BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role

British film industry award From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Best Actress in a Leading Role is a British Academy Film Award presented annually by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) to recognize an actress who has delivered an outstanding leading performance in a film.

  • From 1952 to 1967, there were two Best Actress awards presented, Best British Actress and Best Foreign Actress.
  • From 1968 onwards, the two awards merged into one award, which from 1968 to 1984 was known as Best Actress.[1]
  • From 1985 to present, the award has been known by its current name of Best Actress in a Leading Role.[2]
Awarded forBest Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
CountryUnited Kingdom
Presented byBritish Academy of Film and Television Arts
Currently held byJessie Buckley for Hamnet (2025)
Quick facts Awarded for, Country ...
BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role
The 2025 recipient: Jessie Buckley
Awarded forBest Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
CountryUnited Kingdom
Presented byBritish Academy of Film and Television Arts
Currently held byJessie Buckley for Hamnet (2025)
Websitehttp://www.bafta.org/
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In the following lists, the titles and names in bold with a gold background are the winners and recipients respectively; those not in bold are the nominees. The years given are those in which the films under consideration were released, not the year of the ceremony, which always takes place the following year.

Winners and nominees

  indicates the winner
Vivien Leigh was the inaugural winner, for A Streetcar Named Desire (1952).
Simone Signoret won thrice, for Golden Helmet (1952), The Witches of Salem (1957), and Room at the Top (1958).
Audrey Hepburn won thrice, for Roman Holiday (1953), The Nun's Story (1959), and Charade (1963).
Shirley MacLaine won twice, for Ask Any Girl (1959) and The Apartment (1960).
Sophia Loren won for Two Women (1961)
Leslie Caron won twice, for Lili (1953) and The L-Shaped Room (1962).
Patricia Neal won twice, for Hud (1963) and In Harms Way (1965)
Anne Bancroft won thrice, for The Miracle Worker (1962), The Pumpkin Eater (1964), and 84 Charing Cross Road (1987).
Julie Christie won for Darling (1965).
Elizabeth Taylor won for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966).
Jeanne Moreau won for Viva Maria! (1966)
Anouk Aimee won for A Man and a Woman (1967)
Katharine Hepburn won twice, for Guess Who's Coming to Dinner / The Lion in Winter (1968) and On Golden Pond (1981).
Maggie Smith won four times in 1969, 1984, 1985, and 1987.
Katharine Ross won for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid / Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here (1970).
Glenda Jackson won for Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971).
Liza Minnelli won for Cabaret (1972).
Joanne Woodward won for Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams (1973).
Ellen Burstyn won for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974).
Diane Keaton won for Annie Hall (1977).
Jane Fonda won twice, for Julia (1977) and The China Syndrome (1978).
Meryl Streep twice for The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) and The Iron Lady (2011).
Judy Davis won for My Brilliant Career (1980)
Julie Walters won for Educating Rita (1983).
Pauline Collins won for Shirley Valentine (1989)
Jodie Foster won for The Silence of the Lambs (1991).
Emma Thompson won twice, for Howards End (1992) and Sense and Sensibility (1995).
Holly Hunter won for The Piano (1993).
Susan Sarandon won for The Client (1994).
Brenda Blethyn won for Secrets & Lies (1996).
Photo of Judi Dench at the 2007 British Academy Film Awards
Judi Dench won twice, for Mrs Brown (1997) and Iris (2001).
Photo of Cate Blanchett at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival
Cate Blanchett won thrice, for Elizabeth (1998), Blue Jasmine (2013), and Tár (2022).
Photo of Annette Bening at the 2013 Tribeca International Film Festival
Annette Bening won for American Beauty (1999).
Photo of Julia Roberts at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival
Julia Roberts won for Erin Brockovich (2000).
Photo of Nicole Kidman at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival
Nicole Kidman won for The Hours (2002).
Photo of Scarlett Johansson at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con
Scarlett Johansson won for Lost in Translation (2003).
Imelda Staunton won for Vera Drake (2004)
Photo of Reese Witherspoon at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival
Reese Witherspoon won for Walk the Line (2005).
Photo of Helen Mirren at the 2014 British Independent Film Awards
Helen Mirren won for The Queen (2006).
Photo of Marion Cotillard at the 2017 Cabourg Film Festival
Marion Cotillard won for La Vie en Rose (2007).
Photo of Kate Winslet at the 2011 Venice Film Festival
Kate Winslet won for The Reader (2008).
Photo of Carey Mulligan in Sydney, Australia at the premiere of "The Great Gatsby" in 2013
Carey Mulligan won for An Education (2009).
Photo of Natalie Portman at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival
Natalie Portman won for Black Swan (2010).
Photo of Emmanuelle Riva at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival
Emmanuelle Riva won at age 85 for Amour (2012)
Photo of Julianne Moore at the 2014 Tribeca International Film Festival
Julianne Moore won for Still Alice (2014).
Photo of Brie Larson at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con
Brie Larson won for Room (2015).
Photo of Julianne Moore at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival.
Emma Stone won twice, for La La Land (2016) and Poor Things (2023).
Photo of Frances McDormand at the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards
Frances McDormand won twice, for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) and Nomadland (2020).
Photo of Olivia Colman at the 2014 British Independent Film Awards
Olivia Colman won for The Favourite (2018).
Renée Zellweger won for Judy (2019).
Joanna Scanlan won for After Love (2021).
Mikey Madison won for Anora (2024)

1950s

More information Year, Actor ...
Year Actor Film Role(s) Ref.
1952
(6th)
 Best British Actress
Vivien Leigh † A Streetcar Named Desire Blanche DuBois
Phyllis Calvert Mandy Christine Garland
Celia Johnson I Believe in You Matty Matheson
Ann Todd The Sound Barrier Susan Garthwaite
Best Foreign Actress
Simone Signoret Golden Helmet Marie
Edwige Feuillère Olivia Julie
Katharine Hepburn Pat and Mike Patricia "Pat" Pemberton
Judy Holliday The Marrying Kind Florence Keefer
Nicole Stéphane The Strange Ones Elisabeth
1953
(7th)
 Best British Actress
Audrey Hepburn † Roman Holiday Princess Ann
Celia Johnson The Captain's Paradise Maud
Best Foreign Actress
Leslie Caron Lili Lili Daurier
Shirley Booth † Come Back, Little Sheba Lola Delaney
Marie Powers The Medium Flora
Maria Schell The Heart of the Matter Helen Rolt
1954
(8th)
 Best British Actress
Yvonne Mitchell The Divided Heart Sonja
Brenda de Banzie Hobson's Choice Maggie Hobson
Audrey Hepburn Sabrina Sabrina Fairchild
Margaret Leighton Carrington V.C. Valerie Carrington
Noelle Middleton Alison L. Graham
Best Foreign Actress
Cornell Borchers The Divided Heart Inga Hartl
Shirley Booth About Mrs. Leslie Vivien Leslie
Judy Holliday Phffft Nina Tracey
Grace Kelly Dial M for Murder Margot Wendice
Gina Lollobrigida Bread, Love and Dreams Maria de Ritis
1955
(9th)
 Best British Actress
Katie Johnson The Ladykillers Louisa Wilberforce
Margaret Johnston Touch and Go Helen Fletcher
Deborah Kerr The End of the Affair Sarah Miles
Margaret Lockwood Cast a Dark Shadow Freda Jeffries
Best Foreign Actress
Betsy Blair Marty Clara Snyder
Dorothy Dandridge Carmen Jones Carmen Jones
Judy Garland A Star Is Born Esther Blodgett
Julie Harris I Am a Camera Sally Bowles
Katharine Hepburn Summertime Jane Hudson
Grace Kelly † The Country Girl Georgie Elgin
Giulietta Masina The Road Gelsomina
Marilyn Monroe The Seven Year Itch The Girl
1956
(10th)
 Best British Actress
Virginia McKenna A Town Like Alice Jean Paget
Dorothy Alison Reach for the Sky Nurse Brace
Audrey Hepburn War and Peace Natasha Rostova
Best Foreign Actress
Anna Magnani † The Rose Tattoo Serafina Delle Rose
Carroll Baker Baby Doll Baby Doll Meighan
Eva Dahlbeck Smiles of a Summer Night Desiree Armfeldt
Ava Gardner Bhowani Junction Victoria Jones
Susan Hayward I'll Cry Tomorrow Lillian Roth
Shirley MacLaine The Trouble with Harry Jennifer Rogers
Kim Novak Picnic Marjorie Owens
Marisa Pavan The Rose Tattoo Rose Delle Rose
Maria Schell Gervaise Gervaise Macquart Coupeau
Jean Simmons Guys and Dolls Sister Sarah Brown
1957
(11th)
 Best British Actress
Heather Sears The Story of Esther Costello Esther Costello
Deborah Kerr Tea and Sympathy Laura Reynolds
Sylvia Syms Woman in a Dressing Gown Georgie Harlow
Best Foreign Actress
Simone Signoret The Witches of Salem Elizabeth Proctor
Augusta Dabney That Night! Maggie Bowden
Katharine Hepburn The Rainmaker Lizzie Curry
Marilyn Monroe The Prince and the Showgirl Elsie Marina
Lilli Palmer Is Anna Anderson Anastasia? Anna Anderson
Eva Marie Saint A Hatful of Rain Celia Pope
Joanne Woodward † The Three Faces of Eve Eve White
1958
(12th)
 Best British Actress
Irene Worth Orders to Kill Léonie
Hermione Baddeley Room at the Top Elspeth
Karuna Banerjee Aparajito Sarbajaya Roy
Virginia McKenna Carve Her Name with Pride Violette Szabo
Best Foreign Actress
Simone Signoret † Room at the Top Alice Aisgill
Ingrid Bergman The Inn of the Sixth Happiness Gladys Aylward
Anna Magnani Wild Is the Wind Gioia
Giulietta Masina Nights of Cabiria Cabiria Ceccarelli
Tatiana Samoilova The Cranes Are Flying Veronika
Elizabeth Taylor Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Maggie Pollitt
Joanne Woodward No Down Payment Leola Boone
1959
(13th)
 Best British Actress
Audrey Hepburn The Nun's Story Sister Luke (Gabrielle van der Mal)
Peggy Ashcroft The Nun's Story Mother Mathilde
Wendy Hiller Separate Tables Pat Cooper
Yvonne Mitchell Sapphire Mildred
Sylvia Syms No Trees in the Street Hetty
Kay Walsh The Horse's Mouth Miss. Coker
Best Foreign Actress
Shirley MacLaine Ask Any Girl Meg Wheeler
Ava Gardner On the Beach Moira Davidson
Susan Hayward † I Want to Live! Barbara Graham
Ellie Lambeti A Matter of Dignity Chloe Pella
Rosalind Russell Auntie Mame Mame Dennis
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1960s

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Year Actor Film Role(s) Ref.
1960
(14th)
 Best British Actress
Rachel Roberts Saturday Night and Sunday Morning Brenda
Wendy Hiller Sons and Lovers Gertrude Morel
Hayley Mills Pollyanna Pollyanna
Best Foreign Actress
Shirley MacLaine The Apartment Fran Kubelik
Pier Angeli The Angry Silence Anna Curtis
Melina Mercouri Never on Sunday Illya
Emmanuelle Riva Hiroshima, My Love Elle
Jean Simmons Elmer Gantry Sharon Falconer
Monica Vitti The Adventure Claudia
1961
(15th)
 Best British Actress
Dora Bryan A Taste of Honey Helen
Deborah Kerr The Sundowners Ida Carmody
Hayley Mills Whistle Down the Wind Kathy Bostock
Best Foreign Actress
Sophia Loren † Two Women Cesira
Annie Girardot Rocco and His Brothers Nadia
Piper Laurie The Hustler Sarah Packard
Claudia McNeil A Raisin in the Sun Lena Younger
Jean Seberg Breathless Patricia Franchini
1962
(16th)
 Best British Actress
Leslie Caron The L-Shaped Room Jane Fosset
Virginia Maskell The Wild and the Willing Virginia Chown
Janet Munro Life for Ruth Pat Harris
Best Foreign Actress
Anne Bancroft † The Miracle Worker Annie Sullivan
Anouk Aimée Lola Lola
Harriet Andersson Through a Glass Darkly Karin
Melina Mercouri Phaedra Phaedra
Jeanne Moreau Jules and Jim Catherine
Geraldine Page Sweet Bird of Youth Alexandra del Lago
Natalie Wood Splendor in the Grass Deanie Loomis
1963
(17th)
 Best British Actress
Rachel Roberts This Sporting Life Margaret Hammond
Julie Christie Billy Liar Liz
Edith Evans Tom Jones Miss Western
Sarah Miles The Servant Vera
Barbara Windsor Sparrows Can't Sing Maggie Gooding
Best Foreign Actress
Patricia Neal † Hud Alma Brown
Joan Crawford What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Blanche Hudson
Bette Davis Baby Jane Hudson
Lee Remick Days of Wine and Roses Kirsten Arnesen Clay
Daniela Rocca Divorce Italian Style Rosalia Cefalù
1964
(18th)
 Best British Actress
Audrey Hepburn Charade Regina Lampert
Edith Evans The Chalk Garden Mrs. St. Maugham
Deborah Kerr Mrs. Madrigal
Rita Tushingham Girl with Green Eyes Kate Brady
Best Foreign Actress
Anne Bancroft The Pumpkin Eater Jo Armitage
Ava Gardner The Night of the Iguana Maxine Faulk
Shirley MacLaine [A] Irma la Douce Irma la Douce
What a Way to Go! Louisa Foster
Kim Stanley Séance on a Wet Afternoon Myra Savage
1965
(19th)
 Best British Actress
Julie Christie † Darling Diana Scott
Julie Andrews [A] The Americanization of Emily Emily Barham
The Sound of Music Maria von Trapp
Maggie Smith Young Cassidy Nora
Rita Tushingham The Knack ...and How to Get It Nancy Jones
Best Foreign Actress
Patricia Neal In Harm's Way Maggie Haines
Jane Fonda Cat Ballou Catherine Ballou
Lila Kedrova Zorba the Greek Madame Hortense
Simone Signoret Ship of Fools La Condesa
1966
(20th)
 Best British Actress
Elizabeth Taylor † Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Martha
Julie Christie [A] Doctor Zhivago Lara Antipova
Fahrenheit 451 Linda Montag / Clarisse
Lynn Redgrave Georgy Girl Georgina "Georgy" Parkin
Vanessa Redgrave Morgan – A Suitable Case for Treatment Leonie Delt
Best Foreign Actress
Jeanne Moreau Viva Maria! Maria I
Brigitte Bardot Viva Maria! Maria II
Joan Hackett The Group Dottie Renfrew
Simone Signoret The Sleeping Car Murders Éliane Darrès
1967
(21st)
 Best British Actress
Edith Evans The Whisperers Mrs. Ross
Barbara Jefford Ulysses Molly Bloom
Elizabeth Taylor The Taming of the Shrew Katharina
Best Foreign Actress
Anouk Aimée A Man and a Woman Anne Gauthier
Bibi Andersson [A] My Sister, My Love Charlotte
Persona Alma
Jane Fonda Barefoot in the Park Corie Bratter
Simone Signoret The Deadly Affair Elsa Fennan
1968
(22nd)
 Best Actress
Katharine Hepburn [A] †† Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Christina Drayton
The Lion in Winter Eleanor of Aquitaine
Anne Bancroft The Graduate Mrs. Robinson
Catherine Deneuve Beauty of the Day Séverine Serizy
Joanne Woodward Rachel, Rachel Rachel Cameron
1969
(23rd)
 Maggie Smith † The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Jean Brodie
Mia Farrow [A] John and Mary Mary
Rosemary's Baby Rosemary Woodhouse
Secret Ceremony Cenci
Glenda Jackson † Women in Love Gudrun Brangwen
Barbra Streisand † [A] Funny Girl Fanny Brice
Hello Dolly! Dolly Gallagher Levi
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1970s

More information Year, Actor ...
Year Actor Film Role(s) Ref.
1970
(24th)
 Katharine Ross [A] Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Etta Place
Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here Lola
Jane Fonda They Shoot Horses, Don't They? Gloria Beatty
Goldie Hawn [A] Cactus Flower Toni Simmons
There's a Girl in My Soup Marion
Sarah Miles Ryan's Daughter Rosy Ryan
1971
(25th)
 Glenda Jackson Sunday Bloody Sunday Alex Greville
Lynn Carlin Taking Off Lynn Tyne
Julie Christie The Go-Between Marian
Jane Fonda † Klute Bree Daniels
Nanette Newman The Raging Moon Jill Matthews
1972
(26th)
 Liza Minnelli † Cabaret Sally Bowles
Stéphane Audran The Butcher Hélène
Anne Bancroft Young Winston Lady Randolph Churchill
Dorothy Tutin Savage Messiah Sophie Brzeska
1973
(27th)
 Stéphane Audran [A] The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie Alice Sénéchal
Just Before Nightfall Hélène Masson
Julie Christie Don't Look Now Laura Baxter
Glenda Jackson † A Touch of Class Vicki Allessio
Diana Ross Lady Sings the Blues Billie Holiday
1974
(28th)
 Joanne Woodward Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams Rita Walden
Faye Dunaway Chinatown Evelyn Mulwray
Barbra Streisand The Way We Were Katie Morosky
Cicely Tyson The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman Jane Pittmann
1975
(29th)
 Ellen Burstyn † Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore Alice Hyatt
Anne Bancroft The Prisoner of Second Avenue Edna Edison
Valerie Perrine Lenny Honey Harlow
Liv Ullmann Scenes from a Marriage Marianne
1976
(30th)
 Louise Fletcher † One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Nurse Ratched
Lauren Bacall The Shootist Bond Rogers
Rita Moreno The Ritz Googie Gomez
Liv Ullmann Face to Face Jenny Isaksson
1977
(31st)
 Diane Keaton † Annie Hall Annie Hall
Faye Dunaway † Network Diana Christensen
Shelley Duvall 3 Women Millie Lammoreaux
Lily Tomlin The Late Show Margo Sperling
1978
(32nd)
 Jane Fonda Julia Lillian Hellman
Anne Bancroft The Turning Point Emma Jacklin
Jill Clayburgh An Unmarried Woman Erica Benton
Marsha Mason The Goodbye Girl Paula McFadden
1979
(33rd)
 Jane Fonda The China Syndrome Kimberly Wells
Diane Keaton Manhattan Mary Wilkie
Maggie Smith California Suite Diana Barrie
Meryl Streep The Deer Hunter Linda
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1980s

More information Year, Actor ...
Year Actor Film Role(s) Ref.
1980
(34th)
 Judy Davis My Brilliant Career Sybylla Melvyn
Shirley MacLaine Being There Eve Rand
Bette Midler The Rose Mary Rose Foster
Meryl Streep Kramer vs. Kramer Joanna Kramer
1981
(35th)
 Meryl Streep The French Lieutenant's Woman Sara Woodruff and Anna
Mary Tyler Moore Ordinary People Beth Jarrett
Maggie Smith Quartet Lois Heidler
Sissy Spacek † Coal Miner's Daughter Loretta Lynn
1982
(36th)
 Katharine Hepburn † On Golden Pond Ethel Thayer
Diane Keaton Reds Louise Bryant
Jennifer Kendal 36 Chowringhee Lane Violet Stoneham
Sissy Spacek Missing Beth Horman
1983
(37th)
 Julie Walters Educating Rita Susan "Rita" White
Jessica Lange Tootsie Julie Nichols
Phyllis Logan Another Time, Another Place Janie
Meryl Streep † Sophie's Choice Zofia "Sophie" Zawistowski
1984
(38th)
 Maggie Smith A Private Function Joyce Chilvers
Shirley MacLaine † Terms of Endearment Aurora Greenway
Helen Mirren Cal Marcella
Meryl Streep Silkwood Karen Silkwood
1985
(39th)
 Peggy Ashcroft A Passage to India Mrs. Moore
Mia Farrow The Purple Rose of Cairo Cecilia
Kelly McGillis Witness Rachel Lapp
Alexandra Pigg Letter to Brezhnev Elaine
1986
(40th)
 Maggie Smith A Room with a View Charlotte Bartlett
Mia Farrow Hannah and Her Sisters Hannah
Meryl Streep Out of Africa Karen Blixen
Cathy Tyson Mona Lisa Simone
1987
(41st)
 Anne Bancroft 84 Charing Cross Road Helene Hanff
Emily Lloyd Wish You Were Here Lynda Mansell
Sarah Miles Hope and Glory Grace Rowan
Julie Walters Personal Services Christine Painter
1988
(42nd)
 Maggie Smith The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne Judith Hearne
Stéphane Audran Babette's Feast Babette Hersant
Cher † Moonstruck Loretta Castorini
Jamie Lee Curtis A Fish Called Wanda Wanda Gershwitz
1989
(43rd)
 Pauline Collins Shirley Valentine Shirley Valentine
Glenn Close Dangerous Liaisons Marquise de Merteuil
Jodie Foster † The Accused Sarah Tobias
Melanie Griffith Working Girl Tess McGill
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1990s

More information Year, Actor ...
Year Actor Film Role(s) Ref.
1990
(44th)
 Jessica Tandy † Driving Miss Daisy Daisy Werthan
Shirley MacLaine Postcards from the Edge Doris Mann
Michelle Pfeiffer The Fabulous Baker Boys Susie Diamond
Julia Roberts Pretty Woman Vivian Ward
1991
(45th)
 Jodie Foster † The Silence of the Lambs Clarice Starling
Geena Davis Thelma & Louise Thelma Dickinson
Susan Sarandon Louise Sawyer
Juliet Stevenson Truly, Madly, Deeply Nina
1992
(46th)
 Emma Thompson † Howards End Margaret Schlegel
Judy Davis Husbands and Wives Sally Simmons
Tara Morice Strictly Ballroom Fran
Jessica Tandy Fried Green Tomatoes Ninny Threadgoode
1993
(47th)
 Holly Hunter † The Piano Ada McGrath
Miranda Richardson Tom & Viv Vivienne Haigh-Wood Eliot
Emma Thompson The Remains of the Day Sarah Kenton
Debra Winger Shadowlands Joy Davidman Gresham
1994
(48th)
 Susan Sarandon The Client Regina "Reggie" Love
Linda Fiorentino The Last Seduction Bridget Gregory
Irène Jacob Three Colours: Red Valentine Dussaut
Uma Thurman Pulp Fiction Mia Wallace
1995
(49th)
 Emma Thompson Sense and Sensibility Elinor Dashwood
Nicole Kidman To Die For Suzanne Stone-Maretto
Helen Mirren The Madness of King George Queen Charlotte
Elisabeth Shue Leaving Las Vegas Sera
1996
(50th)
 Brenda Blethyn Secrets & Lies Cynthia Purley
Frances McDormand † Fargo Marge Gunderson
Kristin Scott Thomas The English Patient Katharine Clifton
Emily Watson Breaking the Waves Bess McNeill
1997
(51st)
 Judi Dench Mrs Brown Queen Victoria
Kim Basinger L.A. Confidential Lynn Bracken
Helena Bonham Carter The Wings of the Dove Kate Croy
Kathy Burke Nil by Mouth Valerie
1998
(52nd)
 Cate Blanchett Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth I
Jane Horrocks Little Voice Laurie Hoff / Little Voice "LV"
Gwyneth Paltrow † Shakespeare in Love Viola de Lesseps
Emily Watson Hilary and Jackie Jacqueline du Pré
1999
(53rd)		 Annette Bening American Beauty Carolyn Burnham [3]
Linda Bassett East Is East Ella Khan
Julianne Moore The End of the Affair Sarah Miles
Emily Watson Angela's Ashes Angela Sheehan McCourt
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2000s

More information Year, Actor ...
Year Actor Film Role(s) Ref.
2000
(54th)		 Julia Roberts † Erin Brockovich Erin Brockovich [4]
[5]
Juliette Binoche Chocolat Vivianne Rocher
Kate Hudson Almost Famous Penny Lane
Hilary Swank † Boys Don't Cry Brandon Teena
Michelle Yeoh Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Yu Shu Lien
2001
(55th)		 Judi Dench Iris Iris Murdoch [6]
Nicole Kidman The Others Grace Stewart
Sissy Spacek In the Bedroom Ruth Fowler
Audrey Tautou Amélie Amélie Poulain
Renée Zellweger Bridget Jones's Diary Bridget Jones
2002
(56th)		 Nicole Kidman † The Hours Virginia Woolf [7]
Halle Berry † Monster's Ball Leticia Musgrove
Salma Hayek Frida Frida Kahlo
Meryl Streep The Hours Clarissa Vaughan
Renée Zellweger Chicago Roxie Hart
2003
(57th)		 Scarlett Johansson Lost in Translation Charlotte [8]
Scarlett Johansson Girl with a Pearl Earring Griet
Anne Reid The Mother May
Uma Thurman Kill Bill: Volume 1 Beatrix Kiddo
Naomi Watts 21 Grams Cristina Peck
2004
(58th)		 Imelda Staunton Vera Drake Vera Drake [9]
Charlize Theron † Monster Aileen Wuornos
Kate Winslet Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Clementine Kruczynski
Finding Neverland Sylvia Llewelyn Davies
Zhang Ziyi House of Flying Daggers Mei
2005
(59th)		 Reese Witherspoon † Walk the Line June Carter Cash [10]
Judi Dench Mrs Henderson Presents Laura Henderson
Charlize Theron North Country Josey Aimes
Rachel Weisz The Constant Gardener Tessa Abbott-Quayle
Zhang Ziyi Memoirs of a Geisha Chiyo Sakamoto / Sayuri Nitta
2006
(60th)		 Helen Mirren † The Queen Queen Elizabeth II [11]
Penélope Cruz Volver Raimunda
Judi Dench Notes on a Scandal Barbara Covett
Meryl Streep The Devil Wears Prada Miranda Priestly
Kate Winslet Little Children Sarah Pierce
2007
(61st)		 Marion Cotillard † La Vie en Rose Édith Piaf [12]
Cate Blanchett Elizabeth: The Golden Age Queen Elizabeth I
Julie Christie Away from Her Fiona Anderson
Keira Knightley Atonement Cecilia Tallis
Elliot Page [B] Juno Juno MacGuff
2008
(62nd)		 Kate Winslet † The Reader Hanna Schmitz [13]
Angelina Jolie Changeling Christine Collins
Kristin Scott Thomas I've Loved You So Long Juliette Fontaine
Meryl Streep Doubt Sister Aloysius Beauvier
Kate Winslet Revolutionary Road April Wheeler
2009
(63rd)		 Carey Mulligan An Education Jenny Mellor [14]
Saoirse Ronan The Lovely Bones Susie Salmon
Gabourey Sidibe Precious Claireece "Precious" Jones
Meryl Streep Julie & Julia Julia Child
Audrey Tautou Coco Before Chanel Coco Chanel
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2010s

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Year Actor Film Role(s) Ref.
2010
(64th)		 Natalie Portman † Black Swan Nina Sayers [15]
Annette Bening The Kids Are All Right Dr. Nicole "Nic" Allgood
Julianne Moore Jules Allgood
Noomi Rapace The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Lisbeth Salander
Hailee Steinfeld True Grit Mattie Ross
2011
(65th)		 Meryl Streep † The Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher [16]
Bérénice Bejo The Artist Peppy Miller
Viola Davis The Help Aibleen Clark
Tilda Swinton We Need to Talk About Kevin Eva Khatchadourian
Michelle Williams My Week with Marilyn Marilyn Monroe
2012
(66th)		 Emmanuelle Riva [C] Amour Anne Laurent [17]
Jessica Chastain Zero Dark Thirty Maya Harris
Marion Cotillard [C] Rust and Bone Stéphanie
Jennifer Lawrence † Silver Linings Playbook Tiffany Maxwell
Helen Mirren Hitchcock Alma Reville Hitchcock
2013
(67th)		 Cate Blanchett † Blue Jasmine Jeanette "Jasmine" Francis [18]
Amy Adams American Hustle Sydney Prosser / Lady Edith Greensly
Sandra Bullock Gravity Dr. Ryan Stone
Judi Dench Philomena Philomena Lee
Emma Thompson Saving Mr. Banks P. L. Travers
2014
(68th)		 Julianne Moore † Still Alice Dr. Alice Howland [19]
Amy Adams Big Eyes Margaret Keane
Felicity Jones The Theory of Everything Jane Wilde Hawking
Rosamund Pike Gone Girl Amy Elliott-Dunne
Reese Witherspoon Wild Cheryl Strayed
2015
(69th)		 Brie Larson † Room Joy "Ma" Newsome [20]
Cate Blanchett Carol Carol Aird
Saoirse Ronan Brooklyn Eilis Lacey
Maggie Smith The Lady in the Van Mary Shepherd / Margaret Fairchild
Alicia Vikander The Danish Girl Gerda Wegener
2016
(70th)		 Emma Stone † La La Land Mia Dolan [21]
Amy Adams Arrival Dr. Louise Banks
Emily Blunt The Girl on the Train Rachel Watson
Natalie Portman Jackie Jackie Kennedy
Meryl Streep Florence Foster Jenkins Florence Foster Jenkins
2017
(71st)		 Frances McDormand † Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Mildred Hayes [22]
Annette Bening Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool Gloria Grahame
Sally Hawkins The Shape of Water Elisa Esposito
Margot Robbie I, Tonya Tonya Harding
Saoirse Ronan Lady Bird Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson
2018
(72nd)		 Olivia Colman † The Favourite Queen Anne [23]
Glenn Close The Wife Joan Castleman
Viola Davis Widows Veronica Rawlings
Lady Gaga A Star Is Born Ally Maine
Melissa McCarthy Can You Ever Forgive Me? Lee Israel
2019
(73rd)		 Renée Zellweger † Judy Judy Garland [24]
Jessie Buckley Wild Rose Rose-Lynn Harlan
Scarlett Johansson Marriage Story Nicole Barber
Saoirse Ronan Little Women Josephine "Jo" March
Charlize Theron Bombshell Megyn Kelly
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2020s

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Year Actor Film Role(s) Ref.
2020
(74th)		 Frances McDormand † Nomadland Fern [25]
Bukky Bakray Rocks Olushola "Rocks" Omotoso
Radha Blank The Forty-Year-Old Version Radha Blank
Vanessa Kirby Pieces of a Woman Martha Weiss
Wunmi Mosaku His House Rial Majur
Alfre Woodard Clemency Bernardine Williams
2021
(75th)		 Joanna Scanlan After Love Mary Hussain [26]
Lady Gaga House of Gucci Patrizia Reggiani
Alana Haim Licorice Pizza Alana Kane
Emilia Jones CODA Ruby Rossi
Renate Reinsve The Worst Person in the World Julie
Tessa Thompson Passing Irene Redfield
2022
(76th)		 Cate Blanchett Tár Lydia Tár [27]
Viola Davis The Woman King General Nanisca
Ana de Armas Blonde Marilyn Monroe
Danielle Deadwyler Till Mamie Till
Emma Thompson Good Luck to You, Leo Grande Nancy Stokes / Susan Robinson
Michelle Yeoh † Everything Everywhere All at Once Evelyn Quan Wang
2023
(77th)		 Emma Stone † Poor Things Bella Baxter [28]
Fantasia Barrino The Color Purple Celie Harris-Johnson
Sandra Hüller Anatomy of a Fall Sandra Voyter
Carey Mulligan Maestro Felicia Montealegre
Vivian Oparah Rye Lane Yas
Margot Robbie Barbie Barbie
2024
(78th)		 Mikey Madison † Anora Anora "Ani" Mikheeva [29]
Cynthia Erivo Wicked Elphaba Thropp
Karla Sofía Gascón Emilia Pérez Juan "Manitas" Del Monte / Emilia Pérez
Marianne Jean-Baptiste Hard Truths Pansy Deacon
Demi Moore The Substance Elisabeth Sparkle
Saoirse Ronan The Outrun Rona
2025
(79th)		 Jessie Buckley † Hamnet Agnes Shakespeare [30]
Rose Byrne If I Had Legs I'd Kick You Linda
Kate Hudson Song Sung Blue Claire Sardina
Chase Infiniti One Battle After Another Willa Ferguson
Renate Reinsve Sentimental Value Nora Borg
Emma Stone Bugonia Michelle Fuller
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Superlatives

More information Superlative, Best Actress in a Leading Role ...
Superlative Best Actress in a Leading Role Best Supporting Actress Overall
(including Most Promising Newcomer)
Actress with most awards Maggie Smith 4 Judi Dench 3 Judi Dench 6
Actress with most British Actress Awards (until 1967) Audrey Hepburn 3 — — Audrey Hepburn 3
Actress with most Foreign Actress Awards (until 1967) Simone Signoret 3 — — Simone Signoret 3
Actress with most nominations Meryl Streep 12 Judi Dench 9 Judi Dench
Meryl Streep		 15
Actress with most British Actress Award nominations (until 1967) Audrey Hepburn 5 — — Audrey Hepburn 5
Actress with most Foreign Actress Award nominations (until 1967) Simone Signoret 6 — — Simone Signoret 6
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Multiple nominations

12 nominations
8 nominations
7 nominations
6 nominations
5 nominations
4 nominations
3 nominations
2 nominations

Multiple wins

See also

Notes

A1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 : Rules from the 1960s to the 1970s allowed for a performer to receive a single citation which could honor their work in more than one film. Shirley MacLaine, Julie Andrews, Julie Christie, Bibi Andersson, Katharine Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, Katharine Ross, Goldie Hawn, and Stéphane Audran were all nominated for their roles in two different films in the same category, while Mia Farrow was nominated for three films.
B^: Elliot Page was nominated before his gender transition in 2020.[31]
C1 2 : Emmanuelle Riva and Marion Cotillard both received nominations for French-speaking roles. It was the first time that multiple foreign-language performances were nominated for Best Actress in the same year since separate Best Foreign Actress and Best British Actress awards were folded into a single category in 1968.

References

External links

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