Every Oscar best actress winner from the past 25 years, ranked

History makers have won best actress gold at the Oscars. Before another Academy Awards winner is named, we rank the best of the past 25 years.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 8:50pm

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From Halle Berry to Michelle Yeoh, history makers have won best actress gold at the Oscars. Before another Academy Awards winner is named, we rank the best of the past 25 years.

Why it matters

The best actress category at the Oscars has made quite a bit of history, with Halle Berry becoming the first woman of color to win the award in 2002 and Michelle Yeoh being named the first Asian best actress winner in 2023. This ranking looks at the performances of the best actress winners over the past 25 years, providing insight into the evolution of the category and the talented actresses who have been honored.

The details

The article ranks the 25 best actress winners from the past 25 years, starting with Renee Zellweger's portrayal of Judy Garland in "Judy" and ending with Natalie Portman's acclaimed performance in "Black Swan." In between, it highlights the work of actresses like Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, Brie Larson, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Michelle Yeoh, among others. The rankings take into account factors such as the actresses' ability to embody their characters, the historical significance of their wins, and the overall impact of their performances.

  • The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2026.

The players

Halle Berry

The first woman of color to win the best actress Oscar, for her role in "Monster's Ball" in 2002.

Michelle Yeoh

The first Asian best actress winner, for her performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once" in 2023.

Mikey Madison

The rising performer who won best actress for the 2025 film "Anora."

Jennifer Lawrence

The best actress winner for "Silver Linings Playbook" in 2013.

Emma Stone

The best actress winner for "La La Land" in 2017, who is back in contention for the 98th Academy Awards for "Bugonia."

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The takeaway

This ranking of the best actress Oscar winners over the past 25 years highlights the incredible talent and diversity of the actresses who have been honored, from groundbreaking performers like Halle Berry and Michelle Yeoh to acclaimed character actors like Cate Blanchett and Frances McDormand. It serves as a testament to the evolution and importance of the best actress category at the Oscars.