Meryl Streep — 3 wins, 21 nominations at the Oscars

1978: “The Deer Hunter”

One of Streep’s most important early roles was in “The Deer Hunter” in 1978. The film, about a group of friends whose lives are changed by the Vietnam War, was an Academy Award winner for Best Picture and featured a young and impressive cast including Christopher Walken, Jon Voight, and Meryl Streep. It is regarded as a classic and one of the most important films of its decade, and it set the stage for Streep's meteoric rise to fame.

The Deer Hunter | Wedding Music [Dance Scene]

1979-80: “Kramer vs. Kramer” and “Mannerism-Vogue”

One of the first times Streep’s name was mentioned in conjunction with the word “Oscar” was in 1980 when she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her work in “Kramer vs. Kramer.” She lost to Jessica Lange in “Tootsie.” But she won the New York Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress for “Mannerism-Vogue,” a film no one remembers.

Kramer v Kramer Best scene

1982: "Sophie's Choice"

In 1982, Streep won her first Oscar for her iconic performance in “Sophie’s Choice.” In the film, based on a true story, Streep plays a woman who is living in the aftermath of the Holocaust and is forced to confront memories and decisions she wishes she could forget. It is a haunting, unforgettable performance, and one of Streep’s best. It was also the first time a film was released with a “For Your Consideration” ad in Oscar week. At the time, it was seen as a bit of a desperate move, but it worked Streep won the Oscar.

Sophie's Choice Official Trailer #1 - Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline Movie (1982) HD

1983: "Silkwood"

Streep’s second Oscar came in 1983 for “Silkwood.” The film, about a woman who works at a plutonium processing plant and becomes involved in a unionization effort, was well-received but did not win Best Picture. Streep’s performance, though, was widely praised by critics.

Georges Delerue - Silkwood (1983) Suite

1993: “The River’s Edge”

“The River’s Edge” was not a big hit, but Streep’s performance in the film is considered one of her best. The film follows a group of teens who have to confront the fact that one of their friends was responsible for murdering a young woman. In the film, Streep plays a woman who doesn’t want to get involved but ultimately has to decide between her privacy and her moral obligation to help.

2003: “Munich”

In the years between “The River’s Edge” and “The Iron Lady,” Streep mostly focused on her family. She took roles in smaller films and took time off from work. She did, however, earn another Oscar nomination for her role in “Munich” in 2003. The film, about a group of Mossad agents who track down and kill the Palestinians who were responsible for the Olympics massacre, is a powerful look at the consequences of violence and revenge.

2004: “ Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events”

“Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events,” based on the famous children’s book series, was a surprise hit in 2004. It tells the story of three orphaned children who have to deal with their evil uncle. Streep plays the children’s eccentric and unstable aunt. The film was panned by critics, but it earned more than 130 million dollars at the box office.

2012: “Hope Springs” and “The Iron Lady”

Streep earned her third Oscar for her role in “The Iron Lady” in 2012. The film, about former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, is structured like a biopic, but it is really about the mental and emotional breakdown that Thatcher experienced in her final years in power. “The Iron Lady” was not a universally reviewed film, but Streep’s performance was widely praised. Since then, Streep has had roles in “Hope Springs” and “The Paperboy,” but her next high-profile film will be “The Nanny Diaries.”

Conclusion

Meryl Streep has had a long and impressive career as a leading actress. Her Oscar wins have come in a wide variety of roles, from a Holocaust survivor to Margaret Thatcher. She will continue to be an icon of the film industry for a long time to come. Besides her film career, Streep has also been an activist and philanthropist. She was one of the first people to speak out against Harvey Weinstein, and she has organized a fund to support women in the film industry who have experienced sexual assault or harassment. Streep is an example of the power of art and culture to affect real change in the world.