Polish actresses have long made their mark on the international film scene, yet as the Oscars loom, the question arises: can they finally break through and take home the coveted golden statue? This year’s Oscars on March 2, 2025, will again highlight the successes and challenges faced by women from Poland within the industry.
Since their inception, the Oscars have seen many nominations from Polish films, but none have yet brought home the prestigious Best Actress award. Some Polish films have successfully earned nominations over the years, including the works of renowned directors like Roman Polanski's Nóż w wodzie (1964) and Agnieszka Holland's Ida (2013), the latter winning the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. The film community has certainly celebrated Polish talent.
Ida Kamińska was the first Polish actress nominated for the Oscar, gaining recognition for her role as the shopkeeper in the Czechoslovak film Sklep przy głównej ulicy, which also won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Her nomination during the 1960s marked a pivotal moment for Polish cinema and women within it.
Today, the spotlight shines on several contemporary actresses who have garnered international attention yet remain without Oscar recognition. Joanna Kulig, known for her powerful performance as Zula Lichoń in Zimna wojna, became noted for her presence at significant film festivals around the globe, including multiple appearances at Cannes. Her contributions to the film helped it gain the spotlight, vying for accolades not just for the film but also for the director, Paweł Pawlikowski.
Kulig, who received both the European Film Award and the Orzeł for her performance, has been instrumental behind the scenes, promoting Polish cinema abroad, and she never shies away from seeking visibility for Polish films on international platforms.
Agata Kulesza, famously portraying Wanda Gruz, Anna's aunt, demonstrated her prowess through rich performances which garnered her significant acclaim prior to Ida. Kulesza had already made her mark with films such as Pensjonat pod Różą (2004) and has consistently chosen roles demonstrating her breadth as an actress.
Another rising star is Agata Trzebuchowska, who played the eponymous character in Ida. Despite the film's success, she found it challenging to breakthrough Hollywood with steady roles, only recently appearing again in the 2020 film Śniegu już nigdy nie będzie directed by Małgorzata Szumowska.
At the same time, the narrative continues with Sandra Drzymalska, who recently appeared as Cassie alongside the titular donkey in IO, which received Oscar nominations. Although the story centers around the animal, Drzymalska's performance remains integral, contributing emotional depth to the film. She’s also made appearances on TV and various films like Listy do M. 2 and Sexify, continuously broadening her portfolio.
Finally, Anna Dzieduszycka's short film Sukienka was nominated for the Oscars, showcasing the talents of newer generations and giving hope to the future of Polish actresses on the global stage. Their performances have always been tethered to the rich culture and storytelling traditions of Poland, and now the world is starting to take notice.
Despite the glamour of the red carpet and the excitement at awards shows, these actresses face immense challenges. Breaking through internationally requires not just talent but the ability to navigate complex industry dynamics—often layered with traditional Hollywood biases.
Looking at the 2025 Oscars, there’s palpable excitement mixed with skepticism about the chances of these talented women. While no Polish actresses have won the Oscar for Best Actress yet, they continue to inspire and push boundaries through their performances.
With each film festival, they embody hope and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Will this be the year one of them finally secures the recognition they deserve? The world will be watching closely as they stride down the red carpet once more, hoping to hear their names called among the winners.