Top 10 Actresses from the United Kingdom

We begin with a Scottish actress of mainstream superstardom and art-house fame. Throughout her career, Tilda Swinton’s been able to flicker between blockbuster movies and edgy films with apparent ease and clear excellence. She’s probably best known for her role as the White Witch in “The Chronicles of Narnia,” but a part as the eponymous in 1992’s “Orlando” she confirmed her indie credentials. She’s an Oscar winner as well, having picked up the statuette for her supporting role in 2007’s “Michael Clayton.”

It’s almost impossible to think of ‘60s cinema and not have Julie Andrews in the forefront of your mind. An Oscar for “Mary Poppins” and a Golden Globe for “The Sound of Music” have ensured that her name is etched on many a ‘best actress list’ before now. Her bouncing between genders in “Victor Victoria” shouldn’t be forgotten either, although Andrews will forever be most remembered for her role as the magical, musical, Miss Poppins!

In terms of British actresses that are still active today, Helen Mirren’s a name that first comes to mind - and with good reason! She’s garnered a reputation for Shakespearean, classical and period dramas throughout her career, although her sharp tongue and sassiness have led her to less high-brow roles too. Dame Helen has also played 3 British Queens; Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (meeklinbourg shtraylitz) in “The Madness of King George,” the eponymous role in the “Elizabeth I” TV series, and Elizabeth II in “The Queen.” She’s British through and through and through...

A prolific actress who first found fame in London’s West End, Vanessa Redgrave has starred in over 80 movies, and achieved almost all that is possible within the world of acting. She has on her mantelpiece an Oscar, 2 Emmys and a Tony Award, shining out amongst various other trophies, statuettes and medals. Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams described her as ‘the greatest living actress of our times’, and we are not about to disagree!

She’s one part cinematic icon, one part fashion icon, one part humanitarian, and all parts legendary lady. Audrey Hepburn remains one of the most famous names to have lived in the 20th century, and she came to be so through sheer talent and personality. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is Hepburn’s standout movie and its ‘little black dress’ is her standout look. However, “Roman Holiday” brought her an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA in just one performance. Hepburn had it all, and she really knew what to do with it!

With Liz Taylor, it’s as much about her character as it is about her career. There is no doubt that she was a fine actress, and her performances in “Butterfield 8” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” prove that point perfectly. But, Taylor was as terrific off-screen as she was on it. She married 8 times over the course of her life, including twice to Richard Burton, she amounted a $150 million jewellery collection, and she was a well-known humanitarian activist. She certainly lived a life!

In the glamorous world of film and TV awards, there are very few which Dame Maggie Smith hasn’t won. She has 2 Oscars, 5 BAFTAs, 3 Emmys, 3 Golden Globes and a Tony to her name. Big screen, small screen or on stage, she dominates them all - and she hasn’t wilted with age either! As Jean Brodie, she played out a career-defining role, but as Professor McGonagall she will be remembered by even the youngest generation of moviegoers today. She is an all-round wonderful actress – and woman!

She’s a classical actress, but she’s also a comedic one. Emma Thompson began her career at Cambridge University where she became the first female member of the famously funny ‘Footlights’ troupe. For her first film, she starred opposite Jeff Goldblum in the rom-com, “The Tall Guy”, before changing direction, perfecting her diction, and assuming roles that were more traditionally romantic. But Thompson’s portrayal of Margaret Schlegel (shlaygle) in “Howards End” was her crowning, Academy Awarding glory!

This actress has made it to second place on our list before even making it to her 40s! Kate Winslet has achieved more in her relatively short career than most can expect in a lifetime of acting. At age 31, she set the record for the youngest actor to receive 5 Oscar nominations, and at 33, she set the record for the youngest actor to receive 6. In 2008, she actually won the award for “The Reader,” 11 years after she played the career-making role of Rose in “Titanic.”

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Rachel Weisz
1970 -
- Helena Bonham-Carter
1966 -
- Julie Walters
1950 -
- Emily Watson
1967 -
- Deborah Kerr
1921 - 2007

She’s imperious, inspirational, she’s nothing short of incredible! Judi Dench’s career has been long and laden with awards. However, her biggest successes have come from the mid-’90s onwards, following her casting as ‘M’ in “GoldenEye.” She proved such a hit as the Mrs. MI6 that she carried the role until 2012 and “Skyfall”. In terms of Oscars, she’s been nominated 7 times since 1997 and won one of them as Elizabeth I in “Shakespeare in Love.” We thought the crown suited her, so we’ve given her ours as well!

Do you agree with our list? Which UK actress did we forget? For more beautifully British Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.