In no particular order

1. Nicole Kidman

2. Kathy Bates

3. Julia Roberts

4. Jodie Foster

5. Melanie Griffith

I can't think of five right now, but I do so love Meryl Streep. I think she'd be my #1 favorite, hands down.
There aren't too many actresses ... IF any ... who can nail a role and do a more spectacular job than she (in my opinion).
We share the same birthday, too, btw ... exactly 10 years apart!

I also like Jodie Foster immensely and would have to give her the #2 position. She's a true talent and I don't see her near enough.

Meryl Streep IS awesome. I love Sally Field too.

There are really a lot I like for different reasons.

I love Nicole Kidman because she's versatile. I fell in love with her after I saw Malice - an underrated movie with an awesome performance by her.

Kathy Bates won me with Misery. I'm scared of her to this day and vowed I'd NEVER write a book.

Julia Roberts is endearing to me and I loved her in Erin Brockovich.

Jodie Foster - whatever she plays. Loved her in Silence of the Lambs and The Accused. I also loved her vulnerability in Little Man Tate.

Melanie Griffith in Working Girl was what I used to dream of growing up to be. The underdog in that men's club business situation AND getting the handsome guy too.

Meryl Streep is an absolute given. I remember Silkwood. And I remember cracking up at her in Death Becomes Her. And I cheered and roared at the River Wild.

There are a lot of good actresses out there.

1 Jodi Foster
2 Helen Hunt
3 Goldie Hawn
4 Sandra Bullock
5 Kathrine Hepburn

Oh, I have always loved Katherine Hepburn. Good choice!

No particular order for these talented ladies.

Olivia de Havilland

Katherine Hepburn

Bette Davis

Charlize Theron

Audrey Hepburn/Joan Fontaine (couldn't decide)