Once a year, I like to do an Oscar-themed write-up. As I have seen every Oscar-winning performance from the last 96 years, I thought revealing my top tier winning performances in all four categories.

The supporting category was not put in place until 1936, so there are only 88 Supporting performance winners.

I did eight tiers per category. Since the Supporting categories only have 88 performances, I did 11 per tier. The Lead performances have 12 per tier.

So, without further ado, here are the top 11 Best Supporting Actress Winning Performances. They’re ranked in chronological order.

Jane Darwell – The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

If Atticus Finch could be seen as America’s Father. Then, Jane Darwell’s Ma Joad could be seen as America’s Mother.

Jane is compassionate and strong-willed. She always thinks of her family first and others when needed. Her final scene is a powerhouse delivered with subtle perfection.

Dorothy Malone – Written on the Wind (1956)

For most of this film’s runtime, you’ll be confused as to why/how Dorothy Malone won the Oscar at the 1957 Oscars. Then, her scene comes in the courtroom near the end of the film, and it all comes together.

The definition of a supporting performance is essentially winning for one scene but remains present throughout the whole film, whether on screen or not.

Rita Moreno – West Side Story (1961)

Can you win for playing a character? In Ariana DeBose’s case…Maybe. But for Rita Moreno, she made Anita her own. A powerful performance, showing a wide range of emotions. Supporting or lead, it’s one of the all-time greats.

Patty Duke – The Miracle Worker (1962)

The first of two child acting performances that should be in lead, but they didn’t and don’t nominate kids in lead categories.

Patty plays Helen Keller as she learns to communicate with the world. It could’ve been offensive and one-note, but Patty brings depth and humanity to the role, remarkable given the time.

Cloris Leachman – The Last Picture Show (1971)

Another performance essentially winning for one scene. She delivers a heartbreaking monologue to Timothy Bottoms. Most of us know her as a comedic actress: Malcolm in the Middle, Bad Santa, Beerfest. If you haven’t seen The Last Picture Show, you should check it out.

Tatum O’Neal – Paper Moon (1973)

There’s no arguing about it: Tatum is the lead of her film. However, with her in supporting, we got a great win, so it’s hard to complain. Tatum is the youngest Oscar winner at 10 years and 158 days. Her performance is wise beyond her years, it’s mind-blowing how good she is in this film.

Angelina Jolie– Girl, Interrupted (1999)

It’s been a long time since I have seen this film. However, Angelina’s performance is lasting. It is the character, but she steals the film right out from under Winona Ryder. The real shame is that she’s only had one other Oscar nomination in her career.

Tilda Swinton – Michael Clayton (2007)

It's a top-tier winner for the greatest line delivery in cinema history alone. “You don’t want the money?” Lives in my head, rent free as the kids say. But for real, this character could’ve been one note and unmemorable, but Tilda brings her to full life.

Mo’Nique – Precious (2009)

Unlike Cloris, who went to comedy after her Oscar win, Mo’Nique was known as a comedic actor. To see her bring arguably one of the vilest humans on screen to life was a shock to all of America. She gives nuance to a character who doesn’t really deserve it, making it an ever better performance.

Lupita Nyong’o – 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Hard to top your winning an Oscar for first major American role. Unfortunately, she’s never been nominated again.

Very Oscar-worthy of them to award the slave performance, but that is for another write-up. Lupita is memorable and brilliant in her limited time in Steve McQueen’s Best Picture winner. 

Patricia Arquette – Boyhood (2014)

Never forget that Boyhood should’ve beaten Birdman for Best Picture. One thing the Academy did do right was award Patricia Arquette like all other awards outlets did.

Some win for a career, some win for a great performance, and Patricia won for both. Not to mention delivering an incredible monologue about what it feels like to be a parent.