Top 10 Gwyneth Paltrow

Se7en (1995)

It’s fair to say that Paltrow’s portrayal of Tracy Mills in David Fincher’s gritty crime thriller was the actress’ breakthrough role. The story follows a serial killer who punishes people for the Seven Deadly Sins in unimaginably cruel ways. Paltrow played the perfect supporting spouse to Brad Pitt’s brooding Detective David Mills. Incidentally it was on the set of Se7en that Paltrow and Pitt began dating; the couple later became engaged but split in 1997.

Emma (1996)

Paltrow took the lead role in Jane Austen’s film adaptation of Emma, about a young woman who enjoys meddling in other people's affairs. The role won Paltrow critical acclaim, particularly for her impeccable English accent. Director Douglas McGrath originally planned to make a contemporary version of Emma set in modern times, but changed his plans after hearing about Clueless, starring Alicia Silverstone, which had already began production.

Sliding Doors (1998)

Minnie Driver was originally offered the lead role in this romantic drama that asks the infinitive question “what if?”. Paltrow had to reprise her English accent for her role as Londoner Helen Quilley, whose life plays out in two different ways depending on whether she missed the tube home or not. It was nominated for a BAFTA for best British Film.

Great Expectations (1998)

Director Alfonso Cuarón brought Charles Dickens’ famous novel into the 20th Century with the help of Ethan Hawke, Robert De Niro, Anne Bancroft and Chris Cooper. Despite its impressive cast, Great Expectations didn’t fare well with the critics. Although Platrow and Hawke’s steamy kiss by the water fountain did get a fair bit of attention though…

Shakespeare In Love (1998)

Yet again Paltrow found herself channeling the English rose role as she played William Shakespeare’s fictional love interest. When the film was originally tested on audiences they had mixed reactions about the ending, so a new version was filmed a few weeks before release and Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes had to interrupt their schedules to return to set. The film was a triumph at the 1999 Academy Awards, picking up seven gongs including Best Picture and Best Leading Actress for Paltrow. The actress’ acceptance speech is one of the most memorable, simply for the flowing tears and her choice of a startlingly bright pink dress.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Anthony Minghella’s film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel attracted a host of high-class acting talent, including Matt Damon, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Minghella’s original choice for the role of Ripley was Tom Cruise, but after watching Good Will Hunting he decided on Damon instead. The film was a huge hit at the box-office and with the critics, receiving five Oscar nominations.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Once again Paltrow found herself in good company, starring alongside Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Bill Murray. Wes Anderson’s quirky comedy drama is about three gifted siblings who, after great success at young ages, experience extreme disappointment and failure in their adulthood. It’s an original and dark comedy that has divided audiences like Marmite.

Proof (2005)

Before being cast in the film Paltrow starred as Catherine, the daughter of a gifted but mentally disturbed mathematician, in David Auburn's original play in London’s West End. Paltrow was pregnant whilst filming Proof: she married Coldplay singer Chris Martin in a secret ceremony in December 2003 and gave birth to a daughter named Apple five months later. Paltrow was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama for her role in Proof, but was pipped to the post by Felicity Huffman, who grabbed the gong for her transgender role in the Transamerica.

Iron man (2008)

Starring opposite Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man catapulted Paltrow back into the big league with the 2nd highest grossing film of 2008. Unsure about initially joining the project, she was finally convinced by the ever charismatic Downey Jr. who told her: 'This is gonna be fun, and this is gonna be good… Don't you want to be in a movie that people see?' It also gave the fashion conscious actress the chance to show off her enviable pins in a series of ultra short dresses and killer heels during her promotion of the film. Paltrow is scheduled to appear in Iron Man 2 in 2010.

Two Lovers (2008)

It’s one of our films of the year so far and if you’ve seen it you’ll understand why. Set in Brooklyn, it’s a romantic drama following bachelor Joaquin Phoenix, who moves back home with his parents only to become torn between his love for two women. The role of Michelle was written specifically with Paltrow in mind. Look out for possible Oscar nominations at the start of next year…

Tegan Kniveton