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Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

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Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
The 2025 recipient: Cristin Milioti
Awarded forOutstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
CountryUnited States
Presented byAcademy of Television Arts & Sciences
First award1955
Currently held byCristin Milioti,
The Penguin (2025)
Websiteemmys.com

The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie is an award presented annually by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). It is given in honor of an actress who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role on a television limited series or television movie for the primetime network season.

The award was first presented at the 7th Primetime Emmy Awards on March 7, 1955, to Judith Anderson, for her performance as Lady Macbeth on the Hallmark Hall of Fame episode "Macbeth". It has undergone several name changes, with the category split into two categories at the 25th Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special Program – Drama or Comedy; and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series. By the 31st Primetime Emmy Awards, the categories were merged into one, and it has since undergone several name changes, leading to its current title.

Since its inception, the award has been given to 54 actresses. Cristin Milioti is the current recipient of the award, for her portrayal of Sofia Falcone on The Penguin. Helen Mirren has won the most awards in this category, with four.

Winners and nominations

[edit]
Judith Anderson won for: Hallmark Hall of Fame: Macbeth (1955).
Mary Martin won playing Peter Pan in the Producers' Showcase (1956).
Claire Trevor won for Producers' Showcase (1957)
Julie Harris won twice for Hallmark Hall of Fame in 1959 and 1962.
Ingrid Bergman won twice for Startime (1960) and A Woman Called Golda (1982).
Kim Stanley won for Ben Casey (1963).
Shelley Winters won for Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (1964).
Geraldine Page won for ABC Stage 67 (1967) and The Thanksgiving Visitor (1969).
Patty Duke won thrice for her roles in My Sweet Charlie (1970), Captains and the Kings (1976), and The Miracle Worker (1979).
Lee Grant won for The Neon Ceiling (1971).
Glenda Jackson won for playing Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth R (1972).
Cloris Leachman won for A Brand New Life (1973).
Cicely Tyson won playing Jane Pittman in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974).
Katharine Hepburn won for Love Among the Ruins (1975).
Jessica Walter won for Amy Prentiss (1975).
Joanne Woodward won for See How She Runs (1978) and Do You Remember Love (1985).
Bette Davis won for Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter (1979).
Vanessa Redgrave won for Playing for Time (1980).
Barbara Stanwyck won for The Thorn Birds (1983).
Jane Fonda won for The Dollmaker (1984).
Gena Rowlands won twice for The Betty Ford Story (1987)a and Face of a Stranger (1992).
Jessica Tandy won for Foxfire (1987).
Barbara Hershey won for A Killing in a Small Town (1990).
Holly Hunter won for The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom (1993).
Glenn Close won for Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story (1995)
Alfre Woodard won for Miss Evers' Boys (1997).
Ellen Barkin won for Before Women Had Wings (1998).
Halle Berry won for Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (2000)
Judy Davis won for Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows (2001)
Maggie Smith won for My House in Umbria (2003).
Meryl Streep won twice for Holocaust (1978) and Angels in America (2004).
S. Epatha Merkerson won for Lackawanna Blues (2005).
Helen Mirren won the award four times for Prime Suspect: Scent of Darkness (1996), The Passion of Ayn Rand (1999), Elizabeth I (2006), and Prime Suspect: The Final Act (2007)
Laura Linney won thrice for Wild Iris (2001), John Adams, and The Big C: Hereafter (2013).
Jessica Lange won the award twice: for her performances in Grey Gardens (2009) and American Horror Story: Coven (2014).
Claire Danes won in 2010 for her portrayal of Temple Grandin in the eponymous film.
Kate Winslet won twice for her roles in Mildred Pierce (2011) and Mare of Easttown (2021)
Julianne Moore won for her portrayal of Sarah Palin in Game Change (2012)
Frances McDormand won for Olive Kitteridge (2015)
Sarah Paulson won in 2016 for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in the limited mini-series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Nicole Kidman won for Big Little Lies (2017)
Regina King won twice for Seven Seconds (2018) and Watchmen (2020
Michelle Williams won for Fosse/Verdon (2019)
Amanda Seyfried won for playing Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout (2022)
Jodie Foster won for True Detective: Night Country (2024)
Table key
Indicates the winner

1950s

[edit]
Year Actress Role Program Episode Network
Best Actress in a Single Performance
1955
(7th)
[1]
Judith Anderson Lady Macbeth Hallmark Hall of Fame "Macbeth" NBC
Ethel BarrymoreMme. Rosalie La GrangeClimax!"The Thirteenth Chair"CBS
Beverly GarlandEstelle CollinsMedic"White Is the Color"NBC
Ruth HusseyHarriet CraigLux Video Theater"Craig's Wife" CBS
Dorothy McGuireJanet SpenceClimax!"The Gioconda Smile"
Eva Marie SaintBettyThe Philco Television Playhouse"Middle of the Night"NBC
Claire TrevorEllen CreedLux Video Theater"Ladies in Retirement"CBS
1956
(8th)
[2]
Mary Martin Peter Pan Producers' Showcase "Peter Pan" NBC
Julie HarrisShevawnThe United States Steel Hour"A Wind from the South"CBS
Eva Marie Saint Emily Producers' Showcase"Our Town" NBC
Jessica TandyThe Wife"The Fourposter"
Loretta YoungSadieThe Loretta Young Show"Christmas Stopover"
1957
(9th)
[3]
Claire Trevor Fran Dodsworth Producers' Showcase "Dodsworth" NBC
Edna BestEthel GibbonsFord Star Jubilee"This Happy Breed" CBS
Gracie FieldsSarah DoweyThe United States Steel Hour"The Old Lady Shows Her Medals"
Nancy KellySister M. AquinasStudio One"The Pilot"
Evelyn RudieEloisePlayhouse 90"Eloise"
Best Single Performance by an Actress – Lead or Support
1958
(10th)
[4]
Polly Bergen Helen Morgan Playhouse 90 "The Helen Morgan Story" CBS
Julie AndrewsCinderellaCinderellaCBS
Helen HayesMrs. GillingThe Alcoa Hour"Mrs. Gilling and the Skyscraper"NBC
Piper LaurieRuth CorneliusStudio One"The Deaf Heart" CBS
Teresa WrightAnnie SullivanPlayhouse 90"The Miracle Worker"
Best Single Performance by an Actress
1959
(11th)
[5]
Julie Harris Bridgid Mary Hallmark Hall of Fame "Little Moon of Alban" CBS
Judith AndersonMarquesa de MontemayorThe DuPont Show of the Month"The Bridge of San Luis Rey" CBS
Helen HayesMother SeraphimThe United States Steel Hour"One Red Rose for Christmas"
Piper Laurie Kirsten Clay Playhouse 90"Days of Wine and Roses"
Geraldine PageThe Young Woman"The Old Man"
Maureen StapletonSadie BurkeKraft Television Theatre"All the Kings Men"NBC

1960s

[edit]
Year Actress Role Program Episode Network
Outstanding Single Performance by an Actress (Lead or Support)
1960
(12th)
[6]
Ingrid Bergman The Governess Startime "The Turn of the Screw" NBC
Julie HarrisMattie SilverDuPont Show of the Month"Ethan Frome"CBS
Teresa WrightMargaret Bourke-WhiteNBC Sunday Showcase"The Margaret Bourke-White Story"NBC
Outstanding Single Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
1961
(13th)
[7]
Judith Anderson Lady Macbeth Hallmark Hall of Fame "Macbeth" NBC
Ingrid BergmanClare LesterTwenty-Four Hours in a Woman's LifeCBS
Elizabeth MontgomeryRusty HellerThe Untouchables"The Rusty Heller Story"NBC
1962
(14th)
[8]
Julie Harris Queen Victoria Hallmark Hall of Fame "Victoria Regina" NBC
Geraldine BrooksKatherine BarnesBus Stop"Call Back Yesterday"ABC
Suzanne PleshetteJulie LawlerDr. Kildare"Shining Image" NBC
Inger StevensAnna BezaThe Dick Powell Theatre"The Price of Tomatoes"
Ethel WatersJenny HendersonRoute 66"Goodnight, Sweet Blues"CBS
1963
(15th)
[9]
Kim Stanley Faith Parsons Ben Casey "A Cardinal Act of Mercy" ABC
Diahann CarrollRuby JayNaked City"A Horse Has a Big Head, Let Him Worry" ABC
Diana HylandLiza LaurentsAlcoa Premiere"The Voice of Charlie Point"
Eleanor ParkerConnie FolsonThe Eleventh Hour"Why Am I Grown So Cold?"NBC
Sylvia SidneyAdelaThe Defenders"The Madman"CBS
1964
(16th)
[10]
Shelley Winters Jenny Dworak Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre "Two is the Number" NBC
Ruby DeeJenny BishopThe Doctors and the Nurses"Express Stop from Lennox Avenue"CBS
Bethel LeslieEllen Dudley The Richard Boone Show"Statement of Fact" NBC
Jeanette NolanJessie McCoony"Vote No on 11!"
Diana SandsRuthEast Side/West Side"Who Do You Kill?"CBS
Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment - Actors and Performers
1965
(17th)
[11]
Lynn Fontanne Fanny Bowditch Holmes Hallmark Hall of Fame "The Magnificent Yankee" NBC
Outstanding Single Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Drama
1966
(18th)
[12]
Simone Signoret Sara Lescault Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre "A Small Rebellion" NBC
Eartha KittAngelI Spy"The Loser" NBC
Margaret LeightonChris BeckerDr. Kildare"A Life for a Life"
Shelley WintersEdithBob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre"Back to Back"
1967
(19th)
[13]
Geraldine Page Sook ABC Stage 67 "Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory" ABC
Shirley BoothAmanda WingfieldCBS Playhouse"The Glass Menagerie" CBS
Mildred DunnockLinda LomanDeath of a Salesman
Lynn FontanneGrand Duchess Marie Hallmark Hall of Fame "Anastasia" NBC
Julie HarrisAnastasia
1968
(20th)
[14]
Maureen Stapleton Mary O'Meaghan Among the Paths to Eden ABC
Judith AndersonQueen Elizabeth I Hallmark Hall of Fame"Elizabeth the Queen" NBC
Geneviève BujoldJoan of Arc"Saint Joan"
Colleen DewhurstElizabeth ProctorThe Crucible CBS
Anne JacksonVivian SpearsCBS Playhouse"Dear Friends"
Outstanding Single Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
1969
(21st)
[15]
Geraldine Page Sook The Thanksgiving Visitor ABC
Anne BaxterBetty-Jean CurrierThe Name of the Game"The Bobby Currier Story"NBC
Lee GrantKay GouldJudd, for the Defense"The Gates of Cerberus"ABC

1970s

[edit]
Year Actress Role Program Network
Outstanding Single Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
1970
(22nd)
[16]
Patty Duke Marlene Chambers My Sweet Charlie NBC
Edith EvansAunt Betsy TrotwoodDavid Copperfield NBC
Shirley JonesKatherine JohnsonSilent Night, Lonely Night
1971
(23rd)
[17]
Lee Grant Carrie Miller The Neon Ceiling NBC
Colleen DewhurstMrs. FranzThe Price NBC
Lee GrantLeslie WilliamsRansom for a Dead Man
1972
(24th)
[18]
Glenda Jackson Queen Elizabeth I Elizabeth R: The Shadow in the Sun PBS
Helen HayesSophie Tate CurtisDo Not Fold, Spindle or MutilateABC
Glenda JacksonQueen Elizabeth IElizabeth R: The Lion's CubPBS
Patricia NealOlivia WaltonThe Homecoming: A Christmas StoryCBS
Susannah YorkJane EyreJane EyreNBC
1973
(25th)
[19]
Cloris Leachman Victoria Douglas A Brand New Life ABC
Lauren BacallMargo ChanningApplauseCBS
Hope LangeJanet SalterThat Certain SummerABC
Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Drama/Comedy - Limited Episodes)
Susan Hampshire Becky Sharp Vanity Fair PBS
Vivien HeilbronRachel VerinderThe Moonstone PBS
Margaret TyzackBetteCousin Bette
1974
(26th)
Best Lead Actress in a Drama[20]
Cicely Tyson Jane Pittman The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman CBS
Carol BurnettAnne Miller6 Rms Riv VuCBS
Katharine HepburnAmanda WingfieldThe Glass MenagerieABC
Cloris LeachmanViola BarlowThe MigrantsCBS
Elizabeth MontgomeryEllen HarrodA Case of RapePBS
Best Lead Actress in a Limited Series[21]
Mildred Natwick Gwendolyn Snoop Nicholson The Snoop Sisters NBC
Helen HayesErnesta SnoopThe Snoop Sisters NBC
Lee RemickCassie WaltersThe Blue Knight
1975
(27th)
[22]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special Program – Drama or Comedy
Katharine Hepburn Jessica Medlicott Love Among the Ruins ABC
Jill ClayburghWandaHustling ABC
Elizabeth MontgomeryLizzie BordenThe Legend of Lizzie Borden
Diana RiggPhilippaIn This House of Brede CBS
Maureen StapletonBea AsherQueen of the Stardust Ballroom
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series
Jessica Walter Amy Prentiss Amy Prentiss NBC
Susan Saint JamesSally McMillanMcMillan & WifeNBC
1976
(28th)
[23]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special Program – Drama or Comedy
Susan Clark Babe Didrikson Zaharias Babe CBS
Jane AlexanderEleanor RooseveltEleanor and Franklin ABC
Colleen DewhurstJosie HoganA Moon for the Misbegotten
Sada ThompsonPhoebe RiceThe EntertainerNBC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series
Rosemary Harris George Sand Notorious Woman PBS
Susan BlakelyJulie PrescottRich Man, Poor ManABC
Jean MarshRoseUpstairs, Downstairs PBS
Lee RemickLady Randolph ChurchillJennie: Lady Randolph Churchill
1977
(29th)
[24]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special Program – Drama or Comedy
Sally Field Sybil Sybil NBC
Jane AlexanderEleanor RooseveltEleanor and Franklin: The White House YearsABC
Susan ClarkAmelia EarhartAmelia EarhartNBC
Julie HarrisMary Todd LincolnThe Last of Mrs. LincolnPBS
Joanne WoodwardDr. Cornelia WilburSybilNBC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series
Patty Duke Bernadette Hennessy Armagh Captains and the Kings NBC
Dori BrennerRhoda Gold BlackmanSeventh AvenueNBC
Susan FlanneryMargot BrackenThe Moneychangers
Eva Marie SaintKatherine MacaranHow the West Was WonABC
Jane SeymourMarjorie ChisolmCaptains and the KingsNBC
1978
(30th)
[25]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama or Comedy Special
Joanne Woodward Betty Quinn See How She Runs CBS
Helen HayesEmma LongA Family Upside Down NBC
Eva Marie SaintPassengerTaxi!!!
Maureen StapletonKateThe GatheringABC
Sada ThompsonMrs. GibbsOur TownNBC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series
Meryl Streep Inga Helms-Weiss Holocaust NBC
Rosemary HarrisBerta Palitz WeissHolocaust NBC
Elizabeth MontgomerySayward Luckett WheelerThe Awakening Land
Lee RemickErica TrentonWheels
Cicely TysonCoretta Scott KingKing
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Special
1979
(31st)
[26]
Bette Davis Lucy Mason Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter CBS
Carol BurnettPeg MullenFriendly FireABC
Olivia ColeMaggie RogersBackstairs at the White HouseNBC
Katharine HepburnMiss Lily MoffatThe Corn Is Green CBS
Mary Tyler MooreBetty RollinFirst, You Cry

1980s

[edit]
Year Actress Role Program Network
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Special
1980
(32nd)
[27]
Patty Duke Annie Sullivan The Miracle Worker NBC
Bette DavisEstelle MaloneWhite MamaCBS
Melissa GilbertHelen KellerThe Miracle WorkerNBC
Lee RemickMargaret SullivanHaywireCBS
1981
(33rd)
[28]
Vanessa Redgrave Fania Fénelon Playing for Time CBS
Ellen BurstynJean HarrisThe People vs. Jean HarrisNBC
Catherine HicksMarilyn MonroeMarilyn: The Untold StoryABC
Yoko ShimadaLady Toda BuntaroShōgunNBC
Joanne WoodwardElizabeth HuckabyCrisis at Central HighCBS
1982
(34th)
[29]
Ingrid Bergman (post-humously) Golda Meir A Woman Called Golda Syndicated
Glenda JacksonPatricia NealThe Patricia Neal StoryCBS
Ann JillianMae WestMae WestABC
Jean StapletonEleanor RooseveltEleanor, First Lady of the World CBS
Cicely TysonMarva CollinsThe Marva Collins Story
1983
(35th)
[30]
Barbara Stanwyck Mary Carson The Thorn Birds: Part 1 ABC
Ann-MargretLucile FrayWho Will Love My Children?ABC
Rosanna ArquetteNicole BakerThe Executioner's Song NBC
Mariette HartleyCandy LightnerM.A.D.D.: Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
Angela LansburyGertrude Vanderbilt WhitneyLittle Gloria... Happy at Last
1984
(36th)
[31]
Jane Fonda Gertie Nevels The Dollmaker ABC
Jane AlexanderCalamity JaneCalamity JaneCBS
Ann-MargretBlanche DuBoisA Streetcar Named Desire ABC
Glenn CloseGail BennettSomething About Amelia
JoBeth WilliamsReve WalshAdamNBC
1985
(37th)
[32]
Joanne Woodward Barbara Wyatt-Hollis Do You Remember Love CBS
Jane AlexanderHedda HopperMalice in WonderlandCBS
Peggy AshcroftBarbie BatchelorThe Jewel in the CrownPBS
Farrah FawcettFrancine HughesThe Burning BedNBC
Mary Tyler MooreMartha Weinman LearHeartsoundsABC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Special
1986
(38th)
[33]
Marlo Thomas Marie Balter Nobody's Child CBS
Katharine HepburnMargaret DelafieldMrs. Delafield Wants to Marry CBS
Vanessa RedgraveRichard Radley and Renée RichardsSecond Serve
Gena RowlandsKatherine PiersonAn Early Frost NBC
Mare WinninghamMargaret RyderLove Is Never Silent
1987
(39th)
[34]
Gena Rowlands Betty Ford The Betty Ford Story ABC
Ann-MargretAnn Arden GrenvilleThe Two Mrs. GrenvillesNBC
Ellen BurstynBarbara JacksonPack of LiesCBS
Lee RemickFrances SchruederNutcracker: Money, Madness and Murder NBC
Alfre WoodardMaude DeVictorUnnatural Causes
1988
(40th)
[35]
Jessica Tandy Annie Nations Foxfire CBS
Ann JillianHerselfThe Ann Jillian Story NBC
Mary Tyler MooreMary Todd LincolnLincoln
Mary SteenburgenMiep GiesThe Attic: The Hiding of Anne FrankCBS
JoBeth WilliamsMarybeth WhiteheadBaby MABC
1989
(41st)
[36]
Holly Hunter Ellen Russell Roe vs. Wade NBC
Anjelica HustonClara AllenLonesome Dove CBS
Diane LaneLorena Wood
Amy MadiganSarah WeddingtonRoe vs. WadeNBC
Jane SeymourNatalie HenryWar and RemembranceABC

1990s

[edit]
Year Actress Role Program Network
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Special
1990
(42nd)
[37]
Barbara Hershey Candy Morrison A Killing in a Small Town CBS
Farrah FawcettDiane DownsSmall SacrificesABC
Christine LahtiZan CooperNo Place Like HomeCBS
Annette O'TooleRose KennedyThe Kennedys of MassachusettsABC
Lesley Ann WarrenBarbara WalkerFamily of SpiesCBS
Alfre WoodardMary ThomasA Mother's Courage: The Mary Thomas StoryNBC
1991
(43rd)
[38]
Lynn Whitfield Josephine Baker The Josephine Baker Story HBO
Glenn CloseSarah WheatonSarah, Plain and TallCBS
Barbara HersheyHanna TroutParis TroutShowtime
Suzanne PleshetteLeona HelmsleyLeona Helmsley: The Queen of MeanCBS
Lee PurcellBessie RobertsonLong Road HomeNBC
1992
(44th)
[39]
Gena Rowlands Pat Foster Face of a Stranger CBS
Anne BancroftMrs. CageMrs. CagePBS
Meredith BaxterBetty BroderickA Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story CBS
Judy DavisMary LindellOne Against the Wind
Laura DernJanet HarduvelAfterburnHBO
1993
(45th)
[40]
Holly Hunter Wanda Holloway The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom HBO
Glenn CloseSarah WheatonSkylarkCBS
Helen MirrenDCI Jane TennisonPrime Suspect 2 PBS
Maggie SmithMrs. VenableSuddenly, Last Summer
Joanne WoodwardNell HarringtonBlind SpotCBS
1994
(46th)
[41]
Kirstie Alley Sally Goodson David's Mother CBS
Bette MidlerMama RoseGypsyCBS
Helen MirrenDCI Jane TennisonPrime Suspect 3PBS
Jessica TandyCora PeekTo Dance with the White DogCBS
Joanne WoodwardMaggie MoranBreathing Lessons
1995
(47th)
[42]
Glenn Close Margarethe Cammermeyer Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story NBC
Sally FieldBess Garner SteedA Woman of Independent MeansNBC
Anjelica HustonCalamity JaneBuffalo GirlsCBS
Diane KeatonAmelia EarhartAmelia Earhart: The Final FlightTNT
Alfre WoodardBerniece CharlesThe Piano LessonCBS
1996
(48th)
[43]
Helen Mirren DCI Jane Tennison Prime Suspect: Scent of Darkness PBS
Ashley JuddNorma Jean DoughertyNorma Jean & MarilynHBO
Jessica LangeBlanche DuBoisA Streetcar Named DesireCBS
Mira SorvinoMarilyn MonroeNorma Jean & MarilynHBO
Sela WardJessica SavitchAlmost Golden: The Jessica Savitch StoryLifetime
1997
(49th)
[44]
Alfre Woodard Nurse Eunice Evers Miss Evers' Boys HBO
Stockard ChanningBarbara WhitneyAn Unexpected FamilyUSA
Glenn CloseJanetIn the GloamingHBO
Helen MirrenDCI Jane TennisonPrime Suspect 5: Errors of JudgementPBS
Meryl StreepLori Reimuller...First Do No HarmABC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
1998
(50th)
[45]
Ellen Barkin Glory Marie Before Women Had Wings ABC
Jamie Lee CurtisMaggie GreenNicholas' Gift CBS
Judy DavisGladwynThe Echo of Thunder
Olympia DukakisAnna MadrigalMore Tales of the CityShowtime
Angelina JolieGia CarangiGiaHBO
Sigourney WeaverClaudia HoffmanSnow White: A Tale of TerrorShowtime
1999
(51st)
[46]
Helen Mirren Ayn Rand The Passion of Ayn Rand Showtime
Ann-MargretPamela HarrimanLife of the Party: The Pamela Harriman StoryLifetime
Stockard ChanningRachel LuckmanThe Baby DanceShowtime
Judy DavisLillian HellmanDash and LillyA&E
Leelee SobieskiJoan of ArcJoan of ArcCBS

2000s

[edit]
Year Actress Role Program Network
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
2000
(52nd)
[47]
Halle Berry Dorothy Dandridge Introducing Dorothy Dandridge HBO
Judy Davis Paula Tanner A Cooler Climate Showtime
Sally FieldIris Prue
Holly HunterRuby KincaidHarlan County War
Gena RowlandsGeorgia PorterThe Color of Love: Jacey's StoryCBS
2001
(53rd)
[48]
Judy Davis Judy Garland Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows ABC
Judi DenchElizabeth HarmanThe Last of the Blonde BombshellsHBO
Holly HunterBillie Jean KingWhen Billie Beat Bobby ABC
Hannah Taylor-Gordon Anne Frank Anne Frank: The Whole Story ABC
Emma ThompsonVivian BearingWitHBO
2002
(54th)
[49]
Laura Linney Iris Bravard Wild Iris Showtime
Angela BassettRosa ParksThe Rosa Parks StoryCBS
Blythe DannerCorinne MulvaneyWe Were the MulvaneysLifetime
Vanessa RedgraveClementine ChurchillThe Gathering StormHBO
Gena RowlandsMinnie BrinnWild IrisShowtime
2003
(55th)
[50]
Maggie Smith Emily Delahunty My House in Umbria HBO
Thora BirchLiz MurrayHomeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray StoryLifetime
Helena Bonham CarterIngrid FormanekLive from Baghdad HBO
Jessica LangeIrma ApplewoodNormal
Helen MirrenKaren StoneThe Roman Spring of Mrs. StoneShowtime
2004
(56th)
[51]
Meryl Streep Hannah Pitt / Ethel Rosenberg / Rabbi Chemelwitz / The Angel Australia Angels in America HBO
Glenn CloseEleanor of AquitaineThe Lion in Winter Showtime
Judy DavisNancy ReaganThe Reagans
Helen MirrenDCI Jane TennisonPrime Suspect 6: The Last WitnessPBS
Emma Thompson Nurse Emily / Homeless Woman / The Angel America Angels in America HBO
2005
(57th)
[52]
S. Epatha Merkerson Rachel "Nanny" Crosby Lackawanna Blues HBO
Halle BerryJanie CrawfordTheir Eyes Were Watching GodABC
Blythe DannerRebecca DavitchBack When We Were GrownupsCBS
Cynthia NixonEleanor RooseveltWarm SpringsHBO
Debra WingerDawn AnnaDawn AnnaLifetime
2006
(58th)
[53]
Helen Mirren Queen Elizabeth I Elizabeth I HBO
Gillian AndersonLady DedlockBleak HousePBS
Kathy BatesJane SternAmbulance GirlLifetime
Annette BeningJean HarrisMrs. HarrisHBO
Judy DavisSante KimesA Little Thing Called MurderLifetime
2007
(59th)
[54]
Helen Mirren DCI Jane Tennison Prime Suspect: The Final Act PBS
Queen LatifahAna WallaceLife SupportHBO
Debra MessingMolly KaganThe Starter WifeUSA
Mary-Louise ParkerZenia ArdenThe Robber BrideOxygen
Gena RowlandsMelissa EisenbloomWhat If God Were the Sun?Lifetime
2008
(60th)
[55]
Laura Linney Abigail Adams John Adams HBO
Judi DenchMiss Matty JenkynsCranfordPBS
Catherine KeenerGertrude BaniszewskiAn American CrimeShowtime
Phylicia RashadLena YoungerA Raisin in the SunABC
Susan SarandonDoris DukeBernard and DorisHBO
2009
(61st)
[56]
Jessica Lange Edith "Big Edie" Beale Grey Gardens HBO
Drew Barrymore Edith "Little Edie" Beale Grey Gardens HBO
Shirley MacLaineCoco ChanelCoco Chanel Lifetime
Sigourney WeaverMary GriffithPrayers for Bobby
Chandra WilsonYvonne CaldwellAccidental FriendshipHallmark

2010s

[edit]
Year Actress Role Program Network
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
2010
(62nd)
[57]
Claire Danes Temple Grandin Temple Grandin HBO
Joan AllenGeorgia O'KeeffeGeorgia O'KeeffeLifetime
Hope DavisHillary ClintonThe Special RelationshipHBO
Judi DenchMatty JenkynsReturn to CranfordPBS
Maggie SmithMary GilbertCapturing MaryHBO
2011
(63rd)
[58]
Kate Winslet Mildred Pierce Mildred Pierce HBO
Taraji P. HensonTiffany RubinTaken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin StoryLifetime
Diane LanePat LoudCinema VeriteHBO
Jean MarshRose BuckUpstairs, Downstairs PBS
Elizabeth McGovernCora, Countess of GranthamDownton Abbey
2012
(64th)
[59]
Julianne Moore Sarah Palin Game Change HBO
Connie BrittonVivien HarmonAmerican Horror StoryFX
Ashley JuddRebecca WinstoneMissingABC
Nicole KidmanMartha GellhornHemingway & GellhornHBO
Emma ThompsonSheThe Song of LunchPBS
2013
(65th)
[60]
Laura Linney Cathy Jamison The Big C: Hereafter Showtime
Jessica LangeSister Jude MartinAmerican Horror Story: AsylumFX
Helen MirrenLinda Kenney BadenPhil SpectorHBO
Elisabeth MossDet. Robin GriffinTop of the LakeSundance
Sigourney WeaverElaine BarrishPolitical AnimalsUSA
2014
(66th)
[61]
Jessica Lange Fiona Goode American Horror Story: Coven FX
Helena Bonham CarterElizabeth TaylorBurton & TaylorBBC America
Minnie DriverMaggie RoyalReturn to ZeroLifetime
Sarah Paulson Cordelia Foxx American Horror Story: Coven FX
Cicely TysonCarrie WattsThe Trip to BountifulLifetime
Kristen WiigCynthia MorehouseThe Spoils of BabylonIFC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
2015
(67th)
[62]
Frances McDormand Olive Kitteridge Olive Kitteridge HBO
Maggie GyllenhaalNessa SteinThe Honorable WomanSundance
Felicity HuffmanBarbara HanlonAmerican CrimeABC
Jessica LangeElsa MarsAmerican Horror Story: Freak ShowFX
Queen LatifahBessie SmithBessieHBO
Emma ThompsonMrs. LovettSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Live from Lincoln Center)PBS
2016
(68th)
[63]
Sarah Paulson Marcia Clark The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story FX
Kirsten Dunst Peggy Blumquist Fargo FX
Felicity Huffman Leslie Graham American Crime ABC
Audra McDonaldBillie HolidayLady Day at Emerson's Bar and GrillHBO
Lili Taylor Anne Blaine American Crime ABC
Kerry WashingtonAnita HillConfirmationHBO
2017
(69th)
[64]
Nicole Kidman Celeste Wright Big Little Lies HBO
Carrie CoonGloria BurgleFargoFX
Felicity HuffmanJeanette HesbyAmerican CrimeABC
Jessica Lange Joan Crawford Feud: Bette and Joan FX
Susan Sarandon Bette Davis
Reese Witherspoon Madeline Martha McKenzie Big Little Lies HBO
2018
(70th)
[65]
Regina KingLatrice ButlerSeven SecondsNetflix
Jessica BielCora TannettiThe SinnerUSA
Laura DernJennifer FoxThe TaleHBO
Michelle DockeryAlice FletcherGodlessNetflix
Edie FalcoLeslie AbramsonLaw & Order True Crime: The Menendez MurdersNBC
Sarah PaulsonAlly Mayfair-RichardsAmerican Horror Story: CultFX
2019
(71st)
[66]
Michelle WilliamsGwen VerdonFosse/VerdonFX
Amy AdamsCamille PreakerSharp ObjectsHBO
Patricia ArquetteJoyce "Tilly" MitchellEscape at DannemoraShowtime
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Sharonne Salaam When They See Us Netflix
Joey KingGypsy Rose BlanchardThe ActHulu
Niecy Nash Delores Wise When They See Us Netflix

2020s

[edit]
Year Actress Role Program Network
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
2020
(72nd)
Regina King Angela Abar / Sister Night Watchmen HBO
Cate BlanchettPhyllis SchlaflyMrs. AmericaFX
Shira HaasEsther "Esty" ShapiroUnorthodoxNetflix
Octavia SpencerMadam C. J. WalkerSelf Made
Kerry WashingtonMia WarrenLittle Fires EverywhereHulu
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
2021
(73rd)
Kate Winslet Mare Sheehan Mare of Easttown HBO
Michaela CoelArabella EssieduI May Destroy YouHBO
Cynthia ErivoAretha FranklinGenius: ArethaNat Geo
Elizabeth OlsenWanda MaximoffWandaVisionDisney+
Anya Taylor-JoyBeth HarmonThe Queen's GambitNetflix
2022
(74th)
Amanda Seyfried Elizabeth Holmes The Dropout Hulu
Toni ColletteKathleen PetersonThe StaircaseHBO Max
Julia GarnerAnna DelveyInventing AnnaNetflix
Lily JamesPamela AndersonPam & TommyHulu
Sarah PaulsonLinda TrippImpeachment: American Crime StoryFX
Margaret QualleyAlex RussellMaidNetflix
2023
(75th)
Ali Wong Amy Lau Beef Netflix
Lizzy CaplanLibbyFleishman Is in TroubleFX
Jessica ChastainTammy WynetteGeorge & TammyShowtime
Dominique FishbackAndrea "Dre" GreeneSwarmPrime
Kathryn HahnClare PierceTiny Beautiful ThingsHulu
Riley KeoughDaisy JonesDaisy Jones & the SixPrime
2024
(76th)
Jodie Foster Chief Liz Danvers True Detective: Night Country HBO
Brie LarsonElizabeth ZottLessons in ChemistryApple TV+
Juno TempleDorothy "Dot" LyonFargoFX
Sofía VergaraGriselda BlancoGriseldaNetflix
Naomi WattsBabe PaleyFeud: Capote vs. The SwansFX
2025
(77th)
Cristin MiliotiSofia FalconeThe PenguinHBO
Cate BlanchettCatherine RavenscroftDisclaimerApple TV+
Meghann FahyDevon DeWittSirensNetflix
Rashida JonesAmanda WatersBlack Mirror
Michelle WilliamsMolly KochanDying for SexFX
2026
(78th)
Claire DanesAggie WiggsThe Beast in MeNetflix
Sally FieldTova SullivanRemarkably Bright Creatures
Carey MulliganLindsay Crane-MartínBeef
Sarah PidgeonCarolyn BessetteLove Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn BessetteFX
Sarah SnookMarissa IrvineAll Her FaultPeacock

Superlatives

[edit]
Superlative Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Actress with most awards Helen Mirren (4)
Actress with most nominations Helen Mirren (10)
Actress with most nominations
without ever winning
Helen Hayes (5), Lee Remick (5)

Programs with multiple wins

[edit]

Performers with multiple wins

[edit]

Programs with multiple nominations

[edit]

Performers with multiple nominations

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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