Oscar Icons: Revisiting 5 Actresses Who Made History Ahead of the 98th Academy Awards
As Hollywood prepares for the star-studded 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, anticipation builds for another night of cinematic celebration at the Dolby Theatre. In this moment of reflection, we look back at the women who have defined the past six years of film excellence, delivering not just award-winning performances but moments of raw, unscripted humanity. From underdog triumphs to historic barrier-breaking victories, these five actresses remind us that the true power of an Oscar lies in the vulnerability and authenticity behind the performance.
Mikey Madison: The Underdog Fire
Mikey Madison’s 2024 win for Anora stands as a fresh wound turned triumph in Oscar history. At just 25 years old, she beat heavyweights like Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo with her raw portrayal of a chaotic New York sex worker, a performance that exploded on screen with visceral intensity. Photos from that night capture her frozen mid-scream of joy, mascara smudging as she hugged her team and whispered heartfelt thanks to her mother in the crowd. This unscripted moment epitomizes the underdog fire of a young actress who poured her guts into a role and walked away forever changed, embodying the spirit of cinematic breakthrough.
Emma Stone: Evolving Through Vulnerability
Emma Stone doubled down on her success in 2023 with Poor Things, securing her second Best Actress statue after her earlier win for La La Land. She triumphed over formidable contenders like Sandra Hüller and Lily Gladstone, transforming into a wild, reborn Victorian woman on a profound voyage of self-discovery. Gallery shots from the ceremony show her biting her lip and fighting back happy sobs on stage, her gown shimmering under the dazzling lights. Stone later admitted that nerves nearly broke her, but this messy, brilliant performance proved her staying power, serving as a powerful reminder that true artists evolve through embracing vulnerability and pushing creative boundaries.
Michelle Yeoh: Breaking Barriers with Fierce Gratitude
Michelle Yeoh made history in 2022 as the first Asian woman to win Best Actress for Everything Everywhere All at Once, edging out acclaimed performers like Cate Blanchett and Michelle Williams. She masterfully embodied a laundromat mom juggling multiverses and family strife, bringing depth and nuance to a complex role. Her Oscar night photos radiate fierce gratitude, with fists pumped and voice cracking as she dedicated the award to “all the little boys and girls out there.” At 60, after decades of martial arts kicks and battles against typecasting, Yeoh’s win felt like sweet revenge, her triumphant smile silently declaring, “I told you so,” and inspiring generations to come.
Jessica Chastain: Honoring Messy Redemption
Jessica Chastain won the 2021 prize for The Eyes of Tammy Faye, outshining competitors like Olivia Colman and Nicole Kidman with her transformative portrayal of the televangelist’s wife. She channeled the character with fluttering lashes and unshakeable faith, a performance so deep it left audiences stunned and moved. In victory photos, her red hair wild and free, she beams with quiet relief, clutching the Oscar like a long-lost friend. Chastain spoke of the role’s personal pull, drawing from her own outsider grit to honor a woman’s messy redemption, showcasing how art can bridge personal experience and universal themes.
Frances McDormand: A Reckoning Cultural Moment
Frances McDormand sealed the 2020 streak with Nomadland, earning her third win by beating Viola Davis and Carey Mulligan. As a grieving widow roaming America’s fringes, she brought bone-deep ache to the screen, capturing the essence of human resilience. Photos from the ceremony show her barefoot on stage, Oscar raised high in that signature “I did it” pose, voice steady but eyes misty with emotion. McDormand’s no-fuss authenticity, including her demand for inclusion riders and championing of real stories, marked a reckoning cultural moment, emphasizing the importance of diversity and genuine narratives in Hollywood.
As we approach the 98th Academy Awards, these modern icons continue to inspire, reminding us that Oscar victories are more than just trophies—they are testaments to the power of storytelling, vulnerability, and the relentless pursuit of artistic truth.
