Meryl Streep's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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Meryl Streep

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Meryl Streep. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Meryl Streep is a highly acclaimed American actress renowned for her versatility and mastery of accents. Often hailed as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, her career spans over five decades. She has garnered numerous awards, including three Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Streep has also received nominations for seven Grammy Awards and a Tony Award, demonstrating her wide-ranging talent and impact on the entertainment industry.

1978: Emmy Award for Holocaust

In 1978, Meryl Streep won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the miniseries Holocaust, marking her first major television award.

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1979: Academy Award for Kramer vs. Kramer

In 1979, Meryl Streep received her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a troubled wife in Kramer vs. Kramer, marking a significant achievement in her career.

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1979: Golden Globe and Academy Award for Kramer vs. Kramer

In 1979, Meryl Streep won the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer, solidifying her status as a prominent actress.

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1981: Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Dartmouth College

In 1981, Meryl Streep received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, recognizing her contributions to the arts and her successful career.

1982: Academy Award for Sophie's Choice

In 1982, Meryl Streep won her second Academy Award, this time for Best Actress, for portraying a Holocaust survivor in Sophie's Choice, further solidifying her reputation as a leading actress.

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1988: Starred in Evil Angels

In 1988, Meryl Streep starred in Evil Angels as Lindy Chamberlain, an Australian woman convicted of her infant daughter's murder. Filmed in Australia, Streep won several awards for her performance. Vincent Canby of The New York Times called her performance "another stunning performance".

1997: ...First Do No Harm Nomination

In 1997, Meryl Streep received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress for her performance in "...First Do No Harm".

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2003: Honorary César

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

2003: Emmy Award for Angels in America

In 2003, Meryl Streep won another Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the miniseries Angels in America, adding to her accolades for television work.

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2004: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2004, Meryl Streep was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award, celebrating her distinguished career in film.

2006: The Devil Wears Prada Release

In 2006, Meryl Streep starred in "The Devil Wears Prada", earning critical acclaim and a record-setting 14th Oscar nomination. The film became her biggest commercial success at the time.

The Devil Wears Prada a Novel
The Devil Wears Prada a Novel

October 2008: "Mamma Mia" song popularity and Grammy Nomination

In October 2008, after Streep starred in Mamma Mia!, her rendition of the titular song rose to popularity on the Portuguese music charts, peaking at number eight. Additionally, in 2008, Streep was nominated for a Grammy Award for her work on the Mamma Mia! soundtrack.

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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 work in film.

2008: Mamma Mia! Release

In 2008, Meryl Streep starred in "Mamma Mia!", a film adaptation of the musical based on ABBA's songs. It became her highest-grossing film to date, earning her another Golden Globe nomination.

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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. Tracey Ullman introduced her, and Robert De Niro and Mike Nichols gave speeches. Kevin Kline, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Anne Hathaway also honored Streep, with the tribute concluding with a performance of "She's My Pal."

2011: Academy Award for The Iron Lady

In 2011, Meryl Streep received her third Academy Award, winning Best Actress for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, marking another milestone in her acclaimed career.

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2011: Release of "The Iron Lady"

In 2011, Meryl Streep starred in "The Iron Lady", a biographical film about Margaret Thatcher. She portrayed Thatcher during the Falklands War and her retirement years. Streep's performance was highly praised, earning her awards, although the film received mixed reviews.

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2012: Honorary Golden Bear

In 2012, Meryl Streep was awarded an Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, celebrating her contributions to cinema.

2013: Starring in "August: Osage County"

In 2013, Meryl Streep starred in "August: Osage County," a black comedy-drama. Streep played the matriarch of a dysfunctional family and received positive reviews, along with Golden Globe, SAG, and Academy Award nominations.

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November 2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In November 2014, Meryl Streep was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, recognizing her as one of history's most acclaimed actors.

2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

2016: Starring in "Florence Foster Jenkins"

In 2016, Meryl Streep starred in "Florence Foster Jenkins", a biopic about an opera singer with no sense of tone who wants to perform publicly. She won the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress in a Comedy for her performance and received Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG, and BAFTA nominations.

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January 2017: Cecil B. DeMille Award at Golden Globes

In January 2017, Viola Davis presented Meryl Streep with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes. During her acceptance speech, Streep quoted Carrie Fisher.

2017: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2017, Meryl Streep received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, honoring her outstanding contributions to the entertainment field.

2017: Starring in "The Post"

In 2017, Meryl Streep starred as Katharine Graham in Steven Spielberg's "The Post", a political drama about the publication of the Pentagon Papers. The film received positive reviews and earned Streep multiple nominations.

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2024: Honorary Palme d'Or

In 2024, Meryl Streep was awarded an Honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, recognizing her significant impact on cinema.