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, 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.
1981: Received Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Dartmouth College
In 1981, Meryl Streep received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, recognizing her achievements in the arts.
1981: Leading role in The French Lieutenant's Woman
In 1981, Meryl Streep took on her first leading role in "The French Lieutenant's Woman", playing opposite Jeremy Irons. She developed an English accent for the part but felt like a misfit, expressing a wish to be more beautiful. She also won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress for her performance.
1982: Reunion with Robert Benton and starring in Sophie's Choice
In 1982, Meryl Streep reunited with Robert Benton for the psychological thriller "Still of the Night". Also in 1982, she starred in "Sophie's Choice", portraying a Polish survivor of Auschwitz. Her emotional performance and mastery of a Polish accent were highly praised. She filmed the emotionally exhausting "choice" scene in one take.
1985: Starring in Out of Africa
In 1985, Meryl Streep starred in "Out of Africa" as Karen Blixen, opposite Robert Redford. Director Sydney Pollack initially doubted her suitability but was impressed by her directness. The film was a significant commercial success, winning a Golden Globe for Best Picture, and earned Streep another Academy Award nomination.
1988: Starring in Evil Angels
In 1988, Meryl Streep starred in "Evil Angels", playing Lindy Chamberlain. Filmed in Australia, Streep won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance.
1995: Starring in The Bridges of Madison County
In 1995, Meryl Streep starred in "The Bridges of Madison County", directed by Clint Eastwood, playing Francesca, an Italian farm wife. She gained weight for the role and drew influence from Sophia Loren and Anna Magnani. The film was a box office hit and received warm critical reception.
1996: Marvin's Room Film Adaptation
In 1996, Meryl Streep starred as Lee in 'Marvin's Room,' a film adaptation of Scott McPherson's play, portraying the estranged sister of Bessie, played by Diane Keaton, a woman battling leukemia. Streep suggested Keaton for the role. The film was well-received, and Streep received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
1997: Emmy Nomination for ...First Do No Harm
In 1997, Meryl Streep received her second Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress – Miniseries or a Movie for her performance in '...First Do No Harm'.
1999: Music of the Heart Release
In 1999, Meryl Streep starred in 'Music of the Heart' as Roberta Guaspari. For her performance, Streep received nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
2002: Adaptation. and The Hours Releases
In 2002, Meryl Streep starred in 'Adaptation.' as journalist Susan Orlean, winning a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. She also appeared in 'The Hours' alongside Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore.
2003: Honorary César Award
In 2003, Meryl Streep received an Honorary César, recognizing her contributions to film.
2003: Angels in America HBO Adaptation
In 2003, Meryl Streep starred in HBO's adaptation of Tony Kushner's 'Angels in America'. Streep, who played four roles in the miniseries, received her second Emmy Award and fifth Golden Globe for her performance.
2003: Kennedy Center Honors Recipient
Mike Nichols was a 2003 Kennedy Center Honoree, and gave a speech in 2011 honoring Meryl Streep.
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 Devil Wears Prada Release
In 2006, Meryl Streep starred in 'The Devil Wears Prada' as Miranda Priestly. The film received mixed reviews, but Streep's portrayal was highly praised, earning her numerous award nominations and becoming her biggest commercial success to date.
October 2008: "Mamma Mia" popularity and Grammy Nomination
In October 2008, Meryl Streep's rendition of the song "Mamma Mia" peaked at number eight on the Portuguese music charts. Her version of "Mamma Mia" also won "Favorite Song From A Soundtrack" at the 35th People's Choice Awards, and Streep was nominated for a Grammy Award.
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: Doubt Release
In 2008, Meryl Streep starred in 'Doubt' alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis. The film was hailed by critics and received five Academy Award nominations.
2009: Julie & Julia and It's Complicated Release
In 2009, Meryl Streep starred in 'Julie & Julia' as Julia Child and in 'It's Complicated'. She won a Golden Globe for 'Julie & Julia' and received her 16th Oscar nomination for it. She also voiced Mrs. Felicity Fox in 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'.
2009: Kennedy Center Honors Recipient
Robert De Niro was a 2009 Kennedy Center Honoree, and gave a speech in 2011 honoring Meryl Streep.
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: The Iron Lady Release and Awards
In 2011, Meryl Streep re-teamed with director Phyllida Lloyd for "The Iron Lady", a biographical film about Margaret Thatcher. Streep's performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her Best Actress awards at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and the 84th Academy Awards. However, the film received mixed reviews, and Streep's portrayal of Thatcher was criticized by former advisors and family members as inaccurate and biased.
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.
2013: August: Osage County
In 2013, Meryl Streep starred in "August: Osage County", receiving positive reviews for her portrayal of the matriarch. She was nominated for a Golden Globe, SAG, and Academy Award for the role.
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.
2016: Florence Foster Jenkins Release and Award
In 2016, Meryl Streep starred in "Florence Foster Jenkins", a biopic about an opera singer. She won the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress in a Comedy and received nominations for other awards.
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."
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: The Post Release
In 2017, Meryl Streep starred as Katharine Graham in Steven Spielberg's "The Post", about the publication of the Pentagon Papers. The film received positive reviews, and Streep earned Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.
2023: Extrapolations and Only Murders in the Building
In 2023, Meryl Streep acted in the Apple TV+ anthology series "Extrapolations" and played Loretta Durkin in the third season of "Only Murders in the Building", receiving a Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award nomination and winning a Critics' Choice Television Award.
2024: Honorary Palme d'Or
In 2024, Meryl Streep was awarded the Honorary Palme d'Or, celebrating her lifetime achievements in film at the Cannes Film Festival.
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