The Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Play is an annual award presented by the Society of London Theatre in recognition of the "world-class status of London theatre." The awards were establ
2026 Recipient: Rosamund Pike
Judi Dench winner in 1977, 1980, 1983, 1987, and 1996
Lindsay Duncan winner in 1986 and 2002
Juliet Stevenson won for Death and the Maiden (1992)
Maggie Smith
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Dame Margaret Natalie Smith was a British actress. Known for her wit in both comedic and dramatic roles, she had an extensive career on stage and screen for over seven decades and was one of Britain's
Smith in 1970
The original 1965 National Theatre cast of Black Comedy. From left: Louise Purnell, Albert Finney, Derek Jacobi, Maggie Smith and Graham Crowden.
Smith worked extensively with Laurence Olivier at the National Theatre.
Smith in 1973