Top 10 Actresses In Film History

There’s an inspiring group of women referred to as the best actresses in Hollywood, and they’ve earned that accolade based on their spectacular acting skills, their versatile ability to tackle any role, and, of course, the sheer number of awards they’ve collected over the years. Here are the great actresses of all time throughout film history that you should know about.

1. Meryl Streep

Starring in movies like “Sophie’s Choice,” “Kramer vs. Kramer,” and “The Devil Wears Prada,” this icon from New Jersey is often considered the greatest of all time by multiple generations of movie lovers. Meryl Streep has over 20 Academy Award nominations and engrosses herself in every role, no matter how different, to provide the performance of a lifetime. She’s the queen of versatility and the best in the biz. Her long career has recently landed her an honorary Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

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2. Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn always carried herself like royalty through memorable roles in films like “My Fair Lady,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Roman Holiday,” which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. This effortlessly elegant beauty is a legend in both acting and fashion. Her undeniably charming personality has made her a fan favorite and a timeless emblem of talent and grace. After passing, she was honored with the Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which honored her work as a good Samaritan.

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3. Katharine Hepburn

Showing off her acting chops in movies like “Bringing Up Baby” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” the stunning Katharine Hepburn stood out from the submissive female personalities of her generation with her fierce and determined attitude, which set an example of independence for other women in her generation. Receiving eight award nominations and winning four Best Actress Oscars in the 1930s, she was considered one of Hollywood’s greatest gems.

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4. Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith’s CV is lengthy, making her one of the best actresses who has always landed consistent work. From “Gosford Park” to “A Room with a View,” Maggie is known for taking on complex and varied roles, like Professor McGonagall in “Harry Potter” or the very blunt Dowager Countess from “Downton Abbey.” Like Meryl Streep, she’s a chameleon when it comes to tackling different roles, and no matter what new territory she explores, she always masters it with ease.

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@screenoffscript Maggie Smith on the impact of Harry Potter #HarryPotter #MaggieSmith #GrahamNorton #TalkShow #Potterhead (via @The Graham Norton Show) ♬ original sound – Screen Off Script