The best actress Oscar winners list by year is defined by records as much as names. Four-win legends, youngest and oldest victors, and barrier-breaking firsts shape how fans remember every envelope reveal on telecast night.

Halle Berry's Monster's Ball win at the 2002 ceremony made her the first Black Best Actress winner — a milestone that stood alone for decades on the best actress Oscar winners list by year until new firsts followed.

Marlee Matlin was 21 when she won for Children of a Lesser God at the 1987 ceremony — still the youngest Best Actress winner on the best actress Oscar winners list by year according to Academy records.

Jessica Tandy was 80 when she won for Driving Miss Daisy at the 1990 ceremony — the oldest Best Actress winner on the best actress Oscar winners list by year. Age records highlight how the category honors career-capping performances.

Katharine Hepburn's four Best Actress wins from 1934 through 1982 remain unmatched on the best actress Oscar winners list by year. Frances McDormand is the only other three-time victor in the category's history.