The Absolute Best Foreign Actresses of the Past 10 Years

The global film industry has witnessed an unprecedented surge in international talent over the last decade, with actresses from across the globe making significant impacts on both independent cinema and major studio productions. These performers have brought a wide array of cultural perspectives and linguistic diversity to the screen, often transcending the boundaries of their home markets to achieve worldwide recognition. From award-winning veterans who continue to evolve to rising stars who have redefined contemporary performance, the following list highlights the most influential foreign actresses active since 2014. Their work reflects the shifting dynamics of a more interconnected and diverse entertainment landscape.

Cate Blanchett

Australian actress Cate Blanchett has maintained her status as one of the most versatile performers in the industry over the last decade. She received intense critical acclaim for her portrayal of Lydia Tár in the 2022 film ‘Tár’, which earned her a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. Her work in the period drama ‘Carol’ remains a high point of her career, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures. Blanchett also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hela in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, demonstrating her range in high-budget blockbusters. She continues to lead major international projects while serving as a prominent figure at global film festivals.

Michelle Yeoh

Malaysian star Michelle Yeoh achieved a career milestone in recent years by becoming the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ showcased her unique ability to blend high-stakes martial arts with profound emotional depth. During the last decade, she also played a pivotal role in the hit romantic comedy ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and starred in the series ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Yeoh has successfully transitioned from Hong Kong action cinema to becoming a central figure in Hollywood’s most prestigious productions. Her influence on the industry has paved the way for more diverse representation in leading roles.

Saoirse Ronan

Irish actress Saoirse Ronan has established herself as a powerhouse of her generation through a series of acclaimed performances in the last ten years. She received Academy Award nominations for her lead roles in ‘Brooklyn’, ‘Lady Bird’, and ‘Little Women’, all of which were released after 2014. Ronan is known for her mastery of various accents and her ability to portray headstrong, intelligent characters. Her work in ‘The Outrun’ further demonstrates her commitment to challenging, character-driven narratives. She remains one of the most sought-after talents in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Olivia Colman

British actress Olivia Colman transitioned from a beloved television star to an international film icon within the last decade. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Anne in ‘The Favourite’, a role that balanced dark comedy with tragic vulnerability. Colman continued her success with a leading role in the Netflix series ‘The Crown’, where she played Queen Elizabeth II. Her performance in ‘The Lost Daughter’ further solidified her reputation as a master of nuanced, internal drama. She is frequently celebrated for her range, moving effortlessly between absurdist humor and intense emotional weight.

Margot Robbie

Australian actress Margot Robbie has become one of the most influential figures in Hollywood since her breakout role roughly a decade ago. She received critical praise and an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Tonya Harding in ‘I, Tonya’. In 2023, she starred in the global phenomenon ‘Barbie’, a film she also produced through her company, LuckyChap Entertainment. Her work as Harley Quinn in ‘Suicide Squad’ and its sequels established her as a major force in the superhero genre. Robbie’s ability to lead massive commercial hits while maintaining artistic integrity has made her a central figure in modern cinema.

Florence Pugh

British actress Florence Pugh rose to international prominence with a string of standout performances starting around 2016 with ‘Lady Macbeth’. She garnered widespread acclaim for her role in the folk horror film ‘Midsommar’ and her portrayal of Amy March in ‘Little Women’. Pugh joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow’, quickly becoming a fan favorite. More recently, she appeared in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ and the sci-fi epic ‘Dune: Part Two’. Her career is characterized by her intense presence and her ability to command the screen in both intimate dramas and large-scale spectacles.

Penélope Cruz

Spanish actress Penélope Cruz has continued to be a muse for director Pedro Almodóvar while maintaining a prolific international career over the past ten years. Her performance in ‘Parallel Mothers’ earned her a Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination. She also starred in the high-profile biographical drama ‘Ferrari’ as Laura Ferrari, receiving praise for her fiery and emotional portrayal. Cruz remains a bridge between European arthouse cinema and Hollywood, frequently working in multiple languages. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her consistent excellence and charismatic screen presence.

Isabelle Huppert

French veteran Isabelle Huppert has experienced a significant late-career surge in international recognition over the last decade. Her performance in the 2016 thriller ‘Elle’ earned her a Golden Globe and her first Academy Award nomination. Known for her fearless approach to provocative material, she has appeared in numerous international co-productions, including ‘Things to Come’ and ‘The Beast’. Huppert is celebrated for her intellectual approach to acting and her ability to portray complex, often enigmatic women. She continues to be one of the most prolific and respected actresses in world cinema.

Alicia Vikander

Swedish actress Alicia Vikander became a global star within the last ten years, notably winning an Academy Award for ‘The Danish Girl’. She received further acclaim for her role as the sentient android Ava in the science fiction film ‘Ex Machina’. Vikander took on the iconic role of Lara Croft in the 2018 ‘Tomb Raider’ reboot, showcasing her physical commitment to action roles. She has recently appeared in projects like the miniseries ‘Irma Vep’, which explored her range in more experimental territory. Vikander’s career is marked by her ability to balance blockbuster roles with prestigious dramatic work.

Ana de Armas

Cuban actress Ana de Armas has undergone a rapid ascent in Hollywood after beginning her career in Spanish-language television and film. She gained significant attention for her role in ‘Blade Runner 2049’ before delivering a breakout performance in the whodunnit ‘Knives Out’. Her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in ‘Blonde’ earned her an Academy Award nomination, highlighting her capacity for transformative drama. She also appeared as a CIA agent in the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’, proving her capability as an action lead. De Armas is now recognized as one of the most prominent international actresses working in major American cinema.

Lupita Nyong’o

Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o has remained a vital presence in the film industry since her Oscar-winning debut a decade ago. She delivered a masterful dual performance in Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’, which many critics cited as one of the best of the decade. Nyong’o also plays a central role in the ‘Black Panther’ franchise as Nakia, contributing to its massive cultural impact. Her work in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ demonstrated her ability to carry a horror-thriller with minimal dialogue. She continues to use her platform to advocate for diverse storytelling and has become a global fashion and cultural icon.

Marion Cotillard

French actress Marion Cotillard has spent the last decade working with some of the world’s most renowned directors. She delivered a powerful, stripped-back performance in the Dardenne brothers’ ‘Two Days, One Night’, which earned her an Oscar nomination. Her work in ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Allied’ showcased her ability to excel in English-language period pieces. In 2021, she starred in the experimental musical ‘Annette’, further proving her willingness to take artistic risks. Cotillard remains one of the most prominent French actresses to successfully maintain a dual career in European and American cinema.

Léa Seydoux

French actress Léa Seydoux has become a staple of both high-fashion branding and major international film franchises. Over the past ten years, she appeared as Madeleine Swann in the James Bond films ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’. She also starred in ‘Crimes of the Future’ and ‘Dune: Part Two’, solidifying her place in prestigious science fiction cinema. Seydoux is known for her ability to project a sense of mystery and modern elegance across various genres. Her work continues to span from French independent films to some of the largest global blockbusters.

Vanessa Kirby

British actress Vanessa Kirby rose to international fame through her portrayal of Princess Margaret in the early seasons of ‘The Crown’. She transitioned to film with a powerful lead performance in ‘Pieces of a Woman’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Kirby has also established herself as an action star, appearing in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise and ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’. Her role in Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ as Empress Joséphine further showcased her ability to play complex historical figures. She is widely regarded as one of the most versatile British talents of the current era.

Carey Mulligan

British performer Carey Mulligan has consistently chosen challenging and diverse roles throughout the last decade. Her performance in ‘Promising Young Woman’ earned her significant critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for its subversive take on the revenge thriller. She also delivered a lauded performance as Felicia Montealegre in ‘Maestro’, opposite Bradley Cooper. Mulligan is known for her emotional precision and her ability to disappear into a wide variety of characters. She continues to be a mainstay of the awards season and a respected figure in independent drama.

Jodie Comer

British actress Jodie Comer became a household name due to her transformative performance as the assassin Villanelle in the series ‘Killing Eve’. She successfully moved into major film roles with her performance in ‘The Last Duel’, where she was praised for her nuanced portrayal of Marguerite de Carrouges. Comer also starred in ‘Free Guy’ alongside Ryan Reynolds, demonstrating her range in comedy and action. Her recent work in the survival drama ‘The End We Start From’ further highlights her ability to lead a film with emotional gravity. Comer is frequently cited as one of the most talented young actresses working today.

Charlize Theron

South African actress Charlize Theron has spent the last decade redefining herself as one of the premier action stars in cinema. Her role as Imperator Furiosa in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ is considered one of the most iconic performances of the 21st century. She continued this trend with leading roles in ‘Atomic Blonde’ and the Netflix hit ‘The Old Guard’. Theron also received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Megyn Kelly in ‘Bombshell’, proving her continued prowess in transformative dramatic roles. She remains a powerful producer and lead actress who commands significant influence in Hollywood.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra successfully transitioned from being one of Bollywood’s biggest stars to a major figure in Western media. She led the American television series ‘Quantico’ for three seasons, becoming the first South Asian woman to headline a network drama. Over the past decade, she has appeared in films like ‘Baywatch’, ‘The White Tiger’, and ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. Chopra’s global reach is extensive, and she has used her position to produce international content through her company, Purple Pebble Pictures. She remains a key figure in the globalization of the entertainment industry.

Deepika Padukone

Indian actress Deepika Padukone has solidified her position as a global icon over the last ten years. She made her Hollywood debut in ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’ while continuing to dominate the Indian box office with films like ‘Padmaavat’ and ‘Piku’. In recent years, she has appeared in massive hits like ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’, which broke records worldwide. Padukone has also become a regular presence at international events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards. Her influence extends beyond acting, as she is a prominent advocate for mental health awareness in India.

Alia Bhatt

Indian actress Alia Bhatt has emerged as one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful performers in South Asia over the last decade. Her performance in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ received international praise, including a screening at the Berlin International Film Festival. She made her English-language debut in the Netflix action film ‘Heart of Stone’ alongside Gal Gadot. Bhatt is known for her incredible range, moving from gritty dramas like ‘Udta Punjab’ to blockbuster fantasies like ‘Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva’. She continues to be a leading force in the modern evolution of Indian cinema.

Song Hye-kyo

South Korean actress Song Hye-kyo has maintained her status as a Hallyu icon with a series of massive television hits over the last decade. She starred in the global phenomenon ‘Descendants of the Sun’, which significantly boosted the popularity of Korean dramas worldwide. Most recently, she received widespread acclaim for her role in the Netflix revenge drama ‘The Glory’, earning several prestigious awards. Her ability to portray both romantic leads and dark, complex characters has kept her at the forefront of the industry. Song remains one of the most recognizable and influential Korean actresses on the global stage.

Kim Tae-ri

South Korean actress Kim Tae-ri rose to international fame with her debut role in Park Chan-wook’s ‘The Handmaiden’ in 2016. Since then, she has become one of the most respected actresses of her generation, starring in the acclaimed historical drama ‘Mr. Sunshine’. Her performance in the coming-of-age series ‘Twenty-Five Twenty-One’ earned her a Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress. She also starred in the high-concept sci-fi film ‘Alienoid’ and the thriller series ‘Revenant’. Kim is known for her selective approach to roles and her consistently high-quality performances.

Bae Doona

South Korean actress Bae Doona has spent the last decade working across international borders in both film and television. She gained a global following through her roles in the Wachowskis’ ‘Sense8’ and the Netflix series ‘Kingdom’. Her work in the critically acclaimed film ‘Broker’, directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, further solidified her reputation in world cinema. Bae also starred in Zack Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon’ films, showcasing her versatility in large-scale science fiction. She is celebrated for her unique screen presence and her ability to work seamlessly in multiple languages.

Tang Wei

Chinese actress Tang Wei has continued to be a major force in East Asian cinema throughout the last ten years. She received international acclaim for her leading role in Park Chan-wook’s ‘Decision to Leave’, which won the Best Director prize at Cannes. Her performance in the film earned her numerous Best Actress awards across various prestigious Asian ceremonies. Tang is known for her enigmatic and soulful performances, often portraying complex characters in atmospheric dramas. She remains one of the most internationally recognized Chinese actresses, frequently collaborating with top-tier directors.

Noomi Rapace

Swedish actress Noomi Rapace has maintained a prolific career in international thrillers and science fiction since her breakout as Lisbeth Salander. Over the last decade, she has starred in films like ‘What Happened to Monday’, where she played seven different characters. Her performance in the folk horror film ‘Lamb’ was highly praised for its emotional intensity and unconventional subject matter. Rapace is known for her physical commitment to her roles and her preference for dark, challenging narratives. She continues to work frequently in both European and American productions.

Rebecca Ferguson

Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson has become a mainstay of major Hollywood franchises over the last ten years. She gained international recognition as Ilsa Faust in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, performing her own stunts alongside Tom Cruise. Ferguson also delivered a standout performance as Lady Jessica in the ‘Dune’ film adaptations. Her work in the musical ‘The Greatest Showman’ and the horror film ‘Doctor Sleep’ demonstrated her range beyond the action genre. She currently leads the acclaimed science fiction series ‘Silo’, further establishing her as a top-tier talent in the industry.

Gal Gadot

Israeli actress Gal Gadot became a global superstar when she was cast as Diana Prince in ‘Wonder Woman’. Her portrayal of the iconic superhero helped the 2017 film become a massive critical and commercial success. Over the last decade, she has reprised the role in several DC Extended Universe films and starred in the Netflix hit ‘Red Notice’. Gadot also led the spy thriller ‘Heart of Stone’ and is set to play Cleopatra in an upcoming historical drama. Her transition from international model to one of the highest-paid actresses in the world is a notable success story.

Elizabeth Debicki

Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki has become known for her striking screen presence and her ability to play regal or complex figures. She received worldwide acclaim for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the final seasons of ‘The Crown’, winning an Emmy Award. Her film work over the last decade includes roles in ‘The Great Gatsby’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’, and Christopher Nolan’s ‘Tenet’. Debicki is celebrated for her elegance and her capacity to convey deep emotional nuance in both period pieces and modern blockbusters. She continues to be a highly respected figure in international television and film.

Toni Collette

Australian veteran Toni Collette has delivered some of the most memorable performances of the last decade across various genres. Her role in the 2018 horror film ‘Hereditary’ is widely regarded as a masterclass in acting, earning her several critics’ choice awards. She also starred in the hit whodunnit ‘Knives Out’ and the acclaimed limited series ‘Unbelievable’. Collette is known for her fearless approach to character work and her ability to inhabit wildly different personalities. She remains one of the most consistently excellent actresses working in the global industry today.

Tilda Swinton

British actress Tilda Swinton has continued her career as a chameleon-like performer in international cinema over the past ten years. She has been a frequent collaborator with Wes Anderson, appearing in films like ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ and ‘Asteroid City’. Her performance in ‘Suspiria’ saw her playing multiple roles under heavy prosthetics, showcasing her transformative abilities. Swinton also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Ancient One in ‘Doctor Strange’. She remains a fixture of the international festival circuit and a symbol of avant-garde excellence.

Rachel Weisz

British actress Rachel Weisz has balanced prestigious dramatic roles with darker, more experimental work in the last decade. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘The Favourite’, where she played Sarah Churchill. Her performance in the 2023 miniseries ‘Dead Ringers’ saw her playing twin gynecologists, earning critical raves for her dual portrayal. Weisz also appeared in the Marvel film ‘Black Widow’, demonstrating her ability to navigate large franchises. She is known for her intelligence and her choice of complex, high-stakes narratives.

Kate Winslet

British icon Kate Winslet has maintained her status as a premier dramatic actress through a series of acclaimed television and film projects. Her performance in the limited series ‘Mare of Easttown’ earned her an Emmy Award and widespread praise for her gritty realism. She also starred in the long-awaited ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, reuniting with director James Cameron. Winslet’s work in ‘Steve Jobs’ and ‘Ammonite’ further demonstrated her commitment to intense, character-driven storytelling. She remains one of the most decorated and respected actresses of her generation.

Emma Thompson

British actress Emma Thompson has continued to be a beloved and versatile figure in global cinema over the past ten years. She received critical acclaim for her role in ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’, which explored themes of intimacy and aging. Thompson also appeared in ‘Cruella’ as the villainous Baroness and reprised her role in the ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ universe. Her work as a writer and actress continues to influence the industry, and she is known for her wit and commanding screen presence. Thompson remains a vital part of the British film establishment with a significant global following.

Vicky Krieps

Luxembourgish actress Vicky Krieps became an international sensation following her breakout role in ‘Phantom Thread’ opposite Daniel Day-Lewis. Since then, she has become a mainstay of European and American independent cinema. Her performance in ‘Corsage’, where she played Empress Elisabeth of Austria, won her the Un Certain Regard Best Performance Prize at Cannes. Krieps is known for her naturalistic style and her ability to portray fiercely independent women. She continues to work with some of the most innovative directors in modern cinema.

Sandra Hüller

German actress Sandra Hüller has achieved massive international success in the last decade, culminating in an Academy Award nomination for ‘Anatomy of a Fall’. She also starred in ‘The Zone of Interest’, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Hüller first gained significant global attention for her role in the 2016 comedy-drama ‘Toni Erdmann’. Her performances are characterized by their psychological depth and her ability to navigate complex moral territories. She is currently regarded as one of the most talented and influential actresses in European cinema.

Diane Kruger

German actress Diane Kruger has transitioned between major Hollywood roles and acclaimed European cinema throughout the last decade. She won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her powerful performance in the German-language thriller ‘In the Fade’. Kruger has also appeared in various international productions, including ‘The 355’ and the series ‘The Bridge’. She is known for her elegance and her ability to deliver intense, emotionally charged performances. Kruger remains a prominent figure on the international stage, working frequently in both English and her native German.

Trine Dyrholm

Danish actress Trine Dyrholm has dominated Scandinavian cinema for years and gained significant international recognition over the last decade. Her performance in ‘Queen of Hearts’ was hailed as one of the best of the year, earning her numerous European awards. She also starred in ‘Nico, 1988’, portraying the titular iconic singer during her final years. Dyrholm is known for her fearlessness in taking on morally complex and challenging roles. She is a frequent winner at the Danish Robert Awards and a respected figure at major film festivals.

Sidse Babett Knudsen

Danish actress Sidse Babett Knudsen gained international fame through the political drama ‘Borgen’, which saw a resurgence in popularity over the last ten years. She successfully transitioned into major international film and television, including a role in ‘Westworld’. Knudsen also starred alongside Tom Hanks in ‘Inferno’ and appeared in several acclaimed French films, such as ‘L’Hermine’. Her work is characterized by her commanding presence and her ability to play characters with great authority and intelligence. She remains one of Denmark’s most successful exports to the global entertainment industry.

Alba Rohrwacher

Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher has become one of the most prominent faces of contemporary Italian cinema on the international circuit. She has worked frequently with her sister, director Alice Rohrwacher, in films like ‘The Wonders’ and ‘Happy as Lazzaro’. Alba is known for her ethereal and distinct screen presence, often playing introspective or unconventional characters. She has won several David di Donatello awards, the Italian equivalent of the Oscars. Her work continues to represent the best of modern European arthouse cinema.

Monica Bellucci

Italian icon Monica Bellucci has remained a significant presence in international cinema over the last decade, often appearing in diverse global productions. She made history as the oldest “Bond girl” when she appeared in ‘Spectre’ at the age of 50. Bellucci also worked with director Emir Kusturica in ‘On the Milky Road’ and appeared in the ‘Twin Peaks’ revival. More recently, she starred in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’, showcasing her continued appeal in major Hollywood sequels. She remains a symbol of Italian beauty and cinematic longevity.

Golshifteh Farahani

Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani has lived and worked in exile in France, becoming a major star of international cinema over the last decade. She starred alongside Jim Jarmusch in ‘Paterson’ and played a lead role in the ‘Extraction’ films on Netflix. Farahani is known for her expressive performances and her ability to work in multiple languages, including Persian, French, and English. She has become a symbol of artistic resistance and a prominent voice for Iranian women on the global stage. Her career continues to span from intimate indies to high-octane action films.

Thuso Mbedu

South African actress Thuso Mbedu made a major international impact with her lead role in the limited series ‘The Underground Railroad’. Her performance earned her an Independent Spirit Award and widespread critical acclaim for its emotional intensity. She followed this success with a starring role in ‘The Woman King’ alongside Viola Davis, demonstrating her prowess in action-heavy roles. Mbedu is regarded as one of the most promising young talents from the African continent. She has quickly become a sought-after actress for prestigious projects in Hollywood.

Yalitza Aparicio

Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio rose from total anonymity to international stardom with her debut performance in Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Roma’. She became the first Indigenous American woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Since her historic debut, she has used her platform to advocate for Indigenous rights and domestic workers. Aparicio has appeared in several subsequent projects, including ‘Presences’ and the series ‘Mujeres Asesinas’. Her impact on representation in the film industry remains one of the most significant stories of the last decade.

Eiza González

Mexican actress Eiza González has become a prominent figure in Hollywood action cinema over the past ten years. She gained initial recognition for her role in ‘Baby Driver’ and has since appeared in ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’. González also starred in the Netflix thriller ‘I Care a Lot’ and the sci-fi series ‘3 Body Problem’. She is known for her screen charisma and her ability to handle demanding physical roles. González is currently one of the most successful Mexican actresses working in the American studio system.

Sarah Gadon

Canadian actress Sarah Gadon has built a respected career through her collaborations with prestigious directors and her work in intellectual dramas. Over the last decade, she delivered a standout performance in the miniseries ‘Alias Grace’, based on the Margaret Atwood novel. She also starred in films like ‘Indignation’ and ‘Enemy’, frequently working with David Cronenberg. Gadon is known for her classic screen presence and her ability to play characters with a hidden depth of complexity. She remains a central figure in the thriving Canadian film and television industry.

Tatiana Maslany

Canadian performer Tatiana Maslany achieved international fame for her virtuoso performance in the series ‘Orphan Black’, where she played over a dozen different clones. This role earned her an Emmy Award and established her as one of the most technically gifted actresses of her generation. In the last few years, she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the lead in ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’. Maslany has also appeared in acclaimed films like ‘Stronger’ and ‘The Other Half’. She continues to be recognized for her incredible range and her ability to inhabit multiple distinct personas.

Rose Byrne

Australian actress Rose Byrne has been a consistent presence in both comedy and drama over the last decade. She starred in the hit ‘Neighbors’ films and led the long-running comedy series ‘Physical’ on Apple TV+. Byrne is known for her impeccable comedic timing, but she has also delivered strong dramatic work in projects like ‘Mrs. America’. Her versatility has allowed her to move between indie films and large studio comedies with ease. She remains one of the most successful Australian exports in the modern Hollywood landscape.

Mia Wasikowska

Australian actress Mia Wasikowska has spent the last decade focusing on eclectic and independent projects following her early success in ‘Alice in Wonderland’. She starred in the gothic romance ‘Crimson Peak’ and the acclaimed drama ‘Bergman Island’. Wasikowska is known for her quiet intensity and her preference for working with auteur directors. She has also moved into directing herself, further establishing her as a multifaceted artist. Her career is defined by a commitment to artistic integrity over mainstream commercial success.

Mélanie Laurent

French actress Mélanie Laurent has maintained a high-profile career as both an actress and a director over the past ten years. She appeared in the blockbuster ‘Now You See Me’ and the Netflix thriller ‘Oxygen’, where she carried the entire film solo. Laurent has also directed several acclaimed films, including ‘The Mad Women’s Ball’, in which she also starred. She is celebrated for her versatility and her ability to work across various genres in both France and Hollywood. Laurent remains one of the most prominent figures in contemporary French cinema.

Hoyeon

South Korean actress Jung Ho-yeon became a global phenomenon almost overnight following her debut acting role in ‘Squid Game’. Her performance as Kang Sae-byeok earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award and made her one of the most-followed actresses on social media. Since then, she has moved into international projects, including a role in the Apple TV+ series ‘Disclaimer’ directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Originally a high-fashion model, Jung’s transition to acting is considered one of the most successful in recent history. She continues to be a major face for global brands while pursuing a high-profile acting career.

Please share which international actresses you believe have defined the last decade of cinema in the comments.