The Best Actress Performances of 2025

In 2025, movies were marked by incredible performances from women actors in all kinds of films. We saw both established stars delivering some of their best work and new talents becoming major figures. They starred in everything from action-packed blockbusters to deeply emotional dramas and lively musicals. This collection showcases the most memorable acting from the past year.

Cynthia Erivo – ‘Wicked: For Good’ (2025)

Cynthia Erivo finishes her run as Elphaba in the second part of the popular musical. Her incredible singing brings the story’s emotional core to life as her character truly becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Erivo powerfully portrays the sacrifices Elphaba makes while fighting for what’s right against the dishonesty within Oz. For longtime fans, her journey is both deeply moving and inspiring.

Ariana Grande – ‘Wicked: For Good‘ (2025)

Ariana Grande returns as Glinda the Good in the final installment of this grand fantasy story. She skillfully mixes humor with a growing sense of sadness as the kingdom faces new challenges. The performance shows how her character develops from a seemingly shallow socialite into a leader who feels the weight of her people’s hopes. Critics are celebrating Grande’s precise singing and her ability to make Glinda feel relatable, despite her seemingly flawless image.

Rachel Brosnahan – ‘Superman’ (2025)

Rachel Brosnahan takes on the famous role of Lois Lane in a new take on the classic superhero story. She plays the determined reporter with both intelligence and strong ethics, fearlessly chasing the truth in Metropolis. Her connection with Superman is at the heart of the film, while still showcasing her as a capable and independent journalist. Reviewers have praised her performance for bringing a fresh, modern feel to the character.

Vanessa Kirby – ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025)

Vanessa Kirby delivers a nuanced and intelligent performance as Sue Storm in this highly anticipated superhero film. She portrays the Invisible Woman as the team’s emotional center, while also showcasing her character’s scientific brilliance. The film explores how she manages her new abilities alongside her personal life, all within a thrilling science fiction setting. Kirby’s performance emphasizes the inner strength and determination needed to be the heart of a heroic family.

Scarlett Johansson – ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ (2025)

Scarlett Johansson stars in the newest prehistoric adventure as a highly trained operative. She gives a powerful and athletic performance, showcasing her character’s ability to adapt and survive against dangerous ancient creatures. Johansson brings a realistic and intense energy to the story, while also revealing a plot that could endanger the entire world. This is a major return to large-scale action films for the celebrated actress.

Ana de Armas – ‘Ballerina’ (2025)

Ana de Armas plays a highly skilled assassin with a unique background in the traditions of the Ruska Roma in this new addition to the John Wick story. Driven by vengeance for her family’s murder, she engages in thrilling and precisely-executed fight scenes. De Armas performs many of her own demanding physical stunts and brings a powerful emotional depth to her character’s pursuit of justice, solidifying her place as a leading action star.

Jessie Buckley – ‘The Bride!’ (2025)

Jessie Buckley gives a powerfully unsettling performance in this new take on a familiar horror story. She plays a character grappling with who she is and her right to control her own life, all while being seen as a frightening creature by others. Buckley uses her body language and expressions to show the character’s difficult journey of becoming self-aware. Many have called her performance a shocking and thought-provoking exploration of being reborn.

Jennifer Lawrence – ‘Die, My Love’ (2025)

Jennifer Lawrence gives a powerful performance as a mother in the countryside who is overwhelmed by the challenges of raising a child. The film shows her character slowly losing her grip on reality as she feels trapped by the pressures of being a wife and mother. Lawrence delivers a strikingly honest and unrestrained portrayal of a woman whose mental state is unraveling, proving her skill at handling difficult and emotionally charged roles.

Emma Stone – ‘Bugonia’ (2025)

Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos team up again for a strange and captivating sci-fi thriller. Stone plays a woman tangled in a wild conspiracy involving company secrets and beliefs about aliens. She brings a wonderfully quirky and funny performance to the film, perfectly fitting its bizarre and dreamlike atmosphere. Her talent for making even the most ridiculous situations feel real continues to be one of her greatest strengths.

Cate Blanchett – ‘Black Bag’ (2025)

Cate Blanchett shines in this thrilling spy story, bringing her usual elegance and power to the screen. She plays a seasoned intelligence officer who finds herself caught in a dangerous game of international lies and backstabbing. Blanchett expertly builds suspense throughout the film, keeping the audience guessing about her character’s true intentions. Her performance elevates the movie, adding depth and seriousness to the exciting world of contemporary spy films.

Naomi Ackie – ‘Mickey 17’ (2025)

Naomi Ackie delivers a particularly impressive performance as a crucial character alongside the lead in this thought-provoking science fiction story. She portrays a warm and intelligent individual facing the challenges of a risky mission to colonize an icy planet. Ackie skillfully explores the difficult questions of what it means to survive and the importance of human connection when everything is on the line. Her work grounds the film’s large scope with genuine emotion.

Toni Collette – ‘Mickey 17’ (2025)

Toni Collette gives a compelling and often frightening performance as a powerful leader managing a dangerous space mission. She perfectly portrays the ruthless, business-focused mindset of a company that sees astronauts as tools rather than people. Collette’s incredible acting skills make her character both effective and ethically questionable, and her scenes consistently build suspense for the story’s main characters.

Rachel Zegler – ‘Snow White’ (2025)

Rachel Zegler stars as the main character in this new live-action version of the beloved fairy tale, which is updated for modern audiences. She showcases her impressive singing skills in several new musical numbers that add depth to the story. Zegler plays a strong leader who needs to discover her inner strength and voice to save her kingdom from an evil force. Reviewers have applauded her for staying true to the original story while also bringing a new and exciting take to it.

Jodie Comer – ’28 Years Later’ (2025)

Jodie Comer leads the new installment of the popular zombie series, playing a survivor in a world overrun long ago. Her performance is raw and powerful, showing how exhausting it is to live constantly in danger. Comer skillfully combines thrilling action scenes with thoughtful moments, exploring what’s been lost. She adds a fascinating layer of emotional complexity to this well-known horror story.

Zendaya – ‘The Drama’ (2025)

Zendaya gives a compelling and nuanced performance as a young woman navigating a difficult breakup. She portrays the character’s emotional journey with realism, focusing on the small changes in how she communicates and feels. The film relies on Zendaya’s acting – her words and expressions – rather than flashy effects, showcasing her growth as an actress and solidifying her place as one of her generation’s most talented performers.

Anne Hathaway – ‘Mother Mary’ (2025)

In this colorful musical, Anne Hathaway plays a pop star dealing with the challenges of fame and constant public attention. She sings original songs with a big, showy style, bringing the excitement of a worldwide concert tour to life. The film also shows the quiet struggles and creative difficulties hidden beneath the star’s glamorous image. Hathaway’s performance offers a complex look at how art and business collide in today’s world.

Michaela Coel – ‘Mother Mary’ (2025)

Michaela Coel plays a celebrated fashion designer who develops a complicated and passionate connection with a globally famous singer. She portrays the character with intelligence and a strong sense of style, bringing both creativity and emotional honesty to the role. The story delves into the power dynamics and creative influences within their high-profile working relationship. Coel’s performance offers a captivating contrast to the dazzling musical elements of the story.

Angelina Jolie – ‘Maria’ (2025)

Angelina Jolie gives a stunning performance as Maria Callas, the famous opera singer, during the last part of her life in Paris. She beautifully portrays both the grace and the deep sadness of a woman whose voice was iconic. Jolie uses subtle movements and expressions to show Callas’s vulnerability and the strength that still remained. Many consider this role a major accomplishment, highlighting Jolie’s impressive acting talent.

Lupita Nyong’o – ‘The Woman in the Yard’ (2025)

Lupita Nyong’o gives a captivating performance in this suspenseful thriller, playing a mother increasingly disturbed by a strange force in her house. She powerfully portrays a woman desperately trying to shield her family from a danger no one else can see. Nyong’o masterfully builds tension through subtle expressions and body language, making her performance the heart of the film’s scariest and most gripping scenes.

Mila Kunis – ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2025)

Mila Kunis is the newest addition to the cast of the third Benoit Blanc mystery, playing a character who isn’t quite what she seems. She brings a clever sense of humor and an unpredictable energy to the group of suspects in a thrilling murder case. Throughout the complex story, Kunis keeps viewers guessing about her character’s real motives. Her excellent comedic timing and strong connection with the other actors make her a highlight of the film.

Glenn Close – ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2025)

Glenn Close is powerfully captivating as the head of a family tangled in deception. She portrays a wealthy woman harboring deep-seated bitterness, and expertly challenges the detective, Benoit Blanc. A seasoned performer, Close dominates every scene with a compelling mix of elegance and threat. Her performance brings a touch of old Hollywood glamour to this modern mystery series.

Kerry Washington – ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2025)

In this detective sequel, Kerry Washington plays a sharp and perceptive guest who finds herself at the heart of a dangerous mystery. She brings a quiet intensity to her role as her character tries to figure out who’s telling the truth amidst a whirlwind of accusations. Washington expertly delivers the series’ tricky conversations and constantly changing loyalties, offering a smart and realistic viewpoint during the chaotic investigation.

Elizabeth Olsen – ‘Eternity’ (2025)

Elizabeth Olsen plays a woman who learns she’s part of a repeating cycle of rebirth in this romantic fantasy. She skillfully portrays the same character throughout different eras, using small changes in how she acts and feels. The film follows a love story that lasts for centuries, and Olsen’s performance is key to its exploration of deep connection and the power of memory. It asks the question: what does it really mean to understand someone?

Anya Taylor-Joy – ‘Sacrifice’ (2025)

Anya Taylor-Joy stars in this suspenseful and eerie thriller as a woman who gets caught up in a dangerous cult with a long history. Her performance beautifully shows a shift from initial fascination to a desperate fight to stay alive. Taylor-Joy uses her captivating presence to emphasize how disturbing this community truly is. Her work is both visually stunning and deeply moving as her character is forced to make incredibly difficult decisions.

Salma Hayek – ‘Sacrifice’ (2025)

In this thrilling drama, Salma Hayek plays the captivating and formidable head of a hidden organization. She delivers a powerful performance, skillfully blending a motherly side with unwavering dedication to her group’s beliefs. Hayek creates a character who is both attractive and frightening, expertly controlling everyone around her. Her role is central to the film’s themes of power, control, and the dynamics within a secluded group.

Margaret Qualley – ‘Honey Don’t!’ (2025)

Margaret Qualley shines in this darkly funny movie, playing a woman who gets mixed up with a very unusual private investigator. She portrays her character’s wild adventure with a blend of quirky charm and desperate energy. Qualley is great at physical comedy, but she also makes sure the audience feels what her character is going through. Her performance really stands out in this fast-moving and unique story.

Aubrey Plaza – ‘Honey Don’t!’ (2025)

Aubrey Plaza is fantastic in this role, playing a mysterious investigator with perfect comedic timing and a dry, detached delivery. She’s known for her unique style, and she brings that to a character who’s both puzzling and world-weary. Plaza’s sharp, witty interactions with the other actors are a major source of the film’s humor, and she adds a layer of ironic amusement to the story’s increasingly strange turns.

Greta Lee – ‘Tron: Ares’ (2025)

Greta Lee plays a gifted programmer in a futuristic digital world, connecting the real world with a complex computer simulation. She brings both curiosity and a sense of amazement to the story, which explores the development of artificial intelligence. Despite the film’s elaborate visual effects, Lee delivers a natural performance, ensuring the story remains focused on human connection. Her character is key to the film’s ideas about creating new technologies and the responsibilities that come with them.

Shira Haas – ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025)

Shira Haas joins the Marvel universe as Ruth Bat-Seraph in a thrilling, international story of politics and secrets. She plays a character with a hidden history and special skills who has to deal with constantly changing loyalties. Haas brings a calm but powerful energy and an air of mystery to her role, helping the new Captain America. Critics have praised her subtle performance for adding layers to the film’s spy themes.

Sydney Sweeney – ‘Echo Valley’ (2025)

In this gripping psychological thriller, Sydney Sweeney plays a woman trying to heal after a devastating loss. She gives a powerful performance, showing both the vulnerability and growing resilience of someone overcoming trauma. Supported by a talented cast, the film realistically depicts a family haunted by secrets and deception. Sweeney’s subtle and expressive acting is crucial to the film’s impact.

Julianne Moore – ‘Echo Valley’ (2025)

Julianne Moore gives a powerful performance as a mother fiercely determined to protect her daughter in this intense and unsettling drama. The film follows her as her life is shattered by an act of violence and the complicated aftermath. Moore portrays a woman grappling with difficult choices, bringing a raw and desperate energy to the story and heightening the suspense.

Zoe Saldaña – ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (2025)

Zoe Saldaña is back as Neytiri in the latest Avatar movie. She plays the strong warrior mother as she fights new dangers to her family and the Na’vi people, threats that come from within their own world, Pandora. Saldaña continues to expertly use performance capture technology to create a character that is both deeply moving and physically believable. Her performance is still the emotional center of the series, as it delves into the more complex and challenging aspects of Na’vi culture.

Michelle Yeoh – ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (2025)

Michelle Yeoh is joining the movie as a scientist who deeply understands the world of Pandora. She plays a calm and strong character who tries to bring peace between fighting groups. Yeoh’s performance explores the moral questions surrounding her character’s work and her commitment to protecting the environment, adding depth and wisdom to the film’s story.

Jessie Buckley – ‘Hamnet’ (2025)

Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife, in this moving historical drama. She plays a strong and perceptive woman dealing with the heartbreaking loss of her young son. Buckley’s performance is deeply personal yet powerfully emotional, exploring themes of grief and motherhood. She beautifully portrays a woman whose inner life shines through despite living in a time often defined by great men.

Saoirse Ronan – ‘Bad Apples’ (2025)

Saoirse Ronan plays a committed elementary school teacher caught in a strange and escalatingly perilous situation. She grounds the story with a sense of normalcy and kindness as it spirals into increasingly surreal chaos. Ronan brilliantly portrays a character striving to maintain control as her world unravels, proving her skill at leading a film with both intelligence and genuine emotion.

Dakota Johnson – ‘Materialists’ (2025)

Dakota Johnson stars in this funny and relatable romantic comedy, set in the world of New York City’s exclusive matchmaking scene. She plays a woman torn between her current, reliable boyfriend and a tempting ex-lover. Johnson brings a lot of charm and wit to the role, exploring how tricky love can be when money and status are involved. The connection she shares with her fellow actors makes the movie a fun and modern take on dating today.

Rosamund Pike – ‘Edith’ (2025)

Rosamund Pike delivers a compelling performance in this biographical film about a remarkable woman who challenged the norms of the early 1900s. She portrays a character defined by her sharp mind and determination to live life on her own terms. Pike skillfully shows the character overcoming obstacles and weathering public controversies with grace and strength. It’s a moving portrayal of a pioneering woman who inspired those who came after her.

Cailee Spaeny – ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2025)

I was really impressed with Cailee Spaeny in the new Benoit Blanc movie! She brought such a cool, fresh energy to the cast. Her character seems quiet at first, but you quickly get the feeling she’s picking up on everything. Honestly, she went toe-to-toe with some seriously talented actors and handled that super quick dialogue with ease. She really added a new dimension to the already twisty and complicated story, and I’m excited to see more of her work!

Florence Pugh – ‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

Florence Pugh is back as Yelena Belova in this action-packed movie about a group of flawed heroes. She plays the character with both deadly skill and a sharp sense of humor while undertaking a risky assignment for the government. Pugh continues to show Yelena’s growth as a woman trying to forge her own identity, separate from her history as a spy. The connection she shares with her teammates is one of the film’s highlights.

Sandra Hüller – ‘Rosebushpruning’ (2025)

Sandra Hüller gives a powerful and nuanced performance in this thought-provoking drama about family relationships and hidden emotions. She portrays her character with a quiet intensity, drawing the viewer in with her focused presence. The film itself is complex and doesn’t offer simple resolutions, and Hüller’s work has been widely celebrated for its intelligence and depth.

Elle Fanning – ‘A Complete Unknown’ (2025)

Elle Fanning plays an important person in the life of a young Bob Dylan in this film about the 1960s folk music world. She beautifully portrays a free-spirited and intelligent woman who inspires and supports him. Through her performance, she captures the feeling of a time of great change and her connection with the famous musician is central to the story. Her role adds a personal and emotional touch to the film, which is about how a cultural icon came to be.

Tilda Swinton – ‘The Room Next Door’ (2025)

This intimate drama features Tilda Swinton in a powerful and subtle performance as one of two women grappling with a major life change. Swinton beautifully portrays the complexities of friendship and facing one’s own mortality, conveying deep emotion with very few words. The film centers on the moving and realistic connection between these two women.

Julianne Moore – ‘The Room Next Door’ (2025)

Julianne Moore delivers a compelling performance, balancing beautifully against her fellow actor in this story of lasting friendship. She plays a woman grappling with big questions about life and death, all while being a source of support for a loved one. Moore brings genuine warmth and openness to the role, portraying both strength and deep feeling. It’s a nuanced and emotionally powerful performance that truly stands out.

Fernanda Torres – ‘I’m Still Here’ (2025)

Fernanda Torres gives a powerful and unforgettable performance as a mother determined to uncover the truth during a time of political turmoil in Brazil. She plays a remarkably strong woman who won’t be intimidated by the government. Torres brilliantly shows both the weariness and the fierce resolve of a mother searching for her missing family, and her performance is being hailed as one of the year’s most impactful and emotionally resonant.

Mikey Madison – ‘Anora’ (2025)

I have to say, Mikey Madison absolutely shines in this film. She plays a young woman navigating a complicated life, and then gets swept up in a fast-moving romance with the son of a very powerful man. What starts as something dreamy quickly turns into a real fight for survival, and Madison handles it all with incredible energy and authenticity. She’s both funny and heartbreaking, bringing a real grit to the role while still making you root for her. Honestly, this performance feels like a real star is born – she’s definitely one to watch in the indie film world.

Karla Sofía Gascón – ‘Emilia Pérez’ (2025)

Karla Sofía Gascón gives a remarkable performance as a cartel leader who chooses to transition and start a new life. She portrays this journey with incredible bravery and emotional honesty. In this one-of-a-kind musical crime film, Gascón expertly balances the intense drama of her character’s past with the promise of a hopeful future. Her performance is a historic and impactful one, earning praise from both audiences and critics worldwide.

Selena Gomez – ‘Emilia Pérez’ (2025)

In this unique musical drama, Selena Gomez shines as a woman whose life is impacted by someone in a position of power. She proves her growth as an actress, skillfully portraying a character with deep and complicated emotions. Gomez enhances the film’s lively musical numbers while staying authentic and relatable. Her presence brings a modern and widely-appealing energy to the film’s bold vision.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste – ‘Hard Truths’ (2025)

Marianne Jean-Baptiste delivers a compelling performance in this insightful film about a woman confronting her past and family. She plays the role with raw energy and complete honesty, beautifully portraying themes of regret and the search for forgiveness. It’s a moving and emotionally resonant performance that showcases her remarkable ability to capture the nuances of the human experience.

Amy Adams – ‘Nightbitch’ (2025)

Amy Adams gives a powerful and captivating performance as a mother who starts to believe she’s transforming into a dog. She brilliantly portrays the raw instincts and emotional toll of everyday family life, tackling a very physically challenging role. Adams skillfully blends the strange, unbelievable situation with real, heartfelt emotions and a mother’s deep desire for connection. It’s a daring and honest look at what it means to be a woman and explore who we truly are.

Pamela Anderson – ‘The Last Showgirl’ (2025)

Pamela Anderson delivers a standout performance as a seasoned Las Vegas showgirl nearing the end of her career. She beautifully portrays the character’s strength and sadness as she contemplates her future in an industry that prioritizes youth. Anderson brings unexpected emotional depth and openness to the role, which resonates with her own experiences as a public figure. Reviews have praised her work as a moving and successful return to acting.

Tell us in the comments which performance you thought was the most impressive.

2025-12-23 05:58