Meryl Streep's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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, widely regarded as one of the best of her generation due to her versatility and mastery of accents. Over her five-decade career, she has amassed numerous awards, including three Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. She has also been nominated for seven Grammy Awards and a Tony Award, showcasing her diverse talents across various entertainment mediums.

Sections (5)

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

1962: Influence of Mamma Roma

In 1995, While preparing for her role in 'The Bridges of Madison County', Meryl Streep viewed Pier Paolo Pasolini's film Mamma Roma (1962) for inspiration, drawing influence from Italian film stars such as Sophia Loren and Anna Magnani.

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1981: Received honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College

In 1981, Meryl Streep received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College.

1985: Release of Out of Africa

In 1985, Meryl Streep starred as Karen Blixen in Out of Africa, opposite Robert Redford. Despite initial doubts from director Sydney Pollack, Streep secured the role and delivered a performance praised by Stanley Kauffmann. The film was a commercial success and earned Streep an Academy Award nomination.

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1995: Release of The Bridges of Madison County

In 1995, Meryl Streep starred in The Bridges of Madison County, directed by Clint Eastwood. Despite disliking the novel, she found the script compelling and gained weight for the role, emulating Italian film stars. The film was a box office hit and critically acclaimed.

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1996: Starring in Marvin's Room

In 1996, Meryl Streep played the role of the estranged sister in Marvin's Room, a film adaptation of the play by Scott McPherson, where she starred alongside Diane Keaton. She also recommended Keaton for her role in the movie. Streep's performance in the film earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

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1997: Starring in ...First Do No Harm

In 1997, Meryl Streep starred in ...First Do No Harm, which earned her a second Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress – Miniseries or a Movie.

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1999: Starring in Music of the Heart

In 1999, Meryl Streep portrayed Roberta Guaspari in the music drama Music of the Heart. Streep's performance in the film earned her nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

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2002: Starring in Adaptation. and The Hours

In 2002, Meryl Streep portrayed Susan Orlean in Adaptation. and won her fourth Golden Globe. That year, she also appeared in The Hours alongside Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore. The three leading actresses won a Silver Bear for Best Actress for their performance.

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2003: Honorary César Award

In 2003, Meryl Streep received an Honorary César.

2003: Starring in Angels in America

In 2003, Meryl Streep starred in HBO's adaptation of Tony Kushner's play Angels in America, receiving her second Emmy Award and fifth Golden Globe for her performance.

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2004: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2004, Meryl Streep received the AFI Life Achievement Award.

2006: Starring in The Devil Wears Prada

In 2006, Meryl Streep starred in The Devil Wears Prada, portraying Miranda Priestly, a role that earned her critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, including her 14th Oscar bid and another Golden Globe.

October 2008: Mamma Mia! Song rose to popularity

In October 2008, after Meryl Streep starred in "Mamma Mia!", her rendition of the titular song rose to popularity on the Portuguese music charts, peaking at number eight. At the 35th People's Choice Awards, her version of "Mamma Mia" won an award for "Favorite Song From A Soundtrack". In 2008, Streep was also 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.

2008: Starring in Doubt

In 2008, Meryl Streep starred in Doubt, a drama about a nun who accuses a priest of pedophilia. The film received five Academy Awards nominations.

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2009: Starring in Julie & Julia and It's Complicated

In 2009, Meryl Streep played chef Julia Child in Julie & Julia and starred in It's Complicated alongside Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. She won a Golden Globe for Julie & Julia, and received her 16th Oscar nomination for it. She also lent her voice to Fantastic Mr. Fox.

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2010: National Medal of Arts

In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the National Medal of Arts.

2011: Kennedy Center Honor

In 2011, Meryl Streep received the Kennedy Center Honor.

2011: Starred in The Iron Lady

In 2011, Meryl Streep starred in "The Iron Lady", a British biographical film about Margaret Thatcher, directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Streep's performance as Thatcher earned her widespread acclaim and several awards, though the film received mixed reviews. Former advisers, friends, and family of Thatcher criticized Streep's portrayal of her as "inaccurate" and "biased".

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2012: Honorary Golden Bear

In 2012, Meryl Streep received an Honorary Golden Bear.

2013: Starred in August: Osage County

In 2013, Meryl Streep starred in "August: Osage County", a black comedy-drama based on Tracy Letts's play. Streep played the matriarch of a dysfunctional family reuniting in their familial house, and her performance received positive reviews, garnering her awards nominations.

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2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Meryl Streep the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2016: Starred in Florence Foster Jenkins

In 2016, following her duties as president at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival, Meryl Streep starred in "Florence Foster Jenkins", directed by Stephen Frears. She played the titular role of a tone-deaf opera singer, earning critical acclaim and several award nominations.

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2017: Introduced Carmen de Lavallade at Kennedy Center Honors

In 2017, Meryl Streep introduced choreographer Carmen de Lavallade at the Kennedy Center Honors.

2017: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2017, Meryl Streep received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.

2017: Starred in The Post

In 2017, Meryl Streep starred as Katharine Graham in Steven Spielberg's political drama "The Post", about The Washington Post's publication of the Pentagon Papers. The film received positive reviews, and Streep earned her 31st Golden Globe nomination and 21st Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance.

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2019: Starred in Big Little Lies and The Laundromat and Little Women

In 2019, Meryl Streep starred in the second season of the HBO drama series "Big Little Lies", as well as "The Laundromat" and "Little Women". She played Mary Louise Wright in "Big Little Lies", and she was praised for her performance and received an Emmy nomination. She also starred in the Netflix movie "The Laundromat" and played Aunt March in Greta Gerwig's "Little Women".

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2023: Acted in Extrapolations and Only Murders in the Building

In 2023, Meryl Streep acted in the Apple TV+ anthology series "Extrapolations" and in the third season of the Hulu comedy series "Only Murders in the Building". She received a Golden Globe, and Primetime Emmy Award nomination and won a Critics' Choice Television Award for Only Murders in the Building.

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