Established
1929
Annual award presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and given to the actress who delivers an outstanding performance in a leading role while working within the film industry. All Oscar awards celebrate the prior year in film as Frances McDormand won in 2018 for her work in 2017's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
The award is traditionally presented by the previous year's Best Actor Oscar Winner. Katharine Hepburn won 4 times while Meryl Streep has 21 total Oscar nominations (including supporting actress) and 2 wins in this category.
#3 award