Winning one Academy Award is already a career-defining achievement, but winning two for Best Actress places someone in a truly elite category. These performances don’t just capture a moment; they reflect range, timing, and sometimes even the unpredictable tastes of the Academy. Some of these wins were undeniable, others sparked debate, but all of them contributed to shaping Hollywood history. Here’s a closer look at 11 actresses who each took home two Best Actress Oscars—and the stories behind those wins.
11. Glenda Jackson
Glenda Jackson’s two Oscar wins speak volumes about her versatility and presence on screen. She first won for Women in Love, where she managed to shine in a strong ensemble cast, though some felt the performance wasn’t significantly above her co-stars. Her second win, for A Touch of Class, proved she could effortlessly handle comedy as well as drama, even if the competition that year was particularly tough. Later in life, Jackson experienced a remarkable return to acting, earning major accolades on stage and screen. Many believed one last major film role could have added another defining chapter to her career. Her Oscar history remains an interesting mix of deserved recognition and lingering “what ifs.”
10. Bette Davis
Often considered one of the greatest actresses of all time, Bette Davis had a complicated relationship with the Oscars. Her first win for Dangerous is frequently viewed as a “career acknowledgment” rather than a reward for that specific role. However, her second win for Jezebel is widely praised and marked the start of her most powerful era in Hollywood. Davis delivered countless unforgettable performances beyond her wins, leading many to argue she deserved additional Oscars for later films. Regardless, her influence and commanding screen presence helped redefine what it meant to be a leading actress.
9. Luise Rainer
Luise Rainer holds a unique place in Oscar history as the first actor to win back-to-back Academy Awards. She earned her Oscars for The Great Ziegfeld and The Good Earth, delivering emotional and memorable performances in both. However, her rapid success was followed by an equally quick exit from Hollywood, which added a layer of mystery to her legacy. While her work has faded from mainstream memory, her achievements still represent an early era of the Academy, one where categories and standards were still evolving.
8. Sally Field
Sally Field’s two wins, for Norma Rae and Places in the Heart, showcase her natural warmth and emotional honesty. Norma Rae in particular stands out as a powerful, grounded performance that resonated deeply with audiences. Her second win came in a year without especially strong competition, but her sincerity still carried the role. Field’s career has always been defined by relatability and heart, qualities that continue to make her performances feel authentic and timeless.
7. Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda’s Oscar-winning roles in Klute and Coming Home reflect her fearless approach to complex material. While both performances were strong, some argue her best work came in other films that didn’t earn her Oscars. Beyond acting, Fonda’s activism and public persona have added layers to her legacy. She remains a figure who blends artistry with purpose, bringing intelligence and depth to every role she takes on.
6. Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor’s two Best Actress wins often spark discussion among film fans. Her first, for Butterfield 8, is sometimes seen as overdue recognition after multiple nominations. Her second, for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, is far more celebrated, with her intense, emotionally raw performance leaving a lasting impact. Even when casting choices raised eyebrows, Taylor’s charisma and screen presence were undeniable. She remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures.
5. Emma Stone
Emma Stone’s journey to becoming a two-time Oscar winner reflects her growth as an actress. Her win for La La Land was popular, though not without its critics. However, her second Oscar for Poor Things marked a turning point, revealing a boldness and unpredictability that surprised many. That performance, in particular, showed just how far she had come, transforming her from a charming leading lady into one of the most exciting talents of her generation.
4. Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster’s two Oscars represent two very different stages of her career. Her first win for The Accused was a powerful and emotional performance that stood out in a competitive year. Her second, for The Silence of the Lambs, is widely considered one of the greatest performances in film history. As Clarice Starling, Foster brought intelligence, vulnerability, and strength to the role, helping define the psychological thriller genre for years to come.
3. Olivia de Havilland
Olivia de Havilland’s wins highlight both subtlety and emotional depth. Her first Oscar, for To Each His Own, may not be as widely remembered, but her performance was undeniably strong. Her second win, for The Heiress, is often seen as the pinnacle of her career, a masterclass in restrained yet powerful acting. Her work continues to influence generations of performers, proving that quiet intensity can be just as impactful as grand gestures.
2. Hilary Swank
Hilary Swank’s two Oscar-winning performances, in Boys Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby, are both widely regarded as fully deserving. She brought a level of commitment and transformation to her roles that left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. Despite these achievements, her career has had its ups and downs, with fewer standout roles in recent years. Still, those two performances alone secure her place among the most compelling Oscar winners.
1. Vivien Leigh
At the top of the list is Vivien Leigh, whose two Oscar-winning roles remain among the most iconic in cinema. Her performances in Gone With the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire are often held up as gold standards for acting. Leigh had an extraordinary ability to bring complex, emotionally intense characters to life. Her work continues to resonate decades later, reminding audiences of the timeless power of truly great performances.
These actresses didn’t just win awards; they helped define what award-winning acting looks like. Whether their victories were universally celebrated or debated over the years, each one contributed something meaningful to film history. Together, they show that greatness in Hollywood isn’t just about talent, it’s about timing, risk-taking, and leaving a performance behind that people never forget.