Happy International Women's Day! Today we're celebrating by taking a look at Brie Larson's brilliant Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel, as well as a whole host of other leading ladies who have dominated the big screen in iconic roles.
Brie Larson as Captain Marvel in Captain Marvel (2019)
Marvel Studios are celebrating this year's International Women's Day in the best possible way, by releasing their first-ever female-led superhero movie! They were pipped to the post overall a couple of years back by the Worlds of DC, who dropped Wonder Woman from director Patty Jenkins, but that doesn't take away from the momentous event.
Brie Larson takes on the titular role, allowing audiences a look into the history of the character who looks to become an integral part of the MCU moving forward. As we rush towards the end of the current 'Phase' with Avengers: Endgame this year, this will offer us a taste of what's to come in the next few years.
Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman (1990)
It's the film that thrust Julia Roberts into the spotlight and ever since Pretty Woman's release, she's been one of Hollywood's biggest names. Here, she gives her most memorable performance, showcasing her acting chops in a romantic comedy that pushed against all the usual constraints of the genre. Clearly ahead of its time, Pretty Woman was an instant classic that is as fantastic today as it was almost three decades ago.
Uma Thurman as The Bride in Kill Bill (2003)
Whilst she may have had quite a rough time on the set under director Quentin Tarantino, that didn't stop Uma Thurman from giving the performance of a lifetime across the two Kill Bill movies. Fighting for her life, and for revenge against those who ruined her wedding day, we see Thurman as The Bride make her way through a series of enemies before confronting Bill, played by David Carradine. Their final sequence is one that sticks with you forever
Sigourney Weaver as Ripley in Alien (1979)
It's a crying shame that Sigourney Weaver never won an Academy Award for her work in the Alien film series. She was without a doubt one of the most deserving stars of her time, but sci-fi movies were never really put on a level playing field with other genres beloved by the Academy.
This role is touted by many as the one that brought feminism to Hollywood. Whilst we still see women fighting for total equality in the entertainment industry, we'll be forever thankful to Weaver for her work in doing so.
Olivia Colman as Queen Anne in The Favourite (2018)
She may not have been leading the pack when it came to betting odds, but nobody could deny how deserving Olivia Colman was of the Best Actress Oscar earlier this year when she picked up the gong at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Her performance in The Favourite has got the world talking, and for good reason! It's a real highlight of her career, and cements her firmly in the A-list.
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games (2012)
Jennifer Lawrence has had a whole host of powerful roles, but it's her time in the Hunger Games series of films that quickly shot her into the hearts of fans and made her a household name. Relatability is huge when it comes to dystopian films, and Katniss had that in spades through Lawrence's portrayal. Audiences rooted for her to win from the moment they met her, seeing her sacrifice so that her sister had a better shot at life.
Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in Wonder Woman (2017)
The Worlds of DC Universe did an incredible job with Wonder Woman, where Gal Gadot put on an incredible display of her acting talent. The film quickly shot to the top of 'favourite superhero flick' lists, and showcased just why it's so important to have strong female characters inspiring the youth of today on the big screen.
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