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 celebrated for her versatility and mastery of accents. Often hailed as the "best actress of her generation," she has garnered numerous awards throughout her five-decade career. These include three Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. In addition to her acting achievements, she has also received nominations for seven Grammy Awards and a Tony Award, underscoring her widespread artistic talent.

Sections (5)

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

1981: Leading role in The French Lieutenant's Woman

In 1981, Meryl Streep played her first leading role in The French Lieutenant's Woman, acting alongside Jeremy Irons. She developed an English accent for the part but felt like a misfit. The role earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

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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.

1982: Starring in Still of the Night and Sophie's Choice

In 1982, Meryl Streep starred in the psychological thriller Still of the Night, co-starring Roy Scheider and Jessica Tandy, and also in the drama Sophie's Choice. Her performance in Sophie's Choice, portraying a Polish survivor of Auschwitz, drew praise for her emotional depth and Polish accent.

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1985: Starring in Out of Africa

In 1985, Meryl Streep starred as Karen Blixen in Out of Africa, opposite Robert Redford. The film was a significant commercial success and won a Golden Globe for Best Picture and an Academy Award for Best Picture, with Streep receiving another Academy Award nomination. Stanley Kauffmann praised her performance as being at the highest level of acting in film today.

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1988: Starring in Evil Angels

In 1988, Meryl Streep starred in Evil Angels, playing Lindy Chamberlain. She won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actress, Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival, and the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress.

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1996: Marvin's Room Release

In 1996, Meryl Streep starred as Lee in "Marvin's Room", an adaptation of Scott McPherson's play, portraying the estranged sister of Bessie (Diane Keaton). Streep recommended Keaton for the role, and her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

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1999: Music of the Heart Release

In 1999, Meryl Streep starred as Roberta Guaspari in "Music of the Heart", receiving nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance.

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2002: Adaptation. and The Hours Releases

In 2002, Meryl Streep portrayed Susan Orlean in "Adaptation.", winning a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. She also appeared in "The Hours" alongside Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore, earning a Silver Bear for Best Actress with her co-stars.

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2003: Received Honorary César

In 2003, Meryl Streep received an Honorary César award.

2003: Angels in America Release

In 2003, Meryl Streep starred in HBO's adaptation of "Angels in America", winning her second Emmy Award and fifth Golden Globe for her performance in multiple roles.

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2003: Mike Nichols Honored

In 2003, Mike Nichols was a Kennedy Center Honoree.

2004: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2004, Meryl Streep was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award by the American Film Institute.

2006: The Devil Wears Prada Release

In 2006, Meryl Streep starred in "The Devil Wears Prada" as Miranda Priestly, earning critical acclaim and a record-setting 14th Oscar nomination and another Golden Globe nomination. The film became her biggest commercial success, grossing over US$326.5 million worldwide.

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2008: Received 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: Doubt Release

In 2008, Meryl Streep starred in "Doubt", a drama set in 1964, receiving critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.

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2009: Julie & Julia and It's Complicated Releases

In 2009, Meryl Streep starred as Julia Child in "Julie & Julia" and in "It's Complicated". She won a Golden Globe for "Julie & Julia" and received her 16th Oscar nomination for it. She also lent her voice to Mrs. Felicity Fox in Fantastic Mr. Fox.

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2009: Robert De Niro Honored

In 2009, Robert De Niro was a Kennedy Center Honoree.

2010: Awarded 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 an introduction by Tracey Ullman and speeches by Robert De Niro and Mike Nichols. Kevin Kline, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Anne Hathaway honored Streep. The tribute concluded with a performance of "She's My Pal".

2012: Received Honorary Golden Bear

In 2012, Meryl Streep was awarded an Honorary Golden Bear.

November 2014: Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2014: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

January 2017: Cecil B. DeMille Award and political speech

In January 2017, Meryl Streep received the Cecil B. DeMille Award and delivered a political speech criticizing Donald Trump at the 74th Golden Globe Awards.

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. Streep quoted Carrie Fisher in her acceptance speech.