The Academy Awards are the pinnacle of Hollywood achievement, and earning even a single Oscar nomination is a career milestone. However, some actresses have surpassed this mark repeatedly, becoming legends of the silver screen. Here’s a look at 20 actresses with the most Oscar nominations, their careers, the roles that earned them recognition, and their impact on cinematic history. These actresses have shaped the art of acting, paving the way for future generations with their dedication to their
Meryl Streep – 21 Nominations
Wins: 3 (Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Sophie’s Choice (1982), The Iron Lady (2011))
Nominated Roles: The Deer Hunter, Out of Africa, Doubt, The Post, and more.
Background: Streep is considered one of the greatest living actresses, known for her incredible versatility and transformative performances.
Legacy: Her record-breaking 21 nominations span over four decades, cementing her as the gold standard of acting.
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Katharine Hepburn – 12 Nominations
Wins: 4 (Morning Glory (1933), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), The Lion in Winter (1968), On Golden Pond (1981))
Notable Nominations: The Philadelphia Story, The African Queen.
Background: Hepburn was celebrated for her fierce independence and sharp wit.
Legacy: She remains the only actor—male or female—to win four Academy Awards in acting categories.
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Bette Davis – 10 Nominations
Wins: 2 (Dangerous (1935), Jezebel (1938))
Notable Nominations: All About Eve, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Background: Known for her intensity and charisma, Davis redefined the modern leading lady.
Legacy: A trailblazer for strong, complex female roles in Hollywood.
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Greta Garbo – 4 Nominations
Wins: Honorary Oscar (1954)
Nominated Roles: Anna Christie, Ninotchka.
Background: A star of the silent and early sound era, Garbo’s enigmatic performances captivated audiences.
Legacy: Though she never won a competitive Oscar, her mystique and talent left an indelible mark on cinema.
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Ingrid Bergman – 7 Nominations
Wins: 3 (Gaslight (1944), Anastasia (1956), Murder on the Orient Express (1974))
Notable Nominations: Casablanca, The Bells of St. Mary’s.
Background: A Swedish actress with an ethereal screen presence, Bergman balanced Hollywood and European cinema.
Legacy: A true international star and a symbol of classic Hollywood elegance.
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Cate Blanchett – 8 Nominations
Wins: 2 (The Aviator (2004), Blue Jasmine (2013))
Notable Nominations: Elizabeth, Carol, TÁR.
Background: An Australian actress renowned for her commanding performances and ability to inhabit vastly different characters.
Legacy: A modern acting icon celebrated for her meticulous craft.
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Judi Dench – 7 Nominations
Wins: 1 (Shakespeare in Love (1998))
Notable Nominations: Philomena, Chocolat, Mrs. Brown.
Background: Dench began her career in theater, transitioning seamlessly into film.
Legacy: Known for her regal poise and nuanced performances, she’s one of Britain’s most beloved actresses.
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Frances McDormand – 6 Nominations
Wins: 4 (Fargo (1996), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), Nomadland (2020), plus one for producing Nomadland).
Notable Nominations: Mississippi Burning, Almost Famous.
Background: A collaborator with husband Joel Coen, McDormand excels in complex, unconventional roles.
Legacy: Her fearless performances and refusal to conform to Hollywood norms have redefined success.
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Glenn Close – 8 Nominations
Wins: None
Notable Nominations: Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, The Wife.
Background: Despite her lack of wins, Close’s performances are widely regarded as some of the best in film history.
Legacy: A perennial Oscar favorite whose eventual win feels inevitable.
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Elizabeth Taylor – 5 Nominations
Wins: 2 (BUtterfield 8 (1960), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966))
Notable Nominations: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Background: A child star who transitioned into a glamorous leading lady.
Legacy: One of Hollywood’s most enduring icons.
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Audrey Hepburn – 5 Nominations
Wins: 1 (Roman Holiday (1953))
Notable Nominations: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Wait Until Dark.
Background: Known for her grace and humanitarian work, Hepburn was as beloved off-screen as on.
Legacy: A symbol of timeless elegance.
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Nicole Kidman – 5 Nominations
Wins: 1 (The Hours (2002))
Notable Nominations: Moulin Rouge!, Rabbit Hole, Being the Ricardos.
Background: An Australian actress who rose to fame in Hollywood blockbusters before focusing on challenging roles.
Legacy: Continues to push boundaries in both film and television.
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Emma Thompson – 5 Nominations
Wins: 2 (Howards End (1992), Sense and Sensibility (Screenplay, 1995))
Notable Nominations: The Remains of the Day, In the Name of the Father.
Background: The only person to win Oscars for both acting and writing.
Legacy: A multi-talented force in cinema.
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Kate Winslet – 7 Nominations
Wins: 1 (The Reader (2008))
Notable Nominations: Titanic, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Background: Known for her versatility and refusal to be typecast.
Legacy: A champion of independent cinema and powerhouse performances.
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Hilary Swank – 2 Nominations
Wins: 2 (Boys Don’t Cry (1999), Million Dollar Baby (2004))
Background: Known for her physical transformations and deeply emotional performances.
Legacy: One of the few actresses with a 100% nomination-to-win ratio.
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Saoirse Ronan – 4 Nominations
Notable Nominations: Atonement, Lady Bird, Little Women.
Background: An Irish actress who became an Oscar regular before turning 25.
Legacy: Poised to be one of the most decorated actresses of her generation.
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Olivia de Havilland – 5 Nominations
Wins: 2 (To Each His Own (1946), The Heiress (1949))
Background: A star of Hollywood’s Golden Age known for her elegance and grace.
Legacy: Instrumental in shaping actors’ rights in Hollywood.
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Jessica Lange – 6 Nominations
Wins: 2 (Tootsie (1982), Blue Sky (1994))
Background: A celebrated actress of both stage and screen.
Legacy: Revered for her hauntingly emotional performances.
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Barbara Stanwyck – 4 Nominations
Wins: None (Honorary Oscar in 1982)
Background: A tough, versatile actress whose career spanned decades.
Legacy: One of the finest actresses never to win a competitive Oscar.
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Viola Davis – 4 Nominations
Wins: 1 (Fences (2016))
Background: The first Black actress to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting” (Oscar, Emmy, and Tony).
Legacy: A powerful voice for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
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