In the past few years, women in Hollywood have delivered some of the most unforgettable performances on screen. These actresses have taken on bold, emotional, and inspiring roles that have truly left a mark on audiences everywhere. Whether they’re playing real-life icons or complex fictional characters, they’ve shown us just how powerful a great performance can be.

This blog highlights some of the best female performances in recent Hollywood movies — the ones that moved us, made us think, and reminded us why we love stories in the first place.

1. Cate Blanchett in “Tár” (2022)

Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Lydia Tár, a renowned conductor facing a professional and personal crisis, is a masterclass in performance. With razor-sharp precision and emotional intensity, Blanchett captures the complexity of a woman at the top of her field grappling with power, legacy, and downfall. The role earned her widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s finest.

2. Michelle Yeoh in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” (2022)

Michelle Yeoh’s turn as Evelyn Wang, a laundromat owner caught in a multiverse-spanning adventure, is groundbreaking. The role demanded physical agility, comedic timing, and dramatic depth—all of which Yeoh delivered flawlessly. Her performance not only broke stereotypes but also earned her the Oscar for Best Actress, making her the first Asian woman to win in that category.

3. Viola Davis in “The Woman King” (2022)

Viola Davis delivers a fierce and commanding performance as General Nanisca, the leader of an all-female warrior unit in the Kingdom of Dahomey. Her portrayal is physically demanding and emotionally resonant, embodying strength, sacrifice, and leadership. Davis’s dedication to the role and her transformative performance made “The Woman King” a standout film of the year.

4. Florence Pugh in “Don’t Worry Darling” (2022)

Despite the controversies surrounding the film, Florence Pugh emerged as its brightest star. Her portrayal of Alice, a housewife uncovering disturbing truths about her seemingly perfect community, is gripping. Pugh’s ability to convey paranoia, confusion, and emotional turmoil with subtlety and strength marked her as one of the most promising actors of her generation.

5. Danielle Deadwyler in “Till” (2022)

Danielle Deadwyler’s heart-wrenching portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, is a tour de force. Her performance is both restrained and emotionally explosive, capturing the pain, dignity, and courage of a mother seeking justice. Deadwyler received critical acclaim for her role, which is widely considered one of the most overlooked performances of awards season.

6. Ana de Armas in “Blonde” (2022)

Playing the iconic Marilyn Monroe, Ana de Armas brought a haunting vulnerability to the role. While the film itself divided critics, de Armas’s commitment to portraying the inner life of a troubled star was undeniable. Her transformation was physical and emotional, capturing the pain behind Monroe’s public image.

7. Margot Robbie in “Babylon” (2022)

Margot Robbie’s performance as Nellie LaRoy, an aspiring actress during the early days of Hollywood, is explosive and unpredictable. She embodies the chaos, ambition, and emotional volatility of a woman chasing fame. Robbie’s fearless portrayal added depth to an otherwise polarizing film.

8. Emma Thompson in “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” (2022)

Emma Thompson took a bold step with her role as Nancy Stokes, a retired teacher seeking sexual fulfillment and self-discovery. Her performance is intimate, brave, and refreshingly honest, exploring themes of aging, desire, and liberation. Thompson’s nuanced acting showcased her range and willingness to challenge societal norms.

9. Michelle Williams in “The Fabelmans” (2022)

Michelle Williams delivers a poignant performance as Mitzi Fabelman, a character based on Steven Spielberg’s mother. Her portrayal is delicate yet emotionally potent, capturing the complexities of a woman torn between duty and passion. Williams brings warmth and depth to a semi-autobiographical story, making her performance one of the film’s emotional anchors.

10. Andrea Riseborough in “To Leslie” (2022)

In a role that stirred controversy due to its unexpected Oscar nomination, Andrea Riseborough plays a former lottery winner struggling with addiction and redemption. Her raw, unfiltered performance is deeply human and emotionally resonant. Riseborough’s dedication to the character brought an indie film into the spotlight, showcasing the power of grassroots support and critical recognition.

These performances represent more than just artistic excellence. They reflect the growing appetite for stories that center on women’s experiences in all their diversity and complexity. The success of these roles proves that audiences crave authentic, well-crafted female characters portrayed by talented actors who bring them to life with authenticity and power.

As Hollywood continues to evolve, the contributions of these actresses pave the way for more inclusive and representative storytelling. They challenge conventions, push boundaries, and redefine what it means to be a leading lady in modern cinema.

In celebrating these performances, we not only honor the actresses but also the stories that demand to be told—stories of strength, struggle, joy, and humanity. Here’s to the women of Hollywood who continue to inspire, entertain, and transform the landscape of film.