10 Oscar-Winning Actresses: Hollywood’s Best Performances

Acting is central to filmmaking. It brings stories to life and forges connections between audiences and characters. Winning an Academy Award—commonly known as an Oscar—is among the highest honors an actress can achieve. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in performance, celebrating talent, dedication, and artistry.

Let’s explore 10 Oscar-winning actresses whose unforgettable performances have left a lasting impact on cinema. Each brings a unique skill and presence to the screen.

List of Oscar-Winning Actresses

10: Kate Winslet

• Best Actress for The Reader

Kate Winslet made her screen debut at age 15 in the British television series Dark Season (1991). She gained recognition with Heavenly Creatures (1994), playing a troubled teen in a true-crime drama. Her talent for portraying complex, emotionally intense women in period dramas and psychological films set her apart in the industry.

Winslet earned an Oscar nomination for her role as Rose DeWitt Bukater in Titanic (1997), one of the most acclaimed films in history and one of the most Oscar-winning movies. Known for her deeply immersive acting style, she has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles.

9: Kathy Bates

• Best Actress for Misery

Bates started with minor roles in films. After landing her first on-screen appearance in the 1971 film Taking Off, she gained fame in psychological thrillers with her breakthrough role in Misery (1990).

She is known for portraying complex, often intense characters, notably excelling in suspenseful and emotionally charged roles. Equally successful on television, she delivered award-winning performances in American Horror Story (2013).

8: Susan Sarandon

• Best Actress in Dead Man Walking

Susan Sarandon made her film debut in Joe (1970) and gained recognition with The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). Known for portraying strong-willed, complex women, she excels in drama and character-driven films.

Her performances in Thelma & Louise (1991) and Dead Man Walking (1995) highlighted her depth and realism. In 1996, she got the Oscar Award for Best Actress for Dead Man Walking, solidifying her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.

7: Sophia Loren

• Best Actress for Two Women

Sophia Loren’s acting career took off after winning Miss Italia in 1950. She gained early exposure with a small role in Quo Vadis (1951) and international recognition after signing with Paramount in 1956.

Renowned for her emotional depth and realism, Loren excelled in both Italian and Hollywood films, often portraying strong, independent women. Her authenticity and screen presence made her a cinematic icon.

In 1962, she became the first actor to win an Academy Award for a foreign-language performance, earning Best Actress for Two Women.

6: Marion Cotillard

• Best Actress for La Vie en Rose

Marion Cotillard started her film acting career in the mid-1990s after small appearances in theater and TV series like Highlander (1992) and Extrême Limite (1994).

Cotillard’s breakthrough came in 1998 with Taxi, a popular French action-comedy, which led to further recognition in French cinema.

Her versatile acting skills highlight her emotional depth and range. Furthermore, she can handle complex roles with precision across various genres.

5: Charlize Theron

• Best Actress for Monster

Charlize Theron, one of the renowned method actors, debuted in the horror film Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995). However, her breakthrough role in 1997’s The Devil’s Advocate brought her to Hollywood’s radar.

Being a versatile actor, Theron shines in intense dramas and high-energy action films, often performing her own stunts. This fearless approach to challenging roles and commitment to authenticity has made her a dominant force in cinema.

In 2004, she won the Oscar Award for Best Actress for her transformative performance in Monster, where she portrayed real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos.

4: Cate Blanchett

• Best Supporting Actress for The Aviator
• Best Actress for Blue Jasmine

Cate Blanchett made her film debut in Paradise Road (1997) but gained international recognition with her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth (1998).

Known for her nuanced performances, Blanchett excels in period dramas and biographical roles, bringing depth and intensity to every character. Her dedication to the craft has made her one of the most popular Australian actors of her generation.

3: Hilary Swank

• Best Actress for Boys Don’t Cry
• Best Performance for Million Dollar Baby

Hilary Swank made her debut movie in 1992’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and her breakthrough came in 1994’s The Next Karate Kid, marking a significant career turning point.

Swank’s acting style is intense and committed, often tackling roles that focus on resilience and overcoming obstacles, cementing her place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses. With her exceptional acting talent, Swank is one of the famous Oscar winning actresses who won two awards.

2: Frances McDormand

• Best Actress for Fargo
• Best Actress for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
• Best Actress for Nomadland

Frances McDormand began her career on stage before making her breakthrough in Blood Simple (1984), directed by Joel Coen. Over four decades, she has built a reputation for powerful performances in drama and crime films, often embracing emotionally complex roles.

Known for her range and dedication, McDormand has earned both critical and commercial acclaim, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.

1: Meryl Streep

• Best Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer
• Best Actress for Sophie’s Choice
• Best Actress for The Iron Lady

Meryl Streep has honed her acting skills with the ability to fully embody complex characters. Known for her meticulous preparation, Streep often masters accents and deeply explores her roles’ emotional depth.

Streep, often considered as one of the top actors in the world made her film debut in Julia (1977), delivering a performance that quickly captured the audience’s attention. Over the decades, Streep has built an unparalleled career, popularly known as one of the greatest living actresses. She has made records for the most Academy Award nominations—21 in total—and has won three Oscars.