The Bodil Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Danish: Bodilprisen for bedste kvindelige hovedrolle) is one of the merit categories presented by the Danish Film Critics Association at the annual Bodil Awards. Created in 1948, it is one of the oldest film awards in Europe, and it honours the best performance by an actress in a leading role in a Danish produced film. The jury can decide not to hand out the award; this has happened 12 times since 1953.