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Best Actress In a Leading Role: The Oscars 1990 - 2023

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



1993 EMMA THOMPSON

Howards End


1994 HOLLY HUNTER

Piano


1995 JESSICA LANGE

Blue Sky


1996 SUSAN SARANDON

Dead Man Walking



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



2001 JULIA ROBERTS

Erin Brockovich


2002 HALLE BERRY

Monsters Ball


2003 NICOLE KIDMAN

The Hours


2004 CHARLIZE THERON

Monster



2005 HILARY SWANK

Million Dollar Baby


2006 REESE WITHERSPOON

Walk The Line


2007 HELEN MIRREN

The Queen


2008 MARION COTILLARD

La Vie En Rose



2009 KATE WINSLET

The Reader


2010 SANDRA BULLOCK

The Blind Side


2011 NATALIE PORTMAN

Black Swan


2012 MERYL STREEP

The Iron Lady



2013 JENNIFER LAWRENCE

Silver Linings Playbook


2014 CATE BLANCHETT

Blue Jasmine


2015 JULIANNE MOORE

Still Alice


2016 BRIE LARSON

Room



2017 EMMA STONE

La La Land


2018 FRANCES MCDORMAND

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri


2019 OLIVIA COLMAN

Favourite


2020 RENÉE KATHLEEN ZELLWEGER

Judy



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?

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