I’ve already written an article about the most significant European actresses, and now it’s time to do the same for the best American actresses of all time.
Before we begin, it’s important to mention that this list is made according to my tastes. Therefore, feel free to comment whether you agree, write who you think should be on the list, and share young American actresses who deserve attention.
Now, let’s see the best American actresses of all time.
Katharine Hepburn
Crucial movies: The Philadelphia Story, Morning Glory, Alice Adams, The Lion in Winter, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, On Golden Pond, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Suddenly, Last Summer, The African Queen, Summertime, The Rainmaker, Woman of the Year
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Cannes, Venice, BAFTAs, Emmys, Golden Globes, Laurel Awards, SAG, Photoplay
What makes Katharine Hepburn excellent: Her fierce independence, sharp intelligence, and ability to balance strength with vulnerability made her the definitive model of the modern screen actress.
Barbara Stanwyck
Crucial movies: Stella Dallas, Ball of Fire, Double Indemnity, Sorry, Wrong Number, The Thorn Birds, The Big Valley, Titanic, Executive Suite, The Lady Eve, Forty Guns, These Wilder Years, There’s Always Tomorrow, All I Desire, The Violent Men, Clash by Night, The Furies, No Man of Her Own
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Venice, SAG, AFI, Emmys, Golden Globes, Laurel, Golden Apple, Photoplay, New York Film Critics Circle Awards
What makes Barbara Stanwyck excellent: Her remarkable versatility, naturalistic style, and ability to bring intelligence, warmth, or ruthless edge to a wide range of roles.
Marilyn Monroe
Crucial movies: The Seven Year Itch, The Prince and the Showgirl, Some Like It Hot, Bus Stop, How to Marry a Millionaire, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Niagara, The Misfits, Monkey Business, Clash by Night, O. Henry’s Full House
Most notable nominations: BAFTAs, David di Donatello, Golden Globes, Photoplay, Laurel Awards
What makes Marilyn Monroe excellent: She combined luminous screen presence, vulnerable charm, and sharp comedic instincts to create an enduring persona that transcended glamour and revealed surprising emotional depth.
Elizabeth Taylor
Crucial movies: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Butterfield 8, Suddenly, Last Summer, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Raintree County, Hammersmith Is Out, The Taming of the Shrew, Zee and Co., Ash Wednesday, The Sandpiper
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Berlin, Bambi Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, David di Donatello, SAG, Laurel, Photoplay, Kennedy Center Honors
What makes Elizabeth Taylor excellent: Her striking beauty, commanding presence, and fearless commitment to emotionally charged roles made her one of Hollywood’s most captivating and enduring icons.
Judy Garland
Crucial movies: Judgment at Nuremberg, A Star Is Born, The Wizard of Oz, Ziegfeld Girl, Summer Stock, In the Good Old Summertime, The Pirate, Easter Parade, The Harvey Girls, Meet Me In St. Louis, Under the Clock, Presenting Lily Mars, For Me and My Girl, Strike Up the Band
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Emmys, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Photoplay, Laurel
What makes Judy Garland excellent: Her unmatched ability to convey raw emotion through both acting and song, combined with a powerful, emotive voice and heartfelt vulnerability.
Bette Davis
Crucial movies: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, The Star, All About Eve, Mr. Skeffington, Now, Voyager, The Little Foxes, The Letter, Dark Victory, Jezebel, Dangerous, Of Human Bondage, Pocketful of Miracles, Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte, Kid Galahad
Most notable nominations: Oscars, AFI, Cannes, BAFTAs, Cesar Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, Venice, San Sebastián International Film Festival
What makes Bette Davis excellent: Her fierce intensity, expressive eyes, and fearless embrace of complex, often unglamorous characters set a new standard for dramatic acting in Hollywood.
Joanne Woodward
Crucial movies: Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams, Rachel, Rachel, The Three Faces of Eve, No Down Payment, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Sybil, Empire Falls, The Glass Menagerie
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Cannes, BAFTAs, Emmys, David di Donatello, Golden Globes, SAG, Photoplay, Laurel, CinEuphoria Awards
What makes Joanne Woodward excellent: Her naturalistic style, emotional honesty, and nuanced portrayals of complex, often introspective women made her one of the most versatile American actresses.
Hattie McDaniel
Crucial movies: Gone with the Wind, In This Our Life, The Great Lie, Judge Priest, Show Boat, Margie, Hi, Beautiful, Since You Went Away, They Died with Their Boots On, The First Baby, The Little Colonel
Most notable nominations: Oscars, National Board of Review, OFTA Film Hall of Fame, Walk of Fame
What makes Hattie McDaniel excellent: Her warmth, impeccable comic timing, and ability to bring dignity and depth to roles that were often limited by the era’s racial barriers. Usually, Halle Berry is considered the first Black actress to be nominated and win an Oscar, which isn’t entirely true. She is the first when it comes to a leading role. However, Hattie McDaniel is the first African American to be nominated and win an Oscar.
Anne Bancroft
Crucial movies: The Miracle Worker, The Pumpkin Eater, The Graduate, The Turning Point, Agnes of God, 84 Charing Cross Road, ‘night, Mother, Homecoming, Deep in My Heart, The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, Annie, The Women in the Life of a Man
Most notable nominations: Cannes, Oscars, BAFTAs, American Comedy Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, Laurel, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Photoplay, SAG, San Sebastián International Film Festival
What makes Anne Bancroft excellent: Her fearless, layered performances and enduring influence on American acting craft. Also, she embraced complex roles with a commanding presence while being able to blend vulnerability with strength.
Ava Gardner
Crucial movies: Mogambo, Bhowani Junction, The Killers, On the Beach, The Night of the Iguana, Show Boat, One Touch of Venus, Pandora and the Flying Dutchman, The Sentinel, Seven Days in May, 55 Days at Peking
Most notable nominations: Oscars, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Laurel Awards, Photoplay Awards, New York Film Critics Circle Awards, San Sebastián International Film Festival
What makes Ava Gardner excellent: Her intoxicating screen presence, natural sensuality, and ability to infuse characters with both glamour and emotional vulnerability.
Viola Davis
Crucial movies: Fences, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Help, Doubt, The Woman King, How to Get Away with Murder, Widows, The First Lady, The Unforgivable, Get on Up, Air, Eat Pray Love, Lila & Eve
Most notable nominations: Cannes, Oscars, BAFTAs, Emmys, Golden Globes, Emmys, IFTAs, SAG, AACTAs, Critics’ Choice, Chicago International Film Festival
What makes Viola Davis excellent: Her powerhouse emotional intensity, commanding presence, and unflinching portrayal of complex characters have made her one of the greatest American actresses.
Meryl Streep
Crucial movies: Kramer vs. Kramer, Florence Foster Jenkins, The Devil Wears Prada, The Post, August: Osage County, Doubt, Julie & Julia, The Iron Lady, Adaptation., Out of Africa, Ironweed, A Cry in the Dark, Postcards from the Edge, The Bridges of Madison County, The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Silkwood, Sophie’s Choice, Into the Woods, Music of the Heart, One True Thing, Don’t Look Up, Defending Your Life
Most notable nominations: Berlin, Cannes, Oscars, AFI, BAFTAs, Cesar Awards, David di Donatello, Emmys, Golden Globes, IFTAs, Moscow International Film Festival, SAG, Rome Film Fest, Toronto International Film Festival, Guinness World Records, Order of Arts and Letters, Kennedy Center Honors, Princess of Asturias Award
What makes Meryl Streep excellent: Her extraordinary versatility, flawless mastery of accents and emotions, combined with an unmatched ability to fully inhabit a vast range of characters.
Angelina Jolie
Crucial movies: Changeling, Girl, Interrupted, Gia, A Mighty Heart, The Good Shepherd, Maleficent, The Bone Collector, Maria, Playing by Heart, Salt, By the Sea, Hackers, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Wanted, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Taking Lives, Life or Something Like It
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Berlin, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Emmys, IFTAs, SAG, Toronto International Film Festival, Sarajevo Film Festival, Russian National Movie Awards, Critics’ Choice, Palm Springs International Film Festival
What makes Angelina Jolie excellent: She has the “it” factor, charisma, beauty, and sex appeal. Her intense screen presence, physicality, fearless commitment to challenging roles, and raw emotional power have made her an icon. When it comes to famous American actresses, she’s the most famous. A great talent, although her popularity sometimes undermines her acting quality.
Annette Bening
Crucial movies: Nyad, The Kids Are All Right, Being Julia, American Beauty, The Grifters, The Siege, Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, 20th Century Women, Bugsy, Valmont, The American President
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Critics’ Choice, BAFTAs, Chicago International Film Festival, Golden Globes, Emmys, IFTAs, San Diego International Film Festival, SAG
What makes Annette Bening excellent: Her sophisticated emotional expressions, magnetic charisma, and ability to portray complex women with authenticity and grace.
Jessica Chastain
Crucial movies: The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Molly’s Game, Zero Dark Thirty, The Help, The Martian, Miss Sloane, Scenes from a Marriage, The Good Nurse, George and Tammy, Take Shelter, A Most Violent Year, Crimson Peak, Interstellar, The Tree of Life, Miss Julie
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Venice, BAFTAs, Emmys, Fantasporto, Critics’ Choice, Goldene Kamera, Golden Globes, IFTAs, SAG, Zurich Film Festival
What makes Jessica Chastain excellent: Her fierce dedication to diverse, strong female roles, combined with precise emotional control and a commanding yet relatable screen presence. Undoubtedly, one of the top US actresses who has proved herself in both theater and film.
Laura Linney
Crucial movies: The Savages, Kinsey, You Can Count on Me, Ozark, The Big C, The Squid and the Whale, P.S., The City of Your Final Destination, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Jindabyne, The Truman Show, John Adams, Mystic River, Hyde Park on Hudson
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Critics’ Choice, BAFTAs, Emmys, Golden Globes, SAG, New York Film Critics Circle Awards, Satellite, AACTAs, Palm Springs International Film Festival
What makes Laura Linney excellent: Her exceptional range, understated emotional precision, and ability to bring intelligence to every role she plays. Popularity aside, Linney is undoubtedly one of the best American actresses of all time.
Glenn Close
Crucial movies: Hillbilly Elegy, The Wife, Albert Nobbs, Dangerous Liaisons, The Big Chill, Hamlet, Fatal Attraction, Damages, Lionheart, In the Gloaming, Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story, Skylark, Sarah, Plain and Tall, Something About Amelia
Most notable nominations: Oscars, BAFTAs, Venice, Critics Choice’, David di Donatello, Emmys, Golden Globes, IFTAs, Locarno Film Festival, SAG, AACTAs
What makes Glenn Close excellent: Her formidable intensity, psychological insight, and fearless commitment to morally complex characters have made her one of the most respected actresses.
Emma Stone
Crucial movies: Poor Things, La La Land, The Favourite, Cruella, Battle of the Sexes, Easy A, Birdman, The Curse, Maniac, The Help, Unlikely Hero, Eddington, Kinds of Kindness, Irrational Man, Magic in the Moonlight
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Venice, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, IFTAs, SAG, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, AACTAs, Critics’ Choice
What makes Emma Stone excellent: Her effortless charm, comedic timing, and ability to balance lighthearted warmth with compelling dramatic depth make her one of the most versatile actresses.
Natalie Portman
Crucial movies: Black Swan, Jackie, V for Vendetta, Closer, Brothers, Leon: The Professional, Heat, A Tale of Love and Darkness, May December, Vox Lux, Garden State, Where the Heart Is, Goya’s Ghosts, My Blueberry Nights
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Cannes, BAFTAs, Critics’ Choice, Golden Globes, IFTAs, SAG, AACTAs, Russian National Movie Awards, CinEuphoria Awards
What makes Natalie Portman excellent: Her intelligence, emotional precision, and fearless commitment to physically and psychologically demanding roles.
Frances McDormand
Crucial movies: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Nomadland, Women Talking, Almost Famous, Fargo, Mississippi Burning, The Man Who Wasn’t There, Olive Kitteridge, Laurel Canyon, Burn After Reading
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Venice, Sundance Film Festival, BAFTAs, Emmys, Golden Globes, SAG, Critics’ Choice, IFTAs, SESC Film Festival, AACTAs
What makes Frances McDormand excellent: Her authenticity, sharp wit, and fearless ability to embody unconventional characters have made her one of cinema’s most distinctive and respected USA actresses.
Amy Adams
Crucial movies: Vice, American Hustle, The Master, The Fighter, Doubt, Junebug, Arrival, Enchanted, Big Eyes, Sharp Objects, Nocturnal Animals
Most notable nominations: Oscars, BAFTAs, Emmys, Critics’ Choice, Golden Globes, IFTAs, SAG, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, AACTAs
What makes Amy Adams excellent: Her remarkable versatility, radiant screen presence, and ability to infuse both lighthearted and deeply dramatic roles.
Scarlett Johansson
Crucial movies: Marriage Story, Jojo Rabbit, Lost in Translation, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Match Point, Under the Skin, Lucy, Ghost World, The Nanny Diaries, Don Jon, Her
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Cannes, Venice, BAFTAs, Cesar Awards, Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, IFTAs, New York Film Critics Circle Awards, SAG, Rome Film Fest, AACTAs, Russian National Movie Awards
What makes Scarlett Johansson excellent: Her magnetic screen presence, versatility across genres, and ability to convey emotional depth beneath a composed exterior.
Lauren Bacall
Crucial movies: The Mirror Has Two Faces, The Shootist, Applause, Designing Woman, Bright Leaf, To Have and Have Not, Dogville, The Big Sleep, Dark Passage, Key Largo, How to Marry a Millionaire, Written on the Wind, Harper, Murder on the Orient Express
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Berlin, BAFTAs, Cesar Awards, Critics’ Choice, Emmys, Golden Globes, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Laurel Awards, Photoplay, Palm Springs International Film Festival, SAG, Kennedy Center Honors
What makes Lauren Bacall excellent: Her smoky voice, confidence, and effortless blend of toughness and allure redefined the Hollywood femme fatale and left an indelible mark on classic cinema.
Jodie Foster
Crucial movies: The Silence of the Lambs, Nell, Nyad, The Accused, Taxi Driver, Flightplan, Contact, Panic Room, Little Man Tate, The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane, Maverick, Carnage, Bugsy Malone, All About Bette, The Brave One, Freaky Friday
Most notable nominations: Oscars, European Film Awards, Berlin, Cannes, David di Donatello, BAFTAs, Critics’ Choice, Emmys, Golden Globes, IFTAs, New York Film Critics Circle Awards, Photoplay, SAG, Toronto International Film Festival, Bravo Otto
What makes Jodie Foster excellent: Her fierce intelligence, emotional depth, and fearless dedication to complex roles have made her one of the most respected actresses in film.
Lucille Ball
Crucial movies: I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, Mame, Here’s Lucy, Yours, Mine and Ours, The Facts of Life, The Long, Long Trailer, Fancy Pants, Innocence Is Bliss, Stone Pillow, Cher… and Other Fantasies, Lured
Most notable nominations: Emmys, Golden Globes, American Comedy Awards, Laurel Awards, Photoplay, Palm Springs International Film Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, Television Critics Association Awards
What makes Lucille Ball excellent: Her groundbreaking comedic genius, impeccable timing, and fearless physical humor revolutionized television comedy.
Faye Dunaway
Crucial movies: Bonnie and Clyde, Chinatown, Network, Barfly, Gia, Three Days of the Condor, Puzzle of a Downfall Child, Mommie Dearest, The Arrangement, The Twilight of the Golds, Voyage of the Damned, Running Mates, Cold Sassy Tree, Ellis Island
Most notable nominations: Oscars, BAFTAs, Chicago International Film Festival, David di Donatello, Emmys, Golden Globes, Laurel, Photoplay, Mar del Plata International Film Festival, SAG, Order of Arts and Letters
What makes Faye Dunaway excellent: Her commanding presence, intense emotional range, and ability to embody both glamour and psychological complexity.
Julianne Moore
Crucial movies: Boogie Nights, Still Alice, Far from Heaven, The Hours, The End of the Affair, Magnolia, Game Change, Short Cuts, Safe, Vanya on 42nd Street, The Kids Are All Right, Hannibal, A Single Man, An Ideal Husband, May December, The Room Next Door
Most notable nominations: Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Oscars, BAFTAs, Critics’ Choice, Emmys, Golden Globes, Golden Camera, Goya Awards, IFTAs, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, SAG, Sundance
What makes Julianne Moore excellent: Her extraordinary emotional nuance, fearless vulnerability, and seamless transitions between independent film and mainstream cinema have made her one of the best American actresses.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Crucial movies: Scarface, Dangerous Liaisons, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Love Field, Stardust, The Age of Innocence, Frankie and Johnny, Batman Returns, I Am Sam, White Oleander, Dangerous Minds, The First Lady, The Wizard of Lies, One Fine Day, Hairspray
Most notable nominations: Venice, Oscars, Berlin, Critics’ Choice, BAFTAs, Emmys, David di Donatello, Golden Globes, New York Film Critics Circle Awards, SAG, Palm Springs International Film Festival, Bravo Otto
What makes Michelle Pfeiffer excellent: Her magnetic screen presence, striking blend of strength and vulnerability, and ability to elevate every role with subtle emotional depth. When it comes to famous US actresses, Pfeiffer is undoubtedly one of them.
Susan Sarandon
Crucial movies: Atlantic City, USA, Thelma & Louise, Lorenzo’s Oil, The Client, Dead Man Walking, The Witches of Eastwick, White Palace, Bull Durham, Stepmom, Bernard and Doris, Emotional Arithmetic, The Lovely Bones, Igby Goes Down
Most notable nominations: Oscars, Venice, Cannes, BAFTAs, Chicago International Film Festival, David di Donatello, Emmys, Golden Camera, Golden Globes, Locarno Film Festival, Munich Film Festival, SAG, Stockholm Film Festival
What makes Susan Sarandon excellent: Her fearless portrayals of unconventional women, combined with emotional authenticity and a commanding screen presence.
Condola Rashad
Crucial movies: Bikini Moon, Billions, Romeo and Juliet, Hieroglyph, Come Sunday, Complete Unknown, Money Monster, Good Posture, Master of None, Smash, Submissions Only, Georgetown
Most notable nominations: BET, Tony Awards, Theatre World Award, Drama Desk Awards, Drama League Awards
What makes Dola Rashad excellent: Her commanding stage presence, emotional intelligence, and ability to bring contemporary resonance to both classical and modern roles. Even though extremely underrated, she’s undoubtedly one of the best American actresses of all time. For instance, watch her in Bikini Moon by Milcho Manchevski.
Julia Garner
Crucial movies: The Assistant, Ozark, Inventing Anna, Martha Marcy May Marlene, Electrick Children, Dirty John, We Are What We Are, The Royal Hotel
Most notable nominations: Golden Globes, Emmys, Critics’ Choice, SAG, Boston Society of Film Critics Awards, Film Independent Spirit Awards, AFCAs, Gold Derby Awards
What makes Julia Garner excellent: Her captivating blend of vulnerability and quiet intensity, paired with a chameleon-like ability to transform into distinct, unforgettable characters. She may be young, but she’s still one of the underrated actresses who deserve more praise.
We’ve come to the end of this article about the best American actresses of all time. However, here’s a list of additional American actresses who didn’t make the list but deserve praise and attention:
- Renée Zellweger
- Anjelica Huston
- Anna May Wong
- Jessica Lange
- Ellen Burstyn
- Sissy Spacek
- Jane Fonda
- Joan Fontaine
- Clara Bow
- Jennifer Jason Leigh
- Olivia de Havilland
- Claudette Colbert
- Mae West
- Joan Crawford
- Lillian Gish
- Grace Kelly
- Shirley MacLaine
- Rita Hayworth
- Sigourney Weaver
- Kathy Bates
- Sally Field
- Louise Beavers
- Holly Hunter
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Anne Hathaway
- Julia Roberts
- Demi Moore
Thanks for reading, and if you want to continue, here are my articles on the most significant American and European actors!
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