The American magazine ELLE has presented its annual photo project, Women in Hollywood 2026, dedicated to actresses who have captured viewers' attention with their roles and made a significant contribution to contemporary cinema. This year, the publication chose eight heroines: Florence Pugh, Inde Navarrette, Penélope Cruz, Julianne Moore, Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Debicki, Rosalind Eleazar, and Samantha Morton. For each of them, the editorial team prepared a separate photoshoot and interview, and the selection combines both established Hollywood stars and actresses who are currently experiencing a professional rise.
Concept: Women at Different Career Stages
The concept behind the project is simple: to showcase women at various stages of their careers who embody complex, ambiguous, and strong heroines on screen. This is precisely why the current selection includes both actresses with extensive filmographies and those whose recognition is just beginning to form. This approach allows readers to see not just a "star list," but a cross-section of modern women's cinema—ranging from epic films to auteur roles in horror and drama.
Inde Navarrette — A Rising Star to Watch
Special attention this year is focused on 25-year-old Inde Navarrette, for whom 2026 has become a significant milestone in her career: the publication named her one of the new stars to watch. She gained widespread popularity for her role as Nikki in the horror film Obsession, directed by Karrie Barker—her character became one of the most discussed in the film, and Nikki's characteristic facial expression turned into a viral meme. According to the actress, after the film's release, people began to recognize her on the street and address her by the character's name. Among Navarrette's upcoming projects is the reboot of the X-Men story by Marvel Studios, where she will play Rogue; the actress admitted that she was drawn to the complexity of a character who craves human contact but cannot touch others without consequences.
Established Names: Pugh, Moore, and Cruz
Other participants include Florence Pugh, who is attracting attention this year for her role in the adaptation of "East of Eden." In her interview, the actress talks about her willingness to take on complex roles, even if they cause fear, and the importance of not staying silent on socially significant issues. Julianne Moore, in conversation with the publication, discussed her new work in the film The Debut, which ELLE called one of the boldest roles of her career. Actress Penélope Cruz is featured in a piece titled "There Are No Small Roles for Penélope Cruz," dedicated to her long career in cinema and her ability to draw attention to every character.
Other Participants
Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki spoke about two new projects she has been waiting for, and Carrie Coon discussed a new film role amid the success of the series "The Gilded Age." Rosalind Eleazar, known for her role as Misty Green, shared her thoughts on female characters and the necessity of increasing the number of lead female roles in cinema. Samantha Morton, in turn, is the subject of a piece about her appearance in the epic film "The Odyssey."
Photography and Issue Release
The photos for the project were taken by photographer Norman Jean Roy, with styling by Alex White. The December 2026/January 2027 issue of ELLE, featuring these photoshoots and interviews, will be released on December 1, 2026. Thus, Women in Hollywood 2026 becomes not only a visual piece but also a textual record of what strong female roles in Hollywood look like today.
