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927), and Street Angel (1928).

Her wholesome image made her a top box office draw. She also starred in the original version of A Star Is Born (1937), for which she received another Oscar nomination. Gaynor represented the ideal of youthful innocence in early Hollywood.

Gloria Swanson

Gloria Swanson was one of the most prominent stars of the silent film era. She was known for her glamorous and flamboyant style. Swanson was a major box office attraction and was famous for her extravagant lifestyle and her high-fashion wardrobe. She was one of the first true movie stars.

She is best known today for her iconic comeback role as the forgotten silent film star Norma Desmond in the classic film Sunset Boulevard (1950). Her famous line from the film, “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up,” is one of the most quoted in film history. The role earned her an Academy Award nomination and cemented her legendary status.

Mary Pickford

Mary Pickford was a Canadian-American actress who was one of the most powerful figures in early Hollywood. Known as “America’s Sweetheart,” she was famous for playing sweet, innocent young girls. Pickford was one of the co-founders of the United Artists film studio, along with Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffith, which gave her enormous control over her career.

She was one of the first global movie stars. Pickford won the second-ever Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film Coquette (1929), her first talking picture. She retired from acting in 1933 but remained an influential producer and businesswoman.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie is an Australian actress and producer who has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most influential stars. She first gained major notice for her role in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). Robbie is known for her ability to balance roles in big-budget blockbusters with critically acclaimed independent films. She has co-founded her own production company, which focuses on telling female-led stories.

Robbie has received multiple Academy Award nominations for her work. She was nominated for Best Actress for her transformative role as figure skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya (2017). She also earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Bombshell (2019). As a producer, she received a Best Picture nomination for Barbie (2023), a film that became a massive cultural and box office success. Robbie is also widely recognized for playing Harley Quinn in several DC films.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh is a British actress known for her powerful and emotionally complex performances. She gained early recognition for her commanding role in the independent drama Lady Macbeth (2016). Her international breakthrough came in 2019 with a string of varied and acclaimed performances. That year, she starred in the wrestling comedy Fighting with My Family, the horror film Midsommar, and the period drama Little Women.

Her role as Amy March in Little Women (2019) earned her nominations for both an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress. Pugh has also joined major blockbuster franchises, playing Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with Black Widow (2021), and appearing in Dune: Part Two (2024). She is considered one of the most formidable acting talents of her generation.