The Absolute Best Actresses of the Past 10 Years
The last decade of global cinema has seen a remarkable evolution in the types of stories being told and the women leading them. These performers have demonstrated incredible range and commitment to their roles across various genres and platforms. From independent films to massive blockbuster franchises these actresses have consistently delivered work that resonates with audiences. This collection highlights the performers who have most significantly defined the art of acting since 2014.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis achieved the Triple Crown of Acting by winning an Oscar and an Emmy and a Tony. She delivered a powerhouse performance in ‘Fences’ as a woman dealing with a crumbling marriage. Her role in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ showcased her ability to transform physically and vocally for a character. She recently starred in ‘The Woman King’ where she portrayed a leader of an all female military unit. Davis is widely regarded as one of the most talented performers of her generation.
Frances McDormand
Frances McDormand has dominated the last decade with multiple Academy Awards for Best Actress. Her performance in ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ showcased her ability to balance grit and vulnerability. She followed this success with a transformative role in ‘Nomadland’ which explored the lives of modern American nomads. McDormand often chooses projects that highlight complex social issues and unconventional characters. Her work is characterized by a raw and honest approach to every character she inhabits.
Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett remains one of the most versatile performers in the industry with a career spanning several decades. In the past ten years she delivered a career defining performance as a world class conductor in ‘Tár’. She also starred in ‘Carol’ where she depicted a sophisticated woman navigating a forbidden romance in the 1950s. Blanchett is known for her meticulous preparation and her ability to disappear into any role she takes on. She continues to be a leading figure in both independent cinema and major studio productions.
Olivia Colman
Olivia Colman transitioned from beloved television actress to international film star within the last ten years. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Anne in the period comedy ‘The Favourite’. Colman received further acclaim for her roles in ‘The Father’ and ‘The Lost Daughter’ which demonstrated her immense emotional range. Her performances often blend humor with deep pathos making her one of the most relatable stars on screen. She has become a staple of prestigious award ceremonies due to her consistent high quality work.
Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh made history by becoming the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ showcased her skills in martial arts and comedy and drama. Before this milestone she gained widespread recognition for her role as Eleanor Young in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. Yeoh has been a prominent figure in international cinema for years but her recent work has brought her a new level of global stardom. She continues to take on diverse roles that challenge stereotypes and highlight her physical and emotional prowess.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone has cemented her place as one of the most sought after actresses in Hollywood over the last decade. She won her first Oscar for the musical ‘La La Land’ and a second for the surrealist film ‘Poor Things’. Stone is known for her expressive facial movements and her ability to handle both comedic and dramatic material with ease. She also earned praise for her role as Abigail Masham in ‘The Favourite’. Her career choices reflect a willingness to take risks and work with visionary directors.
Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan has built an incredible body of work at a young age with multiple Academy Award nominations since 2014. She delivered standout performances in ‘Brooklyn’ and ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Little Women’. Ronan is celebrated for her naturalistic acting style and her ability to convey complex emotions with subtle gestures. She often portrays strong willed young women who are coming of age in difficult circumstances. Her collaboration with director Greta Gerwig has been particularly successful in defining her modern screen persona.
Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie has evolved from a breakout star into a major producer and leading lady in the last ten years. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Tonya Harding in ‘I, Tonya’ which she also produced. Robbie became a cultural icon through her roles as Harley Quinn and more recently as the title character in ‘Barbie’. She has shown great versatility in films like ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ and ‘Babylon’. Her influence on the industry continues to grow through her production company LuckyChap Entertainment.
Jessica Chastain
Jessica Chastain is known for her intensity and her dedication to portraying real life figures. She won an Academy Award for her transformative role in ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’. Chastain also delivered a sharp performance as a high stakes poker host in ‘Molly’s Game’. She consistently chooses roles that focus on resilient women in positions of power or extreme pressure. Her work in ‘A Most Violent Year’ and ‘Interstellar’ also stands out from the earlier half of the decade.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o has become a prominent figure in cinema since her breakout role in the early 2010s. Within the last ten years she delivered a dual performance in the horror film ‘Us’ that was widely praised by critics. She also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nakia in ‘Black Panther’ and its sequel. Nyong’o is known for her poise and her ability to bring a sense of gravity to every role she plays. She also provided voice and motion capture work for the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy.
Amy Adams
Amy Adams has continued to prove her status as one of the most reliable and talented actresses in the industry. She received high praise for her role as a linguist in the science fiction film ‘Arrival’. Adams also delivered a chilling performance in the miniseries ‘Sharp Objects’ and a satirical turn in ‘Vice’. She is known for her subtle acting style and her ability to inhabit characters with deep inner lives. Despite many nominations she remains one of the most respected performers currently working without an Oscar win.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman has experienced a significant career resurgence over the last ten years particularly in television and film hybrids. She won several awards for her role as Celeste Wright in the drama series ‘Big Little Lies’. On the big screen she earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Lucille Ball in ‘Being the Ricardos’. Kidman is celebrated for her willingness to take on daring roles and work with international auteurs. Her recent work in ‘Lion’ and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ also highlights her incredible range.
Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh has rapidly ascended to the top tier of Hollywood actresses since her debut. She gained international recognition for her roles in ‘Lady Macbeth’ and the horror hit ‘Midsommar’. Pugh earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Amy March in ‘Little Women’. She has also successfully entered the world of blockbusters with her role as Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow’. Her performances are often noted for their emotional honesty and commanding screen presence.
Zendaya
Zendaya has transitioned from a child star to one of the most influential actresses of her generation. She won two Emmy Awards for her lead role as Rue Bennett in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. In film she has appeared in major hits such as the ‘Spider Man’ franchise and ‘Dune’. Her recent performance in ‘Challengers’ further established her as a capable leading lady in adult dramas. Zendaya is known for her ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy became a global sensation following her lead role in the miniseries ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. She first gained attention in the horror genre with ‘The Witch’ and later ‘Split’. Her performance in ‘The Menu’ showcased her ability to lead a high concept thriller with precision. She recently took on the iconic role of Furiosa in the ‘Mad Max’ prequel ‘Furiosa A Mad Max Saga’. Her striking features and intense acting style make her a unique presence in modern cinema.
Carey Mulligan
Carey Mulligan is known for her deliberate and impactful choices in film roles over the past decade. She received significant acclaim for her lead role in the revenge thriller ‘Promising Young Woman’. Mulligan also earned praise for her performance as Felicia Montealegre in the biopic ‘Maestro’. She often portrays women who are navigating complex moral landscapes or societal expectations. Her work is characterized by a quiet intensity that captures the attention of the audience.
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson has balanced massive franchise work with critically acclaimed dramatic roles during the last ten years. She received two Academy Award nominations in the same year for ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’. Her role as Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe concluded with the solo film ‘Black Widow’. Johansson is recognized for her husky voice and her ability to bring depth to action oriented characters. She continues to be one of the highest grossing actresses in film history.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman has continued to deliver high quality performances in a variety of challenging roles. She earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in the biopic ‘Jackie’. Portman also starred in the thought provoking science fiction film ‘Annihilation’. Recently she received praise for her complex role in the drama ‘May December’. She is known for her intellectual approach to acting and her ability to transform into real life figures.
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron has become one of the premier action stars of the last decade while maintaining her dramatic roots. Her performance as Imperator Furiosa in ‘Mad Max Fury Road’ is considered one of the best action roles of all time. She also produced and starred in ‘Atomic Blonde’ and the superhero film ‘The Old Guard’. Theron received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Megyn Kelly in ‘Bombshell’. She is known for her physical commitment to her roles and her ability to play tough yet emotionally complex characters.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart has focused largely on independent and international cinema over the past ten years. She became the first American actress to win a Cesar Award for her role in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’ earned her a first Academy Award nomination. Stewart is known for her naturalistic and often understated acting style. She has successfully moved away from her early franchise work to become a respected figure in the art house film community.
Brie Larson
Brie Larson had a massive breakout in the last decade with her performance in the drama ‘Room’ which won her an Academy Award. She soon transitioned into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the titular hero in ‘Captain Marvel’. Larson has also ventured into directing and has appeared in several independent films like ‘Glass Castle’. She is known for her ability to portray resilient characters who overcome significant trauma. Her presence in both small scale dramas and large scale blockbusters makes her a versatile star.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga successfully transitioned from a music icon to a respected actress within the last ten years. She received an Academy Award nomination for her lead role in the remake of ‘A Star Is Born’. Her performance as Patrizia Reggiani in ‘House of Gucci’ also garnered significant awards attention. Gaga is known for her total immersion into her characters and her powerful screen presence. She continues to balance her music career with high profile film projects.
Sandra Hüller
Sandra Hüller has gained international fame recently after being a staple of European cinema for years. She starred in two highly acclaimed films in a single year including ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ and ‘The Zone of Interest’. Her performance in ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Hüller is known for her precise and cerebral acting style which often leaves audiences questioning her characters’ motives. She is currently one of the most respected actresses working in international film.
Tilda Swinton
Tilda Swinton is celebrated for her androgynous appearance and her ability to play highly eccentric characters. In the last decade she delivered memorable performances in ‘A Bigger Splash’ and the remake of ‘Suspiria’. She is a frequent collaborator with visionary directors like Wes Anderson and Luca Guadagnino. Swinton often undergoes significant physical transformations for her roles often becoming unrecognizable. Her work continues to be some of the most experimental and interesting in modern cinema.
Glenn Close
Glenn Close has continued to demonstrate her legendary acting skills in several high profile roles over the last ten years. She received an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in ‘The Wife’. Close also appeared in the film adaptation of ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ where she underwent a major physical transformation. She remains one of the most nominated actresses in history and continues to seek out complex roles. Her work on stage and screen makes her a definitive figure in the acting world.
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams is known for her quiet and deeply emotional performances in independent films. She earned Oscar nominations for her roles in ‘Manchester by the Sea’ and ‘The Fabelmans’. Williams has a reputation for being one of the most talented actresses of her generation due to her vulnerability on screen. She also portrayed Marilyn Monroe in ‘My Week with Marilyn’ earlier in her career showing her range in biopics. Her dedication to small scale storytelling has made her a favorite among critics.
Penélope Cruz
Penélope Cruz has continued to be a muse for director Pedro Almodóvar while starring in international productions. She received an Academy Award nomination for her lead role in ‘Parallel Mothers’. Cruz also appeared in the biographical drama ‘Ferrari’ where she played Laura Ferrari. She is known for her passionate acting style and her ability to command the screen in multiple languages. Her career remains a bridge between European cinema and Hollywood.
Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore won an Academy Award at the start of the last decade for her role in ‘Still Alice’. She has continued to deliver strong performances in films like ‘Gloria Bell’ and the drama ‘May December’. Moore is celebrated for her emotional intelligence and her ability to portray women in various stages of life. She often explores themes of identity and aging and social expectations in her work. Her consistency and dedication to her craft have made her a mainstay of the industry.
Regina King
Regina King has experienced a major career surge as both an actress and a director in recent years. She won an Academy Award for her supporting role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. King also received an Emmy for her lead role in the groundbreaking series ‘Watchmen’. Her work is often noted for its strength and moral clarity. She has become one of the most respected voices in the industry as she moves between acting and directing major projects.
Emily Blunt
Emily Blunt has showcased her versatility by starring in action films and musicals and dramas over the last decade. She received praise for her roles in ‘Sicario’ and the horror hit ‘A Quiet Place’. Blunt also took on the iconic role of Mary Poppins in the sequel ‘Mary Poppins Returns’. Recently she earned an Oscar nomination for her performance as Kitty Oppenheimer in the historical drama ‘Oppenheimer’. She is known for her sharp wit and her ability to ground even the most fantastical stories in reality.
Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer has become a beloved figure in cinema with a series of heartwarming and powerful performances. She earned Academy Award nominations for her roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer is known for her ability to bring humor and humanity to her characters often playing supportive but essential figures. She also starred in the psychological horror film ‘Ma’ which showed a different side of her acting abilities. Her presence in a film often signals a story with deep emotional resonance.
Allison Janney
Allison Janney moved from a successful career in television to winning an Academy Award for film within the last decade. Her portrayal of LaVona Golden in ‘I, Tonya’ was highly acclaimed for its dark humor and intensity. She has also appeared in films like ‘Bad Education’ and ‘The Creator’. Janney is known for her tall stature and her commanding yet flexible acting style. She continues to be a favorite in both comedic and dramatic ensembles.
Laura Dern
Laura Dern has enjoyed a significant career renaissance over the last ten years with several award winning roles. She won an Academy Award for her performance as a high powered divorce lawyer in ‘Marriage Story’. Dern also received praise for her work in the television series ‘Big Little Lies’ and the film ‘Wild’. She is known for her expressive face and her ability to play characters who are both quirky and deeply emotional. Her long standing collaboration with director David Lynch also remains a highlight of her career.
Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson has become the face of modern television drama through her frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy. She won an Emmy for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson American Crime Story’. In film she has appeared in ‘Ocean’s 8’ and the thriller ‘Run’. Paulson is known for her incredible range and her ability to play multiple characters within the same project. She is widely considered one of the most talented actresses currently working in the medium of television.
Toni Collette
Toni Collette is celebrated for her fearlessness and her ability to take on intense and often disturbing roles. Her performance in the horror film ‘Hereditary’ is widely considered one of the best of the decade despite a lack of Oscar recognition. She also starred in the hit mystery film ‘Knives Out’ and the series ‘Unbelievable’. Collette is known for her physical transformations and her ability to convey extreme psychological states. She remains a versatile performer who can move seamlessly between genres.
Rosamund Pike
Rosamund Pike delivered a career defining performance at the beginning of the last decade in the thriller ‘Gone Girl’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Amy Dunne and later won a Golden Globe for ‘I Care a Lot’. Pike is known for her ability to play cool and calculating and often dangerous women. Her recent work in ‘Saltburn’ further demonstrated her talent for playing complex and morally ambiguous characters. She has a unique screen presence that often keeps audiences on edge.
Lily Gladstone
Lily Gladstone has become one of the most talked about actresses in recent years following her breakout role. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Mollie Burkhart in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. Before this she gained critical notice for her work in the independent film ‘Certain Women’. Gladstone is known for her quiet and soulful acting style that conveys deep emotion without many words. She is currently a leading figure in the movement to increase Indigenous representation in cinema.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Da’Vine Joy Randolph has quickly become a standout performer in both comedy and drama. She won an Academy Award for her supporting role as a grieving mother in ‘The Holdovers’. Her performance in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ also received significant praise from critics. Randolph is known for her powerful voice and her ability to bring a sense of warmth and gravity to her roles. She has a background in musical theater which often informs her rhythmic and engaging acting style.
Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet continues to be one of the most respected actresses in the world with a career that stays relevant through the decades. In the last ten years she received an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Steve Jobs’. She also won an Emmy for her performance as a small town detective in the series ‘Mare of Easttown’. Winslet is known for her dedication to authenticity and her refusal to conform to typical Hollywood beauty standards. Her work remains a benchmark for excellence in acting.
Jodie Comer
Jodie Comer rose to international fame for her role as the assassin Villanelle in the series ‘Killing Eve’. She won an Emmy for her performance which showcased her ability to use different accents and personas. In film she delivered a powerful performance in the historical drama ‘The Last Duel’. Comer is known for her immense versatility and her ability to play characters who are both terrifying and charming. She is currently one of the most exciting young talents in the industry.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence was one of the biggest stars of the early 2010s and has continued to evolve as an actress since then. She starred in the psychological thriller ‘Mother!’ and the drama ‘Causeway’ which she also produced. Lawrence is known for her down to earth personality and her natural acting style. She recently returned to comedy with the film ‘No Hard Feelings’ which was a box office success. Her ability to lead both massive franchises and small character studies makes her a unique talent.
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep remains a titan of the industry and has continued to deliver award winning work over the last decade. She received Oscar nominations for her roles in ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘The Post’. Streep is famous for her mastery of accents and her ability to inhabit any character she chooses. She also joined the cast of ‘Big Little Lies’ for its second season where she delivered a chilling performance. Her career is a testament to longevity and constant artistic growth.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo has made a major impact on cinema after a successful career on the Broadway stage. She received two Academy Award nominations for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic ‘Harriet’. Erivo also starred in the thriller ‘Widows’ and the series ‘The Outsider’. She is known for her incredible singing voice and her intense emotional range as an actress. Her upcoming role as Elphaba in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ is highly anticipated by audiences.
Ruth Negga
Ruth Negga is an Irish actress who gained international acclaim for her role in the drama ‘Loving’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Mildred Loving. Negga also delivered a standout performance in the film ‘Passing’ which explored themes of racial identity in the 1920s. She is known for her expressive eyes and her ability to convey a sense of internal struggle. Her work in the series ‘Preacher’ also demonstrated her ability to handle more stylized and action oriented material.
Yalitza Aparicio
Yalitza Aparicio made one of the most impressive debuts in cinema history with her role in ‘Roma’. She became the first Indigenous American woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performance was praised for its quiet strength and its ability to ground the epic scope of the film. Since her debut she has become an important advocate for Indigenous rights and domestic workers. She continues to choose projects that highlight important social issues in Mexico and beyond.
Awkwafina
Awkwafina transitioned from a rapper and comedian to a respected dramatic actress within the last decade. She won a Golden Globe for her lead role in the family drama ‘The Farewell’. She has also appeared in major blockbusters like ‘Ocean’s 8’ and ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Awkwafina is known for her unique voice and her ability to balance humor with sincerity. Her career represents the growing diversity of talent in modern Hollywood.
Jessie Buckley
Jessie Buckley has become one of the most exciting performers in contemporary cinema over the last few years. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘The Lost Daughter’. Buckley also starred in the psychological drama ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ and the musical film ‘Wild Rose’. She is known for her raw and often unpredictable acting style. Her background in music often informs her performances giving them a unique energy.
Vanessa Kirby
Vanessa Kirby first gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Princess Margaret in ‘The Crown’. She successfully moved into film with a leading role in ‘Pieces of a Woman’ which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Kirby has also appeared in major action franchises such as ‘Mission Impossible’ and ‘Fast and Furious’. She is known for her striking presence and her ability to portray characters with great internal fortitude. Her career continues to balance high stakes action with intimate character dramas.
Rooney Mara
Rooney Mara is known for her preference for independent films and her collaborations with renowned directors. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the romantic drama ‘Carol’. Mara also starred in ‘Women Talking’ and ‘A Ghost Story’ which showcased her ability to work in experimental styles. She is celebrated for her quiet intensity and her ability to convey complex thoughts through minimal dialogue. Her work often explores deep themes of love and grief and social structures.
Mia Goth
Mia Goth has become a definitive figure in the modern horror genre over the past several years. She delivered a standout dual performance in the film ‘X’ and its prequel ‘Pearl’. Goth is known for her unique look and her willingness to fully commit to extreme and often grotesque roles. She also appeared in the remake of ‘Suspiria’ and the thriller ‘Infinity Pool’. Her work has earned her a dedicated following and established her as a major talent in genre cinema.
Tell us which of these incredible actresses has delivered your favorite performance of the last decade in the comments.
