The history of cinema is adorned with extraordinary actresses whose performances have transcended time, leaving a lasting legacy. These women have each contributed to the cinematic tapestry, redefining acting across genres and eras. Watching their works is not just entertainment but an immersion into the art of storytelling. This article explores 20 of the greatest actresses, their iconic roles, and recommended films to experience their artistry.
Katharine Hepburn
Era: 1930s–1990s
Achievements: 4 Academy Awards, 12 nominations
Notable Roles:The Philadelphia Story, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Recommended Watch:The Lion in Winter (1968), showcasing her regal poise and fiery dialogue delivery.
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Meryl Streep
Era: 1970s–Present
Achievements: 3 Academy Awards, 21 nominations
Notable Roles:Sophie’s Choice, The Devil Wears Prada
Recommended Watch:Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), where she redefined maternal complexity.
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Audrey Hepburn
Era: 1950s–1980s
Achievements: Academy Award for Roman Holiday (1953), UNICEF ambassador
Notable Roles:Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina
Recommended Watch:Roman Holiday—a blend of charm and vulnerability.
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Ingrid Bergman
Era: 1930s–1980s
Achievements: 3 Academy Awards
Notable Roles:Casablanca, Notorious
Recommended Watch:Gaslight (1944), which earned her an Oscar for her gripping performance.
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Elizabeth Taylor
Era: 1940s–1990s
Achievements: 2 Academy Awards, icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age
Notable Roles:Cleopatra, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Recommended Watch:Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), a fiery portrayal of marital tension.
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Bette Davis
Era: 1930s–1980s
Achievements: 2 Academy Awards, 10 nominations
Notable Roles:All About Eve, Jezebel
Recommended Watch:Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?—a haunting exploration of fading stardom.
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Viola Davis
Era: 2000s–Present
Achievements: Academy Award for Fences (2016), EGOT winner
Notable Roles:The Help, How to Get Away with Murder
Recommended Watch:Fences—a powerhouse of emotional depth and resilience.
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Marilyn Monroe
Era: 1950s–1960s
Achievements: Cultural icon, Golden Globe winner
Notable Roles:Some Like It Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Recommended Watch:The Misfits (1961), revealing her dramatic range.
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Nicole Kidman
Era: 1990s–Present
Achievements: Academy Award for The Hours (2002)
Notable Roles:Moulin Rouge!, Big Little Lies
Recommended Watch:The Hours—her mesmerizing portrayal of Virginia Woolf.
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Cate Blanchett
Era: 1990s–Present
Achievements: 2 Academy Awards
Notable Roles:Elizabeth, Blue Jasmine
Recommended Watch:Carol (2015), showcasing her elegance and complexity.
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Grace Kelly
Era: 1950s
Achievements: Academy Award for The Country Girl (1954)
Notable Roles:Rear Window, High Noon
Recommended Watch:To Catch a Thief—a Hitchcockian blend of sophistication and intrigue.
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Julia Roberts
Era: 1990s–Present
Achievements: Academy Award for Erin Brockovich (2000)
Notable Roles:Pretty Woman, My Best Friend’s Wedding
Recommended Watch:Erin Brockovich—a career-defining performance.
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Jodie Foster
Era: 1970s–Present
Achievements: 2 Academy Awards
Notable Roles:The Silence of the Lambs, Taxi Driver
Recommended Watch:The Accused (1988), which solidified her status as a dramatic force.
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Natalie Portman
Era: 1990s–Present
Achievements: Academy Award for Black Swan (2010)
Notable Roles:Closer, Leon: The Professional
Recommended Watch:Black Swan—an intense exploration of ambition and madness.
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Helen Mirren
Era: 1960s–Present
Achievements: Academy Award for The Queen (2006)
Notable Roles:The Queen, Gosford Park
Recommended Watch:The Queen—a stunning portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Scarlett Johansson
Era: 2000s–Present
Achievements: Multiple Golden Globe nominations
Notable Roles:Marriage Story, Lost in Translation
Recommended Watch:Lost in Translation—subtle yet deeply emotional.
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Judi Dench
Era: 1950s–Present
Achievements: Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Notable Roles:Philomena, Skyfall
Recommended Watch:Notes on a Scandal—an intricate performance of jealousy and desire.
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Emma Thompson
Era: 1980s–Present
Achievements: 2 Academy Awards
Notable Roles:Sense and Sensibility, Saving Mr. Banks
Recommended Watch:Sense and Sensibility—a masterclass in period drama.
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Lupita Nyong’o
Era: 2010s–Present
Achievements: Academy Award for 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Notable Roles:Black Panther, Us
Recommended Watch:12 Years a Slave—a harrowing yet luminous debut.
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Sophia Loren
Era: 1950s–Present
Achievements: Academy Award for Two Women (1961)
Notable Roles:Marriage Italian Style, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Recommended Watch:Two Women—a heartbreaking tale of war and resilience.
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