Greatest Actresses of All Time, According to the American Film Institute

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Founded in 1967, the American Film Institute (AFI) is a non-profit dedicated to protecting film history, training filmmakers, and recognizing outstanding work in movies and television. AFI is also well-known for its research into film and for creating popular lists of the greatest films and actors of all time. Considering its long history, the accomplishments of the actresses AFI has recognized as the best ever are particularly noteworthy.

Created in 1999 by the American Film Institute, this list of actresses understandably highlights those who began their careers in 1950 or before, which means it feels a little old-fashioned now. However, it remains a fantastic collection of some of Hollywood’s most enduring and recognizable stars. It’s a tribute to the women who were pioneers, set the bar high, and continue to be admired today.

Shirley Temple


Twentieth Century-Fox

As a classic movie fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Shirley Temple. She was a true sensation as a child, and honestly, she paved the way for so many young actors and actresses we see today. What I loved most about her was how incredibly cheerful and talented she was – she could dance, sing, and act, making her just a joy to watch! Especially during the tough times of the Great Depression, people really connected with her optimistic spirit. Some of her most famous films, and the ones I still love to revisit, include The Little Colonel, Bright Eyes, The Little Princess, and Rebecca of Sunny Brook Farm.

Recognized for her delightful performances and the joy she brought to audiences, she received a special Oscar at just six years old. Between 1935 and 1938, she was a huge star, consistently drawing large crowds to theaters. But she wasn’t just a talented actress; she also dedicated herself to raising a family, protecting the environment, and working as a diplomat, showing her incredible range and commitment to many different pursuits.

Lillian Gish


Metro Pictures

Lillian Gish faced hardship early in life, and turned to acting as a way to support herself. She’s best remembered for her work in silent films, where she powerfully conveyed emotion through her expressions. Silent film acting is incredibly demanding, requiring skilled performers to communicate entirely through visual cues and close-ups, since dialogue isn’t an option.

Although silent films aren’t made much anymore, they provide a uniquely captivating movie experience. The actress has had a remarkable 75-year career, starring in films like The Night of the Hunter, The White Sister, and The Whales of August. Her work is especially valued now. She received an honorary award in 1971 recognizing her exceptional artistry and significant contributions to the world of film.

Vivien Leigh


Loew’s Incorporated

Vivien Leigh, a beautiful and talented British actress, tragically died at the young age of 53 from tuberculosis. From a young age, she dreamed of acting and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. She began her film career with a role in Village Squire. Leigh was particularly gifted at memorization, which greatly aided her performances.

She rightfully won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her roles in the classic films Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire. Both performances were incredibly demanding physically. As two of the most celebrated movies ever made, it’s easy to see why she’s considered one of the greatest stars in film history.

Mae West


Universal Pictures

Mae West was known for being outspoken and expressing herself freely, even when her views were considered controversial. She openly embraced her sexuality and sensuality, and much of her work explored themes of sex and the societal judgments surrounding it.

Mae West started her career by creating and performing in her own plays on Broadway. She made her film debut at age 40 with a small part in Night After Night, and went on to appear in many more movies. She’s most famous for her roles in films like My Little Chickadee, I Am No Angel, and Goin’ to Town.

Ginger Rogers


RKO Radio Pictures

Ginger Rogers was a brilliant dancer who started her career on Broadway. Her performances in shows like 42nd Street and Gold Diggers impressed directors and led to her first film role in Follow The Leader. She eventually became a major star, and her films were almost always successful thanks to her partnership with fellow actor and dancer, Fred Astaire.

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire first charmed audiences together in the movie Flying Down to Rio, and went on to star in several more films, such as Shall We Dance, Top Hat, and Carefree. Interestingly, Rogers won her Academy Award not for a dance role or a film with Astaire, but for her dramatic performance in Kitty Foyle. She is now remembered as one of the most elegant performers in history.

Grace Kelly


Paramount Pictures

Though Grace Kelly’s time as an actress was brief, she remains a legendary figure in film. Her career took an unexpected turn when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco and dedicated the rest of her life to her duties as a princess. She first appeared on screen in the early 1950s with the film Fourteen Hours, but her major breakthrough came with roles in the Western High Noon and the romantic adventure Mogambo, which was famously a difficult production to film in Africa.

Throughout the rest of the 1950s, her acting career flourished, earning her two Academy Award nominations, including one win. Remarkably, she retired from acting at just 26 years old. Sadly, Grace Kelly passed away at the age of 52 following a car accident. Although a tragedy, her son created the Princess Grace Awards as a way to remember her and help emerging talents in the performing arts.

Claudette Colbert


Paramount Pictures

Like many actors of her time, Claudette Colbert started her career performing on stage. She quickly transitioned to the new world of talking movies, hoping to become a star. From the very beginning, casting directors were drawn to her distinctive appearance and captivating personality.

Claudette Colbert was a remarkably graceful and talented actress who appeared in many films from the 1930s to the late 1940s, skillfully performing in both comedies and dramas. Later in her career, she returned to focusing on stage acting and television, a period that earned her numerous awards and nominations, including Tonys, Golden Globes, and Emmys. It’s quite impressive considering she began her career in the days of silent movies.

Barbara Stanwyck


RKO Radio Pictures

Barbara Stanwyck grew up in foster homes, which taught her the value of hard work from a young age. She loved performing from childhood, and her role in the Broadway show Burlesque made her famous across the country. Soon after, she moved to Hollywood, appearing in Frank Capra’s Ladies of Leisure. This led to many iconic roles, and she received Academy Award nominations for four of them.

Although she didn’t win any of the awards she was nominated for, it’s remarkable how talented and dedicated she was. Barbara Stanwyck later changed direction and began acting on television, where she won three Emmy Awards. In 1982, the Academy honored her with a special Oscar for her incredible career.

Joan Crawford


Republic Pictures

It was common for actresses in the past to change their first names to something more glamorous before becoming famous. However, Joan Crawford did the opposite: she went from the refined name Lucille Fay LeSueur to the much simpler, and some might say grandmotherly, Joan Crawford. Despite this unusual choice, Crawford enjoyed a successful 45-year career, proving herself to be a remarkably versatile and adaptable performer.

Joan Crawford’s ability to transform into any role made her a major star in Hollywood. This talent earned her the Best Actress Oscar in 1945 for her performance in Mildred Pierce. Even as the industry favored younger stars, Crawford proved her skill with the hugely popular, and now classic, horror film Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

Marlene Dietrich


Universal Pictures

Marlene Dietrich, a passionate opponent of fascism and a woman of strong convictions, was a German actress celebrated for her kindness, especially during World War II. She famously gave away her entire earnings from the film Knight Without Armor to help refugees escaping the war in Europe.

Though Marlene Dietrich received just one Academy Award nomination, her influence as both a performer and a compassionate person remains incredibly memorable. Throughout her career, from early films like The Blue Angel and Shanghai Express to later hits such as Touch of Evil and Witness for the Prosecution, she consistently delivered captivating performances.

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2026-03-03 20:05