History of Naomi Watts in Timeline

Naomi Watts is a British actress recognized for her performances, primarily in independent films characterized by dark or tragic themes. She has garnered critical acclaim and received numerous nominations, including two Academy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards, highlighting her contributions to the film industry.

Sections (4)

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

1945: Publication of Christina Stead's For Love Alone

Christina Stead's novel "For Love Alone", on which the 1986 film debut of Naomi Watts was based, was published in 1945.

1946: Birth of Peter Watts

Peter Watts, Naomi Watts' father, was born in 1946. He worked as a road manager and audio engineer with Pink Floyd.

September 1968: Naomi Watts Born in England

Naomi Ellen Watts was born in September 1968, in Shoreham, Kent, England, the daughter of Myfanwy (Miv) Edwards and Peter Watts.

1974: Peter Watts left Pink Floyd

Naomi Watts' father, Peter Watts, left Pink Floyd in 1974.

1975: Mentioned Chuck Wepner's 1975 fight with Muhammad Ali

In 1975, Chuck Wepner had a fight with Muhammad Ali. This fight is a central element in the 2016 film "The Bleeder" in which Naomi Watts starred.

August 1976: Death of Father, Peter Watts

In August 1976, Peter Watts, Naomi Watts' father, was found dead in London of an apparent heroin overdose. Naomi was nearly eight years old.

1978: Mother Remarries and Moves to Suffolk

In 1978, Naomi Watts' mother remarried and moved with her children to Suffolk, where Watts attended Thomas Mills High School.

1980: Inspiration from Fame

Naomi Watts has said that she wanted to become an actress after watching the 1980 film "Fame".

1982: Family Moves to Sydney, Australia

In 1982, when Naomi Watts was 14, her family moved to Sydney, Australia, where her mother established a career in the film business.

1983: The Lift released

In 1983, the film The Lift, directed by Dick Maas, was released. It was later remade into the 2001 film Down starring Naomi Watts.

1986: Film Debut in For Love Alone

In 1986, Naomi Watts made her film debut in the Australian drama "For Love Alone" after her family moved to Australia.

1989: Meets John Duigan

In 1989, Naomi Watts met John Duigan at the premiere of Nicole Kidman's film "Dead Calm", leading to a role in "Flirting".

1990: Mention of original Twin Peaks show

In 1990 the original show of Twin Peaks was broadcast. In 2017, Naomi Watts appeared in Twin Peaks, a limited event television series and a continuation of the 1990 show of the same name.

Loading Video...

1990: Appearance in Hey Dad..!

In 1990, Naomi Watts appeared in two episodes of the fourth season of the Australian sitcom "Hey Dad..!".

1991: Roles in Flirting, Brides of Christ, and Home and Away

In 1991, Naomi Watts appeared in John Duigan's film "Flirting", the mini-series "Brides of Christ", and had a recurring role in the soap opera "Home and Away".

1991: Roles in Brides of Christ, Home and Away, and Flirting

In 1991, Naomi Watts appeared in the television series "Brides of Christ" and "Home and Away", and the film "Flirting".

1992: Flirting Featured on Ebert's List

In 1992, the film "Flirting", in which Naomi Watts played a supporting role, was featured on American critic Roger Ebert's list of the 10 best films.

1993: Small Role in Matinee and Return to Australia

In 1993, Naomi Watts had a small role in the film "Matinee" and returned to Australia to star in "Wide Sargasso Sea", and "The Custodian". She also had her first leading role in the film "Gross Misconduct".

1995: Supporting Role in Tank Girl

In 1995, Naomi Watts had a supporting role as "Jet Girl" in the futuristic film "Tank Girl", which flopped at the box office but later became a cult classic.

1996: Roles in Persons Unknown, Timepiece, Bermuda Triangle, and Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering

In 1996, Naomi Watts starred in "Persons Unknown", "Timepiece", the TV pilot "Bermuda Triangle", and "Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering".

1997: Stars in Under the Lighthouse Dancing and Sleepwalkers

In 1997, Naomi Watts starred in the Australian ensemble romantic drama "Under the Lighthouse Dancing" and the television series "Sleepwalkers".

1997: Considered for Roles in The Postman and The Devil's Advocate

In 1997, Naomi Watts was considered for roles in "The Postman" and "The Devil's Advocate", but the roles went to other actresses.

1997: Funny Games original film released

In 1997, the original film Funny Games was released. It was later remade in 2007 starring Naomi Watts.

1998: Roles in The Christmas Wish, Dangerous Beauty, and Babe: Pig in the City

In 1998, Naomi Watts starred in "The Christmas Wish", played a supporting role in "Dangerous Beauty", and provided voice work for "Babe: Pig in the City".

February 1999: Filming of Mulholland Drive Pilot

In February 1999, director David Lynch filmed a large portion of what was intended to be a pilot for a television series called "Mulholland Drive", with Naomi Watts in the lead role.

1999: Roles in Strange Planet and The Hunt for the Unicorn Killer

In 1999, Naomi Watts played Alice in the romantic comedy "Strange Planet" and Holly Maddux in "The Hunt for the Unicorn Killer", based on the capture of Ira Einhorn.

October 2000: Filming of Mulholland Drive Ending

In October 2000, David Lynch filmed an ending for "Mulholland Drive", turning the rejected pilot into a feature film.

2000: Lost Role in Meet the Parents

In 2000, Naomi Watts lost a role she wanted in "Meet the Parents" after auditioning five times, with feedback indicating she was "not sexy enough".

2000: Stars in The Wyvern Mystery

In 2000, Naomi Watts starred in the BBC TV film "The Wyvern Mystery", an adaptation of the novel by Sheridan Le Fanu.

2001: Premiere of Mulholland Drive and Breakthrough

In 2001, "Mulholland Drive" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to high critical acclaim, marking Naomi Watts's breakthrough role. She received numerous awards and nominations for her performance.

2001: Breakthrough Role in Mulholland Drive

In 2001, Naomi Watts achieved international recognition with her breakthrough role in David Lynch's mystery film "Mulholland Drive", after struggling as an actress in the United States.

2001: Starred in horror film Down

In 2001, Naomi Watts also starred in the horror film Down, directed by Dick Maas as a remake of his 1983 film The Lift.

2001: Starred in Never Date an Actress and Ellie Parker

In 2001, Naomi Watts starred in two short films, Never Date an Actress and Ellie Parker.

2001: Ellie Parker screened at Sundance Film Festival

In 2001, the short film Ellie Parker was screened at the Sundance Film Festival. It was later expanded into a feature-length production, released in 2005 and starring Naomi Watts.

2002: Starred in Rabbits, Plots with a View, and The Outsider

In 2002, Naomi Watts also starred in Rabbits, a series of short films directed by David Lynch; alongside several other famous British actors in the black comedy Plots with a View; and with Tim Daly in The Outsider, a western.

2002: Stars in The Ring

In 2002, Naomi Watts played the role of a tormented journalist in the horror remake "The Ring".

2002: Recalls Early Career Struggles

In 2002, Naomi Watts reflected on her early career, describing the challenges and frustrations of endless auditions and mistreatment as an unknown actress.

2003: Nomination for Academy Award for 21 Grams

In 2003, Naomi Watts received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as a grief-stricken mother in Alejandro González Iñárritu's film "21 Grams".

2003: Starred in 21 Grams, receives award nominations

In 2003, Naomi Watts starred in 21 Grams, earning numerous award nominations, including her first nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress, the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.

2003: Starred in Ned Kelly and Le Divorce

In 2003, Naomi Watts starred in the Australian film Ned Kelly, and in the Merchant-Ivory film Le Divorce as Roxeanne de Persand, a pregnant poet.

2004: Starring Role in I Heart Huckabees

In 2004, Naomi Watts starred in the film "I Heart Huckabees".

2004: Starred in We Don't Live Here Anymore and The Assassination of Richard Nixon

In 2004, Naomi Watts starred in the independent film We Don't Live Here Anymore alongside Mark Ruffalo, and reunited with Sean Penn in The Assassination of Richard Nixon, playing the wife of Samuel Byck.

2004: Tsunami that served as the basis for The Impossible occurred

In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami occurred, which later served as the basis for the 2012 film The Impossible starring Naomi Watts.

2005: Starred in Stay

In 2005, Naomi Watts also starred in Marc Forster's psychological thriller Stay, alongside Ewan McGregor, Ryan Gosling and Bob Hoskins.

2005: Starring Role in King Kong

In 2005, Naomi Watts played a starring role in the film "King Kong".

2005: Starred in video game adaptation of King Kong

In 2005, Naomi Watts reprised her role as Ann Darrow in the video game adaptation of King Kong, garnering her significant praise. She was nominated for a Spike Video Game Award for Best Performance by a Female and won an award for Best Cast.

Loading Video...

2006: Became a goodwill ambassador for Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS

In 2006, Naomi Watts became a goodwill ambassador for Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), helping to raise awareness of issues relating to the disease.

2006: Converted to Buddhism

In 2006, Naomi Watts converted to Buddhism after becoming interested in the religion during the shooting of "The Painted Veil" and became a proponent of Transcendental Meditation.

2006: Starred in The Painted Veil and Inland Empire

In 2006, Naomi Watts starred in The Painted Veil, based on the novel by Somerset Maugham, and provided a voice role in David Lynch's Inland Empire.

2006: Named face of David Yurman

In 2006, Naomi Watts was announced as the new face of the jewelers David Yurman.

2007: Starred in Eastern Promises and Funny Games

In 2007, Naomi Watts starred in Eastern Promises as a midwife and in Funny Games, a remake of the 1997 film, as a mother held hostage.

2007: Starring Role in Eastern Promises

In 2007, Naomi Watts starred in the film "Eastern Promises".

2007: Featured in Pirelli Calendar

In 2007, Naomi Watts was featured in the Pirelli Calendar after completing a photoshoot in 2006.

December 2009: Met with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

In December 2009, Naomi Watts met United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at a public event commemorating World AIDS Day 2009, highlighting her role as a goodwill ambassador.

2009: Starring Role in The International

In 2009, Naomi Watts held a starring role in the film "The International".

2009: Returned to acting in The International and Mother and Child

In 2009, after a hiatus, Naomi Watts returned to acting, starring in The International and Mother and Child. She was nominated for awards for Mother and Child.

2010: Mention of the 2010 Haiti earthquake

In 2010 Haiti was hit by an earthquake. In 2011, Naomi Watts attended a charity polo match in New York City with Hugh Jackman and Isla Fisher to raise money for victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

2010: Starred in You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger and Fair Game

In 2010, Naomi Watts starred in You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, which opened at the Cannes Film Festival, and Fair Game. She received a Satellite Award nomination for Fair Game.

2011: Appeared in Dream House and J. Edgar

In 2011, Naomi Watts appeared in Dream House and J. Edgar.

2011: Attended charity polo match

In 2011, Naomi Watts attended a charity polo match in New York City with Hugh Jackman and Isla Fisher to raise money for victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

2012: Became ambassador for Pantene's Beautiful Lengths

In 2012, Naomi Watts became an ambassador for Pantene's Beautiful Lengths, a program that donates real-hair wigs to women with cancer.

2012: Academy Award Nomination for The Impossible

In 2012, Naomi Watts received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Maria Bennett in the disaster film "The Impossible".

2012: Starred in The Impossible, receives award nominations

In 2012, Naomi Watts starred in The Impossible, earning nominations for the Golden Globe Award, the Screen Actors Guild Award, and her second nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

2012: Reflects on Babe: Pig in the City Voiceover Work

In an interview in 2012, Naomi Watts humorously reflected on her voiceover work for "Babe: Pig in the City", calling it an attempt to "beef up" her résumé.

2012: Reflects on Auditioning for Meet the Parents

Naomi Watts spoke about coming to New York and auditioning at least five times for the movie, "Meet the Parents" in a 2012 interview. She heard that the studio didn't find her "sexy enough".

2013: Starred in Adore and Movie 43

In 2013, Naomi Watts starred in Adore with Robin Wright and in the anthology comedy Movie 43 with Liev Schreiber. Movie 43 was panned by critics.

2013: Starred in Sunlight Jr. and Diana

In 2013, Naomi Watts starred in Sunlight Jr. with Matt Dillon and portrayed Diana, Princess of Wales, in the biographical drama Diana. The film Diana was a critical flop.

2014: Obtained FCCA Award for Best Actress

In 2014, Naomi Watts obtained the FCCA Award for Best Actress for her role in Adore.

2014: Starred in "Birdman" and other films

In 2014, Naomi Watts starred in Alejandro González Iñárritu's "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" as an actress in a play. She also appeared in "St. Vincent" as a Russian prostitute and in "While We're Young" as half of a married couple. These films screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Loading Video...

2014: Roles in Birdman and St. Vincent

In 2014, Naomi Watts starred in the films "Birdman" and "St. Vincent".

2014: Became a 'face' of L'Oréal

In 2014, Naomi Watts was announced as a new 'face' of L'Oréal, adding to her endorsement deals.

2015: Starred in "Insurgent"

In 2015, Naomi Watts played rebel leader Evelyn Johnson-Eaton in "Insurgent", the second film in "The Divergent Series". The film achieved commercial success despite mixed reviews.

Loading Video...

2015: Starred in "Demolition" and "Three Generations"

In 2015, Naomi Watts starred in "Demolition" as a customer service representative and in "Three Generations" as the mother of a young transgender man. Both films screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Loading Video...

2015: Starred in "The Sea of Trees"

In 2015, Naomi Watts starred in Gus Van Sant's mystery drama "The Sea of Trees", playing the wife of a man who attempts suicide. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival but was heavily panned.

Loading Video...

2015: Starring Role in While We're Young and Divergent franchise

In 2015, Naomi Watts took on starring roles in "While We're Young" and the "Divergent" franchise.

March 2016: "Allegiant" Release

In March 2016, Naomi Watts reprised her role as Evelyn Johnson-Eaton in "Allegiant", the third installment of "The Divergent Series". The film received negative reviews and had lackluster box office sales.

Loading Video...

September 2016: Split from Liev Schreiber

In September 2016, Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber announced their split after 11 years together.

2016: Became honorary president of Glantraeth F.C.

In 2016, Naomi Watts became the honorary president of Glantraeth F.C., a small football club in Malltraeth, Anglesey, Wales, near her grandparents' farm.

2016: Collaborated with Sportscraft and Barnardos

In 2016, Naomi Watts collaborated with Sportscraft and children's charity Barnardos to produce a range of namesake coats, with a percentage of sales going to the charity, and photographed for Bulgari's "Raise Your Hand" campaign.

2016: Founded Onda Beauty

In 2016, Naomi Watts founded the skincare company Onda Beauty, expanding her business ventures.

2016: Starred in "The Bleeder" and "Shut In"

In 2016, Naomi Watts played Linda, the wife of Chuck Wepner, in "The Bleeder". She also starred in the thriller "Shut In", which received negative reviews.

Loading Video...

2016: Appears in the Divergent Franchise

Naomi Watts appeared in the Divergent franchise in 2016.

May 2017: "Three Generations" opened in selected theaters

In May 2017, the movie "Three Generations" starring Naomi Watts opened in selected theaters, after being pulled from the schedule days before its intended initial release.

Loading Video...

2017: Appeared in "Twin Peaks", "Gypsy", and "The Book of Henry"

In 2017, Naomi Watts appeared in "Twin Peaks", starred in the Netflix series "Gypsy", and played the mother in "The Book of Henry". "Gypsy" was canceled after one season.

Loading Video...

2017: Began dating Billy Crudup

In 2017, Naomi Watts began dating Billy Crudup after meeting on the set of the Netflix drama series "Gypsy".

Loading Video...

2017: Starring Role in The Glass Castle

In 2017, Naomi Watts had a starring role in the film "The Glass Castle".

2017: Television Venture with Twin Peaks

In 2017, Naomi Watts ventured into television with the third season of David Lynch's mystery series, "Twin Peaks".

November 2018: Hosted Worldwide Orphans Gala and teamed up with McDonald's

In November 2018, Naomi Watts hosted the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala in NYC, and teamed up with McDonald's as a McHappy Day ambassador in Sydney.

2019: Portrayed Gretchen Carlson in "The Loudest Voice"

In 2019, Naomi Watts portrayed Gretchen Carlson in the Showtime miniseries "The Loudest Voice", which is based on the book about Roger Ailes's sexual harassment of Carlson.

Loading Video...

2019: Stars in The Loudest Voice

In 2019, Naomi Watts starred in the biographical miniseries "The Loudest Voice".

2019: Starring Role in Luce

In 2019, Naomi Watts starred in the film "Luce".

2020: Appeared in Fendi campaign

In 2020, Naomi Watts appeared in a campaign for Fendi, continuing her collaborations with high-profile fashion brands.

January 2021: Invested in Thirteen Lune

In January 2021, Naomi Watts was announced as an early investor in Thirteen Lune, an e-commerce site focused on beauty and wellness products.

October 2022: Launched Stripes

In October 2022, Naomi Watts launched Stripes, a beauty and wellness brand focused on menopause health.

Loading Video...

2022: Starred in Netflix's "The Watcher"

In 2022, Naomi Watts played a lead role as Nora Brannock in Netflix's "The Watcher", alongside Bobby Cannavale.

Loading Video...

2022: Stars in The Watcher

In 2022, Naomi Watts starred in the Netflix thriller series "The Watcher".

Loading Video...

June 9, 2023: Married Billy Crudup

On June 9, 2023, Naomi Watts married Billy Crudup.

2023: Marriage to Billy Crudup

In 2023, Naomi Watts married actor Billy Crudup, after separating from Liev Schreiber, with whom she shares two children.

June 2024: Stripes Acquired by L Catterton

In June 2024, Naomi Watt's beauty and wellness brand 'Stripes' was acquired by L Catterton.

Loading Video...

June 2024: Second wedding ceremony with Billy Crudup in Mexico

In June 2024, Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup celebrated their wedding in a second ceremony in Mexico with their family.

October 2024: Became Ambassador for Coyuchi Linen

In October 2024, Naomi Watts was announced as an ambassador and designer for Coyuchi linen.

2024: Starred in "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans"

In 2024, Naomi Watts starred as Babe Paley in the anthology series "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans", receiving a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

Loading Video...

January 21, 2025: Released "Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause"

On January 21, 2025, Naomi Watts released her first book, "Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause".

Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause

Check it on Amazon

2025: Eastern Promises grossed US$92.3 million

By 2025, Eastern Promises grossed US$92.3 million worldwide.

2025: King Kong grossed US$906.7 million worldwide

By 2025, King Kong had grossed US$906.7 million worldwide.

Loading Video...

2025: The Impossible made $252.4 million

By 2025, The Impossible had made $252.4 million globally.

2025: The International grossed $90 million

By 2025, The International had grossed $90 million worldwide.

2025: The Ring Two made more than US$265.4 million worldwide

By 2025, The Ring Two had made more than US$265.4 million worldwide gross.

Loading Video...

2025: The Ring grossed US$230.9 million

By 2025, The Ring had grossed US$230.9 million domestically.

Loading Video...

2025: You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger made $38.4 million

By 2025, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger made $38.4 million.

2025: Hollywood Star

In 2025, Naomi Watts is scheduled to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2025: Stars in All's Fair

Naomi Watts starred in the Hulu legal drama series "All's Fair" in 2025. For her portrayal of Babe Paley, she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award.