We had so many incredible female performances on television in 2020, as these strong, courageous, and slightly quirky women lit up the screen. Whether it was a moment of empowerment, the unexpected transformation of a character, or a breakout role, these women captured our undivided attention throughout the year.
Again, it was difficult for me to narrow down my favorite female performances for 2020 because there were honestly so many and I didn’t think it was possible for me to choose my absolute favorite one, which is where you came in!
I ran a three round poll (randomized tournament style) on Twitter and asked for fans to cast their votes so that we can all decide who our favorite female performances are for the year. Thank you so much for your participation and support, as the tournament was so much fun and actually really competitive!
Round One featured the following Female Performances on TV from 2020:
- Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper from Riverdale
- Kaley Cuoco as Cassie Bowden from The Flight Attendant
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit
- Cynthia Erivo as Holly Gibney from The Outsider
- Nicole Kidman as Grace Fraser from The Undoing
- Kerry Washington as Mia Warren from Little Fires Everywhere
- Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison from Homeland
- Jodie Comer as Villanelle from Killing Eve
- Marie Avgeropoulos as Octavia Blake from The 100
- Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina Spellman from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
- Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler from Better Call Saul
- Danai Gurira as Michonne from The Walking Dead
After your votes, the following female actresses moved on to Round Two:
- Danai Gurira
- Jodie Comer
- Nicole Kidman
- Claire Danes
- Anya Taylor-Joy
- Kaley Cuoco
After your votes in Round Two, the following female actresses moved on to the FINALS:
- Jodie Comer
- Danai Gurira
- Claire Danes
- Kaley Cuoco
Honorable Mention: Anya Taylor-Joy came up short, but I think she should honestly get an Emmy for her performance!!!!! Perfection!
After your votes in Round Three, the FINAL results are:
4th place: Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison from Homeland
Claire has always been so intense and emotional in her portrayal of Carrie, but I thought that she also channeled a lot of maturity and strength in the final season. Well deserved!
3rd place: Kaley Cuoco as Cassie Bowden from The Flight Attendant
Kaley Cuoco really showed off a completely different side of her by delighting us in one of my favorite shows of the year. Her quirky portrayal of Cassie was spot on and it really made the show that much more enjoyable. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
2nd place: Danai Gurira as Michonne from The Walking Dead
It wasn’t easy knowing it would be Michonne’s final season, but wow did Danai deliver some incredible performances along the way. She brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion and really reminded us that she has been the heart and soul of this show for so long! Thank you Danai!
Drum roll please…
I am so beyond excited to announce your WINNER for Favorite Female Performance of 2020: Jodie Comer as Villanelle in Killing Eve!
Jodie has been such a joy to watch. Villanelle is a complex character and Jodie has really brought her to life. In the third season, we finally got to peel back some layers and witness what truly makes Villanelle tick. Her humanity has really been showing more and more, which makes her an even more remarkable character in my mind. Jodie will always be one of my favorite actresses and I am so pleased with the results! Congrats Jodie!
Thanks to all the fans who voted! I wish you all the best for the New Year!
I hope you enjoyed the list and please feel free to post your thoughts and comments below on some of your favorite female performances on TV from 2020. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing for 2021!
Best,
Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl
