Summary
- Emma Thompson's exceptional talent and versatility have made her one of the greatest actors of her generation, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
- Her standout performances in films like Primary Colors and Saving Mr. Banks showcase her ability to bring complex, multifaceted characters to life with nuance and emotion.
- Thompson's impact on cinema extends beyond acting, as she is also a celebrated screenwriter. Her work has earned her multiple nominations and awards.
Often celebrated as one of the greatest actors of her generation, Emma Thompson has left an indelible mark on the world of movies with her exceptional talent. Throughout her illustrious career, the English actor has graced the screen in some of the most memorable and influential films of the 20th and 21st centuries. Her acclaimed performances are known for their complexity, nuanced emotions, sharp humor, and versatility, which have made her a standout presence in a diverse range of films, spanning from period dramas to contemporary comedies.
Not only has Thompson earned an Oscar for her acting prowess, but she is also a celebrated and Academy Award-winning screenwriter. Thompson's enduring impact on cinema is a testament to her extraordinary talent. Thompson's best movies are moving, funny, and poignant pieces of storytelling where she effortlessly stands out.
10 Primary Colors (1998)
Played Susan Stanton
Award-winning director Mike Nichols collaborates with screenwriter Elaine May in the mostly true, incredibly humorous of Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, Primary Colors. The movie tells this story with fictional stand-ins, but they leave an impact all the same. Thompson portrays the ambitious Susan Stanton, inspired by Hillary Clinton, who observes her husband's run for the presidency. Thompson delivers an exceptional and hysterical performance as the almost-First Lady surrounded by a talented cast. The film serves as a scathing critique of politics and media, highlighting human frailty and stupidity. It also goes beyond political satire, delving into commentary on topics that include class and gender divides.
9 Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
Played P.L. Travers
In Saving Mr. Banks, one of the best Disney movies of the 2010s, Thompson brilliantly embodies P.L. Travers, the creative mind behind Mary Poppins, while Tom Hanks steps into the shoes of Walt Disney. The film offers a captivating, whimsical, and exceptionally moving behind-the-scenes look at the making of the iconic film adaptation of her work. Thompson's performance in this role earned her multiple nominations, as she masterfully brings to life the multifaceted and complex character, blending her hardened exterior with moments of vulnerability.
8 Howards End (1992)
Played Margaret Schlegel
Thompson earned her first Academy Award for Best Actress (on her first nomination) for James Ivory's acclaimed 1992 adaptation of the classic novel Howards End. In the film, she portrays Margaret Schlegel, one of the sisters through whom the film explores the tension of class relations in late 19th century in Britain. Howards End is a film full of emotional depth, wistful romance, and astute social critique. It features a masterfully multi-layered performance from Thompson as a strong-willed woman attempting to assert control over her own life. The rest of the cast is equally exceptional and includes Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham Carter, and Vanessa Redgrave.
7 An Education (2009)
Played Miss Walters
An Education is a captivating coming-of-age drama that centers on Jenny (Carey Mulligan), a bright 16-year-old who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she becomes entangled with a mysterious older man. Thompson makes a brief but memorable appearance in the film as Miss Walters, the concerned heistress at Jenny's school, whose disagreement with her ultimately leads to Jenny's decision to leave school. Both charming and thought-provoking, An Education's feminist themes earned the film an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
6 Good Luck To You, Leo Grande (2022)
Played Nancy Stokes
Both genuinely hilarious and movingly empathetic, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande features Thompson as a retired schoolteacher who hires a young sex worker to help her experience her first orgasm. As Nancy, Thompson gives a remarkably naturalistic, emotionally nuanced, and bravely vulnerable performance. She hilariously captures her character's nerves. Though it's an intimate and compact film with just two characters, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande intelligently explores universal themes of self-love and aging, all while remaining irresistibly charming and funny.
5 Henry V (1989)
Played Princess Katherine de Valois
Kenneth Branagh made a breathtaking directorial debut with his Shakespeare adaptation of Henry V, in which he also takes on the title role of the young king who leads a challenging, bloody invasion of . Emma Thompson is a beacon of innocence in one of the film's few influential female roles, Katherine, a French princess engaged to Henry. In one of her earliest scenes, she impressively converses entirely in French, seamlessly embodying a native French speaker. When she transitions to speaking Shakespearean English, Thompson's expressive delivery bridges the gap for viewers, making the heightened text more accessible. Henry V stands as a beautifully performed and thrilling Shakespeare adaptation.
4 Wit (2001)
Played Vivian Bearing
With director Mike Nichols, Thompson co-wrote this television film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Wit. She also stars in the film, portraying Vivian Bearing, a brilliant professor whose life takes a turn when she is diagnosed with terminal cancer. With nuance and striking realism, Thompson skillfully embodies the character across various stages of her life, showcasing her sharp-witted academic brilliance and the physical pain she endures as she approaches the end. For her work as both an actress and writer on this funny, sad, and ultimately beautiful film, Thompson received several award nominations.
3 The Remains Of The Day (1993)
Played Sarah Kenton
Thompson worked once again with James Ivory on this period drama, which earned her a second Academy Award nomination in just two years. Set in post-World War I Britain, the story follows a dedicated and emotionally reserved butler, played by Anthony Hopkins, whose stoic demeanor is challenged by the arrival of housekeeper Sarah Kenton (Thompson), who falls in love with him. Thompson's heartfelt performance brilliantly captures the character at various stages of her life, exuding painful repression. The film is a tear-jerking and profoundly emotional exploration of love, duty, and unspoken feelings.
2 Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Played Elinor Dashwood
In Ang Lee's charming period drama, Thompson not only stars but also penned the screenplay, resulting in what is one of the best Jane Austen adaptations. She portrays Elinor Dashwood, one of the sisters of a wealthy English family facing sudden destitution and the need for financial security through marriage. The film is a lavish, funny, and epic adaptation that skillfully captures the novel's essence, showcasing Thompson's talents both in front of and behind the camera. For her outstanding work, Thompson received nominations for Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars and Golden Globes. She won for her screenplay at both ceremonies.
1 In the Name of the Father (1993)
Played Gareth Peirce
In 1994, Thompson achieved a rare feat, securing dual Oscar nominations in both actress categories for her roles in In the Name of the Father and The Remains of the Day. In the former, Thompson portrays Gareth Peirce, a real-life human rights activist who serves as the lawyer for Gerry Conlon (Daniel Day-Lewis), a man wrongfully convicted of an IRA bombing in the 1970s. Thompson brings unwavering determination and deep ion to her remarkably authentic performance. This rousing and compelling drama, rooted in an unbelievable true story of a miscarriage of justice, is another demonstration of Emma Thompson's one-of-a-kind, exceptional talent. It's the actor's best film to date.
