BENJAMONSTER AWARDS 2026: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Today's award is Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series!

Past Awards in This Category: 2025   2024   2023   2022   2021   2020

This year's nominees are...














KATHY BATES as Madeline Matlock in Matlock (CBS)
AYO EDEBIRI as Sydney Adamu in The Bear (FX/Hulu)
MICHELLE PFEIFFER as Stacy Clyburn in The Madison (Paramount+)
CARRIE PRESTON as Elsbeth Tascioni in Elsbeth (CBS)
KERI RUSSELL as Ambassador Kate Wyler in The Diplomat (Netflix)
RHEA SEEHORN as Carol Sturka in Pluribus (Apple TV)
ZENDAYA as Rue Bennett in Euphoria (HBO)

And the Winner Is...
RHEA SEEHORN
Pluribus (Apple TV)
I still haven't watched Better Call Saul but I know that everyone who has sings the praises of Rhea Seehorn. I definitely got it watching Pluribus. If The Lowdown relies on Ethan Hawke's performance, Pluribus REALLY relies on Rhea Seehorn's performance. There are entire episodes where she's basically the only one on screen. On top of that, she was playing an often unlikable character who somehow had to be the protagonist we root for. Seehorn was more than up to the heavy demands of this role and she performed it with humor and sincerity. Carol Sturka was a very unique creation from this past TV season and I can't imagine anyone but Seehorn playing her.

Thoughts on the Rest of the Nominees:
This was a strong group of actresses. The CBS pair of Kathy Bates and Carrie Preston continue to keep their shows a step above your average CBS procedural. Preston in particular had a very strong year. The final season of Euphoria was a complete mess but Zendaya was fully committed. Even as a big movie star who probably didn't want to continue with the show, she didn't go halfway. Keri Russell continues to be a great centerpiece for The Diplomat. Ayo Edebiri had perhaps her best season yet on The Bear especially in the episode "Worms." Finally, Michelle Pfeiffer instantly elevated The Madison with her performance even when saddled with some rough scripts.

Tomorrow: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series!

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