For more than a century, showgirls have symbolised beauty, glamour, and dedication, while inspiring artists and filmmakers.

As a whirlwind awards season gets under way, Bazaar meets the talented women behind the year’s most exciting film and television projects

From a teenage soap-opera star in Sweden to a Hollywood action heroine, Rebecca Ferguson has forged a formidable career as a spellbinding shape-shifter. Ahead of a host of thrilling new releases, including the Peaky Blinders film, she tells Brooke Theis about her first crush, her most courageous stunts and why she’s taking charge of her own destiny

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH best

BACK IN THE BAND WE PREDICT A RIOT ...

Brenda Blethyn OBE, chats to Lara Kilner about life after Vera , her acting regret and why now, more than ever, the idea of retiring is far from her mind…