On February 24th, 1975, one of the most iconic Best Actress lineups was announced. The nominees were: Ellen Burstyn (ALICE DOESN’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE), Diahann Carrol (CLAUDINE), Faye Dunaway (CHINATOWN), Valerie Perrine (LENNY), and Gena Rowlands (A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE).

As all of these films also celebrate their 50th anniversaries, we celebrate a few of the women that helped to make them special in “Best Actress, 1974.” More at Williamsburg.