Mickey Madison, Emma Stone, Michelle Yeoh: Revisiting the actresses who made Oscar history ahead of the 98th Academy Awards

In anticipation of the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026, we’re taking a look at the women who defined the last six years of cinematic excellence. From Mickey Madison’s recent victory in “Anora” to Michelle Yeoh’s historic, barrier-breaking win, these five actresses not only accepted awards, but delivered moments of raw, unscripted humanity. As Hollywood prepares for another star-studded night at the Dolby Theater, these modern icons remind us that the true power of an Oscar is in the vulnerability and authenticity behind the performances.

Mikey Madison’s 2024 win for Anora feels like a fresh wound turned into a victory. At just 25 years old, she’s taken on heavyweights like Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo, with her raw portrayal of a messy New York sex worker exploding on screen. The photos show her frozen mid-scream of joy, smearing mascara as she hugs her team, whispering thanks to her mother in the crowd. It’s that unscripted moment that screams the fire of the underdog: the young actress who poured her courage into a role and then walked away from it.

Emma Stone doubles down in 2023 with Poor Things, her second Best Actress statue after La La Land. She overcomes Sandra Holler and Lily Gladstone, and transforms into a wild Victorian woman reborn on a journey of self-discovery. Exhibition shots show her biting her lip, fighting back happy sobs on stage as her dress shimmers under the lights. Emma later admitted that her nerves nearly broke her, but this chaotic, brilliant performance proved her staying power – a reminder that true artists develop through vulnerability.

Michelle Yeoh made history in 2022 as the first Asian woman to win Best Actress for Everything Everywhere at Once. She bested Cate Blanchett and Michelle Williams, portraying a laundress mother juggling the multiverse and family conflict. Pictures of her on Oscar night radiate intense gratitude: fists raised and her voice cracking as she dedicates it to “all the little boys and girls out there.” At the age of 60, after decades of martial arts strikes and typing fights, Yeoh’s victory seemed like sweet revenge. “I told you so,” she said with a smile.

Jessica Chastain won the 2021 award for The Eyes of Tammy Faye, beating out Olivia Colman and Nicole Kidman. She directed the televangelist’s wife with fluttering eyelashes and unwavering faith. Her transformation was so profound that it left fans stunned. In the victory photos, with her red hair wavy, she radiates quiet relief, clutching the Oscar like a long-lost friend. Chastain spoke of the personal appeal of the role, drawing on her outward perseverance to honor a woman’s messy redemption.

Frances McDormand concluded her 2020 streak with Nomadland, her third win, beating Viola Davis and Carey Mulligan. As a grieving widow wandering the fringes of America, she brought profound pain to the screen. Photos show her barefoot on stage, Oscar held high in that signature “I did it” pose, her voice steady but her eyes misty. McDormand’s no-fuss authenticity, demanding inclusive riders, and championing true stories, was a calculated cultural moment.