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Emily Watson Biography

Birth Name:
Emily Margaret Watson
Birth Place:
Islington, London, England
Profession
Actor

Fast Facts

  • Made feature-film debut in 1996 in Breaking the Waves, winning Best Actress from the National Society of Film Critics and the New York Film Critics Circle, as well as Oscar and Golden Globe nominations; she won the role after Helena Bonham Carter, who was to play the part, dropped out
  • Turned down the lead in quirky 2001 romantic comedy Amélie—which was written with her in mind—in part because she didn't speak French well enough
  • Received an honorary master's degree from her alma mater, Bristol University
  • Active in the British children's charity Scene & Heard
  • Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2015

Awards

  • 2019Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or A Movie: nominated
  • 2014Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2011AACTA Awards-Best Lead Actress: nominated
  • 2009Independent Spirit Awards-Robert Altman Award: winner
  • 2006London Film Critics Association-Best Supporting British Actress: nominated
  • 2005London Film Critics Association-Best British Actress: nominated
  • 2005Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 2002Critics' Choice Awards-Best Acting Ensemble: winner
  • 2002Toronto Film Critics Association-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2001Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 2000BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1999Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
  • 1999BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1998Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1998Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1997Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
  • 1997BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1996European Film Academy-Best Actress: winner
  • 1996Los Angeles Film Critics Association-New Generation Award: winner
  • 1996National Society of Film Critics-Best Actress: winner
  • 1996New York Film Critics Circle-Best Actress: winner
  • 1996Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1996European Film Awards-European Actress: winner

Relationships

  • Juliet -- Daughter
  • Richard Watson -- Father
  • Katharine Watson -- Mother
  • Harriet Watson -- Sister
  • Dylan -- Son