Emma Watson is a celebrated English actress recognized for her diverse filmography, spanning both mainstream and independent cinema. Her accomplishments have garnered numerous awards, including a Young Artist Award and three MTV Movie Awards. Watson's global influence is evident through her recognition as one of the highest-paid actresses by Forbes and Vanity Fair, further solidified by her inclusion in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2015.
In 1936, Noel Streatfeild's novel "Ballet Shoes," about three orphaned sisters pursuing their dreams in the world of performing arts, was published. The book would later be adapted into a BBC film in 2007, starring Emma Watson.
Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson was born in April 1990.
Born in Paris in April 1990 to British parents, Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson spent her early years in Maisons-Laffitte, near Paris, before moving to England with her mother following her parents' divorce.
At the age of nine, Emma Watson's life changed dramatically when she was cast as Hermione Granger in the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," marking the beginning of her journey as a global star.
Stephen Chbosky's coming-of-age novel, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," was published in 1999. The book, exploring themes of adolescence, mental health, and social belonging, gained a devoted following and was later adapted into a film in 2012, starring Emma Watson as Sam.
Emma Watson's performance as Hermione Granger in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (2001) earned her a Young Artist Award.
November 2001 saw the release of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," marking Emma Watson's film debut and catapulting her, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint to international fame. Watson's performance as Hermione Granger was singled out for praise.
After attending the Dragon School in Oxford, Emma Watson moved on to Headington School, Oxford in 2003.
Kate DiCamillo's children's novel, "The Tale of Despereaux," was published in 2003. The heartwarming story, featuring a brave mouse named Despereaux, would later be adapted into an animated film in 2008, with Emma Watson voicing the character of Princess Pea.
The 2004 release of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" saw Emma Watson's portrayal of Hermione Granger receive further critical acclaim, with particular notice given to the character's more assertive role in the film.
At the age of 15, Emma Watson kicked off her modeling career with a photo shoot for Teen Vogue, becoming the youngest person to ever grace the cover of the magazine.
In 2005, the release of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" marked a significant milestone for both Emma Watson and the film series. The movie received critical acclaim, with praise for Watson's maturing performance. The New York Times described her acting as "touchingly earnest," while The Guardian highlighted her portrayal of Hermione as "gutsy and confident."
Balancing her burgeoning acting career with her studies, Emma Watson achieved outstanding results in her GCSE examinations in June 2006, receiving eight A* and two A grades.
In 2006, Emma Watson reprised her role as Hermione Granger in "The Queen's Handbag," a special mini-episode of Harry Potter produced in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday.
Prior to "Order of the Phoenix," the future of the Harry Potter series was uncertain. All three lead actors hesitated to commit to the final films. Watson, in particular, grappled with the decision, acknowledging the significant four-year commitment. Ultimately, she decided she "could never let [the role of] Hermione go" and signed on for the remaining films in March 2007.
Continuing her education, Emma Watson sat for AS levels in May 2007 and later decided to focus on three A levels, including English, Geography, and Art, to accommodate her filming commitments for the Harry Potter series.
July 2007 saw the release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." The film was a massive commercial triumph, breaking records with its opening weekend gross. Watson's performance earned her the prestigious National Movie Award for Best Female Performance. In a momentous occasion for the franchise, Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint, imprinted their hands, feet, and wands at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
In 2007, Emma Watson took on her first role outside the Harry Potter franchise in the BBC film "Ballet Shoes," adapted from Noel Streatfeild's 1936 novel. Director Sandra Goldbacher praised Watson as a perfect fit for the lead role of Pauline Fossil, an aspiring actress.
Principal photography for the sixth Harry Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," commenced in late 2007, marking the beginning of another chapter in the beloved series.
Stepping away from the familiar role of Hermione, Emma Watson took on the lead in "Ballet Shoes" in 2007, marking her first major role outside the Harry Potter franchise.
Emma Watson completed filming her part in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" on May 17, 2008, after starting on December 18, 2007.
The release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" was delayed from November 2008 to July 2009. This decision was made to accommodate production schedules and ensure the film met the high expectations set by its predecessors.
In December 2008, Emma Watson lent her voice to the character of Princess Pea in the animated film "The Tale of Despereaux." This children's comedy, based on Kate DiCamillo's 2003 novel, also featured the voices of Matthew Broderick and Watson's Harry Potter co-star Robbie Coltrane.
Expanding her repertoire, Emma Watson lent her voice to the animated film "The Tale of Despereaux" in 2008.
Before starting university, Emma Watson took a gap year starting in February 2009 to film the final two installments of the Harry Potter series: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Parts 1 & 2."
February 2009 marked the start of filming for the two-part adaptation of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." The decision to split the final book into two films was driven by both financial and narrative considerations, allowing for a more comprehensive and satisfying conclusion to the saga.
In March 2009, Emma Watson secured the sixth position on the Forbes list of "Most Valuable Young Stars."
After much speculation, Emma Watson confirmed in June 2009 that she would be the face of Burberry's Autumn/Winter 2009 campaign, a deal rumored to be worth a significant sum.
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" premiered in July 2009, having been postponed from its original November 2008 release date. Critics lauded the performances of the lead actors, now in their late teens, placing them on par with the franchise's established stars. The Los Angeles Times hailed the film's cast as a "comprehensive guide to contemporary UK acting."
Emma Watson made a significant move in promoting ethical fashion by announcing her partnership with People Tree, a fair trade fashion brand, in September 2009.
By February 2010, Emma Watson had achieved the distinction of being Hollywood's highest-paid female star, having earned an estimated £19 million in 2009.
Emma Watson's spring clothing line, designed in collaboration with People Tree, debuted in February 2010, featuring designs influenced by Southern France and London.
In May 2010, it was announced that Emma Watson was in discussions to star in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," adapted from Stephen Chbosky's 1999 novel. This marked a significant step in her post-Harry Potter career, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
After more than a year of filming, production on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" concluded in June 2010. The completion of this final chapter marked the end of an era for the cast and crew, who had dedicated a significant portion of their lives to the beloved franchise.
On June 26, 2010, Channel 4 aired the music video for One Night Only's "Say You Don't Want It," featuring Emma Watson. Watson's appearance in the video came about after she met lead singer George Craig during the filming of the 2010 Winter/Summer Burberry advertising campaign.
November 2010 saw the much-anticipated release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1." The film, a critical and commercial success, set the stage for the epic conclusion of the series.
Emma Watson appeared alongside her brother Alex, musicians George Craig and Matt Gilmour, and model Max Hurd in Burberry's Spring/Summer 2010 campaign.
In February 2011, Emma Watson was presented with the Style Icon award by Dame Vivienne Westwood at the British Elle Style Awards.
Furthering her presence in the fashion world, Emma Watson was announced as the face of Lancôme in March 2011.
After a year and a half at Brown University, Emma Watson announced in March 2011 that she was deferring her studies for a period to focus on her acting career and other academic pursuits, including a stint at Worcester College, Oxford.
July 2011 witnessed the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2," the grand finale of the Harry Potter saga. The film shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing installment in the franchise and solidifying its place as a cinematic phenomenon.
Filming for "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" commenced in the summer of 2011, bringing together a talented cast, including Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Ezra Miller. The film, set in the early 1990s, explores the complexities of adolescence and the search for identity.
In 2011, Emma Watson transitioned from her iconic role as Hermione Granger to new cinematic territory with her appearance in "My Week with Marilyn." She played Lucy, a wardrobe assistant who briefly captures the attention of the film's protagonist, Colin Clark, portrayed by Eddie Redmayne. This marked her first role after the conclusion of the Harry Potter series.
In 2011, Emma Watson showcased her acting range in a supporting role for the film "My Week with Marilyn."
In 2011, Emma Watson added a new dimension to her public profile when she was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, signifying her dedication to gender equality.
On February 29, 2012, it was confirmed that Emma Watson had joined the cast of Sofia Coppola's satirical crime film "The Bling Ring." Watson's role as a fictionalized version of Alexis Neiers, a real-life individual involved in the Bling Ring robberies, showcased her willingness to take on challenging and unconventional characters.
In June 2012, Emma Watson was confirmed for the role of Ila in Darren Aronofsky's biblical epic "Noah".
September 2012 saw the release of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," starring Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Ezra Miller. Watson's performance as Sam, a free-spirited high school senior, was well-received by critics, with praise for her ability to embody a character distinct from her famous Hermione Granger persona.
Emma Watson's performance as Sam in the 2012 coming-of-age drama "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" was met with critical acclaim, solidifying her versatility as an actress.
In March 2013, it was reported that Emma Watson was in talks to play Cinderella in Kenneth Branagh's live-action adaptation for Disney. She was offered the role but declined it.
Emma Watson received the accolade of British GQ's Woman of the Year in 2013 and also claimed the top spot on Empire's list of the 100 Sexiest Movie Stars.
In 2013, Madame Tussauds in London unveiled a wax statue of Emma Watson wearing an Elie Saab haute couture design. The museum stated that Watson was one of their most requested personalities for a statue.
Taking on a challenging role, Emma Watson portrayed Alexis Neiers in Sofia Coppola's satirical crime film "The Bling Ring" in 2013.
2013 marked the release of both "The Bling Ring" and "This Is the End," two films featuring Emma Watson in distinct roles. In "The Bling Ring," she portrayed a fictionalized version of Alexis Neiers, a member of a real-life group of teenagers involved in celebrity home burglaries. Her performance received critical acclaim, with many praising her ability to embody the character's complexities. In the apocalyptic comedy "This Is the End," Watson surprised audiences with her comedic timing, playing a heightened version of herself alongside actors like Seth Rogen and James Franco.
In 2013, Emma Watson obtained certification to teach yoga and meditation, seeking ways to find inner peace and cope with the pressures of fame.
On January 20, 2014, the song "Pantomime" by Ben Hammersley was released, featuring background vocals by Emma Watson.
"Noah", starring Emma Watson as Ila, was released in March 2014. Despite being a box office success, the film received mixed reviews.
Balancing her acting career with her education, Emma Watson graduated from Brown University with a bachelor's degree in English literature in May 2014.
After a five-year journey balancing her acting career with her studies, Emma Watson graduated from Brown University in May 2014 with a degree in English literature.
In July 2014, Emma Watson was appointed a UN Women Goodwill ambassador. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality and education for girls, traveling to Bangladesh and Zambia in support of these causes.
Emma Watson designed a Paddington Bear statue as part of a charity auction for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in November 2014.
In 2014, when questioned about her beliefs, Emma Watson described herself as a spiritual universalist.
In 2014, Emma Watson delivered a speech at the United Nations headquarters to launch the HeForShe campaign, urging men to advocate for gender equality.
Emma Watson was awarded British Artist of the Year at the 2014 Britannia Awards. She dedicated the award to her deceased pet hamster, Millie.
Emma Watson was awarded Best British Style at the 2014 British Fashion Awards, beating out other notable nominees including David Beckham, Amal Clooney, Kate Moss, and Keira Knightley.
2014 was a year of recognition and diverse roles for Emma Watson. She was named British Artist of the Year by BAFTA and starred in Darren Aronofsky's "Noah."
Emma Watson delivered a speech about gender equality at the World Economic Forum's annual winter meeting in January 2015.
Malala Yousafzai shared that Emma Watson's 2014 UN speech on gender equality inspired her to identify as a feminist.
In 2015, Time magazine included Emma Watson in its list of the 100 most influential people globally, acknowledging her activism and impact.
In 2015, Emma Watson was recognized for her global impact when Time magazine included her in their list of the 100 most influential people.
In 2015, Emma Watson starred in two thrillers, "Colonia" and "Regression", both of which received generally negative reviews. She also made a guest appearance as Reverend Iris in an episode of the BBC comedy series "The Vicar of Dibley".
Emma Watson claimed the top spot on AskMen's "Top 99 Outstanding Women 2015" list, largely due to her dedication to women's rights issues.
Emma Watson launched a feminist Goodreads book club called "Our Shared Shelf" in January 2016 to promote feminist ideas and encourage discussions.
In February 2016, Emma Watson accepted the position of visiting fellow at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University.
In February 2016, Emma Watson announced she would be taking a year-long hiatus from acting to focus on personal growth and her work in women's rights.
Known for her commitment to sustainable fashion, Emma Watson wore a Calvin Klein gown made from recycled plastic bottles to the 2016 Met Gala.
On International Day of the Girl Child in 2016, Emma Watson traveled to Malawi to meet with local leaders and girls who had escaped child marriage and returned to school.
Emma Watson faced criticism in March 2017 for a Vanity Fair photoshoot where one image showed partial nudity. She responded by stating that feminism is about freedom and equality, not judging other women.
In 2017, Forbes recognized Emma Watson as one of the world's highest-paid actresses, with annual earnings reaching $14 million.
In 2017, Emma Watson began updating an Instagram account called "The Press Tour" dedicated to showcasing the ethical brands she wore during film press tours, including for "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Circle".
Emma Watson brought the beloved character of Belle to life in the live-action adaptation of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" in 2017.
Emma Watson played the iconic role of Belle in Disney's 2017 live-action adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast", directed by Bill Condon and co-starring Dan Stevens. The film was a massive commercial success and received generally positive reviews, with praise for Watson's performance.
In February 2018, Emma Watson donated £1 million to Time's Up UK and helped establish the organization's Justice and Equality Fund, which supports women's groups combating sexual harassment.
Emma Watson guest-edited the March 2018 issue of Vogue Australia, focusing on fashion sustainability. She was also photographed by Peter Lindbergh for the issue.
Further demonstrating her commitment to combating sexual harassment and promoting gender equality, Emma Watson helped launch Time's Up UK in 2018.
In July 2019, Emma Watson helped launch a legal helpline, in partnership with Rights of Women, to provide legal advice and support for individuals who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
In 2019, Emma Watson starred in two films: "The Circle", based on Dave Eggers' novel, and Greta Gerwig's adaptation of "Little Women". While "The Circle" received negative reviews, "Little Women" garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.
In 2019, research conducted by Lund University in Sweden examined the carbon footprints of several celebrities, including Emma Watson. The study revealed that while her overall carbon footprint was the lowest among those analyzed, her air travel emissions remained significant.
Joining a stellar cast, Emma Watson delivered a memorable performance as Meg March in Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, "Little Women," in 2019.
Recognized for her advocacy work, Emma Watson was appointed to a G7 advisory body for women's rights in 2019, where she provided input on policies promoting gender equality.
Emma Watson's feminist book club, "Our Shared Shelf," ceased updates in January 2020 but remains open as a platform for book recommendations.
In January 2020, Emma Watson partnered with consignment website ThredUP to launch a "Fashion Footprint Calculator" to help users understand and reduce the carbon footprint of their clothing choices.
Emma Watson was appointed the youngest member of the Kering board of directors, a company that owns fashion brands such as Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, in June 2020. She chaired the sustainability committee and aimed to impact decisions for future generations.
In June 2020, amidst controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling's comments on gender identity, Emma Watson publicly voiced her support for transgender rights. Additionally, she actively showed support for the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd, sharing anti-racism resources and engaging in conversations about race.
In July 2020, Emma Watson collaborated with Reni Eddo-Lodge and the WOW Foundation to initiate a project focused on reimagining the London Underground Map. The project aims to rename the 270 stations to honor women and non-binary individuals who have significantly contributed to the city's history.
In 2020, Emma Watson expressed her desire to shift her career focus towards amplifying diverse voices and social activism, hinting at potentially taking on fewer acting roles.
Global surveys conducted by YouGov in 2020 placed Emma Watson as the sixth most admired woman worldwide.
Aligning her passion for sustainability with her influence in the fashion world, Emma Watson joined the board of directors of Kering, a luxury brand group, in 2020.
In June 2021, Emma Watson participated in a group investment totaling $12.5 million in FabricNano, a startup dedicated to developing environmentally friendly alternatives to petrochemical products.
In 2021, Emma Watson was among the signatories of a letter advocating for the UK government to ensure the inclusion of women in key decision-making roles at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.
Emma Watson and her representatives refuted claims about her engagement and retirement, attributing the speculation to clickbait and explaining her reduced public appearances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Emma Watson hosted a panel discussion on climate change, featuring prominent figures like climate activist Greta Thunberg.
In January 2022, Emma Watson expressed her support for the Palestinian cause on Instagram, which sparked criticism and accusations of antisemitism. The incident ignited a debate, with both supporters and detractors voicing their opinions.
In August 2022, Emma Watson became the face of Prada Beauty's new fragrance, Paradoxe. She also starred in, directed, wrote, and narrated the fragrance's promotional short film.
Emma Watson joined the cast of the Harry Potter film series for a reunion special titled "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts", which premiered on HBO Max.
Emma Watson concluded her service on the board of directors at Kering in 2023.
Emma Watson concluded her three-year term on Kering's board of directors in 2023.
Returning to academia, Emma Watson embarked on a master's course in creative writing at Oxford University in 2023, further indulging her passion for literature.
In January 2024, Emma Watson became the face of Prada's Re-Nylon collection, the brand's sustainable product line.