Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dakota Fanning

How Dakota Fanning built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Dakota Fanning is a prominent American actress recognized for her versatile roles in both blockbuster films and independent features, transitioning successfully from a child actor to an adult performer. She has earned critical acclaim and industry recognition throughout her career, demonstrated by her nominations for prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1999: Began Professional Acting Career

In 1999, at the age of five, Dakota Fanning began her professional acting career by appearing in a Tide television commercial.

2001: Starred in I Am Sam

In 2001, Dakota Fanning starred in the drama film I Am Sam, receiving recognition at the age of seven and a nomination for the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role.

2001: Starred in I Am Sam and Received Recognition

In 2001, Dakota Fanning starred in the film I Am Sam opposite Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer. Her role made her the youngest person nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award, and she won the Best Young Actor/Actress award from the Broadcast Film Critics Association. Her performance was later included in the music video for Rufus Wainwright's cover of The Beatles' "Across the Universe."

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2002: Starred in Taken

In 2002, Dakota Fanning starred in the miniseries Taken, adding to her rising success as a child actress.

2002: Cast in Taken and Appeared in Multiple Films

In 2002, director Steven Spielberg cast Dakota Fanning in the lead role in the science fiction miniseries Taken. She also appeared in the films Trapped, Sweet Home Alabama, and Hansel and Gretel.

2003: Starred in Uptown Girls

In 2003, Dakota Fanning starred in the film Uptown Girls, continuing to build her filmography with prominent roles.

October 2004: Completed Filming Dreamer and Became a Girl Scout

In late October 2004, Dakota Fanning completed filming Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story. While promoting the film, she became a registered member of the Girl Scouts of the USA at a special ceremony.

2004: Appeared in Man on Fire and Friends

In 2004, Dakota Fanning appeared in Man on Fire as Pita and in an episode of the television series Friends playing Mackenzie.

2004: Starred in Man on Fire

In 2004, Dakota Fanning starred in the film Man on Fire.

May 2005: Finished Filming Charlotte's Web

In May 2005, Dakota Fanning finished filming Charlotte's Web in Australia, adding another notable film to her career.

June 2005: Released War of the Worlds

In June 2005, War of the Worlds, starring Dakota Fanning alongside Tom Cruise, was released and achieved critical success.

October 2005: Appeared in Nine Lives

In October 2005, Dakota Fanning had a small part in the film Nine Lives, sharing an unbroken nine-minute scene with Glenn Close.

2005: Starred in Hide and Seek

In 2005, Dakota Fanning starred in the film Hide and Seek opposite Robert De Niro, marking another significant role in her career.

2005: Starred in War of the Worlds

In 2005, Dakota Fanning starred in the film War of the Worlds, marking another significant role in a blockbuster film.

December 15, 2006: Premiered Charlotte's Web

On December 15, 2006, Charlotte's Web, starring Dakota Fanning, premiered.

2006: Starred in Charlotte's Web

In 2006, Dakota Fanning starred in the film Charlotte's Web, adding to her repertoire of well-known films.

2007: Filmed Fragments and Appeared in Cutlass

In 2007, Dakota Fanning filmed Fragments and appeared in the short film Cutlass. She also filmed Push from September to the end of the year, playing Cassie Holmes.

January 2008: Began Filming The Secret Life of Bees

In January 2008, Dakota Fanning began filming the film adaptation of The Secret Life of Bees, playing the role of Lily Owens.

March 2008: Cast in My Sister's Keeper, then Dropped Out

In March 2008, Dakota Fanning and her sister Elle Fanning were originally cast in the film adaptation My Sister's Keeper, but both dropped out due to Dakota not wanting to shave her head for the role.

2008: Starred in The Secret Life of Bees

In 2008, Dakota Fanning starred in the film The Secret Life of Bees, expanding her roles into more mature themes.

February 6, 2009: Coraline and Push Released

On February 6, 2009, Dakota Fanning's films, the horror animation Coraline and the science fiction thriller Push, were released on the same day.

November 20, 2009: New Moon Released

On November 20, 2009, New Moon, where Dakota Fanning played Jane, a member of the Volturi Guard, was released.

2009: Starred in Coraline

In 2009, Dakota Fanning starred in the animated film Coraline, showcasing her voice acting talent.

2010: Starred in The Runaways

In 2010, Dakota Fanning starred in the film The Runaways, where she played Cherie Currie, the lead singer of the band.

2011: Filmed Breaking Dawn and Voiced Documentary

From the end of 2010 into early 2011, Dakota Fanning filmed Breaking Dawn, reprising her role of Jane. She also voiced Rise, a documentary about the Sabena Flight 548 crash.

2011: Played Tessa in Now Is Good and Became Face of Marc Jacobs' Oh, Lola!

In 2011, Dakota Fanning played Tessa in Now Is Good and became the face of Marc Jacobs' Oh, Lola! perfume campaign.

August 2012: Played Lead Role in Night Moves

In August 2012, Dakota Fanning played the lead role of Dena Brauer in the thriller film Night Moves.

2012: Starred in The Twilight Saga

From 2009 to 2012, Dakota Fanning was part of The Twilight Saga, marking her transition to more mature roles.

January 2013: Cast in The Last of Robin Hood

In January 2013, Dakota Fanning was cast as Beverly Aadland in the Errol Flynn biopic The Last of Robin Hood.

November 8, 2013: The Motel Life Released

On November 8, 2013, The Motel Life, where Dakota Fanning played Annie James, was released.

2013: Co-starred in Night Moves

In 2013, Dakota Fanning had a co-starring role in the film Night Moves, continuing her pursuit of more adult-oriented roles.

February 2014: Recorded Voice Role for Yellowbird

In February 2014, Dakota Fanning recorded a voice role for the animated film Yellowbird.

May 2015: Every Secret Thing Released in the U.S.

In May 2015, Every Secret Thing, based on the novel by Laura Lippman, and co-starring Dakota Fanning, was released in the U.S.

June 2015: Joined Cast of Brimstone

In June 2015, Dakota Fanning and Kit Harington replaced Mia Wasikowska and Robert Pattinson in the film Brimstone.

July 2016: Cast in The Bell Jar

In July 2016, Dakota Fanning was announced to be cast in the film adaptation of 'The Bell Jar' as Esther Greenwood.

2017: Starred in Zygote

In 2017, Dakota Fanning starred in Neill Blomkamp's 'Zygote' as part of Blomkamp's series of experimental short films released through Oats Studios.

August 2018: TNT Ordered The Alienist Sequel

In August 2018, TNT ordered a sequel series based upon the follow-up novel 'The Angel of Darkness'. Dakota Fanning was set to return to reprise the role of Sara Howard.

2018: Appeared in Ocean's 8 and The Alienist

In 2018, Dakota Fanning appeared in the film Ocean's 8 and the television series The Alienist, demonstrating her versatility across different media.

December 2019: Cast in The Nightingale with Elle Fanning

In December 2019, it was announced that Dakota Fanning and her sister Elle Fanning would star together in an adaption of Kristin Hannah's 2015 novel, 'The Nightingale', which is set to be directed by Mélanie Laurent.

The Nightingale

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2019: Appeared in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

In 2019, Dakota Fanning appeared in the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a high-profile role adding to her extensive filmography.

June 30, 2020: Viena and the Fantomes Released Digitally

On June 30, 2020, the film Viena and the Fantomes, in which Dakota Fanning starred as Viena, was released digitally after delays.

March 2021: Formation of Lewellen Pictures

In March 2021, Dakota and Elle Fanning announced the formation of a production company, Lewellen Pictures. Their company has a first-look deal with MRC Television/Civic Center Media.

2022: Appeared in The First Lady

In 2022, Dakota Fanning appeared in the television series The First Lady, showcasing her continued presence in television roles.

March 2023: Cast in The Perfect Couple

In March 2023, Dakota Fanning was cast to star in the Netflix miniseries 'The Perfect Couple'.

2023: The Bell Jar update

In 2023, "The Bell Jar" was being considered to be adapted into a TV series instead, though development has remained on hold.

2023: Appeared in The Equalizer 3

In 2023, Dakota Fanning appeared in The Equalizer 3, further expanding her range of film roles.

2023: Starred in The Watchers

In 2023, Dakota Fanning had a starring role in 'The Watchers', a supernatural film set in Ireland. She was also cast to star in the Netflix miniseries 'The Perfect Couple', and starred in 'The Equalizer 3', reuniting with Denzel Washington.

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2024: Starred in The Watchers and Ripley

In 2024, Dakota Fanning had a starring role in The Watchers and received critical recognition for starring in the thriller miniseries Ripley, earning award nominations.