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There are many people who could claim the title as G.O.A.T in film but let’s end the debate and say that the wonderful, amazing and talented Meryl Streep is by far the G.O.A.T of acting for both men and women. With a career that spans over four decades, Streep is a queen in film that is versatile and adaptable in any role she does. Streep has been nominated for a record 21 Academy Award nominations while winning the award three times. It’s like every time she appears on screen, she will get nominated. Streep has many iconic roles from Sophie’s Choice, Kramer vs. Kramer, the Iron Lady, Death Becomes Her to so many others. Let’s give it up to the G.O.A.T!
Joanna (Stern) Kramer- Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Streep won her first Academy Award with her performance as Joanna in Kramer vs. Kramer. A film that explores divorce and a single dad trying to raise his son without his mother around. Streep was really in the film for the last 20 minutes. Streep made a definite impact during the case as a mother who wants to be with her son but doesn’t know if she is okay with herself. When Meryl brings the tears, you know it is a strong scene.
Miranda Priestly- The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
In the role that terrified me, Streep is fantastic as Miranda Priestly, a powerful fashion magazine editor. Set in the world of fashion, Miranda is known for her ice demeanor and diva attitude. She can either make or break anyone in the fashion world. Streep owned this role and then some. One should never want to cross paths against her.
Margaret Thatcher- The Iron Lady (2011)
Playing the role of the of Margaret Thatcher. The British politician who was the longest-serving Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of the 20th century and the first woman to hold the office. Streep is the one who holds this film together. A film where she won her third Academy Award, Streep embodied Thatcher from her voice to her mannerisms. Once again, Streep is the G.O.A.T of acting.
Zofia “Sophie” Zawistowski- Sophie’s Choice (1982)
Sophie’s Choice is a sobering film that is held together by the great Meryl Streep. With the role that won her, her second Academy Award, Steep was amazing and emotional. As you watch, you feel bad for Sophie as she is in an abusive relationship. Then when you learn the choice, she had to make, and your mouth will drop and heart will break. Crazy thing is that this probably happened or did happen.
Madeline Ashton- Death Becomes Her (1992)
In this satirical black comedy fantasy film, about two women who are rivals and compete for the affections of the same man, things get crazy when both women drink a potion that promises eternal youth. Streep plays narcissistic actress Madeline Ashton who career is on the downward fall. She is frenemy with Helen Sharp, an aspiring writer and steals her man. Streep is funny and a little evil as Madeline as she is rude, only thinks about herself and will do anything to regain her beauty. Streep also shows her comedic side with so much sarcasm.
The Witch- Into the Woods (2014)
In this musical adaptation of the play with the same name, the film is centered on a childless couple who set out to end a curse placed on them by a vengeful witch. In the ensemble cast, Streep plays the one and only witch. In showing her versatility, Streep seemed to steal the movie as the Witch. Streep brought her A-game and turned in a universal acclaimed performance. Just don’t steal from her garden.
Linda- The Deer Hunter (1978)
In the film about three Slavic-American steelworkers whose lives go off the deep end after fighting in the Vietnam War. The film is intense for its Russian Roulette scene and the changes the men go through after being POWs. Streep plays Linda, a woman who lives with her abusive and alcoholic father but also the love interest of both Mike and Nick. This was the start of Streep’s run for Academy Award nominations. As Linda, she wasn’t overbearing but she came into her own during the third act of this film. Streep showed Linda as a woman conflicted over a new love and an old love.
Sister Aloysius Beauvier- Doubt (2008)
We all have major doubts about certain people. Sometimes we look at them and just don’t know about them. In Doubt, Streep plays Sister Aloysius Beauvier who is charge of a Catholic elementary school. Things come into doubt when Sister James tells Aloysius that Father Flynn has been paying a little to attention to the only chocolate drop, black student. This leads Aloysius to investigate Flynn’s behavior. The film explores race and religion, and everyone gives incredible performances. Streep manages to nab a Best Actress nomination as she was stern and almost by herself carried this film.
Katharine Graham- The Post (2017)
The Post is a historical drama directed by the great Steven Spielberg, that attempts to tell the true story of the attempts by journalists at The Washington Post to publish the Pentagon Papers which were a set of classified documents regarding the 20-year involvement of the United States government in the Vietnam War. Streep plays Katharine Graham, the publisher of the Washington Post who stars alongside Tom Hanks.
Baroness Karen von Blixen- Out of Africa (1985)
In a film that is based loosely on the autobiographical book Out of Africa written by Isak Dinesen aka Danish author Karen Blixen, Streep plays the lead character. This might not have been her best role, but Meryl is the only reason why I watched this film and was somewhat interested. I felt like without Meryl, I wouldn’t care about the character. She was passionate when she needed to be and strong willed at other times.
