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Best Actress nominees at the 2021 Oscars: the full list

All five Best Actress nominees at the 2021 Oscars, from winner Frances McDormand to Viola Davis, Andra Day, Vanessa Kirby and Carey Mulligan.

By Rankiew · · 2 min read

Best Actress in 2021 was one of the most open races of the year, with five very different lead performances. Frances McDormand won for Nomadland, her third Oscar in the category.

The five Best Actress nominees of 2021

1. Frances McDormand, Nomadland · Winner

After losing everything in the recession, a woman lives in her van across the American West.

Worth it if: you want a quiet, beautiful portrait of life on the road.

Oscars: Winner: Best Actress

2. Viola Davis, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Blues singer Ma Rainey clashes with her band during a 1927 recording session.

Worth it if: you want a powerful performance film full of music.

Oscars: Nominated: Best Actress

3. Andra Day, The United States vs. Billie Holiday

The FBI targets singer Billie Holiday over the song Strange Fruit.

Worth it if: you want a music biopic with a political edge.

Oscars: Nominated: Best Actress

4. Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman

A woman faces grief after a home birth ends in tragedy.

Worth it if: you are ready for a heavy drama about loss.

Oscars: Nominated: Best Actress

5. Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman

A woman takes revenge on men who prey on drunk women.

Worth it if: you want an angry, stylish and shocking thriller.

Oscars: Nominated: Best Actress

Who won Best Actress at the 2021 Oscars?

Frances McDormand won Best Actress for Nomadland, her third win in the category.

Which one is your favorite?

Pick your favorite on Rankiew: rate every film, write reviews, build lists and start clubs to talk movies with friends.

More from the series: Oscars 2021: every nominee and winner, category by category

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