My first encounter with the brilliance of Kate Winslet wasn’t through the iconic ‘Titanic’ or the period dramas ‘Sense & Sensibility’ and ‘The Reader.’ No, it was a far more unexpected experience: hearing her voice as the street-smart, fearless Rita Malone, sidekick to Hugh Jackman’s Roddy in the animated film ‘Flushed Away.’ Years later, while writing this very piece, the realization struck me – that sassy rodent Rita was indeed Ms. Winslet herself! And that, my friends, is the beauty of a career like hers – diverse, filled with gems, and sparkling with prestigious awards and nominations. Did you know she’s nearly reached EGOT status? Someone book this woman on Broadway, stat!
In honor of her birthday, let’s delve into seven of her most unforgettable performances.
Mare of Easttown (2021):
In 2021, Winslet snagged an Emmy for her portrayal of Mare Sheehan in HBO’s gripping crime drama ‘Mare of Easttown.’ Winslet’s Sheehan was a flawed and complex detective whose own life was unraveling as much as the mysteries she was investigating. This is essential viewing for any fan of compelling television.
The Holiday (2006):
Remember the “Frazzled English Woman” trope? The early 2000s scarf-heavy aesthetic that Gen Z tried to recreate a few years ago? Kate Winslet’s Iris is the ultimate pioneer of the trend. Amidst the fun of home swapping and falling in love during the festive season in ‘The Holiday,’ grab some fashion inspiration along the way.
The Reader (2008):
Winslet’s performance as Hanna Schmitz in Stephen Daldry’s ‘The Reader’ was so complex and captivating that it earned her her first and only Best Actress Oscar win, despite being nominated four times previously. And it’s no surprise. Schmitz is a deeply layered woman full of secrets who faces a tragic end, even outside of the historical backdrop of post-World War II West Germany. She is, after all, an illiterate SS officer entangled in an age-inappropriate love affair and on trial for war crimes.
Flushed Away (2006):
While ‘Flushed Away’ might not be considered one of the most celebrated animated films of its era, it’s still a delightful watch. As Roddy, the posh rat from Kensington (voiced by Hugh Jackman), finds himself literally flushed down the toilet, he navigates the sewer system only with the help of one Rita Malone, a.k.a. Winslet. It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers story, if you ask me.
Titanic (1997):
How could we discuss Kate Winslet’s career without mentioning the epic romance and disaster film, ‘Titanic?’ As young aristocrat Rose embarks on a voyage from Southampton to New York, she falls into an unlikely romance with the penniless Jack. A young Leonardo DiCaprio and Winslet tug at the heartstrings aboard the infamous sinking ship. While you’ve likely seen it before, it’s never too soon for another viewing, right?
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004):
‘Eternal Sunshine’ marked Winslet’s second Best Actress nomination (following ‘Titanic’) and though she didn’t take home the Oscar (thanks to Hilary Swank’s stellar performance in ‘Million Dollar Baby’), she was a deserving contender in one of 2004’s most talked-about films. Clementine, who, after a tumultuous relationship with her ex-boyfriend Joel (Jim Carrey), erases all memories of him, is impulsive, vulnerable, and quirky in a way we hadn’t seen Winslet portray before.
Steve Jobs (2015):
For fans of tech biopics like ‘The Social Network,’ this Danny Boyle-directed story of Apple founder Steve Jobs is a must-see. While Winslet isn’t the central figure, she absolutely steals scenes as the Polish-American Joanna Hoffman, Jobs’ right-hand woman at Apple Macintosh and a voice of reason. And yes, it’s another one of her Oscar-nominated roles.
I Am Ruth (2022):
One of Winslet’s less-known works is in Dominic Savage’s Channel 4 anthology series ‘I Am.’ Kate’s episode focuses on a strained relationship between mother, Ruth, and daughter, Freya – the latter played by her real-life daughter, Mia Threapleton – as Freya struggles to navigate the online world. She’s withdrawn, completely consumed by social media, and Ruth (Winslet) is unable to break through. This intimate portrayal showcases Winslet’s ability to capture the nuances of complex family dynamics.
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