Certain actors have the reputation to make a film worth watching. Just hearing that these actors are part of a new project is seen as motivation enough for audiences to deem it worth a watch. Well, after decades in the industry and a glorious career on her back,Julianne Mooreis one of those people. From her ability to steal any scene in dramas to her dedication to selling a heartfelt love story, Moore has proven time and time again that she deserves every accolade that comes her way.
Since her film debut in 1990 with her role as Susan inTales From the Darkside: The Movie, Moore has continuously worked to build her filmography into what we see today. Although her reputation as an actress is more than just the awards she gets, it is important to note that she has accumulated 5Academy Awardnominations and won in 2015 for her role inStill Alice. With her most recent filmMay Decemberbeing a major contender thisawards season, let’s take a look at other Oscar-nominated movies Moore has starred in.
10May December (2023)
May December
Read Our Review
May Decemberis the newest entry to Moore’s Oscar-nominated movies list.Directed by Todd Haynes, the film follows the crumbling lives of a couple who, after 20 years of marriage, sees their past catching up to them. The tale mirrors a well-documented true story surrounding the scandalous relationship between teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and her sixth-grade student Vili Fualaau.
Oscar Nomination for Best Original Screenplay
May Decemberexhibited some of the most impressive performances of 2023, namely, Moore, Natalie Portman, and Charles Melton. The story is incredibly disturbing and compelling. However, it is the cinematography and acting that make this film stand out. Though it received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay (for Samy Burch and Alex Machanik), many feel it was snubbed in other categories, particularly Best Supporting Actor (for Melton).Stream on Netflix
9Magnolia (1999)
1999’sMagnoliaties multiple storylines into one central plot set in the San Fernando Valley. The incredibly dynamic cast, consisting of Moore, Tom Cruise, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, Jason Robards, and William H. Macy, is definitely a sight to see. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film is full of dramatics and enough twists and turns to get your attention from start to finish.
Oscar Nominations for Best Supporting Actor, Original Screenplay, and Original Song
With a film likeMagnolia, it is important to make sure that each of the characters has their place, as well as places for them to connect. Each actor needs to give convincing, sometimes relatable, and unique performances to sell it, and it certainly succeeds (as testified by Cruise’s nomination for Best Supporting Actor and Anderson’s nod for Best Original Screenplay). With themes of love, loss, and searching for one’s place in this world prominent, this film is a great watch through and through.Stream on Paramount+
8The End of the Affair
The 1999 war romanceThe End of the Affairstars Julianne Moore as Sarah Miles and Ralph Fiennes as Maurice Bendrix. In the film, Maurice and Henry Miles (Stephen Rea) cross paths. Henry’s wife Sarah and Maurice have a very deep history, and when Henry confides his suspicions about Sarah’s fidelity with Maurice, things become more and more complicated as the ghost of Maurice and Sarah’s past resurrects old passions.
Oscar Nominations for Best Actress and Best Cinematography
The End of the Affairwas nominated for Best Cinematography at the Oscars in 2000, and Moore also received a nomination for Best Actress for her stellar performance. This film dives deep into interpersonal relationships and the complicated nature of love. Moore and Fiennes are magic on-screen,exuding off-the-charts chemistry, and this is one of those films that highlights the best of Moore’s romance film performances.Rent on AppleTV
7The Kids Are All Right (2010)
The Kids Are All Right
The Kids Are All Rightis a comedy film that will surprise you (in the best way). It follows Jules (Moore) and Nic (Annette Bening), who raise two children with the help of a sperm donor. Now young adults, Laser (Josh Hutcherson) and Joni (Mia Wasikowska) look into their background and make contact with their donor and biological father, Paul, played by Mark Ruffalo.
Oscar Nominations for Best Picture, Actress, Supporting Actor, and Original Screenplay
The Kids Are All Rightwas nominated for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay at the 2011 Academy Awards. With stunning performances from the entire cast, landing Bening and Ruffalo their own Oscar nominations, this film is a fantastic watch for anyone looking for a heartfelt portrayal of unique, but highly relatable family.Rent on AppleTV
Related:Julianne Moore and Todd Haynes Describe Their Collaborative Relationship
6The Hours (2002)
2002’sThe Hoursis a psychological drama that will make your head spin and your heart hurt. The film follows the lives of three women living through different times and shared hardships. Starring huge powerhouses in Meryl Streep as Clarissa, Nicole Kidman as Virginia Woolf, and Moore as Laura, this film will catch you off guard as they each learn how to find their footing in a world that has subjected them to being everything to everyone else.
Oscar Nominations for Best Picture, Director, Actress, Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor, Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Film Editing, Original Score
This film is a true masterpiece. From the breathtaking performances from Streep, Moore, and Kidman to the gut-wrenching storytelling and unique concept,The Hoursis a generational story for the ages. Moore was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2003 Academy Awards for her role in this film. Meanwhile, Kidman walked away with the Best Actress Oscar.Stream on Paramount+
5Far From Heaven (2002)
Far From Heaven
Far From Heavenfollows a picture-perfect suburban family who is struggling to keep up with community appearances. When things get difficult, relationships get tested, and the hard decisions threaten to tear them all apart, this film is jam-packed and full of emotion, love, and tension.
Oscar Nominations for Best Actress, Original Screenplay, Cinemtography, and Original Score
Movies have always been made to make audiences feel something — to get them to react a certain way. Well,Far From Heavenwill do that. This film features great showings for both Moore and herco-star Dennis Quaid. Taking place in the 1950s, the film touches on areas of societal expectations and prejudices that elevate it in more ways than one. For her performance as Cathy Whitaker, Moore received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars.Rent on Prime Video
4Short Cuts (1993)
Short Cutsis another film that follows separate storylines that eventually intertwine with each other. The 1993 film has dramatic arcs, romantic subplots, and occasional comedic moments. It has something for everyone and is expertly crafted to fall into rhythm with each separate story being told. This film received a Best Director nomination at the Oscars forRobert Altman’s work.
Oscar Nomination for Best Director
Moore stars as Marian Wyman in this film alongside a jaw-dropping cast that includes Robert Downey Jr. Jack Lemmon, Tim Robbins, Andie MacDowell, and Matthew Modine. Altman created a roller coaster of storylines inShort Cutsthat, when paired with such fine performances by this cast, will make it worth every minute.Not Currently Available to Stream or Purchase
3Boogie Nights (1997)
Boogie Nights
Boogie Nightsis fantastic to watch, especially during the holidays. This comedy-drama follows the rise and discovery of porn sensation Dirk Diggler. Once a teenage boy named Eddie Adams, Dirk Diggler was discovered and approached by Jack Horner, an adult filmmaker played by Burt Reynolds. Even with the support and friendship from fellow actors Amber Waves (Julianne Moore) and Roller Girl (Heather Graham), Dirk is faced with the struggles of temptation, greed, and addiction that could blow up his entire career.
Oscar Nominations for Best Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor, and Original Screenplay
Boogie Nightswill take you on a ride through the 1970s and ’80s with ease. There are seamless contrasts between hard and heavy scenes as well as the light-hearted fun. The film, released in the late-90s, evoked a sense of deep nostalgia for anyone who lived through the ’70s and ’80s. With outstanding performances by Mark Wahlberg, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Burt Reynolds, and Moore, who received a Best Supporting Actress nomination,Boogie Nightsshould be on your watchlist ASAP.Stream on Showtime
2Children of Men (2006)
Children of Men
The dystopian action thrillerChildren of Menwas nominated for numerous Oscars. The story itself finds the future of human existence threatened by a plague of infertility. Theo Faron,played by Clive Owen, steps up to be the man for the job of saving everybody. Also starring in this film is Moore as Julian, Michael Caine as Jasper Palmer, Clare-Hope Ashitey as Kee, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Luke.
Oscar Nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing
Any film that takes place in the far future is going to have some subliminal messaging about where our world is headed. The film showcases the collapse of everyday human society and incorporates culture, tech, and human connection throughout. Moore is fabulous in this film and, with such a stunning outlook on hope in a dystopian world,Children of Menis still one of the best films in Moore’s filmography.Rent on Prime Video
1Still Alice (2014)
Still Alice
Still Aliceis a drama film from 2014. It follows linguistics professor Dr. Alice Howland (Julianne Moore) when she gets diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. As Alice tries to navigate the diagnosis and keep a hold on the life she knows, her family is forced to watch her slip away. This film alsostars Kristen Stewart, Alec Baldwin, and Kate Bosworth.
Oscar Nominations for Best Actress
There is a reason why this role scored Moore the one Oscar win (for Best Actress) in her career so far. A film that will send you spiralling,Still Alicehighlights the terrifying and difficult task of facing Alzheimer’s as well as the ripple effect it can have on others. If there is one film in Moore’s filmography to watch,Still Alicewins by a landslide.Stream on Hulu
