Summary

• The 2000s saw a rise in iconic actresses who left a lasting impact, adapting to changing film dynamics and securing their legacies.
• Actresses like Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, and Reese Witherspoon dominated the box office with versatile and compelling performances.
• From action heroines to rom-com queens, these actresses showcased their talent and became household names in Hollywood history.

The 21st century ushered in several talented actors, and the best 2000s actresses have become iconic. As the dawn of the new millennium unfolded, the cinematic landscape underwent a remarkable transformation. The era was characterized by the rise of blockbuster hits and the emergence of franchises that captivated audiences worldwide. Fantasy and superhero films surged in popularity, capturing the imagination of viewers and setting new benchmarks for box office success. Meanwhile, the advent of computer animation ushered in a new era, gradually phasing out the traditional hand-drawn animations that had characterized the Disney Renaissance.

Against this backdrop of change and innovation, a distinguished cohort of actresses rose to prominence, leaving an indelible mark on the decade with their extraordinary talent and compelling performances. These women were as big as the top male actors from the 2000s, adapting to the shifting dynamics of the film industry and thriving, becoming iconic figures and action heroines. Through a diverse array of roles that spanned genres and challenged expectations, these 2000s actresses earned their status as household names and secured their legacies in the annals of Hollywood history.

Halle Berry

The Only Black Actress To Win An Oscar For A Leading Role

Halle Berry's ascent in the 2000s was nothing short of meteoric. Launching the decade with her unforgettable role as Storm in 2000's X-Men, she quickly captivated audiences worldwide. Her career trajectory skyrocketed following her groundbreaking Oscar victory for her riveting performance in 2001's Monster's Ball, marking her as the only Black actress to clinch an Oscar for a leading role—a distinction she holds to this day. Berry further solidified her status as a Hollywood icon with her portrayal of Jinx, a fiercely independent and badass Bond Girl, in 2002's Die Another Day, alongside Pierce Brosnan.

This role not only showcased her versatility but also her ability to hold her own in a franchise dominated by male leads. Berry continued to dominate the box office with her roles in the subsequent X-Men sequels— X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand—and the 2004 supernatural thriller Gothika, blending her dramatic depth with action-packed performances, Berry's illustrious career in the 2000s underscored her unwavering talent and enduring appeal as one of the era's most iconic movie actresses.

Scarlett Johansson

Lost In Translation Catapulted Her Into The Spotlight

Beyond her action-packed performances, Johansson's career is a testament to her enduring appeal and exceptional talent

Scarlett Johansson, celebrated for her role as the enigmatic Natasha Romanoff, or Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has been a luminary in the acting world long before her superhero days. Her illustrious career began in the mid-1990s, but it was her role in Sofia Coppola's Oscar-winning Lost in Translation in 2003 that catapulted her into the spotlight. This role marked a turning point, showcasing her profound ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and depth. Johansson's allure and versatility were further solidified through her performances in Girl with a Pearl Earring, Match Point, and Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Collaborating with esteemed directors such as Brian de Palma in The Black Dahlia and Christopher Nolan in The Prestige, Johansson demonstrated her range and commitment to diverse roles. Transitioning into the 2010s, her casting in Iron Man 2 introduced her to the MCU, opening a new chapter in her career. Beyond her action-packed performances, Johansson's career is a testament to her enduring appeal and exceptional talent, marking her as one of the most iconic actresses of her generation.

Reese Witherspoon

Legally Blonde Established Her As A Cultural Icon

Reese Witherspoon's trajectory through the cinematic landscape is a testament to her undeniable charm. Rising to prominence in the '90s with pivotal roles in teen classics such as Cruel Intentions and Election, Witherspoon's career took a monumental leap in 2001 with Legally Blonde. As Elle Woods, Witherspoon not only showcased her comedic genius as an actress but also established herself as a cultural icon and America's new sweetheart. This role proved to be a watershed moment, positioning her as a rom-com queen in hits like Sweet Home Alabama and Just Like Heaven.

However, Witherspoon's talents extend far beyond the realm of romantic comedy; her portrayal of June Carter in the 2005 biopic Walk the Line garnered her critical acclaim, culminating in a Best Actress Oscar. Her adeptness at navigating diverse genres was further evidenced by her success in the 2008 holiday comedy Four Christmases and lending her voice to the 2009 animated feature Monsters vs. Aliens. Witherspoon's career in the 2000s not only highlights her dynamic range but also her enduring impact on Hollywood as one of the decade's most iconic movie actresses.

Nicole Kidman

Moulin Rouge! Is One Of The Most Quintessential 2000s Movies

Kidman's resilience and talent never wavered

Nicole Kidman truly defined the 2000s with a series of performances that solidified her status as acting royalty. The decade began auspiciously for Kidman with critical and commercial triumphs in The Others and Baz Luhrmann's vibrant Moulin Rouge!—the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination and showcasing her remarkable singing and acting prowess. Her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours the following year was nothing short of transformative, earning her an Oscar for Best Actress and affirming her place among the elite in Hollywood.

Kidman's choice of roles in films like Lars von Trier's Dogville and Jonathan Glazer's Birth further exemplified her willingness to explore complex characters and narratives, cementing her status not only as a leading lady but as a fearless performer unafraid to take risks. Despite facing some setbacks with later projects that did not achieve expected critical or commercial success, Kidman's resilience and talent never wavered. She entered the 2010s with another Oscar nomination under her belt, continuing to enjoy success both on the big screen and on television, proving her enduring appeal and indelible impact on the film industry.

Cate Blanchett

Juggles Both Oscar-Caliber Movies With Big-Budget Blockbusters

Cate Blanchett truly dominated the cinematic landscape in the 2000s. Her journey to stardom was catalyzed by her Oscar-nominated performance in 1998's Elizabeth, setting the stage for a decade of remarkable achievements. In 2001, Blanchett's captivating performance in Bandits garnered critical acclaim, while her role in the Lord of the Rings trilogy cast brought her global commercial success, endearing her to audiences worldwide. Blanchett's portrayal of Katharine Hepburn in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator earned her the Academy Award for Best ing Actress, a testament to her skill in embodying complex characters with finesse.

Her continued excellence was evident with an Oscar nomination for Notes on a Scandal and dual nominations in 2007 for Elizabeth: The Golden Age and I'm Not There, showcasing her ability to navigate both leading and ing roles with equal prowess. In 2008, Blanchett starred in two major films: Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and David Fincher's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, both of which were significant box office successes, further establishing her as one of the most talented and respected actresses of her generation.

Angelina Jolie

Brought Video Game Character Lara Croft To Life

Angelina Jolie's journey through the 2000s is a compelling narrative of triumph, transformation, and undeniable talent. Her Oscar win for Best ing Actress in 2000 for Girl, Interrupted not only heralded the start of a remarkable decade but also set the stage for her evolution into a global superstar. Jolie's embodiment of the iconic video game heroine Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider movie series catapulted her into action star status, simultaneously cementing her position as a modern-day sex symbol through her roles in Original Sin and Taking Lives.

Jolie's career trajectory took a significant upturn with the 2005 box office smash Mr. & Mrs. Smith, a film that not only showcased her dynamic range and physical prowess but also played a pivotal role in shaping her public persona through her off-screen relationship with co-star Brad Pitt. Undeterred by the intense media scrutiny surrounding her personal life, Jolie continued to excel in her professional endeavors, further proving her mettle as an action star in Wanted and demonstrating her exceptional acting skills in Clint Eastwood's Changeling, for which she received an Oscar nomination.

Renée Zellweger

Bridget Jones Secured Her Place In The Hearts Of Millions

Zellweger's contributions to cinema during the 2000-2004 period were indelible

Kicking off the millennium with her role as the charming and eccentric Nurse Betty, Renée Zellweger immediately showcased her range and comedic talent, setting the tone for a decade of remarkable performances. Her portrayal of the endearingly flawed Bridget Jones in Bridget Jones's Diary not only earned her widespread acclaim and an Oscar nomination but also secured her place in the hearts of audiences worldwide, resonating deeply with fans of the relatable heroine. Zellweger's momentum continued to build with her electrifying performance in the dazzling musical Chicago, earning her another Oscar nod.

The actor's crowning achievement came with Cold Mountain, where her role garnered her an Academy Award for Best ing Actress. Though her career pace may have moderated in the latter half of the decade, Zellweger's contributions to cinema during the 2000-2004 period were indelible. Minor hits like Down with Love and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason further showcased her comedic flair and ability to lead films with both critical and commercial appeal.

Keira Knightley

Pirates Of The Caribbean Catapulted Her Into International Fame

Keira Knightley's ascent in the 2000s cinema was nothing short of spectacular, making her one of the defining actresses of the decade. Her breakout role in Bend It Like Beckham showcased her natural charisma and acting prowess, instantly making her a household name. However, it was her portrayal of Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean series that catapulted her to international fame, blending action and adventure with a compelling romantic narrative. Knightley's ability to captivate audiences was further solidified by her acclaimed performance as Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.

The period drama not only earned her an Oscar nomination but also positioned her as a millennial icon, seamlessly bridging the gap between classic literature and contemporary cinema. Knightley's career continued to flourish with roles in critically acclaimed films such as Atonement and The Duchess, where her performances were praised for their depth and emotional resonance. Through these roles, Knightley demonstrated a remarkable range and an ability to imbue her characters with a complex mix of strength, vulnerability, and intelligence, making her one of the most memorable 2000s actresses.

Kate Winslet

Received Four Oscar Nominations In The 2000s Alone

Kate Winslet, already a household name following her iconic role in Titanic, truly came into her own during the 2000s, a period marked by critical acclaim and widespread adoration from audiences around the globe. This era saw Winslet evolving into one of the most versatile and respected 2000s actresses, underscored by her receiving an impressive four Oscar nominations. Her range of performances, from the emotionally complex role in Iris to her groundbreaking work in the surreal Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, showcased her ability to dive deeply into diverse characters.

Winslet's portrayal of troubled characters in Little Children and The Reader further demonstrated her unparalleled talent for bringing depth and nuance to her roles, with her performance in The Reader earning her an Oscar for Best Actress. Beyond the accolades, Winslet also enjoyed commercial success with roles in Finding Neverland, where she captivated audiences with her portrayal of Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, and The Holiday, a romantic comedy that became a seasonal favorite. Kate Winslet not only solidified her status as one of the best 2000s actresses but also endeared herself to a global audience, securing her place in cinematic history.

Meryl Streep

The Undisputed Queen Of Cinema

the decade further proved Meryl Streep as the undisputed queen of cinema

Meryl Streep's illustrious career across multiple decades is a testament to her unparalleled talent and versatility, but the 2000s brought a distinctive shine to her legendary status. During this decade, Streep not only enjoyed a streak of commercial hits but also received overwhelming critical acclaim. Kicking off the decade with her thirteenth Oscar nomination for Adaptation, Streep continued to showcase her exceptional ability to embody characters with their own complexities and nuances. 2006 marked a pivotal year with Streep's portrayal of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, a role that has become iconic, earning her another well-deserved Oscar nomination.

Miranda Priestly, with her icy demeanor and cutting wit, underscored Streep's capacity to transform into anyone, blending drama and comedy with ease. The subsequent years saw Streep earning further Oscar nods for her roles in Doubt and Julie & Julia. Moreover, Streep's role in Mamma Mia! not only became the biggest hit of her career but also allowed audiences to see her in a new light, singing and dancing her way into the hearts of millions. Of all the 2000s actresses, the decade further proved Meryl Streep as the undisputed queen of cinema.