#15: Joan Crawford (1946)

Joan Crawford staged one of Hollywood’s greatest comebacks with Mildred Pierce, delivering a powerhouse performance that earned her the Best Actress award. After a career slump, the film reestablished her as a leading lady, proving she was far from finished in Hollywood.

However, when the big night arrived, Crawford was too ill to attend the ceremony. Instead, she accepted the award from her bed, later posing for triumphant photos with the golden statuette. Her win revitalized her career and solidified Mildred Pierce as one of the era’s most iconic films.