The Most Influential Actresses of the 2020s

The 2020s have already reshaped what screen stardom looks like, with actresses leading global box office runs, steering acclaimed streaming hits, and building production companies that put new voices on the map. Many are crossing between franchises and festival favorites with ease, while others are opening doors through historic awards milestones and industry leadership. Their work travels across theaters, streaming platforms, and international markets, creating cultural touchpoints that audiences revisit and discuss. Here are the actresses whose choices and achievements are helping define this decade.

Zendaya

Zendaya headlined the HBO series ‘Euphoria’ and won multiple Emmys for her performance. She expanded her global reach through ‘Dune’ while also serving as a key fashion and brand figure. She moved into producing, backing projects that spotlight younger talent and new storytellers. Her influence spans film, television, music, and style, giving her a rare cross-platform presence.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie starred in and produced ‘Barbie’ through LuckyChap, helping drive a cultural moment that revived the appeal of big studio event movies. Her company also fostered filmmaker partnerships that brought distinctive projects to theaters. She balances franchise work with auteur-driven films like ‘Babylon’. Her behind-the-scenes role keeps growing, shaping which stories get financed and made.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. The win marked a breakthrough for Asian representation at the highest level of Hollywood awards. She leveraged that momentum to take on varied roles across film and television. Her decades of action and drama work now anchor mentorship and international collaborations.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone earned the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Poor Things’. She also co-founded a company that develops projects with distinctive directors and writers. Her film slate ranges from daring comedies to character-driven dramas. Each release demonstrates sustained audience interest in original theatrical stories.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh moved seamlessly between intimate dramas and large-scale franchises. She joined the Marvel universe while continuing to headline prestige films like ‘The Wonder’ and ensemble features such as ‘Oppenheimer’. Her roles often come with strong creative partnerships with directors and writers. She has become a bankable presence for both studios and streamers.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakout with ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ sparked a surge in interest in chess and prestige limited series. She followed with event films including ‘Furiosa’ and joined ensemble hits like ‘The Menu’. Her projects consistently travel well internationally. She has become a go-to lead for unconventional genre storytelling.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega led the smash hit ‘Wednesday’ and came aboard as an executive producer for its second season. She boosted modern horror through appearances in the ‘Scream’ franchise and other genre titles. Her social reach helps new releases find younger audiences quickly. She uses that platform to advocate for on-set safety and thoughtful storytelling.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone’s performance in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ earned historic recognition across major awards bodies. She became the first Native American performer nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Her visibility elevated Indigenous narratives and collaborations with Native creatives. She continues to choose projects that center underrepresented communities.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis completed the rare EGOT milestone in the 2020s. She anchored ‘The Woman King’ while continuing to produce films and series through JuVee Productions. Her company develops talent pipelines and creates opportunities for stories that are often overlooked. She remains a leading advocate for equity in casting and pay.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney broke out with ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The White Lotus’, then carried her momentum into film. She founded Fifty-Fifty Films and shepherded projects like ‘Immaculate’. The romantic comedy ‘Anyone But You’ demonstrated her strong box office draw. She actively develops material that puts young women’s perspectives at the center.

Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt led major Hindi-language hits and won top national honors for her performance in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. She expanded internationally with ‘Heart of Stone’ and high-profile fashion partnerships. Her company Eternal Sunshine produces films that champion compelling women’s stories. She bridges Bollywood and global streaming audiences with ease.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone headlined event films like ‘Pathaan’ and appeared at major international showcases including the Oscars stage. She became a global brand ambassador for luxury houses and sports initiatives. Her foundation continues mental health advocacy across India. She maintains a consistent presence across theatrical releases and global campaigns.

Sandra Hüller

Sandra Hüller delivered standout performances in ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ and ‘The Zone of Interest’. Those films dominated festival circuits and awards shortlists. She became a leading face of European cinema for international audiences. Her choices highlight the appetite for challenging arthouse stories in the 2020s.

Léa Seydoux

Léa Seydoux moved from ‘James Bond’ to ‘Dune Part Two’ while keeping a strong foothold in French cinema. She frequently collaborates with notable auteurs and balances major franchises with intimate dramas. Her festival premieres draw global media attention. She continues to champion French-language projects for worldwide release.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler launched with ‘West Side Story’ and quickly took on franchise roles in ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ and ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. She is set to headline Disney’s live-action ‘Snow White’. Her vocal training and stage background inform her screen work. She engages directly with fans, helping new releases build early buzz.

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler’s performance in ‘Till’ drew widespread critics’ awards and guild nominations. She has since lined up projects with prominent directors and studios. Her background in theater and television supports nuanced film roles. She is increasingly part of conversations about awards and prestige storytelling.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri became a defining face of ‘The Bear’ and won major television awards. She expanded into feature films and voice roles in projects like ‘Bottoms’ and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’. Her writing and stand-up background inform sharp character work. She is now attached to high-visibility studio titles while staying active in indie spaces.

Song Hye-kyo

Song Hye-kyo led the Netflix hit ‘The Glory’ and won the top Baeksang Arts Award for television. The series fueled global conversation about bullying and accountability. Her roles continue to travel strongly across Asia and international streaming markets. She remains a cornerstone of Hallyu’s global reach.

Park Eun-bin

Park Eun-bin fronted ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’, which became a word-of-mouth phenomenon across streaming platforms. She earned the Baeksang Grand Prize for her performance. The show also boosted interest in legal dramas with compassionate representation. She followed with new series that kept her audience engaged.

Ho-yeon Jung

HoYeon Jung’s acting debut in ‘Squid Game’ brought her a SAG Award and international recognition. She leveraged that visibility into film roles and global brand deals. Her fashion runway background broadened the show’s cultural footprint. She remains one of the most recognizable Korean talents worldwide.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas headlined the international spy series ‘Citadel’ while maintaining a slate across Hollywood and Bollywood. She produces films that champion regional stories through Purple Pebble Pictures. Her philanthropy supports health and education initiatives with UNICEF. She continues to serve as a cultural bridge across markets.

Greta Lee

Greta Lee’s lead turn in ‘Past Lives’ drew major nominations and widespread festival acclaim. Her earlier television work built a versatile resume that complements her film rise. She collaborates closely with emerging and established directors. The film’s success strengthened opportunities for nuanced immigrant narratives.

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan sustained awards momentum with ‘Promising Young Woman’ and later ‘Maestro’. She consistently partners with filmmakers on character-driven projects that reach both theaters and streamers. Her stage experience informs film performances that travel internationally. She supports campaigns for better on-set protections and creative equity.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o returned to the Marvel universe with ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ and broadened her genre range with ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’. She produces and writes nonfiction projects that highlight diaspora stories. Her literary work and children’s books extend her influence beyond film. She remains active in initiatives that promote girls’ education.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer boosted theatrical genre appeal with ‘Nope’ and built a digital studio through KeyTV to incubate young creators. She won major television honors and brought fresh energy to live formats. Her music, hosting, and voice work keep her present across multiple platforms. She invests in training pipelines that help new talent break in.

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas earned an Academy Award nomination for playing Marilyn Monroe in ‘Blonde’. She drew global attention with a memorable turn in the James Bond entry ‘No Time to Die’. She kept visibility high with streaming hits like ‘The Gray Man’ and the action comedy ‘Ghosted’. Her choices strengthened her profile across theatrical releases and major platforms.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson returned to the Marvel universe with ‘The Marvels’ while joining the ensemble of ‘Fast X’. She headlined and executive produced ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ on Apple TV Plus. The series expanded her work behind the camera and in development. She continues to balance franchise roles with character-driven television.

Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen led the Disney Plus series ‘WandaVision’ and received major award nominations for the role. She extended her character arc in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. She also took on a true-crime limited series with ‘Love & Death’. Her slate shows steady movement between streaming and theatrical projects.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright stepped into the lead of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ and helped the film become a global box office success. She followed with festival-driven dramas like ‘Aisha’. She continued building roles that highlight character growth and cultural storytelling. Her work connects mainstream audiences with timely themes.

Stephanie Hsu

Stephanie Hsu earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. She kept momentum with the comedy ‘Joy Ride’ and voice work on ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. Her range across indie film and television widened her audience. She has become a reliable presence for inventive genre storytelling.

Hong Chau

Hong Chau received an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Whale’. She appeared in high-profile releases like ‘The Menu’, ‘Showing Up’, and ‘Asteroid City’. Her supporting turns consistently drew strong notices from critics and viewers. She brings precision to roles across studio films and festival titles.

Vanessa Kirby

Vanessa Kirby followed her Academy Award-nominated performance in ‘Pieces of a Woman’ with key roles in ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ and ‘Napoleon’. She maintained a steady presence at major festivals and prestige campaigns. Her work bridges large franchises and auteur cinema. International distribution kept her projects in constant conversation.

Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer moved from television acclaim to award-winning stage work with ‘Prima Facie’, earning top honors in London and on Broadway. She returned to film with ‘The Bikeriders’. Her theater success expanded her industry standing and creative options. She now alternates confidently between screen and stage commitments.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson created, stars in, and produces ‘Abbott Elementary’. The series earned multiple Emmys and revitalized network comedy buzz. She oversees a writers room that develops character-led storytelling with broad reach. Brand partnerships and live appearances further amplified the show’s impact.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey headlined Disney’s live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’. She reached new audiences with a key role in ‘The Color Purple’. Her music career supported global promotion and visibility for her screen projects. She became a focal point for discussions about inclusive casting and franchise updates.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett led the acclaimed drama ‘Tár’ and collected major critics’ prizes along the way. She kept a diverse slate with titles like ‘Nightmare Alley’ and the series ‘Disclaimer’. Through Dirty Films she continued producing projects with notable directors. Her filmography shaped awards seasons and festival lineups in the decade.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Spencer’. She expanded into bold genre work with ‘Crimes of the Future’ and ‘Love Lies Bleeding’. She also produced unscripted and independent projects that highlight emerging voices. Her releases kept a steady presence at prominent festivals.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera delivered a widely discussed supporting turn in ‘Barbie’ and received an Academy Award nomination. She advanced producing efforts on film and television that center underrepresented communities. Public speaking and advocacy amplified the impact of her screen work. She leveraged a major box office moment into long-term development opportunities.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Color Purple’. She picked up a Tony nomination for her performance in the revival of ‘The Piano Lesson’. Television work like ‘Peacemaker’ expanded her reach beyond musical drama. She moves fluidly between stage, streaming, and film.

Tang Wei

Tang Wei earned widespread honors for her lead performance in ‘Decision to Leave’. The film’s international rollout strengthened her influence across Asian and European markets. She has been a consistent draw for festival audiences and critics. Her work continues to spotlight complex female leads in global cinema.

Share the actresses you would add to this list in the comments and tell us which performances defined the decade for you.