Sarah Paulsonhas forged a career that seems perpetually on the rise, with her starring in many popular films and TV series in recent years. She is known for playing complex and morally questionable characters with a unique brand of intensity. She frequently works with the same collaborators, such as creator and director Ryan Murphy, and projects of similar genres, such as shows like American Horror Story and American Crime Story. This allows her to flesh out a role and foster chemistry on and off-screen that can't be ignored.

Paulson's acting style shows her to fully immerse herself in the characters; she has gained critical acclaim for many varied and unique roles. From her portrayal of Marcia Clark in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story to her disturbing maternal presence in Run, she creates a presence that is truly enamoring and genuine. Whether playing the lead in one of the best TV shows of all time or portraying minor, ing roles in smaller films, Paulson will shine through as one of the highlights that make it worth watching.

10 Ocean's Eight (2018)

As Tammy

Ocean's Eight is a spinoff (and sequel) of Steven Soderbergh's wildly popular Ocean's Heist series. It follows Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) and her team of criminals, who all bring something different to the mix as they plan a meticulous heist during the famous Met Gala in New York. Paulson plays Tammy, an everyday mom who happens to be one of the best fences in the country, alongside an ensemble cast that also includes some acting greats like Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Helena Bonham Carter.

Cinematographer Eigil Bryld brought a touch of high class to this heist thriller with beautifully crafted visuals, matched by the down-to-earth and classy touch that Paulson put into her role as Tammy. Even among some heavy-hitting stars, Paulson stands out as one of the high points of the film. Though the narrative is questioned for being a little rushed, Paulson's natural charm and wit in this comedic role helped ground the film as a whole.

9 Run (2020)

As Diane Sherman

In the psychological horror-thriller Run, Paulson plays Diane Sherman, the mother of Chloe, who is disabled and has many ailments and health-related conditions. The film follows Chloe when she finds a set of pills in her mother's purse which leads to many horrifying discoveries about the truth of her upbringing, medical problems, and her mother's manipulation. The film provides a tense and spine-tingling atmosphere as the depths of Diane's perversion are slowly uncovered in a series of shocking events.

In a role that compares to her portrayal of Nurse Ratched, Paulson delivers an incredibly unsettling and gripping performance of a mother with deep psychological issues. The quiet dread that creeps up when it's discovered what is really going on in a Munchausen syndrome by proxy situation is as captivating as it is horrifying. Paulson nails the balance between the two, perfectly encapsulating the duality in this allegory about modern parenting practices, and adding another complex antagonist to her filmography.

8 Mrs. America (2020)

As Alice Macray

Mrs. America is a political drama that focuses on the real-life story surrounding the Equal Rights Amendment and the surprising movement and backlash that arose, led by conservative activist and anti-feminist Phyllis Schlafly. Paulson plays conservative housewife Alice Macray as she s the movement in a show featuring themes surrounding political policies, women's roles in society, and in their own private lives. It is a tense and gripping series with a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, and Tracey Ullman.

As a character crafted as a fictional composite, it might be easy to get lost in the anonymity of the task, but Paulson does an impeccable job of adding an authentic, grounding quality to the role. As Alice, she represents the exploration of personal values and what a woman's identity means to herself and to society at large. Her performance, alongside Blanchett's, delicately contrasts and offers a comparison to someone set in their own beliefs, making it a memorable role integral to the story.

7 Blue Jay (2016)

As Amanda

Blue Jay is an emotional and introspective romantic drama that tells the story of two high school sweethearts who reconnect after many years apart. Paulson stars as Amanda opposite Jim (Mark Duplass), as they find each other again and recount their memories and experiences with one another in a raw and authentic narrative. The film explores their combined imagination of what could have been if their lives had continued on the path they both now seem to wish they had.

Blue Jay was filmed entirely in just seven days in California.

Though his first time as a fictional feature director, Alex Lehmann guides a master hand over this superb film. Paulson's chemistry with Duplass is energetic and authentic, and it elevates the plot into something very relatable. In a role she doesn't often get to play, Paulson shows her range in a subtle and character-driven depiction that is bursting with nostalgia and genuine affection, making it a vast change from some of her more celebrated roles.

6 Carol (2015)

As Abby Gerhard

In a historical drama, a screenplay adapted from the 1952 romance novel The Price of Salt, Carol tells the story of a forbidden love in the 1950s. Set in New York City, it recounts the affair between a young female photographer (Rooney Mara) and a wealthy older woman (Cate Blanchett) who is currently involved in a messy divorce with her husband. Paulson plays Abby, the best friend and former lover of the older socialite, and provides a much-needed insight into her background and character.

In yet another collaboration with Blanchett, Carol sees Paulson take on more of a ing role, but as a further testament to her talent, it doesn't diminish her impact. She brings strength and comion to her lover-turned-friendship character, and her chemistry with Blanchett is spell-binding throughout. Receiving a 10-minute-long standing ovation at its Cannes Film Festival premiere, Carol was nominated for numerous awards. There's no doubt that Paulson's helping hand in anchoring the film with maturity and ion was one of the driving forces behind its success.

5 Impeachment: American Crime Story (2021)

As Linda Tripp

Impeachment: American Crime Story is a standalone season in the larger series, focusing on the infamous Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and the subsequent impeachment of the President. Paulson embodies Linda Tripp, a prominent civil servant who played a key figure in uncovering the situation by secretly (and illegally) recording Monica Lewinsky's confidential calls and confessions surrounding her involvement with President Clinton. The show meticulously and confidently recounts the entire situation of one of the most famous political scandals in recent history.

In one of her most layered performances in a career full of complicated characters, Paulson's depiction of Tripp is exceptional, showing her to be both misunderstood and unlikable at the same time. While it can be tricky to play non-fictional roles, Paulson seems to rise to every challenge and skillfully portrays someone morally ambiguous who is caught in a very difficult situation. A collaboration with Ryan Murphy, she solidifies her reputation as one of the best actresses to play complex characters in a thrilling drama.

4 12 Years A Slave (2013)

As Mary Epps

Steven McQueen's 12 Years a Slave is a biographical film based on the memoir by African American man Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. One of her more difficult portrayals, Paulson takes on the role of Mary Epps, the wife of plantation owner Edwin Earps, who displays just as sickening acts of cruelty and abuse as her husband. The story follows Northrup as he aims to prove his identity and escape the plantation while doing everything he can to survive and help his fellow slaves.

In 12 Years a Slave, Paulson gives an incredible ing performance as the vindictive wife who grows jealous of the slaves her husband sexually assaults and bestows upon them her own brand of abuse. Her commitment to playing such a dark ole shows a fearless quality to her acting ability; she adds another layer of impact and significance to the atrocities depicted. Winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, it's another gem in Paulson's memorable film entry, only knocked down due to her relative lack of screen time.

3 American Horror Story: Asylum (2012-2013)

As Lana Winters

In the second season of the epic American Horror series American Horror Story: Asylum, Paulson stars in her iconic role of Lana Winters, an investigative journalist who treses into a mental institution before being found, captured, and committed to the institution because of her sexuality. The show is a stand-out in the horror anthology genre as it slowly reveals the terrifying nature of the institution through the unimaginable situations in which Lana is placed, enduring both physical and mental torment.

In another collaboration with Murphy, Paulson's leading role helped her earn her place as one of the most beloved actresses in American Horror Story and made season 2 the highest-rated season ever for the show. Paulson's depiction of Lana continued her incredible transition to more horror-focused films and series, a move that seems like it was destined to occur. Paulson's portrayal as someone surviving intense trauma and cruelty is masterfully done, and her resilience and range as Lana has been widely celebrated as some of her best work.

2 Ratched (2020)

As Nurse Mildred Ratched

In one of her most well-known roles, Paulson portrays the titular Nurse Mildred Ratched in an additional collaboration with Murphy. Ratched is a prequel to the legendary film One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, which shows the abusive and sadistic nurse's early life and events that led up to her role in the film. Ratched arrives in California, looking for employment in a top-rated psychiatric hospital that is on the cutting edge of experimental procedures, but she has many ulterior motives for manipulating her way into a position of power in the ward.

Feeling like the culmination of a career, Paulson's portrayal of Ratched is nothing short of simply spectacular. It's a performance that could never have been anyone else, as she expertly explores a character with an untold, menacing, and sinister presence. Paulson's talent is in taking a multi-layered character who does and says depraved things while adding moments of charm and vulnerability. Her interpretation and presentation of the famous character are universally praised, and it is one of her finest performances ever.

1 The People V. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016)

As Marcia Clark

The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story is another true-life criminal drama series that sees Paulsen play one of the most acclaimed performances of her career. Paulson is lead prosecutor Marcia Clark in the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial as the season chronicles the case from beginning to end. Paulson's intense realism and attention to detail in portraying one of the most important characters in the award-winning series defined her as one of the go-to actresses for such distinguished roles.

Again in an ensemble cast that features some incredible talent, Paulson remains the highlight for her portrayal of the determined prosecutor. Sarah Paulson won a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Lead Actress in a Series as she nails the role and cements her legacy, playing both fictional and nonfictional characters with the same gravitas, maturity, and nuance. Her dedication to the role and attention to detail mirror that of her character in this series, and are the perfect metaphor for how she approaches all the most commanding and exceptional jobs she gets.