Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?
With awards season in full swing – thanks to the Gothams, AFI, and other organizations announcing their best of the year picks, CCA ballots circulating, and the Golden Globe nominations on the horizon next Monday – we thought it would be fun to revisit the past decade in one of the most competitive and hotly debated Oscar categories this year: Lead Actress.
Looking back at the Oscar winners from 2014 to 2023, we see only eight unique names on the list. This is largely because Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Nomadland) and Emma Stone (La La Land and Poor Things) together account for 40% of the honors. So, the question remains: will either of these two stars top the list?
Let’s dive in and rank the last ten Lead Actress Oscar-winning performances:
10. Julianne Moore – Still Alice (2014)
9. Renée Zellweger – Judy (2019)
8. Frances McDormand – Nomadland (2020)
7. Jessica Chastain – The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021)
6. Brie Larson – Room (2015)
5. Michelle Yeoh – Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
4. Frances McDormand – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
3. Emma Stone – La La Land (2016)
2. Emma Stone – Poor Things (2023)
1. Olivia Colman – The Favourite (2018)
What do you agree/disagree with? What is the best Lead Actress winner of the past ten years?
Nice idea and ranking but even if it's impossible, I'd remove number 7.
Ms Chastain is an exceptionally talented actress and has MANY sublime performances but this one (& the film as a whole) does not deserve any awards (Of course I'm still bummed about Zero Dark Thirty's snub despite her unforgettable performance).
I agree you are very handsome, Mark and I agree with your number 1. Otherwise, my ranking would look different. Fun stuff. I love lists and rankings. I would love to see your full Best Picture rankings.
I raced to the number one spot, just to see if we were simpatico. WE WERE!! Here is how I would have it
1. The Marvelous Olivia
2. Julianne Moore
3. Emma – LALA Land
4. Frances – 3 Billboards
5. Michelle Yeoh
6. Renee Z
7. Brie L
8. Frances – Nomadland
9. Emma – Poor Things
10. Jessica C – Why? I'm being a bit unfair and petty. I felt the performance was unworthy. Colman or Cruz would have been my choice.