LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Make Every Movie Better

The landscape of modern cinema is shaped by the immense talent and diverse perspectives of LGBTQ performers who bring authenticity to their roles. These actresses have broken barriers and garnered critical acclaim across genres from blockbuster franchises to intimate independent dramas. Their contributions extend beyond the screen as they often advocate for greater representation and inclusivity within the entertainment industry. This list highlights fifty exceptional individuals whose presence consistently elevates the quality of the projects they join.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart earned international recognition for her starring role in the popular ‘Twilight’ film series. She became the first American actress to win the prestigious Cesar Award for her performance in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Stewart later received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the biographical drama ‘Spencer’. She continues to challenge herself with diverse roles in both mainstream and independent cinema.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is widely recognized for her frequent collaborations with creator Ryan Murphy on the series ‘American Horror Story’. She won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. Her film work includes significant roles in ’12 Years a Slave’ and the thriller ‘Ocean’s 8’. Paulson is known for her intense performances and her ability to transform into complex characters.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza first gained fame for her role as April Ludgate on the television series ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since transitioned into film with acclaimed performances in ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Plaza joined the cast of the second season of ‘The White Lotus’ which earned her further critical praise. Her unique comedic timing and dramatic range make her a standout in any production.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has made a significant impact on major franchises including the ‘Creed’ series and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She received critical acclaim for her leading role in the period drama ‘Passing’. Thompson also starred in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ and the independent hit ‘Sorry to Bother You’. She is celebrated for her ability to navigate between large blockbusters and thought provoking independent films.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a legendary figure in Hollywood with two Academy Awards for Best Actress for ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. She began her career as a child actor in films like ‘Taxi Driver’ before becoming a successful director and producer. Recently she earned praise for her work in the film ‘Nyad’ and the series ‘True Detective’. Foster has been a prominent figure in the industry for over five decades.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone received widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. She previously gained attention for her performance in the independent film ‘Certain Women’. Gladstone often focuses on stories that highlight indigenous experiences and complex female characters. She is recognized for her understated and powerful acting style.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer rose to prominence with her debut acting role in the hit series ‘Euphoria’. She made her big screen debut in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. Schafer also starred in the horror film ‘Cuckoo’ which showcased her range as a lead actress. She is a vocal advocate for trans rights and often works as a model and artist in addition to acting.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a multifaceted artist who has excelled in both music and acting. She delivered memorable performances in the Academy Award winning film ‘Moonlight’ and the biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe also starred in the mystery sequel ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Her presence on screen is often described as charismatic and commanding.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her role as Anita in the 2021 remake of ‘West Side Story’. She has a extensive background in musical theater including a role in the original cast of ‘Hamilton’. DeBose has also appeared in films like ‘The Prom’ and provided the voice for the lead character in the animated movie ‘Wish’. She is the first Afro Latina and openly queer woman to win an acting Oscar.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe Award for her role in ‘Pose’. She has also appeared in the film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ and the television series ‘Loot’. Rodriguez is a talented singer who has released several musical singles. Her work in ‘Pose’ helped bring ballroom culture to a mainstream audience.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a household name for her portrayal of Sophia Burset in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Cox has since appeared in various projects including ‘Promising Young Woman’ and ‘Inventing Anna’. She remains a prominent activist for the LGBTQ community.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her role as Miranda Hobbes in the series ‘Sex and the City’. She has won two Tony Awards and two Emmy Awards during her long career. Nixon has appeared in numerous films and recently starred in the period drama ‘The Gilded Age’. She is also active in politics and ran for Governor of New York in 2018.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a veteran actress with a career spanning over six decades. She won an Emmy Award for her role in ‘The Practice’ and gained further fame on the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor currently stars in the drama series ‘The Morning Show’. She is also an accomplished playwright and stage actress.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne has enjoyed a career resurgence with lead roles in ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘Poker Face’. She first gained fame as a teenager in films like ‘Everyone Says I Love You’ and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. Lyonne also had a major role in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She is known for her distinct voice and sharp comedic sensibilities.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is widely recognized for playing Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’. She also provided the voice for Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney animated film ‘Encanto’. Beatriz has appeared in the musical film ‘In the Heights’ and several independent projects. She often speaks about her identity as a bisexual woman in the entertainment industry.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein gained critical acclaim for her leading roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She also portrayed Monica Lewinsky in the series ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’. Feldstein made her Broadway debut in the revival of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ and later starred in ‘Funny Girl’. Her performances are often praised for their warmth and humor.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey rose to international fame for their roles in ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Last of Us’. They have received praise for their ability to play strong and resilient characters at a young age. Ramsey also starred in the film ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ directed by Lena Dunham. They identify as non binary and have become an important voice for young queer people.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin gained widespread recognition for portraying Princess Diana in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. They have since appeared in films like ‘My Policeman’ and the action movie ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’. Corrin also starred in the mystery series ‘A Murder at the End of the World’. They are known for their striking screen presence and versatile acting ability.

Rachel Sennott

Rachel Sennott emerged as a breakout star in the independent films ‘Shiva Baby’ and ‘Bottoms’. She also appeared in the horror comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the series ‘The Idol’. Sennott often writes and produces her own projects in addition to acting. She is recognized as a leading voice in modern queer comedy.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri won an Emmy Award for her role as Sydney Adamu in the hit series ‘The Bear’. She has also starred in the comedy film ‘Bottoms’ and provided voices for ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Spider Man: Across the Spider Verse’. Edebiri began her career as a stand up comedian and writer. Her rapid rise in the industry has made her one of the most sought after young actresses today.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke gained fame for her role as Robin Buckley in the series ‘Stranger Things’. She has appeared in films like ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ and the Netflix movie ‘Do Revenge’. Hawke is also a talented singer and songwriter with several studio albums. She is the daughter of actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke but has established a successful career of her own.

Reneé Rapp

Renee Rapp transitioned from a successful music career to acting with a lead role in ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. She recently starred as Regina George in the 2024 film adaptation of the ‘Mean Girls’ musical. Rapp previously played the same role on Broadway to critical acclaim. She is known for her powerful vocals and charismatic personality.

Sophie Thatcher

Sophie Thatcher is best known for her role as young Natalie in the survival drama series ‘Yellowjackets’. She has also appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ and the horror film ‘The Boogeyman’. Thatcher began her career in musical theater before moving into television and film. Her intense and grounded performances have earned her a loyal following.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown stars in the popular series ‘Yellowjackets’ and the modern ‘Scream’ film franchise. She has also appeared in the series ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘For the People’. Brown is a talented musician who often shares her work with her fans. She is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ representation and mental health awareness.

Liv Hewson

Liv Hewson is an Australian actress known for their roles in ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ and ‘Yellowjackets’. They have also appeared in films like ‘Let It Snow’ and ‘Bombshell’. Hewson is non binary and has spoken openly about their experiences in the industry. Their performances are often noted for their wit and emotional depth.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette received critical acclaim for her leading role in the independent film ‘Monica’. She previously gained recognition for her work on the series ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘Hustlers’. Lysette is one of the first transgender actresses to play a non trans role in a major film. She continues to be a pioneer for transgender performers in Hollywood.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison is a comedian and actress known for her unique and surreal sense of humor. She starred in the independent film ‘Together Together’ which earned her significant praise. Harrison has also appeared in ‘A Simple Favor’ and the series ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’. She is the first transgender actress to voice a character in a Disney animated film with ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is a prolific actress who won an Emmy Award for her role as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’. She has appeared in many films including ‘Best in Show’, ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’, and ‘Wreck It Ralph’. Lynch is also a successful television host and has won multiple awards for her work on ‘Hollywood Game Night’. She has been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ community for many years.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a legendary comedian and actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows. She has had memorable roles in ‘Monster in Law’, ‘Evan Almighty’, and the series ‘The Upshaws’. Sykes is also a prolific voice actress in films like ‘Over the Hedge’ and ‘Ice Age’. She is known for her sharp political commentary and observational humor.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is an iconic performer with a career that spans over fifty years. She starred alongside Jane Fonda in the long running series ‘Grace and Frankie’. Tomlin has won multiple awards including a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Tony. Her film work includes classics like ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Nashville’.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash Betts is a versatile actress who has excelled in both comedy and drama. She won an Emmy Award for her performance in the series ‘Dahmer: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Her other notable work includes ‘Claws’, ‘Reno 911!’, and ‘When They See Us’. She married musician Jessica Betts in 2020 and has been open about her journey with her identity.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is a major action star known for her roles in the ‘Fast and Furious’ and ‘Resident Evil’ franchises. She first gained fame for her performance in the independent drama ‘Girlfight’. Rodriguez has also appeared in the blockbuster ‘Avatar’ and the series ‘Lost’. She is celebrated for portraying tough and independent female characters.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello is known for her roles in films like ‘Coyote Ugly’, ‘A History of Violence’, and ‘The Cooler’. She has also had a successful television career with roles in ‘ER’ and ‘NCIS’. More recently she appeared in the acclaimed series ‘Beef’ on Netflix. Bello has written about her modern family and her relationship with a woman in her book ‘Whatever… Love Is Love’.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a highly respected stage and screen actress with multiple Tony and Emmy Awards. She is well known for her role as President Allison Taylor in the series ’24’. Jones has also appeared in ‘Succession’, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, and ‘The Village’. She is considered one of the finest theatrical performers of her generation.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is an Irish actress who gained mainstream fame for playing Aunt Petunia in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. She received critical acclaim for her roles in the series ‘Killing Eve’ and ‘Andor’. Shaw is also a renowned stage actress who has won multiple Olivier Awards. Her performances are often described as commanding and intellectually rigorous.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a veteran actress known for her role as Professor Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. She won a BAFTA Award for her performance in ‘The Age of Innocence’. Margolyes has a long history of work in film, television, and theater. She is also famous for her candid and humorous appearances on talk shows.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat is best known for her role as Maeby Fünke on the sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She later starred in the critically acclaimed mystery series ‘Search Party’. Shawkat has also appeared in various independent films and is a talented artist and musician. She has been open about her bisexuality and her preference for unconventional roles.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood starred in the series ‘Westworld’ which earned her several award nominations. She first gained recognition as a teenager for her role in the drama ‘Thirteen’. Wood has also appeared in films like ‘Across the Universe’ and ‘The Ides of March’. She is a vocal advocate for survivors of domestic violence.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon was a standout cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for over a decade. She has appeared in films such as the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’ and the blockbuster ‘Barbie’. McKinnon is known for her wide range of impressions and her physical comedy. She was the first openly lesbian cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model who appeared in the hit film ‘Barbie’ as Dr. Barbie. She has also had roles in the series ‘Transparent’ and ‘The Idol’. Nef was the first openly transgender woman to be signed to IMG Models. She is a frequent contributor to fashion and culture magazines.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore rose to fame for their role as Angel Evangelista in the series ‘Pose’. They have since appeared in films like ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’ and ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’. Moore is a prominent model and has worked with many high fashion brands. They are non binary and use they/them pronouns.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is best known for her portrayal of Elektra Abundance in the series ‘Pose’. She is a real life legend in the ballroom community and has written an autobiography about her life. Jackson has also appeared in ‘American Gods’ and several fashion campaigns. Her performance in ‘Pose’ is celebrated for its strength and iconic delivery.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah began her career as a child actor on the Disney Channel and ‘Glee’. She later starred in and produced the revival of ‘Saved by the Bell’. Totah has also appeared in the film ‘Other People’ and the series ‘The Buccaneers’. She came out as transgender in 2018 and has since become a leading young actress in the industry.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained attention for her role as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. She has since starred in ‘The Hate U Give’, ‘Everything, Everything’, and the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’. Stenberg is also a musician and has been recognized for her social activism. She is open about her identity as a gay woman.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall is a staple of independent cinema with roles in ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and ‘Girl, Interrupted’. She has also had a successful career in television with roles in ‘Veep’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. DuVall directed the holiday film ‘Happiest Season’ which features a queer protagonist. She has been an influential figure in queer cinema for decades.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily Rose Depp is an actress and model who starred in the series ‘The Idol’. She has appeared in several films including ‘The King’ and ‘Wolf’. Depp is the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis and has worked extensively with the fashion house Chanel. She has described herself as falling on a spectrum regarding her sexuality.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a musician and actress who co created and starred in the comedy series ‘Portlandia’. She is also a founding member of the influential rock band Sleater Kinney. Brownstein has appeared in films like ‘Carol’ and the series ‘Transparent’. She released a critically acclaimed memoir titled ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’.

Roberta Colindrez

Roberta Colindrez is known for her roles in the series ‘Vida’ and ‘A League of Their Own’. She also appeared in the Broadway musical ‘Fun Home’ for which she received much praise. Colindrez has a distinct screen presence and often plays complex queer characters. She continues to work in both television and theater.

Brianna Hildebrand

Brianna Hildebrand gained fame for her role as Negasonic Teenage Warhead in the ‘Deadpool’ films. She also starred in the series ‘Trinkets’ and had a role in the show ‘Lucifer’. Hildebrand is known for her edgy roles and her advocacy for LGBTQ youth. She has been open about her queer identity since the start of her career.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a pioneering hip hop artist and Academy Award nominated actress. She received critical acclaim for her role in the musical film ‘Chicago’. Latifah has starred in numerous films including ‘Set It Off’, ‘Last Holiday’, and ‘Girls Trip’. She has been a major force in the entertainment industry for over thirty years.

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