Lasting Legacy of Meryl Streep: A Look at the Influence on History
How the contributions of Meryl Streep continue to shape the world today.
Meryl Streep is a highly acclaimed American actress celebrated for her versatility, mastery of accents, and consistent high-quality performances over a five-decade career. Often lauded as "the best actress of her generation," she boasts an impressive collection of awards, including three Academy Awards, multiple British Academy Film Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Streep has also been nominated for Grammy Awards and a Tony Award, showcasing her diverse talent across various entertainment mediums.
1987: Artistic Control and Improvisation Statement
In 1987, Meryl Streep stated that her ideal director is one who gives her complete artistic control, allowing her to have a degree of improvisation and to learn from her mistakes.
2004: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 2004, Meryl Streep received the AFI Life Achievement Award.
2006: The Guardian Article
In 2006, Emma Brockes of The Guardian highlighted the "choice scene" from Sophie's Choice as Streep's most famous, praising her ability to portray smaller emotions in a deft way.
2010: National Medal of Arts
In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the National Medal of Arts.
2011: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2011, Meryl Streep received Kennedy Center Honors with tributes from Robert De Niro, Mike Nichols, Kevin Kline, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Anne Hathaway.
November 2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In November 2014, President Barack Obama bestowed upon Meryl Streep the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
2015: Acknowledged Fonda's Influence
In 2015, Meryl Streep stated that Jane Fonda had a lasting influence on her as an actress, crediting her with opening many doors.
January 2017: Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement
In January 2017, Streep was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 74th Golden Globe Awards, during which she delivered a predominantly political speech that implicitly criticized President-elect Donald Trump. Trump responded by calling Streep "one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood".
January 2017: Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes
In January 2017, Viola Davis presented Meryl Streep with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes.
2017: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2017, Meryl Streep received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.
