The Best Actress category at the Academy Awards honors outstanding lead performances by female actors, celebrating their contributions to cinema. Over the years, this award has recognized a diverse range of talent, with notable winners such as Meryl Streep for "Sophie's Choice" (1982) and Halle Berry for "Monster's Ball" (2001). This year, the nominees include Karla Sofía Gascón for "Emilia Pérez," Demi Moore for "The Substance," and Cynthia Erivo for "Wicked," among others.