Every Best Actress Oscar Winner: From Audrey Hepburn to Emma Stone
Since 1929, the Academy Awards have celebrated outstanding achievements in filmmaking, including the coveted Best Actress honor, recognizing the most remarkable leading performances each year.
From the legendary Katharine Hepburn, who holds the record with four wins, to Meryl Streep, a 21-time nominee with three victories, this award has cemented the legacies of Hollywood’s most iconic women.
The most recent addition to this elite group is Emma Stone, who secured her second Oscar in 2024 for her daring role in Poor Things. During her acceptance speech, she humorously acknowledged a wardrobe malfunction and expressed heartfelt gratitude to her husband, family, and young daughter, saying, “I love you bigger than the whole sky, my girl.”
In 2023, Michelle Yeoh made history as the first Asian actress to win Best Actress for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, a film that dominated the Oscars with six total wins, including Best Picture.
Jessica Chastain took home the award in 2022 for her powerful performance as televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in The Eyes of Tammy Faye. During her speech, she used her platform to call out anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, delivering a passionate message of inclusivity and equality.
Here’s a complete look at every woman who has won Best Actress, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood history.