‘A princess can punch and wear a low-cut gown.’
Amy Adams is one of the most versatile and talented actresses of her generation. She has proven to be one of the most bankable in Hollywood and her impressive fifteen year career already stands out in the crowd. A trained theatre actress, Adams moved to LA from Minnesota to pursue her dream and spent many years appearing in supporting roles in films like Catch Me if You Can (2002). It was not until 2005 that audiences noticed the natural beauty in Junebug where she picked up her first Academy Award nomination. Since her debut supporting role in Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999), Adams has received five Oscar nominations, four BAFTA nominations and three Golden Globe nominations – plus one win!
Adams has also appeared in renowned films like Doubt (2008), Julie & Julia (2009) and Her (2013) and will depict artist Margaret Keane in Tim Burton’s upcoming biopic Big Eyes (2014). From fairy-tale Princess to professional con artist, Amy Adams proves to be an exceptional and all-round actress who transforms on screen with each character she portrays. To celebrate the actress’ 40th birthday today, we take a look at our favourite performances from the flame haired starlet.
Junebug (2005) Dir. Phil Morrison
‘God loves you just the way you are. But He loves you too much to let you stay that way.’
Amy Adams’ breakthrough role came in the 2005 independent black comedy Junebug. Her portrayal of a naive yet sweet South Carolina housewife exposed audiences to the authentic talent that Adams’ obtained. Junebug follows a newlywed couple – George (Alessandro Nivola) and Madeleine (Embeth Davidtz) – who fly home from Chicago to South Carolina for the new bride to meet her in laws. To Madeleine’s surprise, her husband’s family live a very different and far more sheltered life than she is used to.
Amy Adams received critical acclaim for her performance as Ashley and stole almost every scene. Her hard work was beginning to pay off as she received her first Academy Award nomination as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. These would be the first of many more nominations to come.
Enchanted (2007) Dir. Kevin Lima
‘I’ve been dreaming of a true love’s kiss!’
Although Adams had appeared in a variety of films and had already been nominated for an Oscar, her first commercial role came in Disney’s live-action musical Enchanted. Adams’ portrayal of lost fairy-tale princess Giselle introduced young audiences to a contemporary and fun-loving Disney character. Adams stars alongside Patrick Dempsey as she finds herself lost in New York City on her way to marry her animated Prince Edward (James Marsden).
Enchanted incorporates both live-action and animation as it pays homage to previous Disney classics loved all around the world. The film received universal acclaim and was a success with both young and adult audiences. Enchanted was nominated for three Oscars all for Best Original Song; all of which Adams performed herself. She even performed the beloved “Happy Working Song” at the 2008 ceremony. Arguably there has never been such perfect piece of casting than that of Amy Adams as Princess Giselle.