Hollywood Actresses Who Were Everywhere in the 2010s
The 2010s marked a transformative decade for Hollywood, characterized by the rise of massive franchises and a shift toward diverse storytelling. During this period, a specific group of actresses dominated the box office and the awards circuit, frequently appearing in the most discussed projects of the era. From the expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the resurgence of original musicals and gritty dramas, these women defined the cinematic landscape of the decade. This list highlights the actresses whose consistent presence on screen made them the most recognizable faces of the 2010s.
Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence became a household name at the start of the decade with her Academy Award-nominated performance in ‘Winter’s Bone’. She achieved global superstardom by portraying Katniss Everdeen in ‘The Hunger Games’ film series, which spanned from 2012 to 2015. Lawrence also maintained a significant presence in the ‘X-Men’ franchise as Mystique and collaborated frequently with director David O. Russell. Her work in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2013. By the middle of the decade, she was consistently ranked as one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.
Emma Stone

Emma Stone’s career accelerated rapidly following her breakout role in the 2010 teen comedy ‘Easy A’. She appeared in several high-profile films throughout the decade, including ‘The Help’, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’, and ‘Birdman’. In 2016, she starred in the musical ‘La La Land’, a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Stone concluded the decade with critically acclaimed roles in films such as ‘Battle of the Sexes’ and ‘The Favourite’. Her versatility allowed her to transition seamlessly between commercial blockbusters and independent prestige dramas.
Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie rose to international prominence after her performance in Martin Scorsese’s 2013 film ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. She became a central figure in the DC Extended Universe after debuting as Harley Quinn in ‘Suicide Squad’ in 2016. Robbie also received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Tonya Harding in ‘I, Tonya’, for which she earned an Oscar nomination. In 2019, she appeared in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ and ‘Bombshell’, solidifying her status as a leading talent. Her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, also began producing significant projects during this time.
Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson was a constant presence in 2010s cinema, largely due to her role as Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She appeared as Black Widow in eight different films during this decade, starting with ‘Iron Man 2’ in 2010. Outside of the superhero genre, she starred in science fiction hits like ‘Lucy’ and ‘Under the Skin’. In 2019 alone, she received two Academy Award nominations for her roles in ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’. Johansson’s commercial success made her one of the most bankable stars of the era.
Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain experienced a breakthrough year in 2011, appearing in six major films including ‘The Help’ and ‘The Tree of Life’. She quickly became known for her roles in intense dramas and thrillers, leading the cast of ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ in 2012. Throughout the decade, she appeared in large-scale productions like ‘Interstellar’, ‘The Martian’, and ‘It Chapter Two’. Chastain also took on historical roles in ‘The Zookeeper’s Wife’ and ‘Molly’s Game’. Her consistent output and dramatic range made her a fixture of the 2010s awards seasons.
Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway began the 2010s with roles in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Love & Other Drugs’. She portrayed Selina Kyle in the 2012 film ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, bringing a high-profile comic book character to life. That same year, her performance as Fantine in ‘Les Misérables’ won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She continued to star in major projects such as ‘Interstellar’, ‘The Intern’, and ‘Ocean’s 8’. Hathaway remained one of the most visible and versatile actresses throughout the entire ten-year span.
Brie Larson

Brie Larson moved from television and supporting film roles to lead status during the 2010s. She gained significant critical attention for the 2013 indie film ‘Short Term 12’ before winning an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Room’ in 2015. In 2017, she starred in the blockbuster ‘Kong: Skull Island’. Larson’s visibility reached a peak in 2019 when she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the titular lead in ‘Captain Marvel’. She also appeared in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, the highest-grossing film of the decade.
Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot transitioned from the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise to global stardom as Wonder Woman. She first appeared as the iconic superhero in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ in 2016. Her 2017 solo film ‘Wonder Woman’ became a cultural phenomenon and a major box office success. She reprised the role in ‘Justice League’ later that same year. Gadot’s portrayal of the Amazonian warrior redefined the character for a modern audience and made her a central figure in 2010s pop culture.
Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o made a major impact with her film debut in the 2013 historical drama ’12 Years a Slave’. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her an immediate star. She went on to provide the voice and motion capture for Maz Kanata in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. Nyong’o also starred as Nakia in the 2018 blockbuster ‘Black Panther’ and took on a dual lead role in the 2019 horror film ‘Us’. Her presence across major franchises and prestige films characterized her decade.
Amy Adams

Amy Adams maintained a prolific schedule throughout the 2010s, earning multiple Academy Award nominations. She appeared in ‘The Fighter’, ‘The Master’, ‘American Hustle’, and ‘Vice’ over the course of the decade. Adams also took on the role of Lois Lane in the DC Extended Universe, appearing in ‘Man of Steel’, ‘Batman v Superman’, and ‘Justice League’. In 2016, she starred in the critically acclaimed science fiction film ‘Arrival’. Her work spanned from period pieces to modern blockbusters and psychological thrillers.
Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett continued her streak of high-profile projects throughout the 2010s. She starred in Woody Allen’s ‘Blue Jasmine’ in 2013, a role that won her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Blanchett played the villainous Hela in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and appeared in the ‘Hobbit’ trilogy as Galadriel. She also took part in the female-led ensemble ‘Ocean’s 8’ and the period drama ‘Carol’. Her career during this time was marked by a balance of major studio blockbusters and independent cinema.
Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman began the decade with ‘Black Swan’, a performance that won her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2011. She played Jane Foster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in ‘Thor’ and ‘Thor: The Dark World’. In 2016, she portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the biographical drama ‘Jackie’, earning another Oscar nomination. Portman also starred in the science fiction film ‘Annihilation’ in 2018. Throughout the 2010s, she balanced her work in high-budget features with experimental and dramatic roles.
Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron redefined her career in the 2010s as a major action star and a versatile character actress. She portrayed Imperator Furiosa in the 2015 film ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, which became a critical and commercial landmark. Theron also starred in ‘Atomic Blonde’ and ‘The Fate of the Furious’, showcasing her physical range. She received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Megyn Kelly in the 2019 film ‘Bombshell’. Additionally, she produced several of the projects she starred in during this period.
Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock remained a top-tier star throughout the 2010s following her Oscar win at the end of the previous decade. In 2013, she starred in the massive hit ‘Gravity’, which earned her another Academy Award nomination. She headlined the 2018 heist film ‘Ocean’s 8’ alongside an ensemble of prominent actresses. That same year, she starred in ‘Bird Box’, which became one of the most-watched original films on Netflix at the time. Bullock’s ability to draw large audiences across theatrical and streaming platforms was a hallmark of her decade.
Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep continued to be a dominant force in the 2010s, earning an Oscar nomination for nearly half of the years in the decade. She won her third Academy Award for portraying Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Iron Lady’ in 2011. Her other notable performances during this time include ‘August: Osage County’, ‘Into the Woods’, and ‘The Post’. She also made a high-profile move to television toward the end of the decade in the series ‘Big Little Lies’. Streep’s name remained synonymous with critical prestige and consistent film output.
Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy became one of the biggest comedy stars of the 2010s following her breakout role in ‘Bridesmaids’. She went on to lead several successful comedies including ‘The Heat’, ‘Tammy’, and ‘Spy’. In 2016, she starred in the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot, which was a major cultural talking point. McCarthy also demonstrated her dramatic range in the 2018 film ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’, for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Her presence was a defining element of live-action comedy throughout the decade.
Kristen Wiig

Kristen Wiig transitioned from a legendary run on ‘Saturday Night Live’ to a successful film career during the 2010s. She co-wrote and starred in the 2011 hit ‘Bridesmaids’, which was both a critical and commercial success. Wiig appeared in a variety of films including ‘The Martian’, ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’, and the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’. She also lent her voice to the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise and ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Her decade was characterized by a mix of leading comedic roles and supporting dramatic performances.
Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan established herself as one of the most acclaimed young actresses of the 2010s. She received Academy Award nominations for ‘Brooklyn’ in 2015 and ‘Lady Bird’ in 2017. Ronan continued her collaboration with director Greta Gerwig in 2019’s ‘Little Women’, earning yet another Oscar nod for her role as Jo March. She also starred in ‘Hanna’ and ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ earlier in the decade. By the end of 2019, Ronan was recognized as a primary talent of her generation.
Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander had a prolific rise in the middle of the decade, appearing in several major films in 2015. Her performance as an android in ‘Ex Machina’ and her role in ‘The Danish Girl’ brought her international fame. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The Danish Girl’ in 2016. Vikander also took on the iconic role of Lara Croft in the 2018 ‘Tomb Raider’ reboot. Throughout the 2010s, she was frequently cast in high-profile international and Hollywood productions.
Emma Watson

Emma Watson transitioned from the ‘Harry Potter’ series into a diverse adult career during the 2010s. She starred in the 2012 coming-of-age film ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ and appeared in ‘The Bling Ring’. In 2017, she played Belle in the live-action remake of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, which was one of the highest-grossing films of the decade. Watson also had a significant role in the 2019 adaptation of ‘Little Women’. Her visibility was bolstered by her work as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador during this period.
Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley became a staple of the 2010s young adult film trend. She gained critical attention for ‘The Descendants’ in 2011 before leading the ‘Divergent’ series starting in 2014. That same year, she starred in the highly successful romantic drama ‘The Fault in Our Stars’. Woodley also made a major impact on television in the latter half of the decade with ‘Big Little Lies’. Her roles often focused on complex young women navigating significant life transitions.
Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston remained a consistent box office draw throughout the 2010s, primarily in comedies. She starred in ‘Just Go with It’ in 2011 and the ‘Horrible Bosses’ films. Her performance in the 2014 drama ‘Cake’ earned her critical praise and a Golden Globe nomination. Aniston also headlined the 2013 hit ‘We’re the Millers’ and the Netflix film ‘Murder Mystery’ in 2019. By the end of the decade, she returned to television in the high-profile series ‘The Morning Show’.
Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie focused on both acting and directing during the 2010s. She starred as the titular character in the Disney blockbuster ‘Maleficent’ in 2014, which was a major commercial success. She reprised the role for the 2019 sequel ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’. Jolie also voiced Tigress in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ sequels and directed films like ‘Unbroken’ and ‘By the Sea’. Her career during this time was marked by a shift toward iconic leading roles and behind-the-scenes leadership.
Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon underwent a career reinvention in the 2010s by becoming a powerful producer. She starred in and produced the 2014 film ‘Wild’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Witherspoon also appeared in the 2012 action-comedy ‘This Means War’ and the 2015 comedy ‘Hot Pursuit’. Her work with her production company, Hello Sunshine, led to the success of ‘Big Little Lies’ starting in 2017. This decade saw her transition into one of the most influential women in the entertainment industry.
Viola Davis

Viola Davis became one of the most respected actresses of the decade through her work in film and television. She received an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Help’ in 2011 and later won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Fences’ in 2016. Davis also starred as Amanda Waller in ‘Suicide Squad’, becoming a key part of the DC Extended Universe. Her lead role in the series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ made her a television icon during this time. She finished the decade as the first African-American actress to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting.”
Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer rose to prominence after winning an Academy Award for her role in ‘The Help’ in 2011. She became a consistent presence in major films throughout the decade, earning further Oscar nominations for ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer appeared in the ‘Divergent’ series and the 2013 sci-fi film ‘Snowpiercer’. In 2019, she took on a rare villainous role in the psychological horror film ‘Ma’. Her steady work across genres made her one of the most recognizable character actresses of the 2010s.
Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson had a highly visible decade across multiple mediums. She starred in the 2010 remake of ‘The Karate Kid’ and the 2012 comedy ‘Think Like a Man’. Henson received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of mathematician Katherine Johnson in the 2016 hit ‘Hidden Figures’. She also dominated television during this period with her role as Cookie Lyon on the series ‘Empire’. Her film career continued with lead roles in ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘What Men Want’ toward the end of the decade.
Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana was a central figure in some of the decade’s biggest franchises. She played Gamora in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ films and the ‘Avengers’ sequels. She also continued her role as Uhura in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot series, appearing in ‘Into Darkness’ and ‘Beyond’. Saldana appeared in several action films, including ‘Colombiana’ in 2011. By 2019, she had appeared in three of the five highest-grossing films of all time.
Felicity Jones

Felicity Jones achieved mainstream success in the middle of the decade. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Jane Hawking in the 2014 film ‘The Theory of Everything’. In 2016, she led the ‘Star Wars’ standalone film ‘Rogue One’ as Jyn Erso. Jones also starred in the Dan Brown adaptation ‘Inferno’ and the drama ‘A Monster Calls’ that same year. She concluded the decade portraying Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the 2018 biopic ‘On the Basis of Sex’.
Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson became a prominent face in 2010s cinema through both independent and blockbuster films. She gained attention for her role in ‘Dear White People’ in 2014 and starred in the ‘Creed’ films as Bianca. Thompson joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ in 2017 and reprised the role in ‘Avengers: Endgame’. She also starred in the 2018 sci-fi film ‘Annihilation’ and the 2019 ‘Men in Black: International’. Her work often involved deconstructing archetypes within popular genres.
Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown became a breakout star of the decade as a teenager. She rose to international fame for her role as Eleven in the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’, which began in 2016. In 2019, she made her feature film debut in the blockbuster ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’. Brown’s influence extended beyond acting, as she became a prominent figure in fashion and social activism during her youth. She was one of the youngest people ever included on the Time 100 list of influential people.
Blake Lively

Blake Lively remained a significant public figure and actress throughout the 2010s. After ‘Gossip Girl’ ended in 2012, she starred in the romantic fantasy ‘The Age of Adaline’ in 2015. In 2016, she led the survival thriller ‘The Shallows’, which was a commercial success. She appeared in the 2018 mystery comedy ‘A Simple Favor’ alongside Anna Kendrick. Lively’s film choices during the decade often focused on character-driven thrillers and period dramas.
Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick was a prolific actress in the 2010s, particularly in musical and comedic roles. She starred in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ trilogy, which became a significant cultural phenomenon starting in 2012. Kendrick appeared in ‘Into the Woods’ as Cinderella and voiced the lead character in the ‘Trolls’ franchise. She also took on dramatic and mystery roles in ‘The Accountant’ and ‘A Simple Favor’. Her ability to combine singing and acting made her a unique staple of the decade.
Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld began the decade with an Oscar-nominated performance in ‘True Grit’ at the age of 14. She joined the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise in 2015 and starred in the acclaimed teen drama ‘The Edge of Seventeen’ in 2016. Steinfeld led the 2018 ‘Transformers’ spin-off ‘Bumblebee’ and voiced Gwen Stacy in ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. By the end of the decade, she had also established a successful music career and a lead role on the series ‘Dickinson’.
Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning grew up on screen during the 2010s, moving from child roles to leading adult performances. She starred in J.J. Abrams’ ‘Super 8’ in 2011 and played Aurora in the ‘Maleficent’ films. Fanning worked with several prestigious directors during the decade, appearing in ‘The Neon Demon’, ‘The Beguiled’, and ’20th Century Women’. She became a regular presence at major film festivals like Cannes. Her decade was defined by a transition into experimental and high-fashion cinema.
Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning continued her long-standing career into the 2010s with a variety of film roles. She appeared in the ‘Twilight’ Saga as Jane and starred in the 2010 biopic ‘The Runaways’. Throughout the decade, she worked on several independent projects like ‘Night Moves’ and ‘American Pastoral’. In 2019, she played Squeaky Fromme in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. Fanning remained a consistent presence in the industry while balancing her studies and adult career.
Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley maintained a steady career in period dramas and contemporary films during the 2010s. She starred in ‘Anna Karenina’ in 2012 and the musical drama ‘Begin Again’ in 2013. Knightley received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘The Imitation Game’ in 2014. She also appeared in ‘Everest’, ‘Colette’, and ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’. Her work throughout the decade solidified her reputation as a leading actress for historical and biographical narratives.
Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan followed her breakout at the end of the 2000s with a series of high-profile 2010s films. She starred in ‘Never Let Me Go’, ‘Drive’, and ‘Shame’ in the early years of the decade. In 2013, she played Daisy Buchanan in ‘The Great Gatsby’ and appeared in ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’. Mulligan also starred in ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ and the historical drama ‘Suffragette’. Her decade was characterized by selecting emotionally complex roles in prestigious productions.
Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams was a frequent contender during the 2010s awards seasons. She received Oscar nominations for ‘Blue Valentine’ in 2010, ‘My Week with Marilyn’ in 2011, and ‘Manchester by the Sea’ in 2016. She also appeared in the 2017 blockbuster ‘The Greatest Showman’ and the Marvel film ‘Venom’ in 2018. In 2019, she won an Emmy for her portrayal of Gwen Verdon in the miniseries ‘Fosse/Verdon’. Williams was recognized for her consistent ability to deliver deeply researched dramatic performances.
Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara rose to prominence after her lead role in the 2011 film ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’, for which she received an Oscar nomination. She became a favorite of several acclaimed directors, starring in ‘Side Effects’, ‘Her’, and ‘Carol’. Her performance in ‘Carol’ earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival and another Oscar nomination. Mara also appeared in ‘Lion’ and played the titular character in ‘Mary Magdalene’ in 2018. Her decade was focused on intense, transformative roles in artistic cinema.
Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt transitioned into a major action and dramatic lead during the 2010s. She starred in ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ and ‘Looper’ before her breakout action role in 2014’s ‘Edge of Tomorrow’. She led the critically acclaimed drug war thriller ‘Sicario’ in 2015 and the mystery ‘The Girl on the Train’ in 2016. In 2018, she starred in the horror hit ‘A Quiet Place’ and played the iconic nanny in ‘Mary Poppins Returns’. Blunt’s versatility across genres made her a staple of both summer blockbusters and awards-season films.
Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne was a constant presence in 2010s comedy and horror cinema. She starred in the 2011 hit ‘Bridesmaids’ and the ‘Insidious’ horror franchise starting in 2010. Byrne also appeared in the ‘Neighbors’ films and ‘Spy’ alongside Melissa McCarthy. She took on a recurring role in the ‘X-Men’ franchise as Moira Mactaggert. Her ability to play both the “straight man” and eccentric characters made her a go-to actress for ensemble casts.
Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams had a busy decade that included both blockbuster and prestige projects. She appeared in ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ in 2011 and starred in the romantic hit ‘About Time’ in 2013. In 2015, she received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the Best Picture winner ‘Spotlight’. She also entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2016 as Christine Palmer in ‘Doctor Strange’. McAdams balanced these roles with a lead part in the second season of ‘True Detective’ and the comedy ‘Game Night’.
Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried appeared in numerous films across several genres throughout the 2010s. She starred in ‘Red Riding Hood’ and ‘In Time’ in 2011 before playing Cosette in the 2012 musical ‘Les Misérables’. Seyfried also appeared in ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ and the 2015 sequel ‘Ted 2’. She reprised her role as Sophie in ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ in 2018. Her career during this time was defined by her ability to lead musicals, romantic dramas, and comedies.
Chloë Grace Moretz

Chloë Grace Moretz became one of the most prolific young actresses of the 2010s. She gained fame as Hit-Girl in the ‘Kick-Ass’ films and starred in the 2010 vampire film ‘Let Me In’. Moretz led several high-profile projects including ‘Hugo’, ‘Dark Shadows’, and the 2013 remake of ‘Carrie’. She continued her career with roles in ‘The 5th Wave’ and the 2018 remake of ‘Suspiria’. Her presence was a defining feature of teen-led cinema and genre films throughout the decade.
Lily Collins

Lily Collins emerged as a prominent lead actress in the 2010s, often starring in adaptations. She played Snow White in ‘Mirror Mirror’ in 2012 and Clary Fray in ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’ in 2013. Collins received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the 2016 Howard Hughes biopic ‘Rules Don’t Apply’. She also starred in ‘To the Bone’ and the Netflix film ‘Okja’ in 2017. Toward the end of the decade, she played Fantine in the BBC miniseries ‘Les Misérables’ and appeared in ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’.
Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen transitioned from independent film success to global blockbuster fame during the 2010s. She received critical acclaim for her debut in the 2011 indie ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’. In 2014, she starred in ‘Godzilla’ and made her first appearance as Wanda Maximoff in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’. She became a fixture of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in four more films as the Scarlet Witch by 2019. Olsen also starred in the 2017 thriller ‘Wind River’ and the series ‘Sorry for Your Loss’.
Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh had a rapid ascent to stardom in the latter half of the 2010s. She gained significant attention for her role in ‘Lady Macbeth’ in 2016. In 2019, she starred in three major projects: ‘Fighting with My Family’, the horror hit ‘Midsommar’, and ‘Little Women’. Her performance in ‘Little Women’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. By the end of 2019, she was cast as Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, securing her place in future blockbusters.
Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a Disney Channel star to a serious film and television actress during the 2010s. She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as MJ in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ in 2017. That same year, she appeared in the musical blockbuster ‘The Greatest Showman’. In 2019, she reprised her role in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ and began starring in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. Her work in ‘Euphoria’ eventually made her the youngest winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Awkwafina

Awkwafina experienced a meteoric rise in the final years of the 2010s. She had breakout supporting roles in ‘Ocean’s 8’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ in 2018. In 2019, she starred in the independent drama ‘The Farewell’, for which she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. She also lent her voice to ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’ and appeared in ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’. Her rapid success made her one of the most prominent new stars of the decade’s conclusion.
Tell us which of these actresses defined the 2010s for you in the comments.


