10. Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren was more than a movie star; she was a force of nature who brought warmth and fire to every role. Winning the Oscar for Two Women made her the first actor to claim the award for a foreign-language film, a groundbreaking achievement that showcased her universal appeal. She balanced elegance with earthy strength, becoming a bridge between Italian cinema and Hollywood. In classics like Marriage Italian Style, her presence was magnetic. Loren’s artistry made audiences believe in the truth of her performances, and her legacy continues to shine as both glamorous and deeply human.
9. Viola Davis
Viola Davis is one of those rare actresses whose performances feel carved from truth itself. With an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony, she stands among the most accomplished in history. Her work in Fences remains unforgettable, blending raw power with vulnerability. In Doubt, she commanded the screen with a single scene, while The Woman King showcased her strength and depth. Davis brings an honesty that resonates with anyone watching. Every role seems to carry pieces of her own lived experience, and that authenticity makes her one of the greatest storytellers of our time, leaving audiences moved every single time.
8. Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was often celebrated for her style, but it was her talent that gave her lasting impact. Her charm in Roman Holiday won her an Oscar, while Breakfast at Tiffany’s made her an icon, and Wait Until Dark proved her dramatic strength. She carried a natural grace that made even the smallest moments luminous. Beyond beauty, Hepburn embodied sincerity that connected deeply with audiences. Her characters always felt both delicate and strong, a rare combination that remains timeless. Hepburn didn’t just play roles; she lived them with elegance, making her one of cinema’s most enduring treasures.
7. Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett is the kind of actress who can vanish into any character, leaving no trace of herself behind. From regal authority in Elizabeth to unraveling fragility in Blue Jasmine and striking precision in TÁR, she proves her range is endless. With two Oscars and countless acclaimed performances, she has become one of modern cinema’s most dependable greats. Blanchett carries a fearlessness that keeps audiences guessing, shifting from subtle restraint to explosive power without effort. Each role feels like a reinvention, reminding us why her name belongs on any list of all-time greats in film history.
6. Ingrid Bergman
Ingrid Bergman brought intelligence and warmth into every role, creating characters that felt layered and alive. In Casablanca, her quiet strength captured hearts, while Gaslight displayed her dramatic intensity, and Autumn Sonata revealed her emotional depth. She won three Oscars, yet it was her natural sincerity that made her unforgettable. Bergman had the rare ability to embody vulnerability and resilience at once, offering audiences something real and lasting. Whether playing a conflicted lover or a determined heroine, her presence radiated authenticity. Her artistry continues to remind us that truth and simplicity often leave the strongest impression.
5. Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster’s journey from child star to powerhouse actress is one of Hollywood’s most remarkable. Her breakthrough in Taxi Driver showed rare maturity, and she went on to win two Oscars for The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs. Foster’s performances are defined by fearlessness and intelligence, often tackling roles that demand courage. She brings an intensity that feels grounded, making even the most complex characters relatable. Each role she takes on is lived fully, not performed. Foster proves that authenticity can captivate, and her legacy stands as one of risk-taking, brilliance, and enduring cinematic strength.
4. Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor was often known for her beauty and personal life, but her acting talent was undeniable. With two Oscars to her name, she delivered unforgettable performances, none more powerful than in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? where she exposed raw emotion and ferocity. Taylor had a magnetic presence, able to shift from tenderness to fury with ease. She redefined what it meant to be a female movie star, proving that glamour could coexist with artistic depth. Her career stands as a testament to a woman who turned vulnerability into power and performance into something eternal.
3. Bette Davis
Bette Davis was a trailblazer who refused to be boxed into simple roles. She fought for complex characters and delivered them with a sharpness that made her unforgettable. Films like Jezebel and All About Eve showed her mastery of intensity and nuance, making her one of Hollywood’s most influential actresses. Davis carried a toughness that blended beautifully with vulnerability, redefining female stardom at a time when women were often sidelined. She proved that audiences wanted authenticity and depth, not perfection. Her career remains a blueprint for strength and artistry, shaping generations of actresses who followed her path.
2. Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Hepburn was as bold in life as she was on screen, carrying independence that shaped her career. With a record four Oscars, she consistently broke molds, from witty roles in The Philadelphia Story to the wisdom of On Golden Pond. Hepburn had a voice and presence that commanded attention, never apologizing for being different. She showed that women could be intelligent, witty, and strong without losing their humanity. Her confidence and individuality made her a pioneer, and her body of work continues to inspire actors and audiences alike, standing tall among the greatest in film history.
1. Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is widely regarded as the gold standard of acting, with 21 Oscar nominations and three wins to her name. She has seamlessly moved between genres, from the heartbreaking drama of Sophie’s Choice to the playful brilliance of The Devil Wears Prada. Streep carries an ease that makes even the most demanding roles look natural. Her ability to capture subtlety and emotion remains unmatched, leaving audiences in awe. She represents the culmination of everything that defines greatness in acting. Streep’s career is proof that talent, dedication, and authenticity can create a legacy that feels timeless.
This story The 10 Greatest Actresses of All Time, Ranked was first published on Daily FETCH
