Cinema’s most inspirational women revealed

British women have hailed iconic character Bridget Jones as the most inspiring heroine of all time to grace the silver screen. Played by award-winning actress Renee Zellweger, the heart-warming film sees single woman Bridget confide in her diary while overcoming relationship woes, family pressures and career struggles – showing that not all superheroes wear capes.

Commissioned by Sky Cinema ahead of International Women’s Day, the poll of 2000 women saw Erin Brockovich come second, played by Julia Roberts in the autobiographical tale of an American legal clerk who fights for justice and stands up for what she believes in. And sweeping in on her broomstick at number three was none other than the book-smart best friend of ‘the boy who lived’, Hermione Granger – played by Emma Watson.

Aston spoke to Anna Smith, film critic to reflect on the key female leads of the last decade – with an optimistic view of the next – and provide comment on the best performances and why they were so effective, backed up with data around how these female leads make people feel, referring also to the Women in Film collection.