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Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Award for lead actress in a television drama series


Award for lead actress in a television drama series

FieldValue
namePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
imageBritt Lower Headshot.jpg
image_upright1.0
captionThe 2025 recipient: Britt Lower
awarded_forOutstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
presenterAcademy of Television Arts & Sciences
countryUnited States
year1954
holderBritt Lower,
Severance (2025)
website

Severance (2025)

The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series is an award presented annually in the U.S. 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 drama series for the primetime network season.

The award was first presented at the 6th Primetime Emmy Awards on February 11, 1954. The acting awards presented during the inaugural years were not genre-specific, with actresses in either drama or comedy series receiving nominations and awards. While Eve Arden was the first winner in the female acting category, Loretta Young was the first actress to win for a lead performance in a drama series. By 1966, the acting awards were split into drama and comedy categories, undergoing several name changes until settling with the current title.

Since its inception, the award has been given to 157 actresses, with 31 winning for performances in a drama series. Tyne Daly and Michael Learned hold the record for most wins in the category, with four each. Angela Lansbury is the most nominated actress in the category, with twelve nominations, though she never won. In 2015, Viola Davis became the first African-American woman to win, for her performance as Annalise Keating on How to Get Away with Murder. In 2020, Zendaya became the youngest winner, at age 24, for Euphoria. She won again in 2022, becoming the first African-American to win twice. Kathy Bates is the oldest nominee, at age 77, for her role in Matlock. As of 2025, Britt Lower is the most recent winner, receiving the award for her work on Severance.

Winners and nominations

Listed below are the winners of the award for each year, as well as the other nominees.

KeyMeaning
Indicates the winning actress
#Indicates a performance in a miniseries or television film, prior to the category's creation
§Indicates a performance as a guest performer, prior to the category's creation

1950s

YearActressRoleProgramNetworkBest Female Star of a Regular SeriesBest Actress Starring in a Regular SeriesBest Actress – Continuing PerformanceBest Continuing Performance by an ActressBest Continuing Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic or Comedy SeriesBest Actress in a Leading Role (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series
1954
(6th)
Early Emmy ceremonies did not have genre-specific acting categories
Eve ArdenConnie Brooks*Our Miss Brooks*CBS
Lucille BallLucy RicardoI Love LucyCBS
Imogene CocaVarious charactersYour Show of ShowsNBC
Dinah ShoreHerselfThe Dinah Shore Show
Loretta YoungVarious charactersThe Loretta Young Show
1955
(7th)
Loretta YoungVarious characters*The Loretta Young Show*NBC
Gracie AllenGracie AllenThe George Burns and Gracie Allen ShowCBS
Eve ArdenConnie BrooksOur Miss Brooks
Lucille BallLucy RicardoI Love Lucy
Ann SothernSusie McNamaraPrivate Secretary
1956
(8th)
Lucille BallLucy Ricardo*I Love Lucy*CBS
Gracie AllenGracie AllenThe George Burns and Gracie Allen ShowCBS
Eve ArdenConnie BrooksOur Miss Brooks
Jean HagenMargaret WilliamsMake Room for DaddyABC
Ann SothernSusie McNamaraPrivate SecretaryCBS
1957
(9th)
Loretta YoungVarious characters*The Loretta Young Show*NBC
Jan ClaytonEllen MillerLassieCBS
Ida LupinoVarious charactersFour Star Playhouse
Peggy WoodMamaMama
Jane WymanVarious charactersJane Wyman TheatreNBC
1958
(10th)
Jane WyattMargaret Anderson*Father Knows Best*NBC
Eve ArdenLiza HammondThe Eve Arden ShowCBS
Spring ByingtonLily RuskinDecember Bride
Jan ClaytonEllen MillerLassie
Ida LupinoEve DrakeMr. Adams and Eve
1959
(11th)
Loretta YoungVarious characters*The Loretta Young Show*NBC
Phyllis KirkNora CharlesThe Thin ManNBC
June LockhartRuth MartinLassieCBS
Jane WymanVarious charactersThe Jane Wyman ShowNBC

1960s

YearActressRoleProgramNetworkOutstanding Performance by an Actress in a Series (Lead or Support)Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Series (Lead)Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Series (Lead)Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment – Actors and PerformersOutstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series
1960
(12th)
Jane WyattMargaret Anderson*Father Knows Best*CBS
Donna ReedDonna StoneThe Donna Reed ShowABC
Teresa WrightMargaret Bourke-WhiteNBC Sunday ShowcaseNBC
Loretta YoungVarious charactersThe Loretta Young Show
1961
(13th)
Barbara StanwyckVarious characters*The Barbara Stanwyck Show*NBC
Donna ReedDonna StoneThe Donna Reed ShowABC
Loretta YoungVarious charactersThe Loretta Young ShowNBC
1962
(14th)
Shirley BoothHazel Burke*Hazel*NBC
Gertrude BergSarah GreenThe Gertrude Berg ShowCBS
Donna ReedDonna StoneThe Donna Reed ShowABC
Mary StuartJoanne GardnerSearch for TomorrowCBS
Cara WilliamsGladys PorterPete and Gladys
1963
(15th)
Shirley BoothHazel Burke*Hazel*NBC
Lucille BallLucy CarmichaelThe Lucy ShowCBS
Shirl ConwayLiz ThorpeThe Nurses
Mary Tyler MooreLaura PetrieThe Dick Van Dyke Show
Irene RyanGrannyThe Beverly Hillbillies
1964
(16th)
Mary Tyler MooreLaura Petrie*The Dick Van Dyke Show*CBS
Shirley BoothHazel BurkeHazelNBC
Patty DukeCathy LaneThe Patty Duke ShowABC
Irene RyanGrannyThe Beverly HillbilliesCBS
Inger StevensKaty HolstrumThe Farmer's DaughterABC
1965
(17th)
Leonard BernsteinConductor*New York Philharmonic Young People's Concerts with Leonard Bernstein*CBS
Lynn FontanneFanny Bowditch HolmesHallmark Hall of Fame: "The Magnificent Yankee"NBC
Alfred LuntOliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Barbra StreisandHerself*My Name Is Barbra*CBS
Dick Van DykeRob Petrie*The Dick Van Dyke Show*
Julie AndrewsHerselfThe Andy Williams Show: "November 30, 1964"NBC
Johnny CarsonHostThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Gladys CooperMargaret St. ClairThe Rogues
Robert CooteTimmy St. Clair
Richard CrennaJames SlatterySlattery's PeopleCBS
Julie HarrisFlorence NightingaleHallmark Hall of Fame: "The Holy Terror"NBC
Bob HopeHimselfChrysler Presents A Bob Hope Comedy Special
Dean JaggerPrincipal Albert VaneMr. Novak
Danny KayeHostThe Danny Kaye ShowCBS
David McCallumIllya KuryakinThe Man from U.N.C.L.E.NBC
Red SkeltonHimselfThe Red Skelton HourCBS
1966
(18th)
Barbara StanwyckVictoria Barkley*The Big Valley*ABC
Anne FrancisHoney WestHoney WestABC
Barbara ParkinsBetty Anderson CordPeyton Place
1967
(19th)
Barbara BainCinnamon Carter*Mission: Impossible*CBS
Diana RiggEmma PeelThe AvengersABC
Barbara StanwyckVictoria BarkleyThe Big Valley
1968
(20th)
Barbara BainCinnamon Carter*Mission: Impossible*CBS
Diana RiggEmma PeelThe AvengersABC
Barbara StanwyckVictoria BarkleyThe Big Valley
1969
(21st)
Barbara BainCinnamon Carter*Mission: Impossible*CBS
Joan BlondellLottie HatfieldHere Come the BridesABC
Peggy LiptonJulie BarnesThe Mod Squad

1970s

YearActressRoleProgramNetworkOutstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic SeriesOutstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Drama Series - Continuing)Best Lead Actress in a Drama SeriesOutstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1970
(22nd)
Susan Hampshire #Fleur Mont*The Forsyte Saga*NET
Joan BlondellLottie HatfieldHere Come the BridesABC
Peggy LiptonJulie BarnesThe Mod Squad
1971
(23rd)
Susan Hampshire #Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough*The First Churchills*PBS
Linda CristalVictoria MontoyaThe High ChaparralNBC
Peggy LiptonJulie BarnesThe Mod SquadABC
1972
(24th)
Glenda Jackson #Elizabeth I of England*Elizabeth R*PBS
Peggy LiptonJulie BarnesThe Mod SquadABC
Susan Saint JamesSally McMillianMcMillan & WifeNBC
1973
(25th)
Michael LearnedOlivia Walton*The Waltons*CBS
Lynda Day GeorgeLisa CaseyMission: ImpossibleCBS
Susan Saint JamesSally McMillianMcMillan & WifeNBC
1974
(26th)
Michael LearnedOlivia Walton*The Waltons*CBS
Jean MarshRose BuckUpstairs, DownstairsPBS
Jeanette NolanSally FergusDirty SallyCBS
1975
(27th)
Jean MarshRose Buck*Upstairs, Downstairs*PBS
Angie DickinsonSgt. Leann AndersonPolice WomanNBC
Michael LearnedOlivia WaltonThe WaltonsCBS
1976
(28th)
Michael LearnedOlivia Walton*The Waltons*CBS
Angie DickinsonSgt. Leann AndersonPolice WomanNBC
Anne MearaKate McShaneKate McShaneCBS
Brenda VaccaroSara YarnellSara
1977
(29th)
Lindsay WagnerJaime Sommers*The Bionic Woman*ABC
Angie DickinsonSgt. Leann AndersonPolice WomanNBC
Kate JacksonSabrina DuncanCharlie's AngelsABC
Michael LearnedOlivia WaltonThe WaltonsCBS
Sada ThompsonKate LawrenceFamilyABC
1978
(30th)
Sada ThompsonKate Lawrence*Family*ABC
Melissa Sue AndersonMary IngallsLittle House on the PrairieNBC
Fionnula FlanaganAunt Molly CulhaneHow the West Was WonABC
Kate JacksonSabrina DuncanCharlie's Angels
Michael LearnedOlivia WaltonThe WaltonsCBS
Susan SullivanJulie FarrHaving BabiesABC
1979
(31st)
Mariette Hartley §Carolyn Fields*The Incredible Hulk*CBS
Barbara Bel GeddesMiss Ellie EwingDallasCBS
Rita Moreno §Rita CapkovickThe Rockford FilesNBC
Sada ThompsonKate LawrenceFamilyABC

1980s

YearActressRoleProgramNetwork
1980
(32nd)
Barbara Bel GeddesMiss Ellie Ewing*Dallas*CBS
Lauren Bacall §Kendall WarrenThe Rockford FilesNBC
Mariette Hartley §Althea Morgan
Kristy McNicholBuddy LawrenceFamilyABC
Sada ThompsonKate Lawrence
1981
(33rd)
Barbara Babcock §Grace Gardner*Hill Street Blues*NBC
Barbara Bel GeddesMiss Ellie EwingDallasCBS
Linda GraySue Ellen Ewing
Veronica HamelJoyce DavenportHill Street BluesNBC
Michael LearnedMary BenjaminNurseCBS
Stefanie PowersJennifer HartHart to HartABC
1982
(34th)
Michael LearnedMary Benjamin*Nurse*CBS
Debbie AllenLydia GrantFameNBC
Veronica HamelJoyce DavenportHill Street Blues
Michele LeeKaren FairgateKnots LandingCBS
Stefanie PowersJennifer HartHart to HartABC
1983
(35th)
Tyne DalyMary Beth Lacey*Cagney & Lacey*CBS
Debbie AllenLydia GrantFameNBC
Linda EvansKrystle CarringtonDynastyABC
Sharon GlessChristine CagneyCagney & LaceyCBS
Veronica HamelJoyce DavenportHill Street BluesNBC
1984
(36th)
Tyne DalyMary Beth Lacey*Cagney & Lacey*CBS
Debbie AllenLydia GrantFameSyndicated
Joan CollinsAlexis ColbyDynastyABC
Sharon GlessChristine CagneyCagney & LaceyCBS
Veronica HamelJoyce DavenportHill Street BluesNBC
1985
(37th)
Tyne DalyMary Beth Lacey*Cagney & Lacey*CBS
Debbie AllenLydia GrantFameSyndicated
Sharon GlessChristine CagneyCagney & LaceyCBS
Veronica HamelJoyce DavenportHill Street BluesNBC
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She WroteCBS
1986
(38th)
Sharon GlessChristine Cagney*Cagney & Lacey*CBS
Tyne DalyMary Beth LaceyCagney & LaceyCBS
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She Wrote
Cybill ShepherdMaddie HayesMoonlightingABC
Alfre WoodardRoxanne TurnerSt. ElsewhereNBC
1987
(39th)
Sharon GlessChristine Cagney*Cagney & Lacey*CBS
Tyne DalyMary Beth LaceyCagney & LaceyCBS
Susan DeyGrace Van OwenL.A. LawNBC
Jill EikenberryAnn Kelsey
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She WroteCBS
1988
(40th)
Tyne DalyMary Beth Lacey*Cagney & Lacey*CBS
Susan DeyGrace Van OwenL.A. LawNBC
Jill EikenberryAnn Kelsey
Sharon GlessChristine CagneyCagney & LaceyCBS
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She Wrote
1989
(41st)
Dana DelanyColleen McMurphy*China Beach*ABC
Susan DeyGrace Van OwenL.A. LawNBC
Jill EikenberryAnn Kelsey
Linda HamiltonCatherine ChandlerBeauty and the BeastCBS
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She Wrote

1990s

YearActressRoleProgramEpisode SubmissionNetwork
1990
(42nd)
Patricia WettigNancy Krieger-Weston*Thirtysomething*"The Other Shoe"ABC
Jill EikenberryAnn KelseyL.A. LawNBC
Dana DelanyColleen McMurphyChina BeachABC
Piper LaurieCatherine MartellTwin Peaks
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She WroteCBS
1991
(43rd)
Patricia WettigNancy Krieger-Weston*Thirtysomething*"Guns and Roses"ABC
Dana DelanyColleen McMurphyChina Beach"Fever"ABC
Sharon GlessRosie O'NeillThe Trials of Rosie O'Neill"When I'm 44"CBS
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She Wrote"Thursday's Child"
1992
(44th)
Dana DelanyColleen McMurphy*China Beach*"Through and Through"ABC
Sharon GlessRosie O'NeillThe Trials of Rosie O'Neill"Heartbreak Hotel"CBS
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She Wrote"Night Fears"
Shirley Knight §Melanie CurrantsLaw & Order"The Wages of Love"NBC
Regina TaylorLilly HarperI'll Fly Away"Coming Home"
Kate Nelligan §Sydney CarverRoad to Avonlea"After the Honeymoon"Disney Channel
1993
(45th)
Kathy BakerJill Brock*Picket Fences*"Thanksgiving"CBS
Swoosie KurtzAlex ReedSisters"Mirror, Mirror"NBC
Regina TaylorLilly HarperI'll Fly Away"Comfort and Joy"
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She Wrote"Night of the Coyote"CBS
Janine TurnerMaggie O'ConnellNorthern Exposure"Love's Labour Mislaid"
1994
(46th)
Sela WardTeddy Reed*Sisters*"Land of the Lost Children"NBC
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She Wrote"A Killing in Cork"CBS
Jane SeymourMichaela QuinnDr. Quinn, Medicine Woman"Best Friends"
Kathy BakerJill BrockPicket Fences"Guns 'R' Us"
Swoosie KurtzAlex ReedSisters"Protective Measures"NBC
1995
(47th)
Kathy BakerJill Brock*Picket Fences*"Frogman Returns"CBS
Claire DanesAngela ChaseMy So-Called Life"Pilot"ABC
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She Wrote"Dear Deadly"CBS
Sherry StringfieldSusan LewisER"Motherhood"NBC
Cicely TysonCarrie Grace BattleSweet Justice"In the Name of the Sun"
1996
(48th)
Kathy BakerJill Brock*Picket Fences*"Bottled"CBS
Gillian AndersonDana ScullyThe X-Files"Piper Maru"Fox
Christine LahtiKate AustinChicago Hope"Transplanted Affection"CBS
Angela LansburyJessica FletcherMurder, She Wrote"Death by Demographics"
Sherry StringfieldSusan LewisER"Take These Broken Wings"NBC
1997
(49th)
Gillian AndersonDana Scully*The X-Files*"Memento Mori"Fox
Roma DowneyMonicaTouched by an Angel"Missing in Action"CBS
Christine LahtiKate AustinChicago Hope"Back to the Future"
Julianna MarguliesCarol HathawayER"The Long Way Around"NBC
Sherry StringfieldSusan Lewis"Fear of Flying"
1998
(50th)
Christine LahtiKate Austin*Chicago Hope*"Cabin Fever"CBS
Gillian AndersonDana ScullyThe X-Files"All Souls"Fox
Roma DowneyMonicaTouched by an Angel"The Spirit of Liberty Moon"CBS
Julianna MarguliesCarol HathawayER"Carter's Choice"NBC
Jane SeymourMichaela QuinnDr. Quinn, Medicine Woman"Point Blank"CBS
1999
(51st)
Edie FalcoCarmela Soprano*The Sopranos*"College"HBO
Gillian AndersonDana ScullyThe X-Files"Milagro"Fox
Lorraine BraccoJennifer MelfiThe Sopranos"The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti"HBO
Christine LahtiKate AustinChicago Hope"Karmic Relief"CBS
Julianna MarguliesCarol HathawayER"The Storm (Part II)"NBC

2000s

YearActressRoleProgramEpisode SubmissionNetwork
2000
(52nd)
Sela WardLily Manning*Once and Again*"Pilot"ABC
Lorraine BraccoJennifer MelfiThe Sopranos"Big Girls Don't Cry"HBO
Edie FalcoCarmela Soprano"Full Leather Jacket"
Amy BrennemanAmy GrayJudging Amy"The Wee Hours"CBS
Julianna MarguliesCarol HathawayER"Great Expectations"NBC
2001
(53rd)
Edie FalcoCarmela Soprano*The Sopranos*"Second Opinion"HBO
Amy BrennemanAmy GrayJudging Amy"The Undertow"CBS
Marg HelgenbergerCatherine WillowsCSI: Crime Scene Investigation"Justice Is Served"
Lorraine BraccoJennifer MelfiThe Sopranos"Employee of the Month"HBO
Sela WardLily ManningOnce and Again"Second Time Around"ABC
2002
(54th)
Allison JanneyC. J. Cregg*The West Wing*"The Women of Qumar"NBC
Amy BrennemanAmy GrayJudging Amy"Tidal Wave"CBS
Frances ConroyRuth FisherSix Feet Under"Pilot"HBO
Rachel GriffithsBrenda Chenowith"The Secret"
Jennifer GarnerSydney BristowAlias"Truth Be Told"ABC
2003
(55th)
Edie FalcoCarmela Soprano*The Sopranos*"Whitecaps"HBO
Jennifer GarnerSydney BristowAlias"Phase One"ABC
Frances ConroyRuth FisherSix Feet Under"Nobody Sleeps"HBO
Allison JanneyC. J. CreggThe West Wing"The Long Goodbye"NBC
Marg HelgenbergerCatherine WillowsCSI: Crime Scene Investigation"Lady Heather's Box"CBS
2004
(56th)
Allison JanneyC. J. Cregg*The West Wing*"Access"NBC
Edie FalcoCarmela SopranoThe Sopranos"All Happy Families..."HBO
Jennifer GarnerSydney BristowAlias"The Two"ABC
Mariska HargitayOlivia BensonLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit"Control"NBC
Amber TamblynJoan GirardiJoan of Arcadia"Pilot"CBS
2005
(57th)
Patricia ArquetteAllison DuBois*Medium*"In Sickness and Adultery"NBC
Glenn CloseMonica RawlingThe Shield"Hurt"FX
Frances ConroyRuth FisherSix Feet Under"Coming and Going"HBO
Mariska HargitayOlivia BensonLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit"Charisma"NBC
Jennifer GarnerSydney BristowAlias"Before the Flood"ABC
2006
(58th)
Mariska HargitayOlivia Benson*Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*"911"NBC
Frances ConroyRuth FisherSix Feet Under"Everyone's Waiting"HBO
Geena DavisMackenzie AllenCommander in Chief"Pilot"ABC
Allison JanneyC. J. CreggThe West Wing"Institutional Memory"NBC
Kyra SedgwickBrenda Leigh JohnsonThe Closer"Fantasy Date"TNT
2007
(59th)
Sally FieldNora Walker*Brothers & Sisters*"Mistakes Were Made (Part 2)"ABC
Patricia ArquetteAllison DuBoisMedium"Be Kind, Rewind"NBC
Mariska HargitayOlivia BensonLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit"Florida"
Minnie DriverDahlia MalloyThe Riches"Pilot"FX
Edie FalcoCarmela SopranoThe Sopranos"The Second Coming"HBO
Kyra SedgwickBrenda Leigh JohnsonThe Closer"Slippin'"TNT
2008
(60th)
Glenn ClosePatty Hewes*Damages*"Get Me a Lawyer"FX
Sally FieldNora WalkerBrothers & Sisters"History Repeating"ABC
Mariska HargitayOlivia BensonLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit"Undercover"NBC
Holly HunterGrace HanadarkoSaving Grace"Tacos, Tulips, Duck, and Spices"TNT
Kyra SedgwickBrenda Leigh JohnsonThe Closer"Manhunt"
2009
(61st)
Glenn ClosePatty Hewes*Damages*"Trust Me"FX
Sally FieldNora WalkerBrothers & Sisters"A Father Dreams"ABC
Mariska HargitayOlivia BensonLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit"PTSD"NBC
Holly HunterGrace HanadarkoSaving Grace"Have a Seat, Earl"TNT
Kyra SedgwickBrenda Leigh JohnsonThe Closer"Cherry Bomb"
Elisabeth MossPeggy OlsonMad Men"Meditations in an Emergency"AMC

2010s

YearActressRoleProgramEpisode SubmissionNetwork
2010
(62nd)
Kyra SedgwickBrenda Leigh Johnson*The Closer*"Maternal Instincts"TNT
Connie BrittonTami TaylorFriday Night Lights"After the Fall"DirecTV
Glenn ClosePatty HewesDamages"Your Secrets Are Safe"FX
Mariska HargitayOlivia BensonLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit"Perverted"NBC
January JonesBetty DraperMad Men"The Gypsy and the Hobo"AMC
Julianna MarguliesAlicia FlorrickThe Good Wife"Threesome"CBS
2011
(63rd)
Julianna MarguliesAlicia Florrick*The Good Wife*"In Sickness"CBS
Kathy BatesHarriet KornHarry's Law"Innocent Man"NBC
Connie BrittonTami TaylorFriday Night Lights"Always"DirecTV
Mireille EnosSarah LindenThe Killing"Missing"AMC
Mariska HargitayOlivia BensonLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit"Rescue"NBC
Elisabeth MossPeggy OlsonMad Men"The Suitcase"AMC
2012
(64th)
Claire DanesCarrie Mathison*Homeland*"The Vest"Showtime
Kathy BatesHarriet KornHarry's Law"Onward and Upward"NBC
Glenn ClosePatty HewesDamages"I've Done Way Too Much for This Girl"DirecTV
Michelle DockeryLady Mary CrawleyDownton Abbey"Episode Seven"PBS
Julianna MarguliesAlicia FlorrickThe Good Wife"Parenting Made Easy"CBS
Elisabeth MossPeggy OlsonMad Men"The Other Woman"AMC
2013
(65th)
Claire DanesCarrie Mathison*Homeland*"Q&A"Showtime
Connie BrittonRayna JaymesNashville"Pilot"ABC
Michelle DockeryLady Mary CrawleyDownton Abbey"Episode One"PBS
Vera FarmigaNorma BatesBates Motel"First You Dream, Then You Die"A&E
Elisabeth MossPeggy OlsonMad Men"The Better Half"AMC
Kerry WashingtonOlivia PopeScandal"Happy Birthday, Mr. President"ABC
Robin WrightClaire UnderwoodHouse of Cards"Chapter 10"Netflix
2014
(66th)
Julianna MarguliesAlicia Florrick*The Good Wife*"The Last Call"CBS
Lizzy CaplanVirginia E. JohnsonMasters of Sex"Pilot"Showtime
Claire DanesCarrie MathisonHomeland"The Star"
Michelle DockeryLady Mary CrawleyDownton Abbey"Episode One"PBS
Kerry WashingtonOlivia PopeScandal"The Fluffer"ABC
Robin WrightClaire UnderwoodHouse of Cards"Chapter 26"Netflix
2015
(67th)
Viola DavisAnnalise Keating*How to Get Away with Murder*"Freakin' Whack-a-Mole"ABC
Claire DanesCarrie MathisonHomeland"From A to B and Back Again"Showtime
Taraji P. HensonCookie LyonEmpire"Pilot"Fox
Tatiana MaslanyVarious charactersOrphan Black"Certain Agony of the Battlefield"BBC America
Elisabeth MossPeggy OlsonMad Men"Person to Person"AMC
Robin WrightClaire UnderwoodHouse of Cards"Chapter 32"Netflix
2016
(68th)
Tatiana MaslanyVarious characters*Orphan Black*"The Antisocialism of Sex"BBC America
Claire DanesCarrie MathisonHomeland"Super Powers"Showtime
Viola DavisAnnalise KeatingHow to Get Away with Murder"There's My Baby"ABC
Taraji P. HensonCookie LyonEmpire"Rise by Sin"Fox
Keri RussellElizabeth JenningsThe Americans"The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears"FX
Robin WrightClaire UnderwoodHouse of Cards"Chapter 49"Netflix
2017
(69th)
Elisabeth MossJune Osborne / Offred*The Handmaid's Tale*"Night"Hulu
Viola DavisAnnalise KeatingHow to Get Away with Murder"Wes"ABC
Claire FoyQueen Elizabeth IIThe Crown"Assassins"Netflix
Keri RussellElizabeth JenningsThe Americans"Dyatkovo"FX
Evan Rachel WoodDolores AbernathyWestworld"The Bicameral Mind"HBO
Robin WrightClaire UnderwoodHouse of Cards"Chapter 65"Netflix
2018
(70th)
Claire FoyQueen Elizabeth II*The Crown*"Dear Mrs. Kennedy"Netflix
Tatiana MaslanyVarious charactersOrphan Black"To Right the Wrongs of Many"BBC America
Elisabeth MossJune Osborne / OffredThe Handmaid's Tale"The Last Ceremony"Hulu
Sandra OhEve PolastriKilling Eve"I Have a Thing About Bathrooms"BBC America
Keri RussellElizabeth JenningsThe Americans"The Summit"FX
Evan Rachel WoodDolores AbernathyWestworld"Reunion"HBO
2019
(71st)Jodie ComerVillanelle*Killing Eve*"I Hope You Like Missionary!"BBC America
Emilia ClarkeDaenerys TargaryenGame of Thrones"The Last of the Starks"HBO
Viola DavisAnnalise KeatingHow to Get Away with Murder"He Betrayed Us Both"ABC
Laura LinneyWendy ByrdeOzark"One Way Out"Netflix
Mandy MooreRebecca PearsonThis Is Us"The Graduates"NBC
Sandra OhEve PolastriKilling Eve"You're Mine"BBC America
Robin WrightClaire UnderwoodHouse of Cards"Chapter 70"Netflix

2020s

YearActressRoleProgramEpisode submissionNetwork
2020
(72nd)ZendayaRuby "Rue" Bennett*Euphoria*"Made You Look"HBO
Jodie ComerVillanelleKilling Eve"Are You From Pinner?"BBC America
Sandra OhEve Polastri"Are You Leading or Am I?"
Jennifer AnistonAlex LevyThe Morning Show"In the Dark Night of the Soul It's Always 3:30 in the Morning"Apple TV+
Olivia ColmanQueen Elizabeth IIThe Crown"Cri de Coeur"Netflix
Laura LinneyWendy ByrdeOzark"Fire Pink"
2021
(73rd)Olivia ColmanQueen Elizabeth II*The Crown*"48:1"Netflix
Emma CorrinDiana, Princess of WalesThe Crown"Fairytale"Netflix
Uzo AdubaDr. Brooke TaylorIn Treatment"Brooke — Week 5"HBO
Elisabeth MossJune OsborneThe Handmaid's Tale"Home"Hulu
Michaela Jaé RodriguezBlanca RodriguezPose"Series Finale"FX
Jurnee SmollettLetitia "Leti" LewisLovecraft Country"Holy Ghost"HBO
2022
(74th)ZendayaRuby "Rue" Bennett*Euphoria*"Stand Still Like the Hummingbird"HBO
Jodie ComerVillanelleKilling Eve"Don't Get Eaten"BBC America
Sandra OhEve Polastri"Making Dead Things Look Nice"
Laura LinneyWendy ByrdeOzark"Pound of Flesh and Still Kickin'"Netflix
Melanie LynskeyShauna SadeckiYellowjackets"Doomcoming"Showtime
Reese WitherspoonBradley JacksonThe Morning Show"Confirmations"Apple TV+
2023
(75th)Sarah SnookShiv Roy*Succession*"Tailgate Party"HBO
Sharon HorganEva GarveyBad Sisters"Saving Grace"Apple TV+
Melanie LynskeyShauna SadeckiYellowjackets"Burial"Showtime
Elisabeth MossJune OsborneThe Handmaid's Tale"Safe"Hulu
Bella RamseyEllieThe Last of Us"When We Are in Need"HBO
Keri RussellKate WylerThe Diplomat"Lambs in the Dark"Netflix
2024
(76th)
Anna SawaiToda Mariko*Shōgun*"Crimson Sky"FX
Jennifer AnistonAlex LevyThe Morning Show"The Overview Effect"Apple TV+
Carrie CoonBertha RussellThe Gilded Age"Head to Head"HBO
Maya ErskineJane Smith / AlanaMr. & Mrs. Smith"A Breakup"Prime Video
Imelda StauntonQueen Elizabeth IIThe Crown"Sleep, Dearie Sleep"Netflix
Reese WitherspoonBradley JacksonThe Morning Show"Love Island"Apple TV+
2025
(77th)
Britt LowerHelly R / Helena Eagan*Severance*"Attila"Apple TV+
Kathy BatesMadeline "Matty" MatlockMatlock"I Was That, Too"CBS
Sharon HorganEva GarveyBad Sisters"Boom"Apple TV+
Bella RamseyEllieThe Last of Us"Convergence"HBO
Keri RussellKate WylerThe Diplomat"St. Paul's"Netflix

Programs with multiple wins

;6 wins

  • Cagney & Lacey (consecutive)

;3 wins

  • The Loretta Young Show
  • Mission: Impossible (consecutive)
  • Picket Fences (2 consecutive)
  • The Sopranos
  • The Waltons (2 consecutive)

;2 wins

  • China Beach
  • The Crown
  • Damages
  • Euphoria
  • Father Knows Best
  • The Good Wife
  • Hazel
  • Homeland (consecutive)
  • Thirtysomething
  • The West Wing

Programs with multiple nominations

;12 nominations

  • Cagney & Lacey
  • Murder, She Wrote (consecutive)

;9 nominations

  • The Sopranos

;8 nominations

  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

;7 nominations

  • ER
  • Killing Eve
  • L.A. Law

;6 nominations

  • The Crown
  • Hill Street Blues
  • House of Cards
  • The Loretta Young Show
  • Mad Men
  • The Waltons

;5 nominations

  • The Closer
  • Family
  • Homeland
  • Six Feet Under

;4 nominations

  • Alias
  • Chicago Hope
  • China Beach
  • Dallas
  • Damages
  • Fame
  • The Good Wife
  • The Handmaid's Tale
  • How to Get Away with Murder
  • Mission: Impossible
  • The Mod Squad
  • The Morning Show
  • Picket Fences
  • The X-Files
  • The West Wing

;3 nominations

  • The Americans
  • The Big Valley
  • Brothers & Sisters
  • The Donna Reed Show
  • Downton Abbey
  • Hazel
  • I Love Lucy
  • Lassie
  • Orphan Black
  • Our Miss Brooks
  • Ozark
  • Police Woman
  • The Rockford Files
  • Sisters

;2 nominations

  • The Avengers
  • Bad Sisters
  • The Beverly Hillbillies
  • Charlie's Angels
  • CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
  • The Dick Van Dyke Show
  • The Diplomat
  • Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
  • Dynasty
  • Empire
  • Euphoria
  • Father Knows Best
  • Fireside Theatre
  • Friday Night Lights
  • The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show
  • Harry's Law
  • Hart to Hart
  • Here Come the Brides
  • I'll Fly Away
  • Judging Amy
  • The Last of Us
  • McMillan & Wife
  • Medium
  • Nurse
  • Once and Again
  • Private Secretary
  • Saving Grace
  • Scandal
  • Thirtysomething
  • Touched by an Angel
  • The Trials of Rosie O'Neill
  • Upstairs, Downstairs
  • Westworld
  • Yellowjackets

Performers with multiple wins

;4 wins

  • Tyne Daly (3 consecutive)
  • Michael Learned (2 consecutive)

;3 wins

  • Barbara Bain (consecutive)
  • Kathy Baker (2 consecutive)
  • Edie Falco
  • Loretta Young

;2 wins

  • Glenn Close (consecutive)
  • Claire Danes (consecutive)
  • Dana Delany
  • Sharon Gless (consecutive)
  • Susan Hampshire (consecutive)
  • Allison Janney
  • Julianna Margulies
  • Barbara Stanwyck
  • Sela Ward
  • Patricia Wettig (consecutive)
  • Jane Wyatt
  • Zendaya

Performers with multiple nominations

;12 nominations

  • Angela Lansbury (consecutive)

;9 nominations

  • Elisabeth Moss

;8 nominations

  • Sharon Gless
  • Mariska Hargitay (consecutive)
  • Michael Learned
  • Julianna Margulies

;6 nominations

  • Tyne Daly
  • Claire Danes
  • Edie Falco
  • Robin Wright
  • Loretta Young

;5 nominations

  • Glenn Close
  • Veronica Hamel
  • Keri Russell
  • Kyra Sedgwick

;4 nominations

  • Debbie Allen
  • Gillian Anderson
  • Kathy Baker
  • Frances Conroy
  • Viola Davis
  • Dana Delany
  • Jill Eikenberry
  • Jennifer Garner
  • Allison Janney
  • Christine Lahti
  • Peggy Lipton
  • Sandra Oh
  • Barbara Stanwyck
  • Sada Thompson

;3 nominations

  • Barbara Bain
  • Kathy Bates
  • Barbara Bel Geddes
  • Lorraine Bracco
  • Amy Brenneman
  • Connie Britton
  • Jan Clayton
  • Jodie Comer
  • Susan Dey
  • Angie Dickinson
  • Michelle Dockery
  • Sally Field
  • Laura Linney
  • Tatiana Maslany
  • Sherry Stringfield
  • Sela Ward

;2 nominations

  • Jennifer Aniston
  • Patricia Arquette
  • Joan Blondell
  • Olivia Colman
  • Roma Downey
  • Claire Foy
  • Susan Hampshire
  • Marg Helgenberger
  • Taraji P. Henson
  • Sharon Horgan
  • Holly Hunter
  • Kate Jackson
  • Swoosie Kurtz
  • Melanie Lynskey
  • Jean Marsh
  • Stefanie Powers
  • Bella Ramsey
  • Diana Rigg
  • Susan Saint James
  • Jane Seymour
  • Regina Taylor
  • Kerry Washington
  • Patricia Wettig
  • Reese Witherspoon
  • Evan Rachel Wood
  • Jane Wyman
  • Jane Wyatt
  • Zendaya

Notes

References

References

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