Career Timeline of Rachel McAdams: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Rachel McAdams built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rachel McAdams is a Canadian actress who gained prominence after graduating with a BFA in Theatre from York University in 2001. Known for her roles in both comedy and drama films, she later expanded her career to television and theater. McAdams has earned numerous award nominations, including nods from the Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and Tony Awards, recognizing her contributions across various performance mediums.

Sections (4)

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

2009: Starring in 'State of Play' and 'The Time Traveler's Wife'

In 2009, Rachel McAdams starred in the political thriller 'State of Play' as Della Frye, an online reporter. She also starred in the science fiction romantic drama 'The Time Traveler's Wife' as Clare Abshire.

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2009: Starring in 'Sherlock Holmes'

In late 2009, Rachel McAdams starred as Irene Adler in 'Sherlock Holmes', playing the antagonist and love interest of Sherlock Holmes.

2010: Starring in 'Morning Glory'

In 2010, Rachel McAdams starred in the comedy 'Morning Glory' as a television producer attempting to improve a morning television program's ratings.

2011: Starring in 'Midnight in Paris'

In 2011, Rachel McAdams starred in Woody Allen's fantasy romantic comedy 'Midnight in Paris' as Inez, the fiancée of Owen Wilson's character. The film opened the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

2012: Starring in 'The Vow'

In 2012, Rachel McAdams starred in the romantic drama 'The Vow' as a woman who loses her memories after a car crash, and her husband tries to rebuild their relationship.

2013: Starring in 'To the Wonder' and 'Passion'

In 2013, Rachel McAdams co-starred in Terrence Malick's romantic drama 'To the Wonder' and starred in Brian De Palma's erotic thriller 'Passion'.

2013: Starring in 'About Time'

In 2013, Rachel McAdams starred in the romantic comedy-drama 'About Time'.

2014: Starring in 'A Most Wanted Man' and Receiving a Star on Canada's Walk of Fame

In 2014, Rachel McAdams starred in 'A Most Wanted Man'. In late 2014, she received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.

December 2015: Starring in 'Every Thing Will Be Fine', HBO's 'True Detective', and LACMA Live Read of 'The Princess Bride'

In December 2015, Rachel McAdams starred in Wim Wenders' drama 'Every Thing Will Be Fine'. Also in 2015, McAdams returned to television and starred in the second season of HBO's 'True Detective'. McAdams also played Buttercup in a one-off, staged LACMA Live Read of 'The Princess Bride'.

2015: Starring in 'Spotlight'

In 2015, Rachel McAdams starred as journalist Sacha Pfeiffer in 'Spotlight', a drama about the child-abuse scandal in Boston's Catholic Church. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture. For her role, McAdams received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.