A Century of Best Actress Oscar Winners: Iconic Performances and Historic Firsts

From groundbreaking achievements to unforgettable roles, the Best Actress Oscar category has celebrated a wide range of talent since 1929.

The Best Actress Oscar has been awarded annually since 1929, spotlighting standout performances across nearly a century of cinematic history.
Meryl Streep holds the record for most nominations in the category, with 17 nods and two wins for Best Actress, including her acclaimed role in 'Sophie's Choice' (1982).
Michelle Yeoh made history in 2023 as the first Asian actress to win Best Actress for her role in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
The category has also seen ties, such as the 1969 awards shared by Katharine Hepburn ('The Lion in Winter') and Barbra Streisand ('Funny Girl').
Recent winners include Emma Stone for 'Poor Things' (2024), marking her second Oscar, and Jessica Chastain for 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' (2023).