The Absolute Best Foreign Actresses of the Last Five Years

The international film landscape has experienced a significant transformation over the last five years, driven by the global success of non-English language cinema and a greater focus on diverse casting. Performers from around the world have earned top honors at major ceremonies, including the Academy Awards and various prestigious European festivals. This period has showcased the versatility of international talent in both blockbuster franchises and intimate independent dramas. These actresses have not only maintained stardom in their home countries but have also become household names on a global scale. The following list identifies the most impactful foreign actresses who have defined the cinematic arts since 2019.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright gained international recognition for her role as Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, most notably leading the 2022 film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. The Guyanese-British actress also starred in the 2020 anthology series ‘Small Axe’, directed by Steve McQueen. Her performance in the episode ‘Mangrove’ earned her critical praise for her portrayal of activist Altheia Jones-LeCointe. She continues to balance large-scale franchise work with significant roles in historical and social dramas.

Diane Kruger

German actress Diane Kruger starred in the 2022 action thriller ‘The 355’ alongside an international ensemble cast. She also appeared in the 2019 film ‘The Operative’, where she played a Mossad agent on an undercover mission. Over the last five years, she has continued to work across both European and American productions, maintaining her status as a global performer. Her career remains focused on complex characters in the thriller and drama genres.

Golshifteh Farahani

Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani gained significant attention for her role as Nik Khan in the 2020 action film ‘Extraction’ and its 2023 sequel ‘Extraction 2’. She also appeared in the television series ‘Invasion’, which premiered in 2021 on Apple TV+. Farahani has been recognized for her ability to handle intense physical roles while maintaining emotional depth. She continues to be a prominent figure for Middle Eastern actors in mainstream international cinema.

Kerry Condon

Kerry Condon received widespread critical acclaim for her performance in the 2022 film ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’. This role earned the Irish actress an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and a BAFTA win. Prior to this, she was known for her voice work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and her role in the series ‘Better Call Saul’. She has since transitioned into more prominent leading and supporting roles in major feature films.

Morfydd Clark

Welsh actress Morfydd Clark rose to international prominence for her dual roles in the 2019 horror film ‘Saint Maud’ and the 2022 series ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’. In the latter, she portrays the central character Galadriel, a role originally made famous by Cate Blanchett. Her performance in ‘Saint Maud’ earned her several award nominations, including the BAFTA Rising Star Award. She is frequently cited for her range in both psychological thrillers and epic fantasy.

Gemma Chan

Gemma Chan starred as Sersi in the 2021 Marvel film ‘Eternals’, marking her second role within the franchise after ‘Captain Marvel’. The British actress also provided voice work for the 2021 Disney film ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’. In 2022, she appeared in the high-profile psychological thriller ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. Chan has become a leading figure in the push for Asian representation in Western media.

Mia Goth

British actress Mia Goth became a modern horror icon through her collaborations with director Ti West in ‘X’ and ‘Pearl’, both released in 2022. She also starred in the 2023 film ‘Infinity Pool’, further establishing her presence in the genre. Her performance in ‘Pearl’ in particular was noted by critics for its intensity and technical skill. Goth has focused primarily on avant-garde and psychological horror projects over the past five years.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin gained global fame for her portrayal of Lady Diana Spencer in the fourth season of the Netflix series ‘The Crown’. This role earned the British actress a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination. Since then, she has starred in the 2022 films ‘My Policeman’ and ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’. She is recognized for her ability to portray vulnerability in high-profile period dramas.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown continued her success as Eleven in the later seasons of ‘Stranger Things’, which remains one of the most-watched series globally. The British actress also took on the title role in the ‘Enola Holmes’ franchise, serving as a producer on both films. She starred in the 2024 fantasy film ‘Damsel’, further solidifying her status as a leading talent for streaming platforms. Brown is one of the youngest performers to ever be included on the Time 100 list of influential people.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner followed her long-standing role in ‘Game of Thrones’ by starring in the 2019 superhero film ‘Dark Phoenix’. The British actress also appeared in the 2022 miniseries ‘The Staircase’ and the film ‘Do Revenge’. Her work over the last five years has shifted from large fantasy epics to more contemporary dramatic and comedic roles. She remains a significant figure in international television and film.

Milly Alcock

Australian actress Milly Alcock reached international stardom for her portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen in the 2022 series ‘House of the Dragon’. Her performance was a central focus of the show’s first half and received high praise from both fans and critics. Before this breakout role, she was known for her work in Australian television series like ‘Upright’. She has since been cast in major upcoming projects within the superhero genre.

Sarah Snook

Sarah Snook earned multiple awards, including two Golden Globes and an Emmy, for her role as Shiv Roy in the series ‘Succession’. The Australian actress appeared in all four seasons of the acclaimed drama, which concluded in 2023. During this time, she also starred in the 2023 horror film ‘Run Rabbit Run’. Snook is widely recognized for her mastery of complex dialogue and subtle physical acting.

Eiza González

Mexican actress Eiza González has appeared in several major Hollywood productions, including ‘Ambulance’ and ‘I Care a Lot’. In 2024, she starred in the science fiction series ‘3 Body Problem’ on Netflix. She also appeared in the 2021 blockbuster ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ as a central human character. González has successfully transitioned from Mexican telenovelas to becoming a consistent presence in high-budget action and sci-fi.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2021 as Ajak in ‘Eternals’. That same year, the Mexican actress played a pivotal role in ‘House of Gucci’ alongside Lady Gaga and Adam Driver. She also reprised her role in the 2021 sequel ‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’. Hayek continues to be one of the most prominent Latin American actresses in the global entertainment industry.

Zar Amir Ebrahimi

Zar Amir Ebrahimi received the Best Actress award at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival for her role in ‘Holy Spider’. In the film, she portrays a journalist investigating a serial killer in Iran. The Iranian-French actress has since become a symbol of resilience in the industry due to her personal history and professional comeback. Her work is characterized by its realism and social relevance.

Dolly de Leon

Filipino actress Dolly de Leon achieved international recognition for her scene-stealing role in the 2022 film ‘Triangle of Sadness’. Her performance as Abigail earned her nominations for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe, a first for a Filipino actress. Since this breakout, she has transitioned into international projects and remains a celebrated figure in the Philippines. She is often cited for providing the emotional and political core of the satirical film.

Renate Reinsve

Renate Reinsve won the Best Actress award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival for her lead role in ‘The Worst Person in the World’. The Norwegian actress played Julie, a woman navigating the complexities of her thirties in Oslo. The film’s success led to her being cast in several upcoming international productions. Her performance was widely hailed for its authenticity and nuanced portrayal of modern adulthood.

Vicky Krieps

Luxembourgish actress Vicky Krieps gained significant acclaim for her portrayal of Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the 2022 film ‘Corsage’. For this performance, she won the Un Certain Regard Best Performance Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. She also appeared in the 2021 M. Night Shyamalan film ‘Old’ and the 2023 epic ‘The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan’. Krieps is known for choosing unconventional roles that challenge traditional historical narratives.

Maria Bakalova

Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova rose to fame for her role as Tutar Sagdiyev in the 2020 film ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Bulgarian to be nominated for an Oscar. She later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the voice of Cosmo the Spacedog in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’. She continues to work in both high-concept comedies and dramatic features.

Thuso Mbedu

South African actress Thuso Mbedu starred in the 2021 limited series ‘The Underground Railroad’, directed by Barry Jenkins. Her performance earned her an Independent Spirit Award and a Gotham Award. In 2022, she starred alongside Viola Davis in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’. Mbedu has been praised for her intense emotional range and her ability to anchor large-scale historical narratives.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o delivered a dual performance in the 2019 horror film ‘Us’, which received critical acclaim for its complexity. The Kenyan-Mexican actress also reprised her role as Nakia in the 2022 film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. In 2024, she starred in the prequel film ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’. She remains one of the most versatile actresses of her generation, moving between voice roles, horror, and action.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra starred in the 2021 film ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and the 2023 series ‘Citadel’. The Indian actress has successfully established herself in the American market while maintaining her status as a global icon. In 2023, she also led the romantic comedy ‘Love Again’ alongside Sam Heughan. Chopra is recognized for her ability to lead high-budget action projects on a global scale.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone starred in the 2023 global box office hit ‘Pathaan’, which became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. She also appeared in the 2024 action epic ‘Fighter’ and had a role in the 2022 domestic drama ‘Gehraiyaan’. The Indian actress made a high-profile appearance at the 95th Academy Awards as a presenter. She continues to be one of the most influential and highest-paid performers in the world.

Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt received international praise for her lead role in the 2022 biographical drama ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. That same year, she appeared in the global hit ‘RRR’ and the Netflix film ‘Darlings’, which she also produced. In 2023, she made her Hollywood debut in the action thriller ‘Heart of Stone’ alongside Gal Gadot. Bhatt is widely considered one of the most talented and successful actresses in contemporary Indian cinema.

Gong Li

Gong Li portrayed the powerful witch Xianniang in the 2020 live-action adaptation of ‘Mulan’. The Chinese actress also starred in the sports drama ‘Leap’ the same year, playing real-life volleyball coach Lang Ping. Her performance in ‘Leap’ earned her the Best Actress award at the Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild Awards. She remains a legendary figure in world cinema with a career spanning several decades.

Tang Wei

Tang Wei earned critical acclaim for her lead role in Park Chan-wook’s 2022 romantic mystery ‘Decision to Leave’. The Chinese actress won several Best Actress awards in South Korea, including the Blue Dragon Film Award. Her performance was noted for its mystery and emotional restraint. She continues to be a major force in East Asian cinema, frequently collaborating with renowned directors.

Park So-dam

Park So-dam gained worldwide fame for her role as Kim Ki-jung in the 2019 Academy Award-winning film ‘Parasite’. Her performance contributed to the film’s historic win for Best Picture at the Oscars. Following this success, she starred in the 2022 action film ‘Special Delivery’. Although she took a hiatus for health reasons, she remains a highly respected figure in the South Korean film industry.

Hoyeon

Jung Ho-yeon transitioned from modeling to acting with her breakout role in the 2021 series ‘Squid Game’. For her performance as Kang Sae-byeok, she won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series. This role made her a global phenomenon and led to her being cast in Alfonso Cuarón’s upcoming series ‘Disclaimer’. She is currently one of the most followed and influential South Korean actresses on social media.

Rebecca Ferguson

Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson starred in the 2021 epic ‘Dune’ and its 2024 sequel as Lady Jessica. She also reprised her role as Ilsa Faust in ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ in 2023. Additionally, she leads the popular science fiction series ‘Silo’ on Apple TV+. Ferguson is known for her commanding screen presence in major Hollywood franchises.

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander starred as the lead in the 2022 television miniseries ‘Irma Vep’, directed by Olivier Assayas. The Swedish actress also appeared in the 2021 film ‘The Green Knight’ as two different characters. In 2023, she portrayed Catherine Parr in the historical drama ‘Firebrand’. She continues to be a prominent international talent, often choosing roles in period pieces and psychological dramas.

Noomi Rapace

Noomi Rapace starred in the 2021 folk horror film ‘Lamb’, which was the Icelandic entry for the Academy Awards. The Swedish actress also appeared in the 2022 action thriller ‘Black Crab’ and the series ‘Constellation’ in 2024. Rapace is celebrated for her intense dedication to physical and psychological roles. She remains a versatile performer working across various European and American productions.

Isabelle Huppert

Isabelle Huppert continued her prolific career with roles in the 2022 film ‘EO’ and the 2023 comedy ‘The Crime Is Mine’. The French actress is a frequent presence at international film festivals and remains one of the most decorated performers in history. In 2022, she received the Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for her lifetime achievement. She continues to push boundaries in both avant-garde and mainstream cinema.

Marion Cotillard

Marion Cotillard starred in the 2021 musical film ‘Annette’ alongside Adam Driver, which opened the Cannes Film Festival. The French actress also appeared in the 2023 ensemble series ‘Extrapolations’ and the film ‘Little Girl Blue’. Her career over the last five years has been marked by a blend of French-language projects and high-profile international collaborations. She is widely regarded as one of the finest actresses of her generation.

Léa Seydoux

Léa Seydoux appeared in four films at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, including ‘The French Dispatch’ and ‘No Time to Die’. In the latter, she reprised her role as Madeleine Swann, becoming a rare recurring lead in the James Bond franchise. She also starred in David Cronenberg’s 2022 film ‘Crimes of the Future’ and the 2023 sci-fi drama ‘The Beast’. Seydoux is known for her ability to inhabit both blockbuster and arthouse cinema with equal ease.

Vanessa Kirby

Vanessa Kirby received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in the 2020 film ‘Pieces of a Woman’. The British actress also appeared as The White Widow in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise during this period. In 2023, she portrayed Empress Joséphine in Ridley Scott’s historical epic ‘Napoleon’. Her work is often characterized by a raw and visceral emotional intensity.

Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer concluded her award-winning run as Villanelle in the series ‘Killing Eve’ in 2022. During the last five years, the British actress also starred in the films ‘Free Guy’ and Ridley Scott’s ‘The Last Duel’. Her performance in ‘The Last Duel’ was highly praised for its nuanced portrayal of a historical survivor. She also won a Tony Award and an Olivier Award for her work in the stage play ‘Prima Facie’.

Elizabeth Debicki

Elizabeth Debicki took over the role of Princess Diana in the final two seasons of ‘The Crown’, earning an Emmy win in 2024. The Australian actress also appeared in Christopher Nolan’s 2020 film ‘Tenet’ as a central character. In 2023, she provided voice work for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. Debicki is frequently noted for her striking screen presence and dramatic range.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton starred in several films over the last five years, including ‘The Eternal Daughter’ and ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’. The British actress also appeared in Wes Anderson’s ‘The French Dispatch’ and ‘Asteroid City’. Her performance in ‘The Eternal Daughter’ involved playing two roles, showcasing her continued commitment to experimental acting. Swinton remains a singular figure in global cinema, known for her chameleonic transformations.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt starred in the 2023 biographical thriller ‘Oppenheimer’, for which she received her first Academy Award nomination. The British actress also led the 2020 sequel ‘A Quiet Place Part II’ and the 2021 adventure film ‘Jungle Cruise’. In 2024, she appeared in the action-comedy ‘The Fall Guy’ alongside Ryan Gosling. Blunt is one of the most consistently successful actresses in both critical and commercial spheres.

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for her role in the 2020 film ‘Promising Young Woman’. The British actress followed this with another nomination for her portrayal of Felicia Montealegre in the 2023 film ‘Maestro’. She also appeared in the 2021 historical drama ‘The Dig’ and the 2022 film ‘She Said’. Mulligan is known for her precise and emotionally resonant performances in serious dramatic roles.

Jessie Buckley

Irish actress Jessie Buckley received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the 2021 film ‘The Lost Daughter’. She also starred in the 2022 horror film ‘Men’ and the ensemble drama ‘Women Talking’. In 2023, she led the science fiction romance ‘Fingernails’ on Apple TV+. Buckley is recognized for her fearless approach to challenging and unconventional characters.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan starred as Jo March in the 2019 adaptation of ‘Little Women’, earning her fourth Academy Award nomination. The Irish actress also appeared in the 2020 period drama ‘Ammonite’ and the 2022 mystery ‘See How They Run’. In 2023, she starred in the science fiction film ‘Foe’ alongside Paul Mescal. She is widely considered one of the most talented performers of her generation.

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas rose to international stardom with her role in the 2019 mystery ‘Knives Out’. The Cuban actress played Marilyn Monroe in the 2022 film ‘Blonde’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She also appeared in the 2021 James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ and the 2022 action thriller ‘The Gray Man’. De Armas has quickly become one of the most sought-after leading ladies in Hollywood.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her role in the 2021 film ‘Parallel Mothers’. This performance also earned the Spanish actress her fourth Academy Award nomination. In 2023, she starred in the biographical drama ‘Ferrari’ as Laura Ferrari. Cruz remains a Muse for director Pedro Almodóvar and a dominant force in both Spanish and international cinema.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie starred in and produced the 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’, which became the highest-grossing film of the year. The Australian actress also led the 2022 historical epic ‘Babylon’ and appeared in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ in 2019. Through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, she has become a major power player in the industry. Robbie is frequently cited for her ability to anchor large-scale productions while delivering nuanced performances.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh had a breakout year in 2019 with ‘Midsommar’ and ‘Little Women’, the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination. The British actress joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova in the 2021 film ‘Black Widow’. In 2023, she appeared in ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Dune: Part Two’, two of the year’s biggest critical successes. Pugh is recognized for her commanding screen presence and versatility across genres.

Sandra Hüller

German actress Sandra Hüller reached a new level of international fame in 2023 with starring roles in ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ and ‘The Zone of Interest’. Both films were major winners at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards. Her performance in ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Hüller is celebrated for her rigorous and intellectual approach to character development.

Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman followed her 2019 Oscar win with acclaimed roles in ‘The Father’ and ‘The Lost Daughter’, receiving nominations for both. The British actress also portrayed Queen Elizabeth II in ‘The Crown’, winning both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. In 2022, she starred in ‘Empire of Light’, and in 2023, she appeared in ‘Wonka’. Colman is highly regarded for her ability to balance profound tragedy with comedic timing.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett received universal critical acclaim for her portrayal of Lydia Tár in the 2022 film ‘Tár’. This role earned the Australian actress a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and her eighth Academy Award nomination. Over the last five years, she has also starred in ‘Nightmare Alley’ and the television series ‘Mrs. America’. She continues to be viewed as one of the most accomplished and versatile actresses in the history of cinema.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh made history in 2023 as the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. The Malaysian actress also appeared in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ and the series ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. In 2023, she starred in ‘A Haunting in Venice’ and the series ‘The Brothers Sun’. Yeoh’s recent success marks a late-career peak that has solidified her legacy as a global cinematic icon.

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