14 September 2012 by Scarlett Russell

Meryl Streep: An Icon. We Look Back At Some Of Her Finest Film Roles

Meryl Streep

Once again, Meryl Streep delivers another outstanding performance and, once again, there’s Oscar buzz surrounding it already.

In Hope Springs, released in cinemas today, Meryl plays a 60-something actress stuck in a rut. The rut being her marriage to Tommy Lee Jones. Their 30-year marriage has lost it’s spark. The kids are grown up and moved out, he spends all day in the office working as an accountant whilst she keeps the house in order.

The couple sleeps in separate bedrooms and barely talk, let alone anything else. A fed up Kay (Streep) persuades husband Arnold (Jones) to take up marriage counselling, much to his dismay.

The sweet, funny and moving comedy is sure to be a hit. But then, Meryl is no stranger to that. She has received a record 17 Academy Award nominations and three wins. Golden Globes? 26 nominations and eight wins.

What better time to look back at some of the actresses best on-screen performances?

Kramer vs Kramer

The 1979 hit garnered Meryl her first Oscar, for Best Supporting Actress opposite Dustin Hoffman (who won an Oscar for Best Actor). The emotional drama focuses on a couple divorcing and the implications it has on those around them, including their young children.

Sophie’s Choice

Oscar number two, this time for Best Actress, Meryl won for this 1982 drama. She played a Polish immigrant, Sophie, who embarks on a tempestuous relationship with a young writer, Kevin Kline.

Death Becomes Her

One of our all-time favourite Meryl moments was the brilliant 1992 comedy with Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis, about a pair of women obsessed with staying young – whatever the costs.

The Devil Wears Prada

The fashion world winced in recognition of ruthless magazine editor Miranda Priestly, played expertly by Meryl, making her assistant Anne Hathaway’s life hell. This was Meryl’s 14th Oscar nomination.

The Iron Lady

Last year’s mighty drama explored the rise, rise and fall of Margaret Thatcher and earned Meryl her third Oscar. Is there actually nothing this woman can’t do?!