Top 10 Films with Women and Girls in Lead Roles

Description: Salma Hayek portrays the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, capturing her tumultuous life, her art, and her relationship with Diego Rivera. This biopic is a testament to the enduring spirit of a woman who defied conventions.

Fact: Hayek was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.

Description: Julia Roberts won an Oscar for her role as Erin Brockovich, a single mother who becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply.

Fact: The real Erin Brockovich made a cameo appearance in the film.

Description: Gal Gadot stars as the iconic Amazonian princess-warrior, Diana, who leaves her sheltered island home to fight in World War I and discover her full powers and true destiny. This film is a landmark for its portrayal of a female superhero in a genre often dominated by male leads.

Fact: The film was directed by Patty Jenkins, making her the first woman to direct a studio superhero film with a budget over $100 million.

Description: Meryl Streep delivers an unforgettable performance as the formidable magazine editor Miranda Priestly, with Anne Hathaway as her beleaguered assistant. This film explores themes of ambition, fashion, and the personal cost of success.

Fact: Meryl Streep's character was inspired by Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Description: Natalie Portman stars as a ballerina who loses her grip on reality as she strives for perfection in her role as the Swan Queen. This psychological thriller delves into the dark side of ambition and the pressures of performance.

Fact: Portman performed most of her own ballet sequences, training for over a year to prepare for the role.

Description: Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen, a teenager who volunteers to take her sister's place in a brutal, televised fight to the death. This film showcases a young woman's courage and leadership in a dystopian society.

Fact: The film's success led to a franchise, with Lawrence becoming one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.

Description: This film features an ensemble cast, including Viola Davis and Emma Stone, telling the story of African-American maids working in white households in Mississippi during the Civil Rights era, highlighting their struggles and solidarity.

Fact: Viola Davis was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role.

Description: Rooney Mara plays Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled hacker, in this adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel. Her character's complexity and strength make this film a standout in showcasing female resilience and intelligence.

Fact: Mara won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role.

Description: This film tells the true story of three African-American women at NASA who were instrumental in the success of the space race. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe portray these unsung heroes, showcasing their intellect and determination.

Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Holly Hunter plays Ada, a mute Scottish woman who expresses herself through her piano in this haunting drama set in 19th-century New Zealand. The film explores themes of communication, isolation, and passion.

Fact: Hunter won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role.