The Shocking Upset: 5 Must-Know Facts About The Academy Award For Best Actress After The 97th Oscars

The Academy Award for Best Actress remains the most prestigious honor for a leading female performance in the film industry, a category steeped in cinematic history and often punctuated by dramatic upsets. As of December 10, 2025, the conversation is dominated by the shock result of the 97th Academy Awards, which saw a young star triumph over established Hollywood veterans in one of the most contentious races in recent memory. This award not only celebrates individual brilliance but also reflects the evolving landscape of cinema, from groundbreaking performances in indie darlings to the perennial debate over representation and gender in Hollywood.

The latest ceremony has reignited interest in both the newest record-holders and the legendary figures whose achievements define the category. From the unparalleled four-win record of Katharine Hepburn to the modern era's focus on diverse and challenging roles, the Best Actress Oscar is a powerful barometer of artistic excellence and cultural shifts. This deep dive explores the current champion, the immortal records, and the controversies that continue to shape the future of this iconic golden statuette.

The Newest Reign: Mikey Madison's Upset Win at the 97th Academy Awards

The 97th Academy Awards delivered one of the most significant upsets in the Best Actress category in years, cementing a new star in Hollywood's firmament. The surprising victory of Mikey Madison for her raw, compelling performance in the indie hit Anora sent shockwaves through the awards circuit.

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Madison, a 25-year-old talent, beat out several heavy favorites, including veteran actress Demi Moore, who was widely tipped to win for her role in The Substance. This win highlights the Academy’s willingness to recognize powerful, breakout performances from younger actors in independent films, a trend that has gained momentum in recent years. Her portrayal was lauded for its intensity and emotional depth, proving that true acting performance can transcend box office expectations and established star power.

The full list of nominees for the 97th Best Actress Academy Award showcases the diversity of talent in the 2024 film year:

• Mikey Madison - Anora (Winner)
• Demi Moore - The Substance
• Karla Sofía Gascón - Emilia Pérez
• Cynthia Erivo - Wicked
• Fernanda Torres - The Brutalist

This race was particularly contentious, with intense media scrutiny and speculation leading up to the ceremony. The victory of a performance from a Best Picture winner, as Anora also claimed the top prize, often signals a strong, consensus choice within the voting body.

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Immortal Records and the Pantheon of Best Actresses

While new talent emerges every year, the historical records of the Academy Award for Best Actress serve as the ultimate benchmark of cinematic achievement. These legendary figures define the category's prestige and offer a sense of perspective on the career-defining nature of an Oscar win.

The All-Time Win Record

The undisputed champion is Katharine Hepburn, who holds the record for the most Best Actress wins with an astonishing four victories. Her wins span a remarkable 48 years, from Morning Glory (1933) to On Golden Pond (1981), demonstrating an unparalleled longevity and mastery of her craft. Her legacy is a towering presence in the history of film, symbolizing the gold standard of acting.

The Most Nominated Actress

The record for the most nominations in this category belongs to Meryl Streep. She has received a staggering seventeen Best Actress nominations, a testament to her consistent excellence and versatility across decades. Streep has won the award twice in this category (and a third time for Best Supporting Actress), solidifying her status as one of the most respected performers in the world.

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The Modern Master: Three-Time Winners

Only one other actress has come close to Hepburn's record: Frances McDormand. She has won the Best Actress Oscar three times—for Fargo (1996), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), and Nomadland (2020). McDormand's wins are characterized by her commitment to complex, often non-glamorous roles, reflecting a modern appreciation for authenticity in acting performance.

Other notable multi-winners who have taken home the statuette twice include Jodie Foster, Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, and recent winners like Emma Stone and Cate Blanchett.

Controversies and the Future of Gendered Acting Categories

The Academy Award for Best Actress is not just about celebration; it is also a flashpoint for industry debates and cultural scrutiny. Recent years have brought several controversies and trends to the forefront, challenging the traditional structure and perception of the award.

The "Oversexualization" and Role Trend Debate

A recurring discussion among critics and fans is a perceived trend in the types of roles that win Best Actress. While past winners like Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) and Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye) showcased diverse performances, some critics have pointed to a pattern where female winners are recognized for roles that involve themes of trauma, sacrifice, or, controversially, an element of "oversexualization" or extreme physical transformation. This ongoing conversation questions whether the Academy is truly rewarding the best acting performance or a specific, often tragic, narrative archetype.

The Karla Sofía Gascón Controversy

The 97th Academy Awards saw its own share of drama, particularly around nominee Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez. The nomination of a transgender actress in the Best Actress category, while celebrated by many for its progressive step in representation, also sparked controversy and debate within the industry and public discourse. This highlights the tension between celebrating diversity and the traditional voting preferences of the Academy membership.

The Push for Gender-Neutral Categories

Perhaps the most significant long-term trend is the increasing discussion about replacing the gender-specific Best Actor and Best Actress categories with gender-neutral awards, such as simply "Best Leading Performance." Proponents argue that this change would eliminate gender bias, allow for greater recognition of non-binary and gender non-conforming actors, and focus solely on the quality of the acting performance. Critics, including established actresses like Patricia Arquette and Jamie Lee Curtis, argue that eliminating the categories would reduce the visibility and number of opportunities for women to be celebrated, potentially sidelining female achievements.

The Academy’s decision on this matter will fundamentally reshape the future of the awards. For now, the Academy Award for Best Actress remains a powerful, highly coveted honor, continuing to celebrate the most compelling and transformative leading performances in world cinema. The journey of every nominee, from the first-time nod to the historic win, contributes to the rich, complex tapestry of Hollywood’s most prestigious acting prize.