Kate Winslet has become been one of the most respected and gifted actors of her generation, with an impressive career that spans over 25 years (and two outings with Leonardo DiCaprio).
She started out working with Peter Jackson on the crime thriller “Heavenly Creatures” (1994) and has dipped into pieces from classic literature, modern auteurs and some of the best directors in the Hollywood business. With seven career Oscar nominations from collaborations with Ang Lee (“Sense and Sensibility”), James Cameron (“Titanic”), Richard Eyre (“Iris”), Michel Gondry (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”), Todd Field (“Little Children”), Stephen Daldry (“The Reader”) and Danny Boyle (“Steve Jobs”), we are celebrating her birthday with a ranking of her 10 best performances, which include more than the ones recognized by the Academy.
Last year, she spoke with Variety about her career, speaking frankly about how she reached this point in her life, “I’m a working-class scrapper who got fucking lucky. So to be in a situation where I’m auditioning for a film at age 17, let alone cast in the goddamn role, that was not supposed to happen to anyone with a surname that was Winslet.”
Next on the docket for the English actress is a voice performance in “Naya Legend of the Golden Dolphin” before her anticipated role as Ronal in James Cameron’s long-anticipated (and delayed) “Avatar 2.” She also has two films in pre-production – “Lee” from Ellen Kuras and “Fake!” from Scott Z. Burns.
This list focuses on her film performances, otherwise, we’d see “Mare of Easttown” and her other television ventures making an appearance.
Honorable mentions: “Finding Neverland” (2004), “Iris” (2001), “Quills” (2000)
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“Carnage” (2011)
Role: Nancy Cowan
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
Directed by: Roman Polanski
Written by: Yasmina Reza, Roman Polanski (based on “Le Dieu du carnage” by Yasmina Reza)The black comedy from Roman Polanski, U.S. fugitive and convicted child rapist (oh yeah, and Oscar winner), may have the stench of his heinous acts surrounding it, but Winslet shows up greatly as one-fourth of an impeccable cast. Alongside Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly and Christoph Waltz, her mother of a boy who gets into a fight with another kid is infectiously inventive, allowing the viewer to not only chuckle, but feel for these two couples who have more going on than feuding kids. She was recognized by the Globes with a nomination (alongside Foster) but the lead/supporting debate, along with vote-splitting with her co-star, may have fed into her snub.
The scene that proves it: Being drunk
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“Ammonite” (2020)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate Role: Mary Anning
Distributed by: Neon
Directed by: Francis Lee
Written by: Francis LeeDespite mixed praise for the film itself, Winslet’s fossil hunter’s love affair with the young Charlotte (played by Saoirse Ronan) is one of the bright spots. She walks the viewer through the world, exploring her family dynamic and her past love life. Ultimately lost in the middle of the pandemic with streamers dominating the last awards season, she failed to gain traction but this is still a dedicated turn that stands out in her filmography.
The scene that proves it: “Taking care of Charlotte.”
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"Hamlet" (1996)
Role: Ophelia
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing
Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Written by: Kenneth Branagh (based on “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare)Taking on the words of William Shakespeare can be, more times than not, a dry or unremarkable outing, especially something as well known as “Hamlet.” Enter Kenneth Branagh and his casting of Winslet in the role of Ophelia, the daughter of Polonius, who ends up in a state of madness. Though largely ignored by regional critics and other awards groups, she remains a highlight in the four-hour sprawling interpretation that netted four Oscar noms.
The scene that proves it: “I was more deceived.”
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“Sense and Sensibility” (1995)
Role: Marianne Dashwood
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing
Directed by: Ang Lee
Written by: Emma Thompson (based on “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen)The resurgence of Jane Austen’s works is often credited to Ang Lee’s take on the famous story, which showcases an incredible Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood, the 16-year-old spontaneous and idealistic daughter. This role marked her first Oscar nomination, and was likely the runner-up to Mira Sorvino’s winning turn in “Mighty Aphrodite,” especially considering she won the SAG award.
The scene that proves it: “Willoughby”
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“Heavenly Creatures” (1994)
Role: Juliet Hulme
Distributed by: Miramax Films
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Written by: Peter Jackson, Fran WalshIt’s hard to believe this was her first outing in the acting realm but Winslet showed promise right from the start in Peter Jackson’s look at two New Zealand girls who develop an intense relationship in 1952. Opposite the great Melanie Lynskey, Winslet finds the dark yet compelling light of the tale, in one of the best kept secrets of the 1994 film year. Though the film was recognized for original screenplay, she was a newcomer to the scene and snubbed, which is disappointing considering the best actress lineup overall was less-than-impressive.
The scene that proves it: “Teacher’s pet.”
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“Steve Jobs” (2015)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Universal Role: Joanna Hoffman
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Directed by: Danny Boyle
Written by: Aaron Sorkin (based on “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson)Even though it takes some time to find a consistent accent, Winslet soars as a marketing executive and confidant in Danny Boyle’s look at three significant moments in the Apple founder’s life. For her efforts, she was nominated for supporting actress by the Academy, and nearly won against Alicia Vikander (‘The Danish Girl”), given her trophies at the Globes and BAFTA ceremonies. If only Vikander’s leading turn had been categorized as such.
The scene that proves it: “Joanna threatens to quit.”
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“Titanic” (1997)
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox/Paramount/Kobal Role: Rose Dewitt Bukater
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Directed by: James Cameron
Written by: James CameronThe role that made her a megastar: The world fell in love with Jack and Rose in James Cameron’s sprawling epic that won 11 Oscars, tied for the most in history (with “Ben-Hur” and later, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”). With wonderful chemistry with Leonardo DiCaprio, Winslet makes a whiny, spoiled young girl a heroine and completely likable. And yes, they both could have fit on the door.
The scene that proves it: Returning to the Titanic.
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"Little Children" (2006)
Role: Sarah Pierce
Distributed by: New Line Cinema
Directed by: Todd Field
Written by: Todd Field, Tom Perrotta (based on “Little Children” by Tom Perrotta)Hindsight is always 20/20 but as much as we adore Helen Mirren’s turn as Queen Elizabeth in Stephen Frears’ “The Queen,” Winslet’s stay-at-home mother who starts an affair with underachiever Brad (played by Patrick Wilson) probably should have triumphed in one of the strongest best actress lineups of the aughts. Her excited display at her beau catching a football is one of the best scenes of the film, showcasing her range and depth of her understanding of the character. Also of note – please, Todd Field, make another movie soon.
The scene that proves it: “I forgot the rice cakes.”
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“Revolutionary Road” (2008)
Role: April Wheeler
Distributed by: Paramount Vantage
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Written by: Justin Haythe (based on the book “Revolutionary Road” by Richard Yates)In 2008, Winslet finally received her long overdue Oscar recognition, but the problem was it came for the wrong film. After a category switcharaoo, her far less superior film “The Reader” (which was being campaigned in supporting actress) was nominated in lead actress in lieu of her extraordinary turn in Mendes’ relationship drama. Raw, honest and brutal, her interpretation of a woman stuck in a loveless marriage (in her second pairing with Leonardo DiCaprio) was recognized by the Golden Globes (in addition to “The Reader”) and brought about an interesting question to which we’ll never know the answer – if she was double nominated for “Revolutionary” and “Reader,” would she have won two Oscars that night?
The scene that proves it: “But I don’t. I hate you.
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“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)
Role: Clementine Kruczynski
Distributed by: Focus Features
Directed by: Michel Gondry
Written by: Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry, and Pierre BismuthWinslet’s transformation into Clementine Kruczynski should have easily prevailed an Oscar lineup that ended with Hilary Swank receiving her second best actress statuette for “Million Dollar Baby.” Against the words and vision of Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry, and partnered with Jim Carrey’s single best performance, she brings one of the best modern love stories to life.
The scene that proves it: “I’ve seen you, man.”