by Venus Sanders
The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, represent the pinnacle of recognition in the film industry.
Image Credit: Carlos Alvarez / Contributor / Getty Images
Among the numerous categories that celebrate cinematic excellence, the award for "Best Actress in a Leading Role" stands as a symbol of the extraordinary talent and dedication of actresses who have graced the silver screen.
This prestigious category has seen iconic performances that have left indelible marks on the world of cinema, honoring those who bring depth, emotion, and authenticity to their characters. This list delves into the history and significance of the "Best Actress in a Leading Role" category at the Oscars, celebrating the remarkable women who have earned this coveted accolade.
1990 JESSICA TANDY
Driving Miss Daisy
1991 KATHY BATES
Misery
1992 JODIE FOSTER
Silence of the Lambs
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1993 EMMA THOMPSON
Howards End
1994 HOLLY HUNTER
Piano
1995 JESSICA LANGE
Blue Sky
1996 SUSAN SARANDON
Dead Man Walking
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1997 FRANCES MCDORMAND
Fargo
1998 HELEN HUNT
As Good As It Gets
1999 GWYNETH PALTROW
Shakespeare In Love
2000 HILARY SWANK
Boys Don't Cry
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2001 JULIA ROBERTS
Erin Brockovich
2002 HALLE BERRY
Monsters Ball
2003 NICOLE KIDMAN
The Hours
2004 CHARLIZE THERON
Monster
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2005 HILARY SWANK
Million Dollar Baby
2006 REESE WITHERSPOON
Walk The Line
2007 HELEN MIRREN
The Queen
2008 MARION COTILLARD
La Vie En Rose
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2009 KATE WINSLET
The Reader
2010 SANDRA BULLOCK
The Blind Side
2011 NATALIE PORTMAN
Black Swan
2012 MERYL STREEP
The Iron Lady
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2013 JENNIFER LAWRENCE
Silver Linings Playbook
2014 CATE BLANCHETT
Blue Jasmine
2015 JULIANNE MOORE
Still Alice
2016 BRIE LARSON
Room
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2017 EMMA STONE
La La Land
2018 FRANCES MCDORMAND
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
2019 OLIVIA COLMAN
Favourite
2020 RENÉE KATHLEEN ZELLWEGER
Judy
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2021 FRANCES MCDORMAND
Nomadland
2022 JESSICA CHASTAIN
Tammy Faye
2023 MICHELLE YEOH
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Who do you think will win the 2024 Oscar for Best Actress In a Leading Role?