The television spotlight is burning brighter than ever with the reveal of the Screen Awards 2025 nominees for Best Lead Actress in a TV Series. This year marks the debut of the Screen Awards — an unprecedented collaboration between Collider, ScreenRant, CBR, and MovieWeb — bringing together some of the most respected voices in entertainment media. Think of it as the ultimate crossover event in pop culture, where the finest talent is celebrated by critics, editors, and industry experts.
2025 has been a banner year for television, delivering performances that resonate far beyond the screen. These nominees represent the pinnacle of storytelling, capturing the depth, complexity, and emotion that define exceptional acting. Here’s a closer look at each contender vying for the coveted Best Lead Actress in TV title.
Bella Ramsey — The Last of Us
At just 22, Bella Ramsey has transformed HBO’s The Last of Us into a masterclass in emotional authenticity. Returning as Ellie in Season 2, Ramsey navigates grief, vengeance, and morality with nuance, allowing the smallest gestures — a flicker of the eyes, a pause in speech — to speak volumes. Episode 6, “The Price,” delivers a gut-wrenching turning point that showcases Ramsey’s instinctive talent, making her performance one of the most talked-about of the year.
Britt Lower — Severance
Apple TV’s psychological thriller Severance sees Britt Lower expand on her breakout role as Helly R. in stunning fashion. Season 2 hands Lower a kaleidoscope of emotions, from rage to vulnerability, and she delivers with precision. In “Woe’s Hollow,” her portrayal of Helly’s unraveling under pressure proves her unmatched ability to balance surrealism with raw human truth, cementing her place in prestige sci-fi history.
Jean Smart — Hacks
Jean Smart continues to redefine comedic brilliance with her portrayal of Deborah Vance. Season 4 of HBO’s Hacks finds Deborah at her most exposed yet, tackling ego, insecurity, and change with razor-sharp wit and emotional depth. Episodes like “I Love L.A.” highlight why Smart’s performances are perennial award contenders — she masterfully blends ruthlessness with heartfelt vulnerability.
Michelle Williams — Dying for Sex
In FX’s bold limited series Dying for Sex, Michelle Williams embodies a woman confronting a terminal diagnosis by reclaiming her desire and autonomy. Loosely inspired by true events, the role challenges Williams to balance comedy, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Her fearless approach and magnetic emotional honesty have earned the series widespread critical acclaim and a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score.
Rhea Seehorn — Pluribus
Known for her acclaimed role in Better Call Saul, Rhea Seehorn steps into the lead of Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus with commanding presence. Playing Carol Sturka — the last human resisting an alien-induced hive mind — Seehorn delivers a layered performance filled with isolation, wit, and resilience. With Pluribus breaking Apple TV+ streaming records, her portrayal stands as the emotional anchor of one of the year’s most talked-about sci-fi dramas.
The Screen Awards 2025 Best Lead Actress in TV category celebrates women whose performances are not only captivating but culturally significant. Whether it’s horror, sci-fi, comedy, or drama, each nominee has elevated their series and set the bar for television excellence.
