30 Best Female Actors Of All Time, Ranked – SlashFilm

Right here at /Movie, we beforehand ranked the 30 Best Male Actors of All Time, and now it’s time to let the women shine. There was a time in historical past when solely males and boys had been allowed to be actors. Fortunately, that unlucky level in historical past has lengthy since handed. Ladies have been proving their abilities on the stage for the reason that 1600s, and so they’ve been a distinguished a part of the movie trade since its inception within the Nineties. 

Naturally, narrowing down the best actresses of all time is a problem. Audiences have various favorites, and folks respect various things a few performer’s fashion. There may be a lot to contemplate, from presence to vary and extra.

A standard supply for recognizing expertise is the Academy Awards. Because the Oscars started in 1927, the Best Actress award has been introduced 97 instances to 80 completely different actresses. In the meantime, the Best Supporting Actress award has been given 89 instances to 87 actresses. Whereas there are many Oscar winners on our record, we’re additionally recognizing greats who’ve been snubbed by the Academy through the years. 

After cautious consideration, listed here are the 30 greatest feminine actors of all time. 

Olivia Colman didn’t turn out to be a family identify till later in her profession, however her huge filmography proves her versatility. The British star was initially identified for comedies, getting her massive break within the sitcom “Peep Present” and ultimately starring in “Sizzling Fuzz.” Her dramatic chops had been later showcased within the profitable police drama, “Broadchurch.”

Colman made massive waves in Hollywood when she starred as Queen Anne in “The Favorite” (see above), which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Since taking house the prize in 2019, she has been nominated two extra instances for “The Father” and “The Misplaced Daughter.” Colman has additionally gained 4 BAFTA Awards, two Emmy Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards. Considered one of her most beloved award-profitable roles was Queen Elizabeth II on Netflix’s “The Crown.” 

Colman’s different notable works embody “Accused,” “Twenty Twelve,” “Fleabag,” and “The Bear.” Whether or not she is appearing in an experimental comedy or an intense emotional drama, Colman by no means fails to win over the viewers. 

Rita Moreno is a vivacious actor, singer, and dancer who has been charming audiences for the higher a part of eight many years. At 94, she is without doubt one of the final residing legends from the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was the primary Hispanic performer to win an Academy Award and is one among solely two girls on this record who’re EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). 

Moreno gained her Oscar in 1962 for “West Aspect Story,” her Grammy in 1973 for “The Electrical Firm,” her Tony in 1975 for “The Ritz,” and her first Emmy in 1977 for “The Muppet Present.” She gained one other Emmy in 1978 for “The Rockford Information,” and she or he was nominated for 4 different Emmys all through her profession. In 1976, Moreno reprised her function from “The Ritz” in a movie adaptation, which earned her a BAFTA and a Golden Globe nod. 

Moreno has all the time been electrical onscreen and stood out in initiatives similar to “Carnal Information,”The 4 Seasons,” and “Slums of Beverly Hills.” In 2021, she returned to the world of “West Aspect Story” as Valentina (see above) in Steven Spielberg’s revered adaptation. Ariana DeBose gained an Academy Award for taking part in Anita within the movie, which was the identical function Moreno gained for 60 years earlier.

Greta Garbo was a uncommon expertise who obtained her begin within the silent period within the Nineteen Twenties earlier than transitioning to sound photos within the Nineteen Thirties. She was usually praised for her pure appearing fashion, which was unusual in an period identified for melodramatic and over-the-prime performances. Her distinctive abilities led to many nicknames similar to “The Swedish Sphinx,” “The Divine,” and “The Face.” She turned one of many greatest field workplace attracts on the earth and the gold commonplace for ladies performers. 

Garbo was nominated for 4 Oscars for “Romance,” “Anna Christie” (above), “Camille,” and “Ninotchka.” Another fan-favourite Garbo movies embody “Mata Hari,” “Susan Lenox,” “Grand Lodge,” and “Queen Christina.” She made her remaining film in 1941 and retired from the general public eye. She notoriously declined alternatives to return to the highlight on many events. 

Garbo obtained an Honorary Academy Award in 1955 however stored her vow to remain hidden from Hollywood and didn’t attend the ceremony. She handed away in 1990 at age 84. 

Regina King’s comedic chops first caught the public’s consideration within the sitcom “227,” in addition to the fan-favourite comedy, “Friday.” In 1996, her star energy grew resulting from her memorable flip as Marcee Tidwell in “Jerry Maguire.” As King’s profession progressed, it turned clear that she was properly-suited to drama in addition to comedy. King exudes confidence and thrives at portraying grounded girls. She pulls you into her roles and makes it not possible to not root for her characters. 

Whereas King has been a revered performer for many years, it was not till the 2010s that she began profitable accolades for her roles. In 2015 and 2016, she gained again-to-again Emmys for “American Crime.” In 2018, she gained one other for “Seven Seconds.” In 2019, King gained the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in addition to the Golden Globe for her function in “If Beale Avenue Might Speak” (see above). The next yr, she gained her fourth Emmy in 5 years for starring in HBO’s “Watchmen.” 

Along with being a dynamic performer, King additionally confirmed herself as a director. She made her knockout directorial debut in 2020 with “One Evening in Miami.” 

Toni Collette’s appearing profession started in Australia within the early ’90s, and she or he first gained folks’s hearts taking part in the awkward and naive titular character in “Muriel’s Wedding ceremony” in 1994. Collette has confirmed herself to be an extremely adaptable actor, as she transforms into her roles through the use of distinctive and properly-rounded instincts. 

Collette was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for her function in “The Sixth Sense,” which helped skyrocket her profession in Hollywood. Someway, she has not been nominated for the award since, however a lot of the Web agrees she ought to have been acknowledged for “Hereditary” (above). That is very true contemplating she has referred to it as the toughest job of her life, calling it “endlessly emotional.”  

Collette has been nominated for 5 Emmys and 6 Golden Globes, profitable each for “United States of Tara” in 2009 and 2010, respectively. She has additionally been nominated for 2 BAFTA awards for portraying very completely different however equally memorable moms in “A few Boy” and “Little Miss Sunshine.” 

Emma Stone is the one actor on this record who’s underneath 40, which exhibits how a lot she has completed since making her debut on the fact tv present, “In Search of the New Partridge Household,” in 2004. 

Stone’s movie profession kicked off with comedies similar to “Superbad,” “Zombieland,” and “Straightforward A.” Whereas she exuded appeal and star energy in these initiatives, it was not till she starred in “Birdman” in 2014 that Hollywood began to really respect the depths of her abilities. 

The film earned her her first Oscar nomination, and she or he went on to win the Best Actress award for “La La Land,” simply one among Stone’s greatest performances, in 2017. Since then, her roles in Yorgos Lanthimos’ movies have earned her three extra appearing nominations. She gained Best Actress once more in 2024 for “Poor Issues” (above). The vary Stone displays in “Poor Issues” alone earns her a spot on this record. She completely embodies the newly reborn Bella Baxter by way of each step of her progress by way of life. 

Allison Janney is thought for being a flexible character actress each on stage and onscreen. This was particularly showcased in 1999. Not solely did she debut because the witty and dignified White Home Press Secretary, C.J. Cregg, probably the greatest characters on the hit present “The West Wing,” however she additionally portrayed drastically completely different characters in films. She was the hilariously blunt Minnesotian, Loretta, in “Drop Lifeless Beautiful,” and the damaged and docile Barbara in “American Magnificence.” Doing all of these roles (and two others) in such a brief time period is a formidable feat. 

Janney has been acknowledged by the Emmys many instances all through her profession. She has obtained 15 nominations and 7 wins. She took house the prize for “The West Wing,” “Masters of Intercourse,” and “Mother.” Her accolades additionally embody seven Golden Globe nominations and one Oscar nod. She gained each awards for Best Supporting Actress for “I, Tonya.” Janney has additionally been nominated for 2 Tony Awards. Different memorable performances from the actor embody “The Hours,” “Juno,” and “Palm Royale” (above).

Elizabeth Taylor is a popular culture icon identified for her lavish fashion and extremely publicised romances. Nonetheless, her legacy goes a lot deeper than Hollywood opulence. Taylor was a fascinating actor with an unmatched filmography. She approached her characters with depth and was celebrated for portraying explosive girls. 

Taylor began as a toddler star within the Forties earlier than attaining main girl standing. She was nominated for 5 Academy Awards all through her profession, profitable Best Actress for each “BUtterfield 8” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (above), each clearly amongst Taylor’s greatest films. She was additionally nominated for “Raintree County,” “Cat on a Sizzling Tin Roof,” and “All of a sudden, Final Summer season.” Taylor was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1993. She additionally gained two BAFTA Awards and 4 Golden Globes.

Different well-known works embody “Cleopatra” and “Large,” and so they’re additionally amongst Elizabeth Taylor’s greatest films. Whereas she was identified for dramatic roles on the top of her profession, Taylor additionally proved herself able to comedy in a number of movies.

Taylor continued to carry out till the early 2000s when she determined to retire and dedicate her life to philanthropy and AIDS activism. She handed away in 2011 at age 79.  

Few folks in Hollywood are as enjoyable to observe onscreen as Joan Cusack. She is wildly expressive and has flawless comedic timing, however she additionally exudes a heat that shines by way of in her roles. Cusack was briefly a solid member on “Saturday Evening Stay” earlier than she began stealing scenes in films. 

Considered one of Cusack’s earliest memorable roles was in “Broadcast Information,” which noticed her executing one of many funniest operating scenes in cinematic historical past. The scene was really impressed by an actual second of frenzy at NBC. Cusack’s notable credit additionally embody “Addams Household Values” (above), “Faculty of Rock,” and the “Toy Story” franchise. 

Cusack has been nominated for 2 Academy Awards, one for “Working Lady” in 1988 and one other for “In & Out” in 1997, and the latter additionally earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Throughout her time on “Shameless,” she obtained 5 Emmy nominations, profitable one in 2015. 

Alfre Woodard is a distinguished performer identified for taking part in robust girls. She has confirmed again and again that she is without doubt one of the most enthralling performers working right this moment. Woodard gained prominence within the theatre world by originating the function of “girl who misplaced her stuff” within the Off-Broadway play “For Coloured Women Who Have Thought of Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf” in 1977. 

The ’80s had been an vital time for Woodard, who earned an Academy Award nomination for “Cross Creek” in 1984. Later that yr, she scored her first Emmy nomination and win for “Hill Avenue Blues.” She has been nominated for 17 Emmys all through her profession, additionally profitable for “L.A. Legislation,” “Miss Ever’s Boys,” and “The Observe.” Woodard’s filmography proves that she will be able to pop into any tv present and ship an unforgettable efficiency. 

Woodard has gained three Actors Awards and a Golden Globe, and has been nominated for a BAFTA and two Grammys. She can also be identified for “Crooklyn,” “Primal Worry,” “12 Years a Slave,” and “Clemency” (see above). Whereas Woodard is thought for extra critical outings, she can also be one of many few actors who has performed multiple function within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Glenn Shut is a deeply expert performer who immerses herself in each function. Like lots of the girls on this record, Shut’s profession started on the stage. She made her Broadway debut in 1974 and has continued to impress audiences along with her appearing and vocal abilities for 50 years. Shut gained Tony Awards for “The Actual Factor” in 1983, “Dying and the Maiden” in 1992, and “Sundown Boulevard” in 1995.

Shut has famously by no means gained an Oscar regardless of giving many worthy performances. She’s been nominated eight instances all through her profession for “The World In line with Garp,” “The Massive Chill,” “The Pure,” “Deadly Attraction,” “Harmful Liaisons,” “Albert Nobbs,” “The Spouse,” and “Hillbilly Elegy.” Shut has been nominated for 14 Emmys, profitable for “Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story,” and twice for “Damages.” 

Shut has been nominated for 16 Golden Globe awards, profitable for “The Lion in Winter,” “Damages,” and “The Spouse” (above). Considered one of her Globe nods was for taking part in Cruella DeVil in “101 Dalmatians,” which was a real showcase of her vary and positively one among her greatest performances. She’s additionally been nominated for 2 BAFTAs and three Grammys.

Many actresses may very well be referred to as comedic geniuses, however Madeline Kahn would possibly take the cake. Her historical past on the stage and display screen was phenomenal, and her understanding of comedy was unmatched. She was identified for her scene-stealing performances in movies similar to “What’s Up, Doc?,” “Younger Frankenstein,” “Clue” (above), and extra. She was additionally a clasically educated singer, which she usually blended along with her comedic chops to create magic. 

Kahn obtained two again-to-again Oscar nominations for “Paper Moon” and “Blazing Saddles” in 1974 and 1975, respectively. As a dramedy, “Paper Moon” allowed Kahn to indicate off her abilities in a extra grounded world. As for “Blazing Saddles,” the truth that a slapstick satirical comedy was even acknowledged by the Academy was spectacular, and the movie nonetheless has chew 50 years later. Kahn being the one actor from the stacked solid to get a nod was much more awe-inspiring.

All through her profession, Kahn was nominated for 4 Golden Globes and 4 Tonys, profitable one in 1993 for “The Sisters Rosensweig.” Sadly, Kahn handed away from ovarian most cancers in 1999 at age 57. 

Nicole Kidman started her appearing profession within the ’80s and have become a celebrity by the ’90s. Kidman has a particular sort of attract that attracts audiences in. Identified for dramatic performances, Kidman’s method to characters has all the time been deliberate and placing. 

Regardless of shining within the ’90s with movies like “Eyes Extensive Shut,” Kidman’s award accolades didn’t start till the 2000s. Her first Academy Award nomination was for “Moulin Rouge!” in 2002. Since then, she has been nominated 4 extra instances, profitable Best Actress in 2003 for “The Hours.” She additionally gained a BAFTA and Golden Globe for the function. She gained 4 different appearing Golden Globes all through her profession, and an Emmy in 2017 for the hit HBO drama, “Massive Little Lies” (above), which topped our record of Nicole Kidman’s greatest films and TV exhibits.

Along with her appearing abilities, Kidman can also be identified for producing initiatives and boosting girls administrators.

Olivia de Havilland was one of the revered actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age. As a flexible performer, de Havilland was capable of seamlessly remodel from a young ingenue to a ungaurded main girl. She starred in costume spectacles and journey movies in addition to somber and intense dramas. 

She was nominated for 5 Academy Awards within the ’40s and ’50s, profitable for “To Every His Personal” and “The Heiress.” Her different distinguished movies included “Gone with the Wind,” “Maintain Again the Daybreak,” and “The Snake Pit.” Later in her profession, she was nominated for an Emmy for “Anastasia: The Thriller of Anna” in 1987. The made-for-tv movie additionally earned her a Golden Globe. That win got here 37 years after she gained a Globe for “The Heriess.” 

Sadly, de Havilland handed away in 2020 on the spectacular age of 104. Earlier than her passing, she was the final surviving star of “Gone with the Wind.

Amy Adams has been capturing our hearts ever since debuting within the 1999 comedy, “Drop Lifeless Beautiful.” She went on to seem in a number of common exhibits of the 2000s, like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Charmed,” earlier than turning into the distinguished performer she is right this moment. 

In 2005, Adams was given the prospect to really present her appearing abilities within the movie “Junebug.” The dramedy displayed her skill to play unhappy, candy, and humorous suddenly. Her efficiency within the movie  scored her an Academy Award nomination, and it might be simply the primary of many. 

Adams went on to be nominated 5 extra instances – “Doubt,” “The Fighter,” “The Grasp,” “American Hustle,” and “Vice” – however she has by no means gained the coveted prize. The Web is rightfully obsessive about this oversight, with many believing Adams deserved to win for roles she was not even nominated for, like “Enchanted” and “Arrival” (above). Regardless of additionally dropping a number of BAFTA, Emmy Awards, and Actor Awards, Adams has gained two Golden Globes for “American Hustle” and “Massive Eyes.” 

Penélope Cruz is a Spanish actress whose work radiates with ardour. Whether or not she is serving as a muse for Pedro Almodóvar in one among his vibrant melodramas or showcasing her star energy in a Hollywood actioner, Cruz is bewitching onscreen. 

Cruz’s profession started as a teen within the early ’90s, and her first characteristic movie function was in “Jamon Jamon.” The film earned her her first of 14 Goya nominations, that are thought of the Oscars of Spain. All through her profession, she gained the award 3 times for “The Lady of Your Goals,” “Volver,” and “Vicky Christina Barcelona.” 

As for Cruz’s Hollywood accolades, she has been nominated for 4 Oscars, profitable for “Vicky Christina Barcelona” in 2009. She was additionally acknowledged for “Volver,” “9,” and “Parallel Moms” (above). She has gained a BAFTA and has been nominated for an Emmy and 4 Golden Globes. A few of Cruz’s different notable works embody “All About My Mom,” “Vanilla Sky,” and “Ferrari.”

Bette Davis was identified for her commanding presence onscreen. Her characters had been all the time advanced, whether or not she was taking part in a glamorous star in “All About Eve” (above) or a mentally deranged girl in “What Ever Occurred to Child Jane?,” Davis was by no means afraid to go all out for a task, which is why she is taken into account by many to be probably the greatest to ever do it. 

Davis began appearing within the early Nineteen Thirties and continued to work till she died in 1989 at age 81. All through her profession, she was nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award 11 instances, profitable for “Harmful” and “Jezebel.” Her nod for “Of Human Bondage” was one of many solely write-in votes ever granted by the Academy.

The Golden Globes acknowledged Davis with three nominations earlier than giving her the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1974. She was nominated for 4 Emmys later in her life, profitable for “Strangers: The Story of a Mom and Daughter” in 1979. A few of her different well-known works embody “Darkish Victory,” “The Little Foxes, “Now, Voyager,” and “Dying on the Nile.”

Cate Blanchett is a stunning actor with an unlimited filmography. Her skill to mould herself to any function makes her one of many best trendy performers. Whether or not she is starring in one among Hollywood’s greatest hits or a low-finances characteristic, she will be able to go from serene to zestful in seconds.

Blanchett started her profession on the Australian stage within the ’90s earlier than turning into a star of the display screen. She has been nominated for eight Oscars, profitable for “The Aviator” and “Blue Jasmine.” She performed Katharine Hepburn within the former, making her the one individual in Hollywood historical past to win an Oscar for taking part in an Oscar-winner. Blanchett has additionally gained 4 BAFTAs, three Actors Awards, and 4 Golden Globes. In 2017, she obtained her first Tony nomination for “The Current.” 

A few of Blanchett’s greatest performances might be seen in “Elizabeth,” “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “Notes on a Scandal,” “I am Not There,” “Carol,” and “Tár” (above).

Kathy Bates is a beloved character actress with over 130 movie and tv credit to her identify. She excels at embodying girls who’re singular and resilient. Bates can also be identified for her rigorious work ethic, which shines by way of in each efficiency. She has confirmed herself in each the dramatic and comedic areas.

Bates gained an Academy Award in 1991 for her chilling flip in “Distress.” She was later nominated for “Major Colours,” “About Schmidt,” and “Richard Jewell.” She has been nominated for 15 Emmys, profitable for “Two and a Half Males” and “American Horror Story” (above). In 2025, she broke an Emmy file along with her “Matlock” nomination. Out of her 10 Golden Globe nods, she has gained twice for “Distress” and “The Late Shift.” Out of her 10 Actors Award nods, she gained twice for “The Late Shift” and “Major Colours.” She was additionally nominated for a Tony for “‘evening, Mom” in 1983.

Different nice movies that includes Bates embody “Fried Inexperienced Tomatoes,” “Titanic,” “Revolutionary Highway,” and “Midnight in Paris.” 

Angela Bassett is a full-blown powerhouse. She thrives in showcasing uncooked emotion, whether or not delicate or excessive. After offering memorable performances in movies similar to “Boyz n the Hood” and “Malcolm X,” Bassett’s breakthrough efficiency was taking part in Tina Turner in “What’s Love Received to Do With It,” which earned her an Academy Award nomination in 1994. Many imagine Bassett gave the definitive biopic efficiency within the movie. 

For greater than 30 years, Bassett has shone in numerous movie and tv initiatives starting from “Ready to Exhale” and “How Stella Received Her Groove Again” to “The Rosa Parks Story” and “ER.” In 2023, she was nominated by the Academy for the second time for taking part in Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Perpetually” (above). She is the one actor within the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 18-yr historical past to get an Oscar nomination for one of many franchise’s movies. 

Many followers had been upset when Bassett misplaced the award, however she was given an Honorary Osacr the next yr. Bassett’s accolates additionally embody an Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. 

In relation to performing, Tilda Swinton is a real authentic and chameleon. The British actor is thought for bringing an unconventional take to her roles, which vary from experimental unbiased initiatives to huge blockbusters. When Swinton seems in a undertaking, you by no means know what you will get, however you realize it’ll be good.

In 1991, Swinton’s first main accolade was profitable the Vopli Cup for “Edward II.” In 2008, she gained an Academy Award and a BAFTA for “Michael Clayton.” She has been nominated for 4 Golden Globes, together with ones for “We Have to Speak About Kevin and “The Room Subsequent Door.” She additionally earned Impartial Spirit Award nominations for “The Deep Finish” and “Solely Lovers Left Alive.” 

With over 100 appearing credit to her identify, Swinton’s various filmography additionally contains “Orlando,” “Adaptation,” “Burn After Studying,” “Snowpiercer,” and “Physician Unusual.” She is a frequent collaborator of many administrators, together with Wes Anderson, Luca Guadagnino, and Jim Jarmusch. Considered one of her best performances lately was in Guadagnino’s “Suspiria” (above), which is taken into account probably the greatest horror remakes ever made. Within the movie, Swinton performed three drastically completely different characters. 

Katharine Hepburn was one of the dynamic and charming performers ever to grace the display screen. With a profession spanning from the Nineteen Thirties to the Nineteen Nineties, she was identified for taking part in willful girls. Whether or not she was making screwball comedies or interval dramas, Hepburn was assured to mesmerize an viewers. 

She gained 4 Oscars for “Morning Glory,” “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner,” “The Lion in Winter,” and “On Golden Pond,” making her the performer with probably the most wins in historical past. She was additionally nominated for “Alice Adams,” “The Philadelphia Story,” “Girl of the 12 months,” “The African Queen,” “Summertime,” “The Rainmaker,” “All of a sudden Final Summer season,” and “Lengthy Day’s Journey Into Evening” (above). 

Hepburn’s accolades additionally included six Emmy nods and one win, in addition to three BAFTA wins, eight Golden Globe nominations, and two Tony nods. Whereas all the aforementioned initiatives are wonderful, “The Philadelphia Story” is without doubt one of the few classics that has an ideal Rotten Tomatoes rating. 

Along with being proficient, Hepburn was an actual-life function mannequin. She by no means conformed to the social norms that had been anticipated of ladies and remained true to herself till she died in 2003 at age 96. 

Sandy Dennis is presumably the least properly-identified actor on this record, however she’s simply probably the greatest to ever enter the occupation. Her profession started with Broadway, and she or he already had two Tony Awards underneath her belt earlier than co-starring in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” The 1966 movie earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. On the time, she had solely ever appeared in a single different film.

Dennis’ efficiency fashion was intense as she usually performed neurotic girls. She all the time channeled a fact that was assured to make you uncomfortable or break your coronary heart. A few of her most memorable movie performances embody “The Fox,” “That Chilly Day within the Park,” “The Out-of-Towners,” “The 4 Seasons,” and “Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” (above). 

Sadly, Dennis’ profession slowed down within the ’80s resulting from her well being points. Her remaining movie look was in “The Indian Runner” in 1991. She handed away of ovarian most cancers in 1992 at 54. 

Frances McDormand is a famend character actor who embodies her roles with a uncooked authenticity. McDormand’s profession spans over 4 many years. In 1984, she made her first movie, “Blood Easy,” which marked her first collaboration along with her husband, Joel Coen. That very same yr, she made her Broadway debut in “Awake and Sing!” 

McDormand has confirmed herself to be a gritty, dramatic participant in addition to a foolish comedic one. She has been nominated for six appearing Academy Awards, profitable for “Fargo,” “Three Billboards Exterior Ebbing, Missouri” (above), and “Nomadland,” for which she additionally earned an Oscar as one of many Best Image winner’s producers. She was nominated for her performances in “Mississippi Burning,” “Virtually Well-known,” and “North Nation.” 

McDormand’s accolades additionally embody two Emmys, three BAFTAs, 4 Actors Awards, two Golden Globes, and a Tony Award. It’s secure to say her most well-known function is in “Fargo,” however one minimize scene may have modified her character in a serious approach.

Isabelle Huppert is a French actor identified for her intense and delicate performances in psychological dramas. She usually portrays advanced and morally ambiguous girls and may need probably the most troublesome filmography of any performer on this record. Huppert is clearly not afraid of challenges and going all-in on a task. 

A few of Huppert’s most unsettling movies embody “Violette” and “The Piano Trainer,” which earned her the Best Actress Award at Cannes in 1978 and 2001, respectively. “Elle” (see above) is one other provocative film in her filmography that scored her an Academy Award nomination, Golden Globe win, and César Award win in 2017. The César Awards are France’s equal of the Academy Awards, and she or he has obtained 17 nominations all through her profession. She additionally gained for “La Cérémonie” in 1996. Even when Huppert finds herself in sillier movies similar to “8 Ladies” or “I Coronary heart Huckabees,” her ferocity stays. 

Huppert can also be identified for the stage, and holds the title for probably the most nominated actress for the Molière Award, which is France’s model of the Tonys. 

Ingrid Bergman is without doubt one of the most influential girls on this record. A radiant main girl identified for being devoted to her craft, Bergman obtained her begin in Swedish and German movies. She made her option to English-talking audiences within the late Nineteen Thirties and remained one of the esteemed performers of stage and display screen till her passing in 1982 at age 67. 

All through her profession, Bergman obtained seven Academy Award nominations, profitable for “Gaslight,” “Anastasia,” and “Homicide on the Orient Specific.” Her different nominations had been for “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Bells of St. Mary,” “Joan of Arc,” and “Autumn Sonata.” Surprisingly, she was not nominated for “Casablanca” (above), regardless of it being Bergman’s most beloved undertaking.

Bergman gained a Tony for the play “Joan of Lorraine” in 1947. Her accolades additionally embody 4 Golden Globes in addition to a BAFTA Award for “Homicide on the Orient Specific” and two Emmys for the “Startime” manufacturing of “The Flip of the Screw” and “A Girl Referred to as Golda.” Her different memorable roles included “Indiscreet,” “The Inn of Sixth Happiness,” and “Cactus Flower.”

Viola Davis is a bona fide powerhouse and has the awards to show it. She is the second of solely two girls on this record who’ve earned an EGOT. Davis is a Juilliard-educated dramatic actress identified for delivering emotionally devastating performances. She has had an undeniably fascinating profession, going from a Soderbergh-ian bit participant to the very best of a technology.

Davis obtained her begin on Broadway in “Seven Guitars” in 1996, which earned her her first Tony nod. She went on to win the award for “King Hedley II” in 2001 and “Fences” in 2010. She reprised her “Fences” function on movie (above), which earned her an Academy Award in 2017. She has been nominated three different instances for “Doubt,” “The Assist,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Backside.” 

As for the Emmys, Davis has been nominated 5 instances for “How one can Get Away with Homicide” and gained in 2015. In 2022, she gained the Grammy Award for Best Audio Guide, Narration & Storytelling Recording for narrating her memoir, “Discovering Me.” She has additionally been nominated for seven Golden Globes, profitable for “Fences” in addition to the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2025.

Nobody may ship a uncooked efficiency fairly just like the late, nice Gena Rowlands. Throughout her many collaborations along with her husband, John Cassavetes, Rowlands performed girls grappling with the cruel realities of life. Rowlands may come untethered onscreen in methods no different performer ever would have thought of. She was particularly mesmerizing in “A Girl Below the Affect,” which earned her an Academy Award nod in 1975. To this present day, working actresses usually cite Rowlands’ efficiency in that movie as one among their greatest inspirations (through AFI).

Rowlands obtained her second Oscar nomination for “Gloria” in 1980. With a profession spanning almost seven many years, she later turned identified for her efficiency in “The Pocket book” (above), which was helmed by her son, Nick Cassavetes. Her most memorable roles included “Opening Evening,” “The Brink’s Jon,” “Love Streams,” “The Betty Ford Story,” “Evening on Earth,” “Hysterical Blindness,” and far more. All through her life, she gained 4 Emmys and two Golden Globes.

In 2016, Rowlands was awarded an Honorary Oscar. She handed away in 2024 at age 94.

Barbara Stanwyck was an enormous star through the Golden Age of Hollywood because of her fascinating display screen presence. She had a naturalistic fashion that drew audiences in, whether or not she was taking part in the femme fatale in a movie noir or a powerful, unbiased girl in a screwball comedy. Stanwyck exuded confidence, and to this present day, it’s not possible to observe her movies with out being utterly enamoured. 

Stanwyck began as a Broadway star earlier than transitioning to movie within the late Nineteen Twenties. From there, her profession spanned six many years. She obtained 4 Academy Award nominations within the Forties for “Stella Dallas,” “Ball of Hearth,” “Double Indemnity,” and “Sorry, Flawed Quantity.” Curiously, Stanwyck thought “Double Indemnity” would smash her profession, but it surely ended up being one among her most beloved options.

Stanwyck was additionally nominated for 5 Emmys, profitable for “The Barbara Stanwyck Present,” “The Massive Valley,” and “The Thorn Birds.” The third additionally gained her a Golden Globe. Her memorable performances additionally included “Child Face,” “The Woman Eve,” “Keep in mind the Evening,” and “Forty Weapons” (above).  She was given an Honorary Oscar in 1982 earlier than passing away in 1990 at age 82. 

In relation to naming the best actress of all time, it is laborious to argue in opposition to Meryl Streep. She’s been actively working in Hollywod for 50 years and counting, proving herself as each a superb dramatic and comedic performer. Streep’s breakout function was in “The Deer Hunter” in 1978, which earned her her first Academy Award nomination. From there, she turned a fixture within the trade. 

All through her profession, Streep has been nominated for 21 Oscars, making her probably the most-nominated actor within the ceremony’s historical past. She’s gained 3 times for “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Sophie’s Alternative,” and “The Iron Woman.” Moreover, she has gained two BAFTAs, eight Golden Globes, 4 Emmys, and two Actor Awards.

Streep has additionally confirmed herself an adept singer by starring in musicals similar to “Mamma Mia!” and “Into the Woods.” In 2026, it was introduced that she’d be taking part in legendary singer Joni Mitchell in a biopic from Cameron Crowe. She can be seen in 2026 reprising her iconic function as Miranda Priestly in “The Satan Wears Prada 2” (above). 

Streep is a performer who not solely captivates audiences but additionally makes nice undertaking selections. Here is /Movie’s record of Streep’s 15 greatest movies.