The mega event of 'Oscars' was introduced with the objective of honoring the best talents in the film industry. The moment of winning Oscar Awards is a charismatic one. It is that point in the life of an artist, for which he/she craves throughout his career. Amongst the most popular Oscars is that for 'Best Actress in a Leading Role'. Earlier, this category was known as 'Academy Award of Merit for Performance by an Actress'. 

However, from the 49th awards ceremony, it was renamed and the present name came into being. The award acknowledges the performance of actresses who turn a movie into a blockbuster. Here is the list of the actresses who have won 'Academy Award for Best Actress'.

Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role
Year
Winner
Film
2009
Kate Winslet
The Reader
2008 
Marion Cotillard
La Vie en Rose
2007
Helen Mirren
The Queen
2006 
Reese Witherspoon
Walk the Line
2005
Hilary Swank
Million Dollar Baby
2004
Charlize Theron
Monster
2003
Nicole Kidman
The Hours
2002
Halle Berry
Monster's Ball
2001
Julia Roberts
Erin Brockovich
2000
Hilary Swank
Boys Don't Cry
1999
Gwyneth Paltrow
Shakespeare in Love
1998
Helen Hunt
As Good as It Gets
1997
Frances McDormand
Fargo
1996
Susan Sarandon
Dead Man Walking
1995
Jessica Lange
Blue Sky
1994
Holly Hunter
The Piano as Ada McGrath
1993
Emma Thompson
Howards End
1992
Jodie Foster
The Silence of the Lambs
1991
Kathy Bates
Misery