My Favourite Leading Ladies

I love the oscars. I love the history and the iconic element of it. I more than anything adore the women who have been awarded this awards. Each actress has a great film behind the golden statuette and have their own style that goes with their iconic award.

1. Judy Garland
I count Judy Garland as a true icon of mine. Despite how 'tragic' her life was made out to be, she was a powerful force who starred in films since the age of 13. Despite losing out to Grace Kelly in 1955 for her iconic film, A Star Is Born, she was awarded a 'Academy Juvenile Award' in 1940, which was an award for perfomers under the age of eighteen for their "outstanding contributions to screen entertainment".

2. Barbra Streisand
'Hello Gorgeous', were the first words out of Barbra's mouth when she accepted her award in 1968 for Funny Girl. Her win was a first in oscar history when she joint tied with Katharine Hepburn. Dressed in a Arnold Scaasi peter pan collared suit, there seemed to be a bit of an outcry when the papers reported 'STREISAND, NUDE UNDER SEE-THROUGH OUTFIT!'. Streisand later admitted “I didn't realize the outfit was so see-through,”. Yes Barbra, I adore you even more.

3. Diane Keaton
Annie Hall is my favourite film. It's all about unconventional, unfortunate realistic love. Despite being cast in Woody Allen films before, Keaton scored an oscar in 1977 for playing the kooky, clumsy, head in the clouds Annie. Compared to other extravagent dresses, Keaton played it incredibly casual in a blazer/skirt and a floral broach. The outfit later got listed as a 'fuck it oscar outfit' - which is as it should be. The oscar was for her work, not her plaid scarf.

4. Liza Minnelli
Once dubbed Hollywood's Princess, born the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, Liza grabbed her oscar in 1972 for Cabaret. Minnell's Sally Bowles is an iconic character made up of green eyeshadow, suspenders, legs over chairs and plenty of purple lipstick. Minnelli wore a striking yellow suit made by Halston, who of course the studio 54 Minnelli was great friends with.

5. Audrey Hepburn
The voice. That face. Those eyebrows. Audrey had it all. Crowned with an oscar in 1954 for Roman Holiday, Hepburn stated ' I'm truly, truly grateful and terribly happy'. She was precious when accepting her award. She was dressed in a classic Edith Head/Givenchy pearl white dress which has been replicated in many forms by other actresses at the show.

6. Vivien Leigh 
Clark Gable fell for her. Marlon Brando screamed for her. Laurence Olivier made her his wife. Described as a ''consummate actress, hampered by beauty", Leigh was awarded Best Actress in 1939 for her role as southern belle Scarlett O'Hara, Leigh shot to stardom and was placed on the list of greatest female movie stars of all time. 

These are only just a couple of leading ladies and there will be many more, but these are a few of my favourites. They are all deserving in their own rights and have left an influential impact for years to come. 

Do you have any favourite oscar winners? Leave a comment!