The beautiful Kate Winslet has had an amazing career so far. With seven Academy Award nominations and one win, Winslet has established herself as one of the best actresses of her time. Known for her work in period drama films while playing strong but complicated women, Winslet is a joy to watch. Her breakthrough role on James Cameron’s Titanic made her an international star. From that point her career only went up with roles in Finding Neverland, Quills and the Reader, a role she won the Academy Award. Keep doing your thing Mrs. Winslet.
Rose DeWitt Bukater- Titanic (1997)
Start this one off with the film that brought Winslet to the forefront and international fame. How can you not put Titanic at the top of the list? In this James Cameron’s masterpiece, Winslet plays Rose, a rich woman who falls in love with a commoner aboard the famous ship. Winslet is a baby face and beautiful as ever. She played Rose as a person who is trapped in a relationship and wants to be free. Also, Winslet manages to get her second Academy Award nomination from it. Also, this is where Winslet and DiCaprio build that loving friendship they have today.
Hanna Schmitz- The Reader (2008)
In a role that won Winslet her first and only Academy Award. Winslet plays Hanna who has a very inappropriate relationship with a kid only for years later to be on trail for a heinous crime. Winslet gives a strong and superb performance as Hanna Schmitz. She was intense in some moments and emotional in others. You see that Hanna is a passionate person but also a pedophile as she had an affair on a young boy. Winslet made sure to show Hanna’s sexual side but also the mystery of her character.
Jeanine Matthews- Divergent series (2014 & 2015)
Winslet for once plays a villain and she is damn good at it. As Jeanine Matthews, she is part of and the leader of the Erudite faction. Winslet shows Jeanine’s manipulative side but also one who wants to control everything. In the film, she develops the serum to control Dauntless and make them kill Abnegation. You have to love an evil and ambitious Winslet. She is beautiful and cunning. I would follow her.
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies- Finding Neverland (2004)
Who wouldn’t want to meet Peter Pan, go to Neverland and chill with the Lost Boys and Tinker Bell while fighting Captain Hook? Whether you saw the Disney animation movie or not, we all wanted to fly like Peter Pan. With the story, it has to have a back story. Finding Neverland is a film is about J. M. Barrie and his relationship with the family who inspired him to create Peter Pan. Winslet plays Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, the dying mother of the boys who inspired stories of Peter Pan. Winslet is subtle in this film as most of the view is on Depp.
Ophelia- Hamlet (1996)
In this long-ass four-hour film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Winslet plays Ophelia. In this Kenneth Branagh version, the film takes on the exact words from the Shakespeare play. You know when you do, you will have a very dry movie that seems like torture. Winslet is a baby face and before her turn in Titanic. She plays the role of a woman that will ultimately end up in a state of madness.
Sarah Pierce- Little Children (2006)
I almost straight up forgot about this film. Winslet plays Sarah Pierce, a stay-at-home mother who learns that her husband has an online porn addiction. Sarah begins an affair with Brad. Winslet is strong and beautiful as she really showcases her range. She makes you really understand Sarah’s emotions from excitement to sorrow. Winslet has no problem getting naked in front of the camera.
Marianne Dashwood- Sense and Sensibility (1995)
I have never read a Jane Austen’s book but credit is due to Ang Lee for bringing one of her famous works to the big screen. Sense and Sensibility is a story that follows the Dashwood sisters. The sisters are are members of a wealthy English family until they become broke and must find financial security through marriage. Winslet plays Marianne Dashwood, the 16-year-old second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dashwood who embodies the “sensibility.” The role marked Winslet first Academy Award nomination. Winslet is great as she begins her run for nominations
April Wheeler- Revolutionary Road (2008)
In their return together on the big screen since Titanic, Winslet and DiCaprio are back and starring as a 1950s couple who marriage is on a downward spiral as they struggle to cope with their personal problems. The film is meh but Winslet turns in a performance that is honest and emotional as a woman who is in a loveless marriage. Winslet lets the audience know that April is unhappy with her life and that she has no escape. Not one of her best roles but one that shows the versatility of Winslet.
Clementine Kruczynski- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
In a role opposite of Jim Carrey, Winslet plays Clementine Kruczynski, a woman who does a medical procedure to have her last relationship wiped from her memories. Even though this film was early on in Winslet’s career, it was a nice change from all the period pieces she was known for. Winslet does multiple hair-dye jobs that show all the colors of the rainbow. Winslet makes sure that she shows Clementine’s free-spirited, extroverted ways. Winslet shows that she is a fantastic actress in this film.
Dr. Erin Mears- Contagion (2011)
With a virus that put people in fear, had to bring back the film Contagion to the forefront. Winslet plays Dr. Erinc Mears, an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer. Winslet researched for the role by traveling to the CDC and consulted with current and former officers of the Epidemic Intelligence Service. Among an ensemble cast, Winslet does a decent job even if the film is meh.