8. Jodie Foster
Foster’s gritty and empowering role portraying a cunning female detective in the movie “The Silence of the Lambs” got her on everybody’s radar, but she first showed up on screens when she was only 14 years old, appearing in “Taxi Driver.” The actress has won two Academy Awards for her roles in “The Silence of the Lambs” and “The Accused.” Although she’s mastered the thriller genre, she delivered a brilliant performance in the drama “Nyad” as Bonnie Stoll.
9. Bette Davis
A pioneer who paved the way for women in Hollywood, Davis was a force to be reckoned with. Starring in iconic movies like “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” and “All About Eve,”
her style was unlike anyone else’s. She received a Best Actress nomination five years in a row, starting in 1938, when she won an Academy Award for playing Julie Marsden in “Jezebel.” Known for portraying empowered women onscreen, Davis was never one to conform, which ultimately paid off.
10. Cate Blanchett
A contemporary icon who’s still dominating Hollywood with her magnetic take on roles, Blanchett is one of Hollywood’s most captivating stars, with dozens of awards and nominations under her belt. Starring alongside Judi Dench in “Notes on a Scandal,” her long list of accomplishments also includes movies like “Blue Jasmine,” “Carol,” “The Aviator,” and the 2022 film “Tar.” After Meryl Streep and Jessica Lange, she’s the only actress who won Best Actress right after she won Best Supporting Actress. Like many of the women on this list, she’s known for adapting to any role and excelling in it.
