The 2021 Oscars showcased a remarkable array of talent, and the Best Actress category was no exception. Guys, let's dive into the incredible performances that earned these actresses a nomination, highlighting their dedication, skill, and the impact they made on the cinematic landscape. From biographical portrayals to deeply emotional characters, each nominee brought something unique and unforgettable to the screen. We'll explore what made their performances stand out, the critical acclaim they received, and the lasting impression they left on audiences worldwide. These actresses not only captivated us with their talent but also sparked conversations and touched our hearts with their compelling stories. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's celebrate the phenomenal women who were in the running for the prestigious Best Actress award at the 2021 Oscars!

Frances McDormand – Nomadland

Frances McDormand's portrayal of Fern in Nomadland is a masterclass in understated, powerful acting. McDormand embodies a woman who, after losing everything in the Great Recession, chooses a life of nomadic wandering across the American West. Her performance is raw, authentic, and deeply moving, capturing the resilience and quiet strength of the human spirit. What makes McDormand's performance so compelling is her ability to convey so much with so little. Her facial expressions, her body language, and her interactions with the real-life nomads she encounters on her journey speak volumes about Fern's inner world. The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, blends fiction and reality, and McDormand seamlessly integrates into this landscape, making Fern feel like a genuine part of the nomadic community. Her commitment to the role extended beyond acting; she lived and traveled in a van, immersing herself in the lifestyle of the nomads she was portraying. This dedication to authenticity is evident in every scene, making her performance all the more believable and impactful. Nomadland is not just a film; it's an experience, and McDormand's performance is at its heart, guiding us through the highs and lows of a life lived on the road. Her ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level is truly remarkable, making Fern a character we root for, empathize with, and remember long after the credits roll. The subtlety and depth she brings to the role showcase her exceptional talent and solidify her status as one of the greatest actresses of our time. For Nomadland, Frances not only starred but also produced!. This multilayered involvement surely added depth to her already outstanding performance. Her win in this category further cemented her legacy in Hollywood.

Carey Mulligan – Promising Young Woman

Carey Mulligan delivers a tour-de-force performance in Promising Young Woman, a darkly comedic and intensely thought-provoking film. She plays Cassie, a woman who seeks to avenge the death of her best friend by feigning intoxication at bars and confronting the men who try to take advantage of her. Mulligan's portrayal is complex and multifaceted, balancing vulnerability with fierce determination. She captures Cassie's inner pain and anger with a raw intensity, while also injecting moments of dark humor and wit into her performance. What makes Mulligan's performance so captivating is her ability to keep the audience guessing. We never quite know what Cassie is going to do next, and this unpredictability adds to the film's suspense and intrigue. Mulligan's physicality is also striking; she transforms herself into Cassie, adopting a different look and demeanor depending on the situation. Whether she's playing the innocent victim or the vengeful vigilante, Mulligan is always believable and compelling. The film tackles difficult and sensitive themes, and Mulligan handles them with grace and nuance. She brings a level of emotional depth to the role that elevates the film beyond a simple revenge thriller, making it a powerful statement about consent, trauma, and justice. Her performance is both unsettling and inspiring, challenging us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and society. Mulligan's work in Promising Young Woman is a testament to her versatility and range as an actress. She is unafraid to take on challenging roles and push herself to new limits, and her performance as Cassie is undoubtedly one of the highlights of her career. Her dedication to the role is evident in every scene, making her portrayal unforgettable and deeply impactful. The film's success owes much to her compelling lead performance, which resonated with audiences and critics alike, sparking important conversations about its themes.

Viola Davis – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Viola Davis is absolutely magnetic as Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, a powerful adaptation of August Wilson's play. Davis transforms herself into the legendary blues singer, embodying her strength, her vulnerability, and her unwavering determination to control her own destiny. Her performance is a force of nature, filled with raw emotion and undeniable presence. Davis captures Ma Rainey's larger-than-life personality with incredible detail, from her gold teeth and heavy makeup to her commanding stage presence. She brings a physicality to the role that is both imposing and captivating, making Ma Rainey a figure who demands attention and respect. But Davis also delves beneath the surface, revealing the pain and frustration that drive Ma Rainey's behavior. She shows us the vulnerability and insecurity that lie beneath the bravado, making Ma Rainey a complex and fully realized character. The film explores themes of race, power, and identity, and Davis navigates these complex issues with grace and nuance. She brings a deep understanding of the historical context to her performance, making Ma Rainey a symbol of resilience and resistance in the face of oppression. Her scenes with Chadwick Boseman are particularly powerful, showcasing the dynamic between two strong personalities vying for control in a world that seeks to marginalize them. Davis's performance is not just an imitation of Ma Rainey; it's an interpretation that captures the essence of her spirit and her music. She embodies the blues, channeling the pain, the joy, and the hope that define the genre. Her performance is a celebration of Black culture and a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and uplift the soul. With this role, Viola continues to redefine the parameters of acting excellence. Her commitment and research into the character helped shape one of the most talked about performances of that year.

Andra Day – The United States vs. Billie Holiday

Andra Day's portrayal of Billie Holiday in The United States vs. Billie Holiday is a revelation. Day, primarily known as a singer, delivers a stunning performance that captures the essence of the iconic jazz singer. She embodies Holiday's charisma, her vulnerability, and her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. Day's transformation is remarkable, both physically and emotionally. She lost weight to more closely resemble Holiday and adopted her distinctive voice and mannerisms. But beyond the physical transformation, Day captures the inner turmoil and struggles that plagued Holiday throughout her life. She portrays Holiday's addiction, her abusive relationships, and her battles with racism and government persecution with raw honesty and emotional depth. What makes Day's performance so compelling is her ability to convey Holiday's passion for music and her unwavering commitment to her art. She sings Holiday's songs with a voice that is both haunting and beautiful, capturing the pain and the joy that defined her music. Day's performance is not just an imitation of Holiday; it's an interpretation that honors her legacy and celebrates her artistry. The film explores the government's efforts to silence Holiday because of her song "Strange Fruit," which protested the lynching of Black people in the South. Day portrays Holiday as a fearless activist who used her music to fight for justice and equality, even in the face of tremendous opposition. Her performance is a tribute to Holiday's courage and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. For a first major acting role, Day's dedication shone through and earned her critical acclaim as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Her portrayal introduced Billie Holiday's story to a new generation and solidified her place as a talent to watch in Hollywood.

Vanessa Kirby – Pieces of a Woman

Vanessa Kirby's performance in Pieces of a Woman is a deeply moving and emotionally raw portrayal of a woman grappling with unimaginable loss. Kirby plays Martha, a woman whose home birth ends in tragedy, leaving her to navigate the grief and trauma that follow. Her performance is a masterclass in emotional vulnerability, capturing the complexities of grief with unflinching honesty. Kirby's portrayal is both heartbreaking and inspiring. She shows us the depths of Martha's pain, her anger, and her confusion, but also her resilience and her determination to find a way forward. What makes Kirby's performance so compelling is her ability to convey so much without saying a word. Her facial expressions, her body language, and her interactions with her family and friends speak volumes about Martha's inner world. She captures the isolation and loneliness of grief, but also the moments of connection and healing that offer hope for the future. The film is a challenging and emotionally demanding watch, and Kirby's performance is at its heart, guiding us through Martha's journey with grace and sensitivity. She brings a level of authenticity to the role that is both powerful and moving, making Martha a character we empathize with and root for. Her scenes with Ellen Burstyn, who plays her mother, are particularly powerful, showcasing the complex and often fraught relationship between mother and daughter. Kirby's performance is a testament to her talent and her commitment to her craft. She is unafraid to take on challenging roles and push herself to new limits, and her performance as Martha is undoubtedly one of the highlights of her career. Her preparation for the role included extensive research and conversations with women who had experienced similar tragedies. This dedication to authenticity is evident in every scene, making her portrayal all the more believable and impactful. Through her sensitive portrayal, Kirby managed to encapsulate the nuances of grief, making her performance deeply affecting and memorable.