History of Naomi Watts in Timeline
Naomi Watts is a British actress who began her career in Australia, appearing in film and television roles before moving to the United States. She faced initial struggles in Hollywood, taking roles in smaller films. Her breakthrough came with her starring role in David Lynch's mystery film, Mulholland Drive (2001), which launched her into wider recognition.
1975: Chuck Wepner's Fight with Muhammad Ali
In 1975, Chuck Wepner had his famous fight with Muhammad Ali, an event that is central to the plot of the 2016 film 'The Bleeder', in which Naomi Watts played Wepner's wife.
1983: Original Film Release
In 1983, the original movie 'De Lift', was released. It was later remade by Dick Maas as 'The Shaft' in 2001, in which Naomi Watts starred.
1990: Original Broadcast of 'Twin Peaks'
In 1990, the original 'Twin Peaks' show, which Naomi Watts later appeared in a continuation of in 2017, was originally broadcast.
1997: Original Funny Games film
In 1997, the original 'Funny Games' film was released. Naomi Watts starred in the remake of the film in 2007.
2001: Starred in Short Films and The Shaft
In 2001, Naomi Watts starred in two short films, Never Date an Actress and Ellie Parker. She also starred in the horror film The Shaft, a remake of the 1983 film De Lift.
2001: Screening of Short Film
In 2001, the short film version of Ellie Parker, starring Naomi Watts, was screened at the Sundance Film Festival. This short film was later expanded into a feature-length production.
August 2002: Relationship with Heath Ledger
In August 2002, Naomi Watts started a relationship with Australian actor Heath Ledger.
2002: Starred in The Ring
In 2002, Naomi Watts starred in The Ring, the English-language remake of the Japanese horror film Ring. She portrayed Rachel Keller, a journalist investigating strange deaths linked to a mysterious videotape.
2003: Starred in Ned Kelly and Le Divorce
In 2003, Naomi Watts played Julia Cook in the Australian film Ned Kelly and starred in the Merchant-Ivory film Le Divorce, portraying Roxeanne de Persand.
2003: Starred in 21 Grams, Received Award Nominations
In 2003, Naomi Watts starred in the psychological drama 21 Grams. Her performance earned her nominations for the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actress.
May 2004: End of Relationship with Heath Ledger
In May 2004, Naomi Watts and Heath Ledger ended their relationship.
2004: Starred in Films
In 2004, Naomi Watts starred in We Don't Live Here Anymore, The Assassination of Richard Nixon, and I Heart Huckabees.
2004: Indian Ocean Tsunami
In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami occurred, an event upon which the 2012 film The Impossible, starring Naomi Watts, was based.
2005: Relationship with Liev Schreiber
In 2005, Naomi Watts began a relationship with American actor Liev Schreiber.
2005: Starred in Ellie Parker
In 2005, Naomi Watts headlined and produced the semi-autobiographical drama Ellie Parker, expanding it from a short film initially screened in 2001.
2005: Starred in The Ring Two and King Kong
In 2005, Naomi Watts starred in The Ring Two and headlined the remake of King Kong as Ann Darrow. Her role in King Kong became her most commercially successful film.
2006: Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS
In 2006, Naomi Watts became a goodwill ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), working to raise awareness and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
2006: Conversion 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 and provided a voice role in Inland Empire. She was also announced as the new face of David Yurman jewelers.
2007: Birth of Son
In 2007, Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber welcomed their son.
2007: Starred in Eastern Promises and Funny Games
In 2007, Naomi Watts starred in David Cronenberg's Eastern Promises and produced and starred in Michael Haneke's Funny Games, a remake of his 1997 film.
2007: Featured in Pirelli Calendar
In 2007, Naomi Watts was featured in the Pirelli Calendar, following a photoshoot completed in 2006 after being announced as the new face of David Yurman jewelers.
2008: Birth of Daughter
In 2008, Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber welcomed their daughter, Kai Schreiber, who was assigned male at birth.
2008: Endorsement Deal with David Yurman Jewelry
In 2008, Naomi Watts secured an endorsement deal with David Yurman jewelry, marking her entry into the world of brand ambassadorship.
December 2009: Meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
In December 2009, Naomi Watts met with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at a public event commemorating World AIDS Day 2009, in her role as a goodwill ambassador for UNAIDS.
2009: Return to Acting, Starred 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 received award nominations for her performance in Mother and Child.
2010: Haiti Earthquake
In 2010, Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake, prompting Naomi Watts and other celebrities to attend a charity polo match in 2011 to raise funds for the victims.
2010: Campaign for Ann Taylor
In 2010, Naomi Watts appeared in a campaign for Ann Taylor, further solidifying her presence in the fashion and advertising industries.
2011: Starred in Dream House and J. Edgar
In 2011, Naomi Watts appeared in Dream House and J. Edgar, as Helen Gandy.
2011: Attendance at 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.
2011: End of Angel fragrance ambassadorship
In 2011, Naomi Watts's role as the ambassador for Thierry Mugler's Angel fragrance concluded, with Eva Mendes taking over the role.
2012: Ambassador for Pantene's Beautiful Lengths
In 2012, Naomi Watts became an ambassador for Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program, which donates real-hair wigs to women with cancer. She visited St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney to meet some of the women the program helps.
2012: Starred in The Impossible, Earned Award Nominations
In 2012, Naomi Watts starred in The Impossible, based on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. She earned nominations for the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.
2013: Starred in Adore and Movie 43
In 2013, Naomi Watts starred in Adore and Movie 43. Her role in Adore received mixed reviews, while Movie 43 was universally panned.
2013: Starred in Sunlight Jr. and Diana
In 2013, Naomi Watts starred in Sunlight Jr. and portrayed the title role in Diana, a biographical drama about Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana was released amid much controversy.
2014: Starring in 'Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)', 'St. Vincent', and 'While We're Young'
In 2014, Naomi Watts starred in Alejandro González Iñárritu's 'Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)', which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. She also starred in 'St. Vincent' as a Russian prostitute, earning a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. Additionally, Watts appeared in 'While We're Young' with Ben Stiller, receiving praise for their on-screen chemistry.
2014: New 'face' of L'Oréal
In 2014, Naomi Watts was announced as a new 'face' of L'Oréal, marking a significant endorsement deal with the global beauty brand.
2014: FCCA Award
In 2014, Naomi Watts won the FCCA Award for Best Actress for her role in the film Adore, released in 2013.
2015: Role in 'Insurgent'
In 2015, Naomi Watts played rebel leader Evelyn Johnson-Eaton in 'Insurgent', the second film in 'The Divergent Series'. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success.
2015: Films Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival
In 2015, Naomi Watts starred in 'Demolition' and 'Three Generations', both of which were screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.
2015: Starring in 'The Sea of Trees'
In 2015, Naomi Watts starred in Gus Van Sant's mystery drama 'The Sea of Trees' alongside Matthew McConaughey. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival but was heavily panned by critics and audiences.
March 2016: Release of 'Allegiant'
In March 2016, Naomi Watts reprised her role as Evelyn Johnson-Eaton in 'Allegiant', the third installment of 'The Divergent Series'. The film was released to negative reviews and poor box office sales.
September 2016: Split from Liev Schreiber
On September 26, 2016, Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber announced their split after 11 years together.
2016: 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 where she spent time as a child.
2016: Collaboration 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. She also participated in Bulgari's digital campaign.
2016: Founding of Onda Beauty
In 2016, Naomi Watts founded the skincare company Onda Beauty, venturing into the entrepreneurial side of the beauty industry.
2016: Roles in 'The Bleeder' and 'Shut In'
In 2016, Naomi Watts played Linda in 'The Bleeder', a biographical sport drama. She also headlined the thriller 'Shut In', which received largely negative reviews.
May 2017: Release of 'Three Generations'
In May 2017, 'Three Generations', starring Naomi Watts, Susan Sarandon, and Elle Fanning, was released in selected theaters after being pulled from the schedule before its initial intended release.
2017: Appearances in 'Twin Peaks', 'Gypsy', and 'The Book of Henry'
In 2017, Naomi Watts appeared in 'Twin Peaks', a limited event television series, and starred in the Netflix drama series 'Gypsy', where she also served as an executive producer. She also starred in 'The Book of Henry'.
2017: Dating Billy Crudup
In 2017, Naomi Watts began dating American actor Billy Crudup after meeting on the set of the Netflix drama series 'Gypsy'.
November 2018: Hosting the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala and McHappy Day Ambassador
In November 2018, Naomi Watts hosted the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala in NYC. She also teamed up with McDonald's as a McHappy Day ambassador, making an appearance in Haberfield, Sydney.
2019: Role in 'The Loudest Voice'
In 2019, Naomi Watts portrayed Gretchen Carlson in the Showtime miniseries 'The Loudest Voice', which is based on the book 'The Loudest Voice in the Room' about Roger Ailes's sexual harassment of Carlson.
2020: Campaign for Fendi
In 2020, Naomi Watts appeared in a campaign for Fendi, enhancing her portfolio of endorsements with the luxury fashion brand.
January 2021: Investment in Thirteen Lune
In January 2021, Naomi Watts became an early investor in Thirteen Lune, an e-commerce site focusing on beauty and wellness products owned by people of color and ally brands.
October 2022: Launch of Stripes
In October 2022, Naomi Watts launched Stripes, a beauty and wellness brand focused on menopause health.
2022: Lead Role in Netflix's 'The Watcher'
In 2022, Naomi Watts played a lead role in Netflix's 'The Watcher' as Nora Brannock, alongside Bobby Cannavale.
June 9, 2023: Marriage to Billy Crudup
On June 9, 2023, Naomi Watts married American actor Billy Crudup.
June 2024: Second Wedding Ceremony with Billy Crudup in Mexico
In June 2024, Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup celebrated their marriage with a second ceremony surrounded by family in Mexico.
June 2024: Acquisition of Stripes by L Catterton
In June 2024, the beauty and wellness brand Stripes, founded by Naomi Watts, was acquired by L Catterton.
October 2024: Ambassador and Designer for Coyuchi linen
In October 2024, Naomi Watts was announced as an ambassador and designer for Coyuchi linen.
2024: Nomination for Primetime Emmy Award for Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
In 2024, Naomi Watts starred in the anthology series 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans' as Babe Paley, for which she received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie nomination.
January 21, 2025: Release of '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'.
2025: Adjusted Gross of Eastern Promises
In 2025, the adjusted gross of Eastern Promises, which Naomi Watts starred in in 2007, is equivalent to US$90.2 million.
2025: Adjusted Gross of The Impossible
In 2025, the adjusted gross of The Impossible, which was released in 2012, is equivalent to $246.5 million.
2025: Adjusted gross of You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
In 2025, the adjusted gross of You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, released in 2010, is equivalent to $37.5 million.
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