Actress with the Most Oscar Nominations
The actress with the most Oscar nominations is Meryl Streep, with 21 nominations as of the latest Academy Awards cycle. She leads all performers in both the lead and supporting actress categories, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Her nominations span decades and genres, from dramas to biopics and period pieces. Streep's consistent recognition reflects a career built on versatility and sustained demand in Hollywood. Forbes
Second on the all-time list is Katharine Hepburn with 12 nominations, all in the Best Actress category. Close contenders include Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, and Jack Nicholson, though Nicholson is the only male performer in the top tier. Among living actresses, Streep remains the benchmark for nominations volume and longevity. The Academy's official records confirm these figures through its published nominee databases and press releases. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Breakdown by Category and Decade
Meryl Streep's 21 nominations include 17 for Best Actress and 4 for Best Supporting Actress. Her first nomination came for "Julia" in 1978, and her most recent was for "The Prom" in 2021. She holds the record for most Best Actress nominations, surpassing previous leaders. Her wins include one Best Actress award for "Sophie's Choice" in 1983. Forbes
Katharine Hepburn's 12 nominations were spread across four decades, from the 1930s to the 1980s. She won four Best Actress awards, the most in that category. Other high-nomination actresses include Judi Dench, who has accumulated nominations primarily through British period dramas and Shakespeare adaptations. The data is drawn from the Academy's official nominee lists and cross-referenced with entertainment industry databases. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Recent Trends and Industry Context
In recent years, the Academy has expanded its nominee slate, which affects how nomination counts accumulate. Streep's record is expected to stand for years unless a new generation of performers matches her output. Studios continue to submit films in multiple acting categories, increasing visibility for veteran performers. SEC
Streaming platforms and international co-productions have broadened the pool of eligible films and roles. This shift creates more opportunities for actresses to receive nominations across diverse projects. The trend benefits established names who can anchor prestige projects with long production cycles. Forbes