Claim: Maggie Gyllenhaal acts.

The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie is an award presented annually by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences -LRB- ATAS -RRB- . It is given in honor of an actress who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role on a television limited series or television movie for the primetime network season .   The award was first presented at the 7th Primetime Emmy Awards on March 7 , 1955 to Judith Anderson for her performance as Lady Macbeth on the Hallmark Hall of Fame episode `` Macbeth '' . It has undergone several name changes , with the category split into two categories at the 25th Primetime Emmy Awards -- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special Program -- Drama or Comedy and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series . By the 31st Primetime Emmy Awards , the categories were merged into one , and has since undergone several name changes , leading to its current title .   Since its inception , the award has been given to 52 actresses . Sarah Paulson is the current recipient of the award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark on The People v. O. J. Simpson : American Crime Story . Helen Mirren has won the most awards in this category with four and has received the most nominated for the award on ten occasions , the most within the category .