Best Actress Nominees of 2025

The 2025 awards season was full of unforgettable performances by some of today’s most talented actresses. From powerful dramatic turns to nuanced character portrayals across genres and languages, this year’s Best Actress nominees delivered performances that resonated with audiences and critics alike. In this roundup, we highlight the top Best Actress nominees of 2025, offering a closer look at their celebrated roles, why each performance stood out, and context around their films.

Here are the standout actresses who earned a Best Actress nomination at the 97th Academy Awards—the biggest night in film—bringing depth, presence, and unforgettable performances to the screen.

1. Mikey Madison – Anora

In Anora, Mikey Madison delivers a deeply human and layered portrayal that anchors the film’s emotional core. Her performance explores vulnerability, resilience, and complexity with a rawness that captivates from beginning to end. This role marked a major milestone in her career, showcasing her ability to carry a richly dramatic story.
IMDb Rating (Film): 7.1
Cast: Mikey Madison, (key ensemble varies by film)
Award: Best Actress Nominee (Academy Awards 2025)

2. Cynthia Erivo – Wicked

Cynthia Erivo gives a commanding performance in the musical fantasy Wicked, breathing life into her character with both power and precision. Her emotional range and vocal prowess helped elevate the film’s story, making her one of the most memorable performances of the year.
IMDb Rating (Film): 6.9
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, (musical ensemble)
Award: Best Actress Nominee (Academy Awards 2025)

3. Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez

Making history as one of the first openly transgender performers nominated in a leading acting category, Karla Sofía Gascón delivers a subtle and powerful turn in the multilingual drama Emilia Pérez. Her grounded, heartfelt performance received widespread acclaim and marked an important moment in awards history.
IMDb Rating (Film): 8.1
Cast: Karla Sofía Gascón, (ensemble)
Award: Best Actress Nominee (Academy Awards 2025)

4. Demi Moore – The Substance

Demi Moore surprises audiences with a bold performance in the psychological thriller The Substance. Her ability to balance intensity and emotional nuance helped her stand out among a strong field of nominees. This role reaffirmed her place as a commanding presence onscreen.
IMDb Rating (Film): 6.3
Cast: Demi Moore, (co-stars vary)
Award: Best Actress Nominee (Academy Awards 2025)

5. Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here

Veteran actress Fernanda Torres delivers an unforgettable performance in the heartfelt international drama I’m Still Here. Her portrayal combines depth, wisdom, and emotional resonance, anchoring the film’s narrative with grace and power. It was celebrated widely during awards season, earning her one of the most talked-about nominations of the year.
IMDb Rating (Film): 7.4
Cast: Fernanda Torres, (ensemble cast)
Award: Best Actress Nominee (Academy Awards 2025)

What Made These Performances Stand Out

Each of these actresses brought something unique to their roles in 2025:

• Emotional depth: Whether it was internal struggle or outward expression, these performances echoed long after the credits rolled.
• Range and nuance: Across genres—from musical fantasy to intimate drama—these nominees showed extraordinary adaptability and artistic courage.
• Cultural impact: Some performances made history or reflected important shifts in representation, raising the bar for future awards seasons.

The Best Actress category in 2025 showcased some of the most compelling performances in recent memory, blending established stars with groundbreaking newcomers. These nominees not only captivated audiences but also pushed storytelling forward with unforgettable artistry and presence. Whether you’re catching up on these films or revisiting them, each nominee’s work is worth watching for its emotional power, technical excellence, and lasting impact on cinema.