Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Emma Watson
How Emma Watson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Emma Watson is a highly acclaimed English actress, recognized for her work in both mainstream and independent cinema. She has received numerous awards, including a Young Artist Award and three MTV Movie Awards. Watson has consistently ranked among the highest-paid actresses globally, according to Forbes and Vanity Fair. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2015. Forbes also acknowledged her achievements by including her in their 30 Under 30 list in 2015 and 2016.
1999: Casting began for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
In 1999, casting began for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the film adaptation of J. K. Rowling's novel. Emma Watson auditioned and was supported by Rowling after her first screen test.
2001: Young Artist Award for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
In 2001, Emma Watson received a Young Artist Award for her role as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, marking an early recognition of her acting talent.
2001: Release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
In 2001, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was released, marking Emma Watson's debut screen performance. The film broke records and was the highest-grossing film of the year. Watson received critical acclaim and won the Young Artist Award.
2004: Release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
In 2004, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released. Watson's performance was lauded, earning her two Otto Awards and the Child Performance of the Year award from Total Film.
2005: Modelling career
In 2005, Emma Watson began her modelling career with a photo shoot for Teen Vogue, becoming the youngest person to cover the magazine.
2005: Release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
In 2005, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was released, setting records for a Harry Potter opening weekend. Critics praised Watson's maturity. She also won a bronze Otto Award.
2006: Played Hermione in The Queen's Handbag
In 2006, Emma Watson played Hermione in The Queen's Handbag, a special mini-episode of Harry Potter.
March 2007: Signed on to continue her role in the final Harry Potter installments
On 23 March 2007, Emma Watson signed on to continue her role as Hermione in the final Harry Potter installments after some hesitation.
July 2007: Left imprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre and acknowledged earning over £10 million.
In July 2007, Emma Watson, along with her Harry Potter co-stars, left imprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. It was also reported that her work on the Harry Potter series had earned her more than £10 million.
2007: Starred in Ballet Shoes
In 2007, Emma Watson made her first major foray beyond the Harry Potter franchise, starring in Ballet Shoes.
2007: Starred in the BBC film Ballet Shoes
In 2007, Emma Watson starred in the BBC film Ballet Shoes, a television adaptation of the 1936 novel of the same name by Noel Streatfeild, playing Pauline Fossil.
May 2008: Filming of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ended
On 17 May 2008, Emma Watson completed her part in the filming of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
November 2008: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince release date delayed.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was originally scheduled to be released in November 2008, but was delayed to July 2009.
December 2008: Voiced Princess Pea in The Tale of Despereaux
In December 2008, Emma Watson voiced the character Princess Pea in the animated film The Tale of Despereaux, based on the 2003 novel by Kate DiCamillo.
2008: Voiced Princess Pea in The Tale of Despereaux
In 2008, Emma Watson lent her voice to the character of Princess Pea in The Tale of Despereaux.
February 2009: Started filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Parts 1 & 2
In February 2009, Emma Watson took a gap year after finishing secondary school to film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Parts 1 & 2.
February 2009: Started filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
On 18 February 2009, Emma Watson began filming for the final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
March 2009: Ranked sixth on Forbes list of Most Valuable Young Stars
In March 2009, Emma Watson was ranked sixth on the Forbes list of "Most Valuable Young Stars", recognizing her financial success and marketability at a young age.
June 2009: Partnership with Burberry
In June 2009, Emma Watson confirmed her partnership with Burberry as the face of their Autumn/Winter 2009 campaign.
July 2009: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince premiered.
On 15 July 2009, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince premiered, after being delayed from November 2008. Critics were increasingly willing to review the lead actors at the same level as the rest of the cast.
September 2009: Involvement with People Tree
In September 2009, Emma Watson announced her involvement with People Tree, a fair trade fashion brand, as a creative adviser.
February 2010: Hollywood's highest-paid female star
In February 2010, Emma Watson was recognized as Hollywood's highest-paid female star, earning an estimated £19 million in 2009.
February 2010: Release of People Tree collection
In February 2010, Emma Watson's spring line of clothing for People Tree was released, featuring styles inspired by southern France and London.
May 2010: Negotiations for The Perks of Being a Wallflower
In May 2010, Emma Watson was reported to be in talks to star in Stephen Chbosky's 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower', based on the novel of the same name.
June 2010: Appeared in music video for One Night Only
In June 2010, Emma Watson appeared in a music video for One Night Only. The video, "Say You Don't Want It", was screened on Channel 4 on 26 June 2010.
June 2010: Ended filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
On 12 June 2010, Emma Watson ended filming for the final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
November 2010: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 was released
In November 2010, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 was released.
2010: Burberry Spring/Summer campaign
In 2010, Emma Watson appeared in Burberry's Spring/Summer campaign alongside her brother Alex and others.
March 2011: Face of Lancôme
In March 2011, Emma Watson announced that she had been chosen as the face of Lancôme.
July 2011: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 was released
In July 2011, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 was released, becoming a commercial and critical success and Watson's most commercially successful film to date.
2011: Appeared in My Week with Marilyn
In 2011, Emma Watson appeared in My Week with Marilyn as Lucy.
2011: Played a supporting role in My Week with Marilyn
In 2011, Emma Watson took on a supporting role in My Week with Marilyn.
February 2012: Watson joins The Bling Ring
On February 29, 2012, Emma Watson joined the cast of 'The Bling Ring', directed by Sofia Coppola. She played a fictionalised version of Alexis Neiers.
June 2012: Watson Confirmed for Noah Role
In June 2012, Emma Watson was confirmed for the role of Ila in Darren Aronofsky's 'Noah'.
September 2012: Release of The Perks of Being a Wallflower
In September 2012, 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' was released. Emma Watson starred as Sam alongside Logan Lerman. The movie received favourable reviews.
2012: Starred in The Perks of Being a Wallflower
In 2012, Emma Watson starred as Sam in The Perks of Being a Wallflower to critical success.
March 2013: Negotiations for Cinderella Role
In March 2013, Emma Watson was in negotiations to star in Kenneth Branagh's live-action Disney adaptation of 'Cinderella', but she turned down the role.
2013: Release of The Bling Ring and This Is the End
In 2013, 'The Bling Ring' was released, receiving mixed reviews but unanimous praise for Emma Watson's performance. Also in 2013, she had a supporting role in the apocalyptic comedy 'This Is the End'.
2013: Portrayed Alexis Neiers in The Bling Ring
In 2013, Emma Watson gained further acclaim for portraying Alexis Neiers in Sofia Coppola's The Bling Ring.
2013: British GQ's Woman of the Year
In 2013, Emma Watson was British GQ's Woman of the Year.
January 2014: Release of "Pantomime" featuring Watson
On January 20, 2014, the song "Pantomime" by Ben Hammersley was released, featuring Emma Watson performing background vocals.
March 2014: Release of Noah
In March 2014, the film 'Noah', starring Emma Watson as Ila, was released. The film was a box office success but received mixed reviews.
July 2014: Appointed UN Women Goodwill Ambassador
In July 2014, Emma Watson was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, marking a significant step in her advocacy for gender equality and women's rights.
November 2014: Designed a Paddington Bear statue for charity
In November 2014, Emma Watson designed a Paddington Bear statue as part of a London-wide initiative to raise funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
2014: Starred in Noah and won British Artist of the Year.
In 2014, Emma Watson starred as the titular character's adoptive daughter in Darren Aronofsky's biblical epic Noah and was also honoured by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, winning British Artist of the Year.
January 2015: Gave a speech about gender equality at the World Economic Forum
In January 2015, Emma Watson delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum's annual winter meeting, focusing on the importance of gender equality.
2015: Starring in Colonia and Regression
In 2015, Emma Watson starred in the thrillers 'Colonia' and 'Regression', which received generally negative reviews.
2015: Named on AskMen's and Time's list
In 2015, Emma Watson topped the AskMen "Top 99 Outstanding Women" list and was included in the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people, acknowledging her commitment to women's rights issues.
2015: Listed among the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine
In 2015, Emma Watson's activism and support for women's rights led to her being recognized as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.
January 2016: Started feminist Goodreads book club 'Our Shared Shelf'
In January 2016, Emma Watson launched a feminist Goodreads book club called 'Our Shared Shelf' to share feminist ideas and encourage discussion.
February 2016: Year-long break from acting
In February 2016, Emma Watson announced she was taking a year-long break from acting to focus on personal development and women's rights work.
February 2016: Appointed visiting fellow at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University
In February 2016, Emma Watson was appointed as a visiting fellow at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University.
2016: Calvin Klein gown at Met Gala
In 2016, Emma Watson wore a Calvin Klein gown made out of recycled plastic bottles to the Met Gala.
2016: Visited Malawi for International Day of the Girl Child
On International Day of the Girl Child in 2016, Emma Watson traveled to Malawi and met with traditional chiefs and girls who returned to school after being freed from child marriage.
2017: Updating The Press Tour
In 2017, Emma Watson began updating an Instagram account entitled "The Press Tour", detailing the ethical brands she wore during press tours for films.
2017: Starring as Belle in Beauty and the Beast
In 2017, Emma Watson starred as Belle in the live-action Disney adaptation of 'Beauty and the Beast'. The film was a major box office success, and Watson's performance received positive reviews.
2017: Forbes ranked her among the world's highest-paid actresses
In 2017, Forbes ranked Emma Watson among the world's highest-paid actresses, with annual earnings of $14 million.
February 2018: Donated to Time's Up UK
In February 2018, Emma Watson donated £1 million to Time's Up UK, demonstrating her commitment to combating sexual harassment and promoting equality.
March 2018: Guest-editing Vogue Australia
In March 2018, Emma Watson guest-edited the March issue of Vogue Australia, focusing on fashion sustainability.
2018: Helped launch Time's Up UK
In 2018, Emma Watson helped launch Time's Up UK as a founding member.
July 2019: Helped launch legal helpline for sexual harassment victims
In July 2019, Emma Watson contributed to the launch of a legal helpline designed to support individuals who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, in partnership with Rights of Women.
2019: Starring in Little Women
In 2019, Emma Watson starred as Meg March in Greta Gerwig's adaptation of 'Little Women'. The film was critically acclaimed and a box office success.
2019: Starred as Meg March in Little Women
In 2019, Emma Watson starred as Meg March in Greta Gerwig's coming-of-age drama Little Women.
2019: Appointed to a G7 advisory body for women's rights
In 2019, Emma Watson was appointed to a G7 advisory body for women's rights, consulting with leaders on foreign policy.
January 2020: Partnership with ThredUP
In January 2020, Emma Watson partnered with ThredUP to launch a "Fashion Footprint Calculator", to calculate the carbon impact of wardrobes.
January 2020: Our Shared Shelf ceased updates
In January 2020, the updates to Emma Watson's Goodreads book club, Our Shared Shelf, ceased. However, it continued to be open as a discussion board for recommendations.
June 2020: Supported the Black Lives Matter movement
In June 2020, Emma Watson publicly supported the Black Lives Matter movement by sharing anti-racism educational resources and uploading a podcast episode interviewing Reni Eddo-Lodge about her book Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race.
June 2020: Appointment to Kering Board of Directors
In June 2020, Emma Watson was appointed the youngest member of the board of directors of Kering and will chair Kering's sustainability committee.
July 2020: Partnered to reimagine London Underground Map
In July 2020, Emma Watson collaborated with Lodge and the WOW Foundation to redesign the London Underground Map, renaming the stops to honor women and non-binary individuals who have shaped London's history.
2020: Sat on the board of directors of Kering
From 2020, Emma Watson sat on the board of directors of Kering, a luxury brand group, in her capacity as an advocate for sustainable fashion.
2020: Future career plans
In 2020, Emma Watson discussed her future career plans, expressing a desire to amplify more voices and work behind the scenes with fewer public appearances.
June 2021: Invested in FabricNano
In June 2021, Emma Watson was among a group of investors who funded $12.5 million into FabricNano, a startup that is developing sustainable alternatives to petrochemical products.
August 2022: Face of Prada Beauty's Paradoxe fragrance
In August 2022, Emma Watson became the face of Prada Beauty's new fragrance Paradoxe, starring in, directing, writing, and narrating the promotional short film.
2022: Harry Potter Reunion
In 2022, Emma Watson reunited with Harry Potter cast members for an HBO Max special titled 'Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts'.
April 2023: Launched Renais Gin brand
In April 2023, Emma Watson, along with her brother Alex Watson, launched Renais, a sustainable Gin brand made from recycled skin grapes.
September 2023: Won Soho House Award for Breakthrough Entrepreneur
In September 2023, Emma Watson and her brother won the Soho House Award for "Breakthrough Entrepreneur" for their brand, Renais.
2023: End of Kering board membership
In 2023, Emma Watson ended her service as a member of the board of directors for Kering.
2023: Sat on the board of directors of Kering
Until 2023, Emma Watson sat on the board of directors of Kering, a luxury brand group, in her capacity as an advocate for sustainable fashion.
January 2024: Face of Prada's Re-Nylon collection
In January 2024, Emma Watson became the face of Prada's Re-Nylon collection, the brand's sustainable product line.
January 2025: Company raised $6 million for investment
In January 2025, it was reported that the company raised $6 million for investment.
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