BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role

Best Actress in a Leading Role is a British Academy Film Award presented annually by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) to recognize an actress who has delivered an outstanding leading performance in a film. From 1952 to 1967, there were two Best Actress awards presented, Best British Actress and Best Foreign Actress. From 1968 onwards, the two awards merged into one award, which from 1968 to 1984 was known as Best Actress. From 1985 to present, the award has been known by its current name of Best Actress in a Leading Role.