5. Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren’s presence is that of a queen, and she always manages to rivet audiences with her regal attitude; it makes sense she was cast in “The Queen” in 2006, playing the role of Queen Elizabeth II with nuance. This member of British acting royalty starred alongside Maggie Smith in “Gosford Park” and also played memorable characters in “The Last Station” and “Trumbo.” Her career is tough to summarize, but she’s been a household name for decades, with multiple Emmy nominations and BAFTA awards.
6. Judi Dench
Dame Judi Dench, who debuted in 1957, never fails to beguile audiences, whether on stage or screen. Her most famous roles include “Philomena,” “Notes on a Scandal,” and “Shakespeare in Love.” The latter, released in 1988, earned Dench a well-deserved Academy Award. Her impressive career took place over seven decades and has led to numerous nominations, a Tony Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a whopping 10 wins for British award ceremonies. Despite her unfortunate loss of vision, her legacy will endure.
7. Kate Winslet
Although she’s one of the younger women on this list, Winslet’s illustrious performances channel her inner power, making us hold our breath whenever we see her onscreen. She’s never given up on challenging herself with roles – it all started with “Titanic,” where she played the role of Rose, followed up by flicks like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” ‘The Reader,” and most recently, the TV series “The Regime” on HBO Max. Winslet isn’t afraid to dig deep into the emotional well for raw, truthful performances that consistently connect with movie lovers.
