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, often hailed as one of the greatest of her generation. Celebrated for her versatility and mastery of accents, she boasts a career spanning over five decades. Streep's extensive list of accolades includes three Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, alongside nominations for a Tony Award and seven Grammy Awards, highlighting her diverse talent and significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1981: Reflecting on limited opportunities for older actresses

In a 1981 interview, Meryl Streep commented on the limited opportunities for actresses in their mid-forties, anticipating the need to pick parts carefully while balancing a family.

1987: Acting Method

In 1987, Meryl Streep stated that she does not have a particular method when it comes to acting, and that she finds the danger in acting exciting.

2003: Honorary César Award

In 2003, Meryl Streep received an Honorary César, recognizing her contributions to film.

2004: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2004, Meryl Streep was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award by the American Film Institute's board of directors.

2006: The Guardian on Streep's Sophie's Choice scene

In 2006, Emma Brockes of The Guardian described the "choice" scene in "Sophie's Choice", where Meryl Streep's character must choose which of her children will be gassed at Auschwitz, as Streep's most famous, highlighting her deft handling of smaller, harder-to-grasp emotions.

2008: Gala Tribute from the Film Society of Lincoln Center

In 2008, Meryl Streep received a Gala Tribute from the Film Society of Lincoln Center, honoring her achievements in film.

2008: Molly Haskell praises Streep's performance in Plenty

In 2008, Molly Haskell praised Meryl Streep's performance in "Plenty", believing it to be one of her most difficult, ambiguous, and feminist roles.

2010: National Medal of Arts

In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the National Medal of Arts, recognizing her contributions to the arts.

2011: Kennedy Center Honors

In 2011, Meryl Streep received Kennedy Center Honors, with introductions by Tracey Ullman and speeches by Robert De Niro and Mike Nichols. Kevin Kline, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Anne Hathaway also honored Streep, with a performance of "She's My Pal".

2012: Honorary Golden Bear Award

In 2012, Meryl Streep was awarded an Honorary Golden Bear, celebrating her achievements in film at the Berlin International Film Festival.

November 2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In November 2014, Meryl Streep was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts.

2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honoring her significant contributions to American society.

2015: Fonda's Lasting Influence

In 2015, Meryl Streep stated that Jane Fonda had a lasting influence on her as an actress and credited her with opening doors for her.

January 2017: Cecil B. DeMille Award Speech

In January 2017, Meryl Streep delivered a political speech at the 74th Golden Globe Awards upon receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award, implicitly criticizing President-elect Donald Trump, who responded by calling her "one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood".

January 2017: Cecil B. DeMille Award at Golden Globes

In January 2017, Meryl Streep received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes, presented by Viola Davis. In her acceptance speech, Streep quoted Carrie Fisher, saying, "Take your broken heart and make it into art."