Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
The 2023 recipient: Ali Wong
Awarded forOutstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
CountryUnited States
Presented byAcademy of Television Arts & Sciences
First awarded1955
Currently held byAli Wong,
Beef (2023)
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. Ali Wong is the current recipient of the award, for her portrayal of Amy Lau on Beef. Helen Mirren has won the most awards in this category, with four, and has received the most nominations for the award, on two occasions.

Winners and nominations

Table key
Indicates the winner
Judith Anderson was the first recipient of the award, winning for her single performance in the Hallmark Hall of Fame episode "Macbeth" as Lady Macbeth. She would win again in this category for the same role in the television film adaptation of Macbeth.
Claire Trevor won in this category for her performance in Producers' Showcase episode "Dodsworth".
Mary Martin won the award for her role as Peter Pan in the Producers' Showcase episode "Peter Pan".
Julie Harris won twice: for her performances in the Hallmark Hall of Fame episodes "Little Moon of Alban" and "Victoria Regina".
Kim Stanley won in 1963 for her role as Faith Parsons in the Ben Casey episode "A Cardinal Act of Mercy".
Shelley Winters won one out of two nominations for her performance in Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre.
Geraldine Page won the award in 1967 and 1969 for her role as Sook in the ABC Stage 67 episode "Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory" and The Thanksgiving Visitor.
Glenda Jackson received two nominations for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth R, winning for the episode "The Shadow in the Sun".
Cloris Leachman won in 1973 for her performance as Victoria Douglas in A Brand New Life (1973).
Cicely Tyson won once, out of four nominations, for her portrayal of Jane Pittman in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974).
Katharine Hepburn received four nominations, winning in the Special Program – Drama or Comedy category for her role in Love Among the Ruins (1975).
Joanne Woodward won in 1978 and 1985, for her performances in See How She Runs and Do You Remember Love.
Bette Davis won in 1979 for her portrayal of Lucy Mason in Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter (1979).
Patty Duke won in this category three times in the 1970s, for her roles in My Sweet Charlie (1970), Captains and the Kings (1976), and The Miracle Worker (1979).
Maggie Smith won the award in 2003 for her performance in My House in Umbria.
Meryl Streep won twice in this category: for her roles in the 1978 mini-series Holocaust and the 2003 mini-series Angels in America.
Helen Mirren won the award four times, the most in this category, as well as receiving the most nominations, at ten.
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.
Laura Linney won the award three times: for her roles in Wild Iris (2001), the 2008 mini-series John Adams, and The Big C: Hereafter (2013).
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.


1950s

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 Barrymore Mme. Rosalie La Grange Climax! "The Thirteenth Chair" CBS
Beverly Garland Estelle Collins Medic "White Is the Color" NBC
Ruth Hussey Harriet Craig Lux Video Theater "Craig's Wife" CBS
Dorothy McGuire Janet Spence Climax! "The Gioconda Smile"
Eva Marie Saint Betty The Philco Television Playhouse "Middle of the Night" NBC
Claire Trevor Ellen Creed Lux Video Theater "Ladies in Retirement" CBS
1956
(8th)
[2]
Mary Martin Peter Pan Producers' Showcase "Peter Pan" NBC
Julie Harris Shevawn The United States Steel Hour "A Wind from the South" CBS
Eva Marie Saint Emily Producers' Showcase "Our Town" NBC
Jessica Tandy The Wife "The Fourposter"
Loretta Young Sadie The Loretta Young Show "Christmas Stopover"
1957
(9th)
[3]
Claire Trevor Fran Dodsworth Producers' Showcase "Dodsworth" NBC
Edna Best Ethel Gibbons Ford Star Jubilee "This Happy Breed" CBS
Gracie Fields Sarah Dowey The United States Steel Hour "The Old Lady Shows Her Medals"
Nancy Kelly Sister M. Aquinas Studio One "The Pilot"
Evelyn Rudie Eloise Playhouse 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 Andrews Cinderella Cinderella CBS
Helen Hayes Mrs. Gilling The Alcoa Hour "Mrs. Gilling and the Skyscraper" NBC
Piper Laurie Ruth Cornelius Studio One "The Deaf Heart" CBS
Teresa Wright Annie Sullivan Playhouse 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 Anderson Marquesa de Montemayor The DuPont Show of the Month "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" CBS
Helen Hayes Mother Seraphim The United States Steel Hour "One Red Rose for Christmas"
Piper Laurie Kirsten Clay Playhouse 90 "Days of Wine and Roses"
Geraldine Page The Young Woman "The Old Man"
Maureen Stapleton Sadie Burke Kraft Television Theatre "All the Kings Men" NBC

1960s

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 Harris Mattie Silver DuPont Show of the Month "Ethan Frome" CBS
Teresa Wright Margaret Bourke-White NBC 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 Bergman Clare Lester Twenty-Four Hours in a Woman's Life CBS
Elizabeth Montgomery Rusty Heller The Untouchables "The Rusty Heller Story" NBC
1962
(14th)
[8]
Julie Harris Queen Victoria Hallmark Hall of Fame "Victoria Regina" NBC
Geraldine Brooks Katherine Barnes Bus Stop "Call Back Yesterday" ABC
Suzanne Pleshette Julie Lawler Dr. Kildare "Shining Image" NBC
Inger Stevens Anna Beza The Dick Powell Theatre "The Price of Tomatoes"
Ethel Waters Jenny Henderson Route 66 "Goodnight, Sweet Blues" CBS
1963
(15th)
[9]
Kim Stanley Faith Parsons Ben Casey "A Cardinal Act of Mercy" ABC
Diahann Carroll Ruby Jay Naked City "A Horse Has a Big Head, Let Him Worry" ABC
Diana Hyland Liza Laurents Alcoa Premiere "The Voice of Charlie Point"
Eleanor Parker Connie Folson The Eleventh Hour "Why Am I Grown So Cold?" NBC
Sylvia Sidney Adela The Defenders "The Madman" CBS
1964
(16th)
[10]
Shelley Winters Jenny Dworak Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre "Two is the Number" NBC
Ruby Dee Jenny Bishop The Doctors and the Nurses "Express Stop from Lennox Avenue" CBS
Bethel Leslie Ellen Dudley The Richard Boone Show "Statement of Fact" NBC
Jeanette Nolan Jessie McCoony "Vote No on 11!"
Diana Sands Ruth East 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 Kitt Angel I Spy "The Loser" NBC
Margaret Leighton Chris Becker Dr. Kildare "A Life for a Life"
Shelley Winters Edith Bob 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 Booth Amanda Wingfield CBS Playhouse "The Glass Menagerie" CBS
Mildred Dunnock Linda Loman Death of a Salesman
Lynn Fontanne Grand Duchess Marie Hallmark Hall of Fame "Anastasia" NBC
Julie Harris Anastasia
1968
(20th)
[14]
Maureen Stapleton Mary O'Meaghan Among the Paths to Eden ABC
Judith Anderson Queen Elizabeth I Hallmark Hall of Fame "Elizabeth the Queen" NBC
Geneviève Bujold Joan of Arc "Saint Joan"
Colleen Dewhurst Elizabeth Proctor The Crucible CBS
Anne Jackson Vivian Spears CBS Playhouse "Dear Friends"
Outstanding Single Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
1969
(21st)
[15]
Geraldine Page Sook The Thanksgiving Visitor ABC
Anne Baxter Betty-Jean Currier The Name of the Game "The Bobby Currier Story" NBC
Lee Grant Kay Gould Judd, for the Defense "The Gates of Cerberus" ABC

1970s

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 Evans Aunt Betsy Trotwood David Copperfield NBC
Shirley Jones Katherine Johnson Silent Night, Lonely Night
1971
(23rd)
[17]
Lee Grant Carrie Miller The Neon Ceiling NBC
Colleen Dewhurst Mrs. Franz The Price NBC
Lee Grant Leslie Williams Ransom for a Dead Man
1972
(24th)
[18]
Glenda Jackson Queen Elizabeth I Elizabeth R: The Shadow in the Sun PBS
Helen Hayes Sophie Tate Curtis Do Not Fold, Spindle or Mutilate ABC
Glenda Jackson Queen Elizabeth I Elizabeth R: The Lion's Cub PBS
Patricia Neal Olivia Walton The Homecoming: A Christmas Story CBS
Susannah York Jane Eyre Jane Eyre NBC
1973
(25th)
[19]
Cloris Leachman Victoria Douglas A Brand New Life ABC
Lauren Bacall Margo Channing Applause CBS
Hope Lange Janet Salter That Certain Summer ABC
Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Drama/Comedy - Limited Episodes)
Susan Hampshire Becky Sharp Vanity Fair PBS
Vivien Heilbron Rachel Verinder The Moonstone PBS
Margaret Tyzack Bette Cousin Bette
1974
(26th)
Best Lead Actress in a Drama[20]
Cicely Tyson Jane Pittman The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman CBS
Carol Burnett Anne Miller 6 Rms Riv Vu CBS
Katharine Hepburn Amanda Wingfield The Glass Menagerie ABC
Cloris Leachman Viola Barlow The Migrants CBS
Elizabeth Montgomery Ellen Harrod A Case of Rape PBS
Best Lead Actress in a Limited Series[21]
Mildred Natwick Gwendolyn Snoop Nicholson The Snoop Sisters NBC
Helen Hayes Ernesta Snoop The Snoop Sisters NBC
Lee Remick Cassie Walters The 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 Clayburgh Wanda Hustling ABC
Elizabeth Montgomery Lizzie Borden The Legend of Lizzie Borden
Diana Rigg Philippa In This House of Brede CBS
Maureen Stapleton Bea Asher Queen of the Stardust Ballroom
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series
Jessica Walter Amy Prentiss Amy Prentiss NBC
Susan Saint James Sally McMillan McMillan & Wife NBC
1976
(28th)
[23]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special Program – Drama or Comedy
Susan Clark Babe Didrikson Zaharias Babe CBS
Jane Alexander Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor and Franklin ABC
Colleen Dewhurst Josie Hogan A Moon for the Misbegotten
Sada Thompson Phoebe Rice The Entertainer NBC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series
Rosemary Harris George Sand Notorious Woman PBS
Susan Blakely Julie Prescott Rich Man, Poor Man ABC
Jean Marsh Rose Upstairs, Downstairs PBS
Lee Remick Lady Randolph Churchill Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill
1977
(29th)
[24]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special Program – Drama or Comedy
Sally Field Sybil Sybil NBC
Jane Alexander Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years ABC
Susan Clark Amelia Earhart Amelia Earhart NBC
Julie Harris Mary Todd Lincoln The Last of Mrs. Lincoln PBS
Joanne Woodward Dr. Cornelia Wilbur Sybil NBC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series
Patty Duke Bernadette Hennessy Armagh Captains and the Kings NBC
Dori Brenner Rhoda Gold Blackman Seventh Avenue NBC
Susan Flannery Margot Bracken The Moneychangers
Eva Marie Saint Katherine Macaran How the West Was Won ABC
Jane Seymour Marjorie Chisolm Captains and the Kings NBC
1978
(30th)
[25]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama or Comedy Special
Joanne Woodward Betty Quinn See How She Runs CBS
Helen Hayes Emma Long A Family Upside Down NBC
Eva Marie Saint Passenger Taxi!!!
Maureen Stapleton Kate The Gathering ABC
Sada Thompson Mrs. Gibbs Our Town NBC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series
Meryl Streep Inga Helms-Weiss Holocaust NBC
Rosemary Harris Berta Palitz Weiss Holocaust NBC
Elizabeth Montgomery Sayward Luckett Wheeler The Awakening Land
Lee Remick Erica Trenton Wheels
Cicely Tyson Coretta Scott King King
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 Burnett Peg Mullen Friendly Fire ABC
Olivia Cole Maggie Rogers Backstairs at the White House NBC
Katharine Hepburn Miss Lily Moffat The Corn Is Green CBS
Mary Tyler Moore Betty Rollin First, You Cry

1980s

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 Davis Estelle Malone White Mama CBS
Melissa Gilbert Helen Keller The Miracle Worker NBC
Lee Remick Margaret Sullivan Haywire CBS
1981
(33rd)
[28]
Vanessa Redgrave Fania Fénelon Playing for Time CBS
Ellen Burstyn Jean Harris The People vs. Jean Harris NBC
Catherine Hicks Marilyn Monroe Marilyn: The Untold Story ABC
Yoko Shimada Lady Toda Buntaro Shōgun NBC
Joanne Woodward Elizabeth Huckaby Crisis at Central High CBS
1982
(34th)
[29]
Ingrid Bergman (post-humously) Golda Meir A Woman Called Golda Syndicated
Glenda Jackson Patricia Neal The Patricia Neal Story CBS
Ann Jillian Mae West Mae West ABC
Jean Stapleton Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor, First Lady of the World CBS
Cicely Tyson Marva Collins The Marva Collins Story
1983
(35th)
[30]
Barbara Stanwyck Mary Carson The Thorn Birds ABC
Ann-Margret Lucile Fray Who Will Love My Children? ABC
Rosanna Arquette Nicole Baker The Executioner's Song NBC
Mariette Hartley Candy Lightner M.A.D.D.: Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
Angela Lansbury Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney Little Gloria... Happy at Last
1984
(36th)
[31]
Jane Fonda Gertie Nevels The Dollmaker ABC
Jane Alexander Calamity Jane Calamity Jane CBS
Ann-Margret Blanche DuBois A Streetcar Named Desire ABC
Glenn Close Gail Bennett Something About Amelia
JoBeth Williams Reve Walsh Adam NBC
1985
(37th)
[32]
Joanne Woodward Barbara Wyatt-Hollis Do You Remember Love CBS
Jane Alexander Hedda Hopper Malice in Wonderland CBS
Peggy Ashcroft Barbie Batchelor The Jewel in the Crown PBS
Farrah Fawcett Francine Hughes The Burning Bed NBC
Mary Tyler Moore Martha Weinman Lear Heartsounds ABC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Special
1986
(38th)
[33]
Marlo Thomas Marie Balter Nobody's Child CBS
Katharine Hepburn Margaret Delafield Mrs. Delafield Wants to Marry CBS
Vanessa Redgrave Richard Radley and Renée Richards Second Serve
Gena Rowlands Katherine Pierson An Early Frost NBC
Mare Winningham Margaret Ryder Love Is Never Silent
1987
(39th)
[34]
Gena Rowlands Betty Ford The Betty Ford Story ABC
Ann-Margret Ann Arden Grenville The Two Mrs. Grenvilles NBC
Ellen Burstyn Barbara Jackson Pack of Lies CBS
Lee Remick Frances Schrueder Nutcracker: Money, Madness and Murder NBC
Alfre Woodard Maude DeVictor Unnatural Causes
1988
(40th)
[35]
Jessica Tandy Annie Nations Foxfire CBS
Ann Jillian Herself The Ann Jillian Story NBC
Mary Tyler Moore Mary Todd Lincoln Lincoln
Mary Steenburgen Miep Gies The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank CBS
JoBeth Williams Marybeth Whitehead Baby M ABC
1989
(41st)
[36]
Holly Hunter Ellen Russell Roe vs. Wade NBC
Anjelica Huston Clara Allen Lonesome Dove CBS
Diane Lane Lorena Wood
Amy Madigan Sarah Weddington Roe vs. Wade NBC
Jane Seymour Natalie Henry War and Remembrance ABC

1990s

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 Fawcett Diane Downs Small Sacrifices ABC
Christine Lahti Zan Cooper No Place Like Home CBS
Annette O'Toole Rose Kennedy The Kennedys of Massachusetts ABC
Lesley Ann Warren Barbara Walker Family of Spies CBS
Alfre Woodard Mary Thomas A Mother's Courage: The Mary Thomas Story NBC
1991
(43rd)
[38]
Lynn Whitfield Josephine Baker The Josephine Baker Story HBO
Glenn Close Sarah Wheaton Sarah, Plain and Tall CBS
Barbara Hershey Hanna Trout Paris Trout Showtime
Suzanne Pleshette Leona Helmsley Leona Helmsley: The Queen of Mean CBS
Lee Purcell Bessie Robertson Long Road Home NBC
1992
(44th)
[39]
Gena Rowlands Pat Face of a Stranger CBS
Anne Bancroft Mrs. Cage Mrs. Cage PBS
Meredith Baxter Betty Broderick A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story CBS
Judy Davis Mary Lindell One Against the Wind
Laura Dern Janet Harduvel Afterburn HBO
1993
(45th)
[40]
Holly Hunter Wanda Holloway The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom HBO
Glenn Close Sarah Wheaton Skylark CBS
Helen Mirren DCI Jane Tennison Prime Suspect 2 PBS
Maggie Smith Mrs. Venable Suddenly, Last Summer
Joanne Woodward Nell Harrington Blind Spot CBS
1994
(46th)
[41]
Kirstie Alley Sally Goodson David's Mother CBS
Bette Midler Mama Rose Gypsy CBS
Helen Mirren DCI Jane Tennison Prime Suspect 3 PBS
Jessica Tandy Cora Peek To Dance with the White Dog CBS
Joanne Woodward Maggie Moran Breathing Lessons
1995
(47th)
[42]
Glenn Close Margarethe Cammermeyer Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story NBC
Sally Field Bess Garner Steed A Woman of Independent Means NBC
Anjelica Huston Calamity Jane Buffalo Girls CBS
Diane Keaton Amelia Earhart Amelia Earhart: The Final Flight TNT
Alfre Woodard Berniece Charles The Piano Lesson CBS
1996
(48th)
[43]
Helen Mirren DCI Jane Tennison Prime Suspect: Scent of Darkness PBS
Ashley Judd Norma Jean Dougherty Norma Jean & Marilyn HBO
Jessica Lange Blanche DuBois A Streetcar Named Desire CBS
Mira Sorvino Marilyn Monroe Norma Jean & Marilyn HBO
Sela Ward Jessica Savitch Almost Golden: The Jessica Savitch Story Lifetime
1997
(49th)
[44]
Alfre Woodard Nurse Eunice Evers Miss Evers' Boys HBO
Stockard Channing Barbara Whitney An Unexpected Family USA
Glenn Close Janet In the Gloaming HBO
Helen Mirren DCI Jane Tennison Prime Suspect 5: Errors of Judgement PBS
Meryl Streep Lori Reimuller ...First Do No Harm ABC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
1998
(50th)
[45]
Ellen Barkin Glory Marie Before Women Had Wings ABC
Jamie Lee Curtis Maggie Green Nicholas' Gift CBS
Judy Davis Gladwyn The Echo of Thunder
Olympia Dukakis Anna Madrigal More Tales of the City Showtime
Angelina Jolie Gia Carangi Gia HBO
Sigourney Weaver Claudia Hoffman Snow White: A Tale of Terror Showtime
1999
(51st)
[46]
Helen Mirren Ayn Rand The Passion of Ayn Rand Showtime
Ann-Margret Pamela Harriman Life of the Party: The Pamela Harriman Story Lifetime
Stockard Channing Rachel Luckman The Baby Dance Showtime
Judy Davis Lillian Hellman Dash and Lilly A&E
Leelee Sobieski Joan of Arc Joan of Arc CBS

2000s

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 Field Iris Prue
Holly Hunter Ruby Kincaid Harlan County War
Gena Rowlands Georgia Porter The Color of Love: Jacey's Story CBS
2001
(53rd)
[48]
Judy Davis Judy Garland Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows ABC
Judi Dench Elizabeth Harman The Last of the Blonde Bombshells HBO
Holly Hunter Billie Jean King When Billie Beat Bobby ABC
Hannah Taylor-Gordon Anne Frank Anne Frank: The Whole Story ABC
Emma Thompson Vivian Bearing Wit HBO
2002
(54th)
[49]
Laura Linney Iris Bravard Wild Iris Showtime
Angela Bassett Rosa Parks The Rosa Parks Story CBS
Blythe Danner Corinne Mulvaney We Were the Mulvaneys Lifetime
Vanessa Redgrave Clementine Churchill The Gathering Storm HBO
Gena Rowlands Minnie Brinn Wild Iris Showtime
2003
(55th)
[50]
Maggie Smith Emily Delahunty My House in Umbria HBO
Thora Birch Liz Murray Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story Lifetime
Helena Bonham Carter Ingrid Formanek Live from Baghdad HBO
Jessica Lange Irma Applewood Normal
Helen Mirren Karen Stone The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone Showtime
2004
(56th)
[51]
Meryl Streep Hannah Pitt / Ethel Rosenberg / Rabbi Chemelwitz / The Angel Australia Angels in America HBO
Glenn Close Eleanor of Aquitaine The Lion in Winter Showtime
Judy Davis Nancy Reagan The Reagans
Helen Mirren DCI Jane Tennison Prime Suspect 6: The Last Witness PBS
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 Berry Janie Crawford Their Eyes Were Watching God ABC
Blythe Danner Rebecca Davitch Back When We Were Grownups CBS
Cynthia Nixon Eleanor Roosevelt Warm Springs HBO
Debra Winger Dawn Anna Dawn Anna Lifetime
2006
(58th)
[53]
Helen Mirren Queen Elizabeth I Elizabeth I HBO
Gillian Anderson Lady Dedlock Bleak House PBS
Kathy Bates Jane Stern Ambulance Girl Lifetime
Annette Bening Jean Harris Mrs. Harris HBO
Judy Davis Sante Kimes A Little Thing Called Murder Lifetime
2007
(59th)
[54]
Helen Mirren DCI Jane Tennison Prime Suspect: The Final Act PBS
Queen Latifah Ana Wallace Life Support HBO
Debra Messing Molly Kagan The Starter Wife USA
Mary-Louise Parker Zenia Arden The Robber Bride Oxygen
Gena Rowlands Melissa Eisenbloom What If God Were the Sun? Lifetime
2008
(60th)
[55]
Laura Linney Abigail Adams John Adams HBO
Judi Dench Miss Matty Jenkyns Cranford PBS
Catherine Keener Gertrude Baniszewski An American Crime Showtime
Phylicia Rashad Lena Younger A Raisin in the Sun ABC
Susan Sarandon Doris Duke Bernard and Doris HBO
2009
(61st)
[56]
Jessica Lange Edith "Big Edie" Beale Grey Gardens HBO
Drew Barrymore Edith "Little Edie" Beale Grey Gardens HBO
Shirley MacLaine Coco Chanel Coco Chanel Lifetime
Sigourney Weaver Mary Griffith Prayers for Bobby
Chandra Wilson Yvonne Caldwell Accidental Friendship Hallmark

2010s

Year Actress Role Program Network
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
2010
(62nd)
[57]
Claire Danes Temple Grandin Temple Grandin HBO
Joan Allen Georgia O'Keeffe Georgia O'Keeffe Lifetime
Hope Davis Hillary Clinton The Special Relationship HBO
Judi Dench Matty Jenkyns Return to Cranford PBS
Maggie Smith Mary Gilbert Capturing Mary HBO
2011
(63rd)
[58]
Kate Winslet Mildred Pierce Mildred Pierce HBO
Taraji P. Henson Tiffany Rubin Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story Lifetime
Diane Lane Pat Loud Cinema Verite HBO
Jean Marsh Rose Buck Upstairs, Downstairs PBS
Elizabeth McGovern Cora, Countess of Grantham Downton Abbey
2012
(64th)
[59]
Julianne Moore Sarah Palin Game Change HBO
Connie Britton Vivien Harmon American Horror Story FX
Ashley Judd Rebecca Winstone Missing ABC
Nicole Kidman Martha Gellhorn Hemingway & Gellhorn HBO
Emma Thompson She The Song of Lunch PBS
2013
(65th)
[60]
Laura Linney Cathy Jamison The Big C: Hereafter Showtime
Jessica Lange Sister Jude Martin American Horror Story: Asylum FX
Helen Mirren Linda Kenney Baden Phil Spector HBO
Elisabeth Moss Det. Robin Griffin Top of the Lake Sundance
Sigourney Weaver Elaine Barrish Political Animals USA
2014
(66th)
[61]
Jessica Lange Fiona Goode American Horror Story: Coven FX
Helena Bonham Carter Elizabeth Taylor Burton & Taylor BBC America
Minnie Driver Maggie Royal Return to Zero Lifetime
Sarah Paulson Cordelia Foxx American Horror Story: Coven FX
Cicely Tyson Carrie Watts The Trip to Bountiful Lifetime
Kristen Wiig Cynthia Morehouse The Spoils of Babylon IFC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
2015
(67th)
[62]
Frances McDormand Olive Kitteridge Olive Kitteridge HBO
Maggie Gyllenhaal Nessa Stein The Honorable Woman Sundance
Felicity Huffman Barbara Hanlon American Crime ABC
Jessica Lange Elsa Mars American Horror Story: Freak Show FX
Queen Latifah Bessie Smith Bessie HBO
Emma Thompson Mrs. Lovett Sweeney 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 McDonald Billie Holiday Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill HBO
Lili Taylor Anne Blaine American Crime ABC
Kerry Washington Anita Hill Confirmation HBO
2017
(69th)
[64] 		Nicole Kidman Celeste Wright Big Little Lies HBO
Carrie Coon Gloria Burgle Fargo FX
Felicity Huffman Jeanette Hesby American Crime ABC
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 King Latrice Butler Seven Seconds Netflix
Jessica Biel Cora Tannetti The Sinner USA
Laura Dern Jennifer Fox The Tale HBO
Michelle Dockery Alice Fletcher Godless Netflix
Edie Falco Leslie Abramson Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders NBC
Sarah Paulson Ally Mayfair-Richards American Horror Story: Cult FX
2019
(71st)
[66]
Michelle Williams Gwen Verdon Fosse/Verdon FX
Amy Adams Camille Preaker Sharp Objects HBO
Patricia Arquette Joyce "Tilly" Mitchell Escape at Dannemora Showtime
Aunjanue Ellis Sharonne Salaam When They See Us Netflix
Joey King Gypsy Rose Blanchard The Act Hulu
Niecy Nash Delores Wise When They See Us Netflix

2020s

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 Blanchett Phyllis Schlafly Mrs. America FX
Shira Haas Esther "Esty" Shapiro Unorthodox Netflix
Octavia Spencer Madam C. J. Walker Self Made
Kerry Washington Mia Warren Little Fires Everywhere Hulu
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
2021
(73rd)
Kate Winslet Mare Sheehan Mare of Easttown HBO
Michaela Coel Arabella Essiedu I May Destroy You HBO
Cynthia Erivo Aretha Franklin Genius: Aretha Nat Geo
Elizabeth Olsen Wanda Maximoff WandaVision Disney+
Anya Taylor-Joy Beth Harmon The Queen's Gambit Netflix
2022
(74th)
Amanda Seyfried Elizabeth Holmes The Dropout Hulu
Toni Collette Kathleen Peterson The Staircase HBO Max
Julia Garner Anna Delvey Inventing Anna Netflix
Lily James Pamela Anderson Pam & Tommy Hulu
Sarah Paulson Linda Tripp Impeachment: American Crime Story FX
Margaret Qualley Alex Russell Maid Netflix
2023
(75th)
Ali Wong Amy Lau Beef Netflix
Lizzy Caplan Libby Fleishman Is in Trouble FX
Jessica Chastain Tammy Wynette George & Tammy Showtime
Dominique Fishback Andrea "Dre" Greene Swarm Prime
Kathryn Hahn Clare Pierce Tiny Beautiful Things Hulu
Riley Keough Daisy Jones Daisy Jones & the Six Prime

Superlatives

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

Performers with multiple wins

Programs with multiple nominations

Performers with multiple nominations

See also

References

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