Shining Beauties, Changing Contents-Perspective on the Aesthetic

and Cultural Background of the Times from the past Oscar-Winning

Actresses

Zihan Han

School of Language and Communication, Beijing Jiaotong University, 100044 Beijing, China

Keywords: Oscar Best Actress, Aesthetic Evolution, Feminism, Content Analysis.

Abstract: This study examines the Academy Award for Best Actress as a lens through which to understand the evolving

aesthetic, cultural, and political shifts across nearly a century of film history. By analyzing the roles,

performances, and characteristics of Oscar-winning actresses from 1929 to 2024, this research uncovers the

ways in which these portrayals reflect broader societal values, gender norms, and cultural ideologies. Through

a detailed examination of historical contexts and the changing nature of femininity as represented in cinema,

the study reveals that the evolution of winning roles mirrors the political and economic climate of the times,

offering a unique reflection of struggles, triumphs, and shifts in public consciousness. The research

demonstrates how the Best Actress award has not only highlighted significant artistic achievements but also

functioned as a barometer for cultural transformations and gender representation in the film industry.

Ultimately, this study underscores the Best Actress award’s role as both a cultural and historical marker,

providing valuable insights into the intersection of art, society, and the ongoing negotiations around women’s

roles in both film and society.

1 INTRODUCTION

The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are

among the most prestigious honors in the global film

industry. They are established in 1929 by the

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

(AMPAS).

Furthermore, The Academy Award for Best

Actress is one of the major acting categories.， which

honors a female actor for delivering an outstanding

performance in a leading role. The selection criteria

for this award are strict and multifaceted, considering

their performance quality, role significance,

contextual factors, industry momentum, and so on.

Voters assess the actress's portrayal’s depth,

complexity, and emotional impact. Nuanced,

transformative, or groundbreaking performances are

highly regarded. The character’s centrality to the film

and its narrative weight influence the evaluation. The

historical or cultural relevance of the role, along with

the film’s themes and societal resonance, can amplify

its significance.

The award itself also carries a lot of significance

and value. Apparently, The Best Actress win typically

elevates an actress’s profile, leading to more

prominent roles, increased creative opportunities, and

broader influence within the industry. Next, it serves

as a lens, through which the broader cultural,

political, and economic conditions of the era are often

visible. After that, winning performances often mirror

societal values, struggles, or triumphs. They

frequently capture prevailing cultural aesthetics and

spiritual pursuits, making them a snapshot of the

times. Moreover, it is an artistic benchmark that sets

a standard of excellence and inspires future

generations of actors and filmmakers. Last but not

least, the award solidifies the actress's place in cinema

history, contributing to their lasting cinematic legacy.

This paper aims to explore how Oscar-winning

actresses and their roles provide insights into the

aesthetic and cultural background of their times,

examining the interplay between film narratives and

societal values.

Han, Z.

Shining Beauties, Changing Contents-Perspective on the Aesthetic and Cultural Background of the Times from the past Oscar-Winning Actresses.

DOI: 10.5220/0014150200004942

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Applied Psychology and Marketing Management (APMM 2025), pages 657-661

ISBN: 978-989-758-791-7

657

2 THE AWARD AS A CULTURAL

AND HISTORICAL MARKER

As mentioned, the Best Actress award serves as a lens

through which the broader cultural, political, and

economic conditions of the era are often visible.

2.1 Economy

Films featuring strong, aspirational female characters

are often celebrated during times of economic

prosperity. Conversely, during downturns, narratives

of resilience and survival resonate more deeply.

For example, Gone with the Wind (1939) emerged

in the aftermath of the Great Depression, a period

when society was yearning for economic recovery

and a return to stability. The film's central character

embodies a grand, idealistic image of resilience and

determination. Despite facing numerous hardships,

she remains hopeful and driven, mirroring the societal

aspirations for revival and prosperity. Her journey

through the film reflects the broader economic

struggles of the time, while also offering a vision of

hope and renewal.

In contrast, Nomadland (2020) was released in the

wake of the 2008 financial crisis, a period marked by

widespread economic instability and the challenges

faced by the working class. The film centers on a

woman who, after losing her job and home, embarks

on a journey across the American West, living out of

her van. Her story captures the realities of economic

hardship, highlighting the struggles of ordinary

people to survive and find meaning in a world that has

left them behind. The film's portrayal of resilience

and adaptability in the face of adversity resonates

deeply with audiences, reflecting the economic

anxieties and aspirations of the time.

These shifts in narrative focus indicate that award-

winning films often reflect the economic psychology

of the times, whether presenting visions of revival and

luxury or depicting survival and resilience. The

portrayal of female characters in these films not only

mirrors the broader economic conditions but also

offers a commentary on societal values and

aspirations. In times of economic prosperity, female

characters are often depicted as ambitious and

aspirational, embodying the spirit of progress and

achievement. However, during economic downturns,

these characters are more likely to be portrayed as

resilient and resourceful, highlighting the importance

of adaptability and perseverance in the face of

adversity.

2.2 Politics

Many award-winning films are closely related to the

political situation, whether it is the surface characters,

actors, director nationality, or deep narrative

background.

For instance, Two Women (1960), set against the

backdrop of World War II, tells the story of an Italian

mother and daughter fleeing to their hometown to

avoid the war. The film captures the human cost of

conflict, highlighting themes of survival, resistance,

and the impact of war on civilian life. The characters'

struggles reflect the broader political realities of the

time, offering a poignant portrayal of the resilience

and courage required to endure such hardships.

Similarly, The Lives of Others (2006) is set in East

Germany during the height of the Cold War. The film

explores the lives of ordinary citizens under a

repressive regime, highlighting the pervasive

surveillance, fear, and the struggle for artistic and

personal freedom. The lead character's portrayal of a

woman caught in the crossfire of political oppression

offers a powerful commentary on the impact of

totalitarianism on individual lives. Her journey

reflects the broader political climate of the time,

capturing the tension between state control and the

human desire for freedom and self-expression.

These films often reflect the political climate and

its impact on individuals and communities,

highlighting themes of conflict, resistance, and

human resilience. By portraying the struggles and

triumphs of ordinary people in extraordinary

circumstances, these films offer a window into the

political realities of their times. The characters'

experiences and actions serve as a testament to the

enduring human spirit, even in the face of

overwhelming adversity. The Best Actress award, in

recognizing these performances, acknowledges the

importance of such narratives in capturing the

political and social dynamics of the era.

2.3 Ideology

Many awarded roles reflect changing societal and

multiple ideologies, such as the push for civil rights,

women’s empowerment, or LGBTQ+ representation.

For example, a groundbreaking performance in

Monster's Ball (2001) marked a significant milestone

as the first African American woman to win Best

Actress. The character's journey through the film

highlights the complexities of racial identity, social

justice, and the struggle for equality. Her performance

offers a powerful commentary on the ongoing fight

APMM 2025 - International Conference on Applied Psychology and Marketing Management

658

against racial discrimination and the importance of

representation in the media.

Similarly, The Favourite (2018) explores the

complex relationships between the queen and her two

same-sex lovers, highlighting shifts in gender and

sexuality representation. The film's portrayal of these

relationships challenges traditional gender norms and

offers a nuanced exploration of power dynamics,

love, and desire. The lead character's performance

captures the emotional and psychological

complexities of her role, reflecting broader societal

changes in attitudes towards gender and sexuality.

The evolution of feminist narratives and

representation of diverse identities has been reflected

in awarded performances, indicating a shift in

mainstream storytelling priorities.

3 RESEARCH METHOD

We conducted a complete sample analysis of the

Oscar-winning actresses from 1929 to 2024 and

encoded their roles and physical characteristics. In

terms of film characters, we have encoded the

following dimensions: character position, character

profession, character age, character era, character

location, character achievements, character setbacks,

and the relationship between the character and the

protagonist. Regarding award-winning actors, we

encode the following dimensions: actor nationality,

actor skin color, actor hair color, actor eye color, and

actor face shape, which attempts to explore the

mainstream aesthetic and cultural background

reflected by the Oscar-winning actress.

3.1 Appearance

Among all the winning actresses, there are 69

Americans, 14 Britons, 2 Canadians, 2 Swedes, 2

Frenchmen, 2 Italians, 1 Malaysian, 1 Australian

American, 1 Belgian and 1 South African. Among

them, Americans accounted for 72.63%. This is not

surprising because The Academy Awards were

established by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts

and Sciences in the United States. In addition, the

economy and film culture industry of the United

States have indeed been leading the world for a long

time. Naturally, the level of directors, actors, and

producers in the United States has also been on par

with other countries for a long time.

There was only one winner with black skin and

only one winner with yellow skin. The reason is the

same as above. As for face shape, there are no unique

patterns that change over time, most of the actresses

have oval faces heart-shaped faces, or conical faces,

some mature characters have square faces, and some

cute and lovely characters have round faces. After all,

the facial shapes of beautiful women are very similar.

The hair color of Oscar-winning actresses reveals

significant trends in aesthetic preferences over time.

In the first 20 years of the Academy Awards (1929-

1948), 40% of the Best Actress winners had blonde

hair. This proportion decreased to 30% between

1949-1968 and further to 20% between 1969-1987.

However, there was a notable spike between 1988-

2007, with 60% of the winners being blonde. Since

2008, the proportion has dropped to approximately

45%.

Blonde hair has historically symbolized a white-

centric aesthetic, often associated with beauty and

youth. However, this aesthetic preference has

fluctuated over time. The initial decline in the number

of blonde winners suggests a shift away from

traditional beauty standards. The resurgence in the

1980s and 1990s reflects a period of nostalgia and

renewed appreciation for this aesthetic. In the 21st

century, the trend towards greater diversity in beauty

standards is evident, as the proportion of blonde

winners has gradually decreased. This shift indicates

a broader evolution in societal perceptions of beauty

and the increasing recognition of diverse aesthetic

ideals.

3.2 Occupation

To be honest, compared to housewives and career

women, the disparity in the number of noble and

commoner characters is more significant. The

characters carrying identity tags such as "wealthy

heiress", "royal lady", and "distressed princess" are

highly welcomed and obsessed by the audience.

These characters are either noble and elegant,

innocent and lovely, or vigorous and brave. Some are

fictional and fictional stories, while others are

historical figures that have actually existed. These

stories not only satisfy the audience's golden

imagination of "aristocratic families" and deepen

their understanding of historical figures but also

encourage the audience to face reality more

tenaciously, after all, the queen also has thorny

troubles and has to face storms alone.

By 1976, there were as many as 10 characters

labeled as "nobles" and "rich daughters" in the first

40 years, whereas in the following 40 years, this

number dwindled to only 3. Among these three,

'Howards End' and 'Shakespeare in Love' are

historical retrospectives, while 'The Queen' serves as

an objective record of Elizabeth II, and "The Iron

Shining Beauties, Changing Contents-Perspective on the Aesthetic and Cultural Background of the Times from the past Oscar-Winning

Actresses

659

Lady" tells the story of Margaret Thatcher, the first

female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This

indicates a shift towards more populist characters,

suggesting the era of "aristocratic families" has

passed. Instead, there is a greater emphasis on

ordinary individuals or women of lesser social

prominence, aligning with the more professional

portrayal of female characters.

In the illustrious hall of the Academy Award for

Best Actress, these roles were far from traditional

family binders despite the early emergence of many

housewife characters on screen. On the contrary, with

their unique charm, they exhibited admirable qualities

of tenacious struggle between family and self,

relentlessly pursuing freedom and dreams, from

silently enduring to bravely speaking out, breaking

free from the constraints of ordinary daily life.

For example, The Divorcee tells a story about a

woman who was abandoned by her husband but

found her true love in the end. The Sin of Madelon

Claudet tells the story of a woman who experiences a

series of tragic experiences and tenacious struggles,

including being abandoned after pregnancy, being

wrongfully imprisoned, and being forced to engage in

prostitution to raise her son after being released from

prison. In the end, she successfully raises her son to

adulthood and sends him to medical school. Their

stories have inspired generation after generation of

audiences.

3.3 Narration

In the nascent era of Oscar-winning films, spanning

from 1929 to 1960, the narrative fabric of female

characters was intricately interwoven with love and

family. The preeminent actresses of this epoch

frequently embodied roles whose existences pivoted

around the quest and sustenance of love. Be they

peasants, white-collar employees, or affluent ladies,

their tales were anchored in love. They would traverse

the gamut of emotions in love, confronting betrayal

yet ultimately endeavoring to safeguard their

relationships and families. For instance, in the 1938

film "The Good Earth," the female protagonist

endured her husband's infidelity but tenaciously held

the family intact. This mode of storytelling was not

confined merely to romantic love but also permeated

family relations, with women commonly portrayed as

selfless mothers, relinquishing everything for the sake

of their children.

Although films throughout the 1930s and 1950s

revolved around the themes of pursuing love and

protecting marriage, pioneering attempts had already

been made. For example, Dangerous (1936) tells the

story of the female protagonist who always wanted to

divorce her original husband but was rejected,

ultimately succeeding in her struggle to be with her

lover. During this period, the female protagonist's

suffering was mainly due to her widowhood and

husband's betrayal. However, during particularly

difficult times such as World War II, the Civil War,

and the financial crisis, many films also celebrated

women's struggles against their tragic fates, including

those from original family(Seventh Heaven),

Tsunami (The Farmer's Daughter), air raid (Mrs.

Miniver), accidental killing (Gaslight), business

closure (Kitty Foyle) and other sources of suffering.

Nevertheless, a momentous transformation took

place after 1960. Female characters started to liberate

themselves from the constraints of the domestic realm

and ventured into society. They assumed a wide array

of professional personas, including producers, nurses,

and translators, and shone brightly in diverse fields

and relationships. Although love still remained

pivotal in their lives, it ceased to be the exclusive

focus.

Room at the Top (1960) tells the story of the

female protagonist who is under pressure from class

and society, struggling and striving to improve her

social status. Films such as "Women in Love" (1971)

delved into the intricate nexus between love and free

will, mirroring the awakening of female self-

awareness.

These characters were no longer straightforward

adjuncts in the context of love but instead pursued

more egalitarian and liberated relationships.

Additionally, this era was characterized by the

profound impact of historical events on women. They

withstood the rigors of war and the Great Depression,

and their experiences during these arduous times

imbued them with symbolic significance, epitomizing

the social struggles and transformations of the period.

Commencing from 1984, the depiction of female

characters persisted in evolving. They emerged as

even more multifaceted and self-reliant. They

encountered not only challenges in personal

relationships but also impediments in the professional

and social arenas. For example, in "Norma Rae"

(1980), the female lead spearheaded a labor union

struggle, thereby accentuating her resoluteness and

valor in the face of social inequity. Their

accomplishments were no longer exclusively

determined by love and family but also by their

contributions to society and personal development.

Since 1969, 33 out of 60% of the Academy Award

winners for Best Actress have been "absolute leading

actresses", meaning that there are no other male or

female leads, and any social relationships are with

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supporting or affiliated female leads. Before 1969,

female leads usually appeared alongside male leads in

similar roles. This comparison also established the

rise of feminism

In summation, the odyssey of female characters in

Oscar-winning films has been an extraordinary

evolution. Starting from being circumscribed within

the domain of love and family, they have

progressively emerged as robust and autonomous

individuals with a rich tapestry of roles and values.

Their narratives have broadened to embrace a more

extensive panorama of human experiences,

encompassing social concerns, personal maturation,

and the quest for dreams. This metamorphosis mirrors

the shifting perception of women in society and their

burgeoning significance and sway in sundry facets of

life.

4 CONCLUSION

The Academy Award for Best Actress transcends

individual recognition; it encapsulates the

intersection of artistry, cultural values, and societal

progress. By honoring performances that resonate

both emotionally and intellectually, the award not

only celebrates cinematic excellence but also helps

frame and understand the artistic, social, and political

landscapes of its time. The evolution of winning roles

reflects broader cultural, political, and economic

conditions, capturing the prevailing aesthetics and

ideological shifts of their times. As Oscar-winning

actress Kate Winslet once said, "Don't change

yourself for anyone; you are already perfect enough."

These extraordinary female characters declare to the

world that even in the most inconspicuous corners,

they can shine the most dazzling light. Therefore, let

us remember these brilliant stars in cinema history,

using their courage as a mirror, and let every girl

bravely be herself and live out her most authentic self,

because every soul has a unique shining point.

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