Julianne Moore’s Career: From ‘The Edge of Night’ to ‘Sirens’

Julianne Moore is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and versatile actors of her generation. Known for her intelligence, empathy, and emotional depth, she has an extraordinary ability to portray complex women from all walks of life. With her expressive face and signature red hair, she brings a profound humanity to every character, whether she is playing a tormented suburban housewife, a determined FBI agent, or a powerful political figure.

Her career began on television before she rose to prominence in the 1990s through a series of critically acclaimed performances in independent films. She quickly proved she could move seamlessly between art-house dramas and major Hollywood blockbusters, earning numerous accolades, including an Academy Award. Through her collaborations with visionary directors and her fearless choice of roles, Moore has built a filmography that is a testament to her incredible range and her status as a true acting legend.

‘The Edge of Night’ (1984)

Julianne Moore’s professional acting career began on television with a role in this daytime soap opera. She appeared in seven episodes as a character named Carmen Engler.

This early role was a stepping stone for the young actress, providing her with valuable on-camera experience. It marked her entry into the world of television, where she would continue to work for several years before transitioning to film.

‘As the World Turns’ (1985–1988; 2010)

Moore’s breakout television role was on this long-running soap opera, where she played the dual role of half-sisters Frannie and Sabrina Hughes. Her performance was a huge hit with audiences and critics, earning her a Daytime Emmy Award in 1988.

This was the role that first showcased her incredible talent and range. Playing two different characters, one good and one evil, allowed her to demonstrate the versatility that would become a hallmark of her career. She even returned for a guest appearance years later.

‘I’ll Take Manhattan’ (1987)

In this television miniseries based on the novel by Judith Krantz, Moore played India West. The story is a glamorous saga about the powerful family behind a magazine publishing empire, filled with romance, betrayal, and ambition.

The role was another significant part of her early television work. Appearing in a high-profile miniseries allowed her to reach a wide primetime audience and continue building her resume.

‘Money, Power, Murder’ (1989)

Moore starred in this television movie as Peggy Lynn Brady. The film, a crime drama, centers on a television journalist who uncovers a web of deceit and conspiracy while investigating a story.

This was one of several TV movies she appeared in during the late 1980s and early 1990s. These roles helped her transition from daytime television to more varied and dramatic parts.

‘Tales from the Darkside: The Movie’ (1990)

This horror anthology film marked Julianne Moore’s feature film debut. She starred in the first of three stories, playing Susan, a graduate student who is targeted by a reanimated mummy that she and her classmates have brought back to life.

As the “final girl” in her segment, Moore delivered a memorable and intense performance. It was a strong start to her film career, immediately showing her ability to command the screen in a lead role.

‘The Last to Go’ (1991)

In this television movie, Moore played Marcy, one of the main characters in a story that chronicles a marriage over several decades. The film follows a couple from their hopeful beginnings to their eventual, painful divorce.

The role required her to age over a significant period, portraying a character through different stages of her life. It was a challenging dramatic part that further demonstrated her skill as a performer.

‘Cast a Deadly Spell’ (1991)

This fantasy horror TV movie is set in a fictional 1940s Los Angeles where magic is real. Moore played Connie Stone, the beautiful and mysterious client of a hardboiled private detective who hires him to find a stolen book of black magic.

The film is a unique blend of film noir and fantasy. Moore was perfectly cast as the glamorous and deceptive femme fatale, a classic archetype in the noir genre.

‘The Hand That Rocks the Cradle’ (1992)

In this popular psychological thriller, Moore played Marlene Craven, a successful real estate agent and the best friend of the film’s protagonist. Marlene becomes suspicious of the new nanny who is secretly trying to destroy her friend’s family.

Though a supporting role, her performance was crucial to the film’s suspense. Her character’s tragic fate is a major turning point, and the role brought her to the attention of a much wider mainstream audience.

‘The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag’ (1992)

This comedy film stars Penelope Ann Miller as a meek librarian who falsely confesses to a crime to get some excitement in her life. Moore played Elinor, one of her fellow librarians.

The role was a small, early part in a lighthearted film. It was one of several supporting roles she took as she was building her film career in the early 1990s.

‘Body of Evidence’ (1993)

In this erotic thriller starring Madonna, Moore played Sharon Dulaney. She is the wife of the man Madonna’s character is accused of murdering, and she testifies against her in court.

The film was controversial upon its release. Moore’s supporting role placed her in another high-profile, if not critically acclaimed, Hollywood production.

‘Benny & Joon’ (1993)

Moore had a small but memorable role as Ruthie in this quirky romantic comedy. She plays a waitress who has a brief and charming relationship with Benny, the main character played by Aidan Quinn.

Her warm and appealing performance stood out in the film. It was another early role that demonstrated her natural screen presence and charm.

‘The Fugitive’ (1993)

In this massive blockbuster action film, Moore played Dr. Anne Eastman. She is a doctor at a Chicago hospital who questions the guilt of Dr. Richard Kimble, played by Harrison Ford, after he helps save a patient’s life while on the run.

Although she appears in only a few scenes, her role was significant. Appearing in one of the biggest and most acclaimed films of the year greatly increased her visibility in Hollywood.

‘Short Cuts’ (1993)

This was Moore’s first collaboration with director Robert Altman, and it marked a major turning point in her career. She played Marian Wyman, an artist who is dealing with the discovery of her husband’s infidelity. Her emotionally charged monologue, delivered while she is painting, is a famous and powerful scene.

Her performance was fearless and critically acclaimed, earning her widespread recognition as a major acting talent. The film’s ensemble cast won numerous awards, and the role established her as a go-to actress for complex and challenging parts.

‘Vanya on 42nd Street’ (1994)

In this unique film, a group of actors rehearses Anton Chekhov’s play ‘Uncle Vanya’ in a rundown theater. Moore played Yelena, the beautiful young wife whose presence disrupts the lives of the other characters.

The film blurs the line between a stage play and a movie. Her performance was celebrated for its intelligence and emotional depth, proving her skill with classic and demanding material.

‘Safe’ (1995)

In her first collaboration with director Todd Haynes, Moore gave a groundbreaking performance as Carol White. She is a seemingly content suburban housewife whose life falls apart when she develops a mysterious and debilitating illness, becoming allergic to the modern world.

This is considered one of the most important performances of her career. Her portrayal of Carol’s physical and psychological disintegration was subtle, haunting, and utterly convincing, establishing her as one of the great actresses of her generation.

‘Roommates’ (1995)

This drama stars Peter Falk as an elderly man who lives with his grandson through various stages of his life. Moore played Beth Holzcek, a social worker who becomes the grandson’s wife.

Her character is a warm and supportive presence in the family’s life. The role required her to age over several decades, which she handled with grace.

‘Nine Months’ (1995)

In this popular romantic comedy, Moore played Rebecca Taylor, the best friend of Hugh Grant’s character’s girlfriend. Her character is a calm and experienced mother who offers advice and support to the main couple as they navigate an unexpected pregnancy.

The film was a huge commercial success. Her charming performance in a mainstream comedy showed that she could be just as effective in lighthearted fare as she was in intense dramas.

‘Assassins’ (1995)

In this action thriller, Moore starred as Anna, also known as Electra, a skilled hacker and surveillance expert who becomes the target of two rival hitmen. She is forced to team up with one of them, played by Sylvester Stallone, to survive.

This was a major leading role for Moore in a big-budget action film. Playing the intelligent and resourceful Electra allowed her to showcase a different side of her talent in a purely commercial genre.

‘Surviving Picasso’ (1996)

Moore portrayed the artist and photographer Dora Maar in this biographical film about the life of Pablo Picasso. Maar was one of Picasso’s most famous lovers and muses, known for her intelligence and artistic talent.

Her performance captured the passion and torment of a brilliant woman in a destructive relationship with a genius. She held her own opposite Anthony Hopkins as Picasso, bringing depth to the historical figure.

‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park’ (1997)

In this massive blockbuster sequel directed by Steven Spielberg, Moore starred as Dr. Sarah Harding. She is a brave and determined paleontologist and animal behaviorist who travels to a remote island to study the dinosaurs living there in the wild.

Playing the female lead in one of the biggest movies of the year solidified her status as a major Hollywood star. She was a convincing and capable action hero, bringing intelligence and conviction to the role.

‘The Myth of Fingerprints’ (1997)

This independent drama is about a dysfunctional family that reunites for Thanksgiving, causing old tensions and secrets to surface. Moore played Mia, the most emotionally stable of four adult siblings.

She was part of a strong ensemble cast in this character-driven film. Her performance as the calm center of the family storm was praised for its subtlety and grace.

‘Boogie Nights’ (1997)

For her role as Maggie, also known as Amber Waves, in this film about the golden age of the adult film industry, Moore received her first Academy Award nomination. She plays a veteran porn star who becomes a caring but troubled mother figure to the other performers.

Her performance was heartbreaking and complex, capturing the character’s mix of maternal warmth and deep personal sadness. The role is one of her most iconic and cemented her reputation as one of the best actresses in Hollywood.

‘Chicago Cab’ (1997)

In this film, which follows a taxi driver through one long day in Chicago, Moore appears in one segment as a distraught woman. She gets into the cab in a state of panic and distress, fleeing from an unseen situation.

Her brief appearance is intense and memorable. It’s a small but powerful example of her ability to create a fully realized character in just a few minutes of screen time.

‘The Big Lebowski’ (1998)

Moore played the avant-garde artist Maude Lebowski in this cult classic comedy from the Coen brothers. Maude is the brilliant, eccentric, and stern daughter of the wealthy man with whom “The Dude” has been mistaken.

Her performance is one of the most memorable in a film full of unforgettable characters. With a severe haircut and a unique accent, she created a hilarious and iconic character who is more than a match for The Dude.

‘Saturday Night Live’ (1998)

Moore hosted an episode of the iconic sketch comedy show during the height of her 1990s fame. As host, she performed an opening monologue and appeared in various sketches with the regular cast members.

Hosting the show gave her a platform to showcase her comedic timing and versatility. Her appearance was a marker of her status as a major A-list star.

‘Psycho’ (1998)

In this controversial shot-for-shot remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s horror masterpiece, Moore took on the role of Lila Crane. She is the concerned sister of Marion Crane, the woman who famously disappears after checking into the Bates Motel.

Stepping into a classic and well-known role was a difficult challenge. Moore brought her own intensity to the part of the determined sister searching for the truth about what happened to Marion.

‘Cookie’s Fortune’ (1999)

In this charming ensemble comedy directed by Robert Altman, Moore played Cora Duvall. She is the dramatic and pretentious niece of a wealthy matriarch in a small Mississippi town, and she tries to cover up a family secret with disastrous and hilarious results.

Her performance as the theatrical and manipulative Cora was a comedic highlight. She fit perfectly into Altman’s signature style of overlapping dialogue and quirky character interactions.

‘An Ideal Husband’ (1999)

In this witty adaptation of the Oscar Wilde play, Moore played the villainous Mrs. Laura Cheveley. She is a beautiful and cunning schemer who arrives in London and attempts to blackmail a prominent politician with a secret from his past.

Moore was perfectly cast as the sophisticated and amoral antagonist. She delivered Wilde’s clever dialogue with relish, creating a charming but dangerous villain.

‘A Map of the World’ (1999)

In this intense drama, Moore played Theresa Collins, the best friend of a woman who is accused of child abuse after a tragic accident. Theresa finds her loyalty and friendship tested by the town’s reaction and the ensuing legal battle.

She gave a powerful supporting performance as a woman caught in a difficult moral dilemma. Her character’s journey explores the complexities of friendship and betrayal under extreme pressure.

‘The End of the Affair’ (1999)

Moore received her second Academy Award nomination for her role as Sarah Miles in this romantic drama set during World War II. She plays a passionate and deeply religious woman who ends a passionate affair after making a bargain with God, leaving her lover confused and heartbroken.

Her performance was praised for its emotional depth and complexity. She perfectly captured the character’s internal conflict between her spiritual faith and her earthly desires, creating a powerful and tragic portrait of love and loss.

‘Magnolia’ (1999)

In this epic ensemble drama from Paul Thomas Anderson, Moore played Linda Partridge. She is the guilt-ridden younger wife of a dying television producer, and she is struggling with her past betrayals and her impending loss.

Her performance is raw, emotional, and devastating. In a film full of incredible performances, her portrayal of a woman on the edge of a complete breakdown is one of the most powerful and unforgettable.

‘The Ladies Man’ (2000)

In this comedy based on a ‘Saturday Night Live’ character, Moore had a small role as Audrey, a former lover of the main character who has become a nun. She appears in a flashback sequence.

Her brief, comedic appearance was a fun and unexpected part in the film. It showed her willingness to participate in broad comedy alongside her more serious dramatic work.

‘Hannibal’ (2001)

Moore took on the iconic role of FBI Agent Clarice Starling in this sequel to ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Stepping into the role made famous by Jodie Foster, she portrays an older Clarice who is drawn back into the world of the brilliant and terrifying Hannibal Lecter.

Taking on such a well-known character was a bold and challenging choice. Moore brought her own interpretation to the role, portraying Clarice’s strength, intelligence, and the psychological toll her past experiences have taken on her.

‘Evolution’ (2001)

In this science-fiction comedy, Moore played Dr. Allison Reed, a clumsy but brilliant government scientist. She is sent to investigate a meteor crash site in Arizona, where an alien life form is evolving at an impossibly fast rate.

The role allowed Moore to showcase her comedic talents in a big-budget special effects film. Her portrayal of the awkward and accident-prone scientist was a funny and charming counterpoint to the alien mayhem.

‘World Traveler’ (2001)

In this independent drama, Moore played Dulcie, a woman who has a brief and intense encounter with an architect who has abandoned his family to go on a journey of self-discovery.

Her performance is mysterious and captivating. She represents a moment of intense connection and possibility for the main character before he continues on his aimless journey.

‘The Shipping News’ (2001)

In this drama based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Moore played Wavey Prowse. She is a single mother living in a small, remote Newfoundland town who develops a gentle relationship with a grieving man who has moved there to start a new life.

Moore brought warmth and resilience to her character, a woman with her own dark past. Her subtle and heartfelt performance was a key part of the film’s hopeful and atmospheric story.

‘Far from Heaven’ (2002)

For her lead role in this film, Moore received her third Academy Award nomination. In this loving homage to 1950s melodramas, she played Cathy Whitaker, a perfect suburban housewife whose life begins to fall apart when she discovers her husband is gay and she develops a friendship with her Black gardener.

Her performance is a masterful display of subtle emotion, capturing the character’s quiet desperation and heartbreak behind a mask of perfect composure. It is considered one of the greatest performances of her career.

‘The Hours’ (2002)

In the same year, Moore received her fourth Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in this film. She played Laura Brown, a deeply unhappy 1950s housewife who is pregnant with her second child and finds an escape from her life by reading Virginia Woolf’s novel ‘Mrs. Dalloway’.

Her portrayal of a woman suffocating under the weight of societal expectations was devastating and powerful. To be nominated for two Oscars in the same year for two different period dramas was a remarkable achievement that solidified her status as a top-tier actress.

‘Marie and Bruce’ (2004)

In this experimental drama based on a play by Wallace Shawn, Moore starred as Marie. The film follows her over the course of a single, chaotic day in which she decides to leave her infuriating husband, Bruce.

This was a challenging, dialogue-heavy role in a very unconventional film. Her performance was a brave and relentless exploration of a woman at the end of her rope in a deeply dysfunctional relationship.

‘Laws of Attraction’ (2004)

In this romantic comedy, Moore played Audrey Woods, a brilliant but uptight New York divorce lawyer. She finds herself constantly battling a charming and disorganized rival lawyer, played by Pierce Brosnan, both in and out of the courtroom, and the two eventually fall for each other.

The film was a return to a lighter, more mainstream genre for Moore. She showed great comedic chemistry with her co-star in this modern take on classic screwball comedies.

‘The Forgotten’ (2004)

Moore starred in this supernatural thriller as Telly Paretta, a grieving mother who is told that her young son, who died in a plane crash, never existed. She desperately tries to hold on to her memories and uncover the truth behind a vast conspiracy.

This was a physically and emotionally demanding lead role. Moore’s powerful performance as a mother fighting for the memory of her child anchored the film’s suspenseful and mysterious plot.

‘Trust the Man’ (2005)

In this romantic comedy, Moore played Rebecca, a successful actress who is in a long-term relationship with a man who is not ready to grow up. The film follows their relationship struggles, as well as those of their best friends.

She gave a charming and relatable performance as a woman trying to navigate the complexities of a modern relationship. The film reunited her with director and longtime friend Bart Freundlich.

‘The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio’ (2005)

Based on a true story, this film stars Moore as Evelyn Ryan. She was a 1950s housewife and mother of ten who supported her family by winning jingle-writing contests, despite having an irresponsible and alcoholic husband.

Moore’s portrayal of the endlessly optimistic and resourceful Evelyn was inspiring and heartfelt. She captured the real-life woman’s incredible resilience and creativity in the face of immense hardship.

‘Freedomland’ (2006)

In this intense crime drama, Moore played Brenda Martin, a distraught woman who claims her car was hijacked with her young son still inside. A detective tries to uncover the truth as racial tensions in the community begin to boil over.

Her performance as the desperate and unstable mother is raw and emotionally draining. It was another challenging role that required her to explore the darkest corners of a character’s psyche.

‘Children of Men’ (2006)

In this acclaimed dystopian thriller, Moore played Julian Taylor. In a future where humanity has become infertile, she is the leader of an activist group and the estranged wife of the film’s hero, played by Clive Owen. She enlists his help to protect the world’s only pregnant woman.

Though her character appears only in the first part of the film, her presence is powerful and sets the entire plot in motion. Her role as the determined and weary leader was crucial to establishing the film’s bleak but hopeful tone.

‘Next’ (2007)

In this science-fiction action film, Moore played Callie Ferris, a tough and determined NSA agent. She is trying to track down a man, played by Nicolas Cage, who has the ability to see two minutes into the future, believing he is the only one who can stop a terrorist attack.

Playing a no-nonsense government agent was another chance for Moore to work in the action genre. She brought authority and intelligence to her role as the agent in charge of the high-stakes manhunt.

‘Savage Grace’ (2007)

Moore gave a daring and controversial performance as Barbara Baekeland in this drama based on a shocking true story. She played a wealthy and mentally unstable socialite whose deeply inappropriate and incestuous relationship with her son ends in tragedy.

Her portrayal of Barbara’s descent into madness was fearless and unsettling. It is considered one of her bravest and most challenging performances, for which she received widespread critical acclaim.

‘I’m Not There’ (2007)

In this unconventional biopic about Bob Dylan, six different actors portray different facets of his public persona. Moore played Alice Fabian, a character based on folk singer Joan Baez, who was a contemporary and collaborator of Dylan’s.

Her performance captured the look and spirit of the 1960s folk revival scene. She was part of a remarkable ensemble cast in a unique and artistically ambitious film from director Todd Haynes.

‘Blindness’ (2008)

In this thriller based on the novel by José Saramago, Moore starred as the Doctor’s Wife. When a mysterious epidemic of “white blindness” sweeps the globe, she is the only person who retains her sight. She pretends to be blind to stay with her husband in a brutal quarantine zone.

This was a physically and emotionally grueling role. Moore’s powerful performance as the sole witness to the collapse of society is the moral and emotional anchor of this dark and intense film.

‘The Private Lives of Pippa Lee’ (2009)

In this drama, Moore played Kat, a successful author and the lesbian lover of the main character’s husband. The film follows a woman who, after moving to a retirement community with her older husband, begins to reflect on her wild past.

Her supporting role was a key part of the main character’s present-day story. She brought a sense of style and intelligence to the character.

‘A Single Man’ (2009)

In this stylish drama directed by Tom Ford, Moore played Charlotte “Charley” Roberts. She is a glamorous but deeply lonely woman and the best friend of a college professor who is planning to end his life after the death of his partner.

Her performance was praised for its emotional depth and vulnerability, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. She perfectly captured the character’s mix of dazzling charm and quiet desperation in her one long, pivotal scene with Colin Firth.

‘Chloe’ (2009)

Moore starred as Catherine Stewart, a successful doctor who, suspecting her husband is cheating, hires a young escort named Chloe to test his fidelity. This decision leads to a dangerous psychological game with unexpected consequences.

She delivered a complex and nuanced performance as a woman whose insecurities lead her down a dark and obsessive path. The film is a stylish and suspenseful erotic thriller that rests on her compelling portrayal.

‘The Kids Are All Right’ (2010)

In this comedy-drama, Moore played Jules Allgood, one half of a lesbian couple whose lives are turned upside down when their two teenage children seek out their anonymous sperm donor. Moore’s character, feeling adrift, begins an affair with the donor.

Her performance was praised for its warmth, humor, and relatability, earning her Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. She had wonderful chemistry with her co-stars in this smart and heartfelt look at a modern family.

‘6 Souls’ (2010)

In this supernatural horror film, also known as ‘6 Souls’, Moore played Dr. Cara Harding. She is a skeptical forensic psychiatrist who specializes in dissociative identity disorder, but her beliefs are challenged when she evaluates a patient with multiple personalities who all appear to be murder victims.

This was another lead role for Moore in the horror genre. She convincingly portrayed the character’s journey from scientific certainty to terrifying belief in the supernatural.

‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’ (2011)

In this ensemble romantic comedy, Moore played Emily Weaver, the wife of Steve Carell’s character. In the opening scene, she announces that she has had an affair and wants a divorce, which sets the entire plot in motion.

Her performance was grounded and realistic, providing the emotional core of the film’s central storyline. She portrayed the complexities of a long-term marriage with humor and heart.

’30 Rock’ (2009–2013)

Moore had a memorable recurring guest role on this acclaimed sitcom as Nancy Donovan. She played a former love interest of Jack Donaghy, played by Alec Baldwin, who comes back into his life, forcing him to choose between her and his current girlfriend.

Her portrayal of a character with a thick and often indecipherable Boston accent was a comedic highlight. She fit perfectly into the show’s absurd and fast-paced world, earning an Emmy nomination for her performance.

‘Being Flynn’ (2012)

In this drama based on a memoir, Moore played Jody Flynn, the mother of the main character. The story follows a young man who, while working at a homeless shelter, discovers that his long-absent and eccentric father is one of the shelter’s residents. Moore’s character appears in flashbacks.

Though her screen time is limited, her performance is powerful and heartbreaking. She portrays the struggles of a single mother with a deep sense of love and quiet desperation.

‘Game Change’ (2012)

Moore delivered a stunning and transformative performance as politician Sarah Palin in this HBO television film. The movie chronicles Palin’s selection as John McCain’s running mate in the 2008 presidential election and the tumultuous campaign that followed.

Her portrayal of Palin was uncanny, capturing her voice, mannerisms, and personality with incredible accuracy. The role earned her an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award, and is considered one of the greatest performances of her career.

‘What Maisie Knew’ (2012)

In this modern adaptation of the Henry James novel, Moore played Susanna, a self-absorbed, aging rock star. The film tells the story of her bitter custody battle with her ex-husband, as seen through the eyes of their neglected young daughter, Maisie.

Her performance as the narcissistic but occasionally loving mother was complex and unflinching. She portrayed a character who loves her daughter but is ultimately too selfish to be a proper parent.

‘Don Jon’ (2013)

In this comedy-drama, Moore played Esther, an older woman who the main character, a young man addicted to pornography, meets in his night school class. She becomes an unlikely source of wisdom and emotional connection for him.

Her performance is warm, wise, and deeply moving. As a character who is dealing with her own grief, she helps the protagonist understand the difference between fantasy and real intimacy.

‘The English Teacher’ (2013)

Moore starred as Linda Sinclair, a high school English teacher whose quiet and passionate life is disrupted when a former star pupil returns to their small town after failing as a playwright in New York.

She gave a charming and funny performance as a woman who loves literature but has little experience with real-life passion. The film is a lighthearted comedy about the messy intersection of life and art.

‘Carrie’ (2013)

In this remake of the classic horror film, Moore took on the role of Margaret White, Carrie’s abusive and fanatically religious mother. She tries to protect her daughter from the world by controlling and tormenting her, which ultimately leads to a tragic end.

Her portrayal of the disturbed and terrifying mother was intense and unsettling. She brought a different kind of psychological depth to the iconic horror villain.

‘Non-Stop’ (2014)

In this action thriller set on an airplane, Moore played Jen Summers, a passenger who sits next to an Air Marshal, played by Liam Neeson. She becomes his closest ally as he tries to uncover a hijacker who is threatening to kill a passenger every 20 minutes.

She brought intelligence and a calming presence to her role amidst the high-stakes action. Her character is a key part of the film’s suspense, as both the hero and the audience are unsure if she can be trusted.

‘Maps to the Stars’ (2014)

In this dark satire of Hollywood, Moore played Havana Segrand, a desperate and aging actress who is haunted by the ghost of her famous movie-star mother. She is obsessed with landing a role in a remake of her mother’s most famous film.

Her performance was fearless, outrageous, and critically acclaimed, winning her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. She brilliantly satirized the vanity and insecurity of a certain kind of Hollywood star.

‘Still Alice’ (2014)

For her lead role in this film, Julianne Moore won the Academy Award for Best Actress. She played Dr. Alice Howland, a brilliant linguistics professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and struggles to hold on to her identity and her family as her mind deteriorates.

Her performance is a devastating, nuanced, and deeply humane portrayal of a woman facing an unimaginable challenge. It is widely regarded as the crowning achievement of her career, a masterful performance that was praised by audiences and critics alike.

‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1’ (2014)

Moore joined the hugely popular ‘Hunger Games’ franchise as President Alma Coin. She is the calculating and formidable leader of the rebellion against the Capitol, based in the underground District 13.

With her cool demeanor and striking gray hair, Moore perfectly embodied the character’s political ambition and authority. She was a powerful and ambiguous new force in the dystopian world of Panem.

‘Seventh Son’ (2014)

In this fantasy-adventure film, Moore played the villainous Mother Malkin, the powerful and evil queen of the witches. After escaping from years of imprisonment, she seeks to take revenge on humanity.

The role was a chance for Moore to play a purely fantastical and over-the-top villain. She clearly had fun with the character’s dark magic and dramatic costumes.

‘Maggie’s Plan’ (2015)

In this quirky romantic comedy, Moore played Georgette Nørgaard, a brilliant but intimidating Danish academic. The film’s main character has an affair with Georgette’s husband and later hatches a plan to get them back together.

Her performance was a comedic tour-de-force. With a thick accent and an imposing intellect, she created a hilarious and unforgettable character who steals every scene she is in.

‘Freeheld’ (2015)

Based on a true story, this drama stars Moore as Laurel Hester, a decorated New Jersey police detective who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. She fights a legal and personal battle to have her pension benefits passed on to her romantic partner, Stacie.

Moore gave a powerful and moving performance as a woman fighting for her life and for justice. The role was a passion project for her, and she brought deep conviction to the portrayal of the real-life hero.

‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2’ (2015)

Moore reprised her role as President Coin in the final film of the ‘Hunger Games’ series. As the rebellion reaches its climax, Coin’s true nature and ambitions are revealed, and she becomes a new kind of threat to the hero, Katniss Everdeen.

Her character’s journey from revolutionary leader to potential tyrant was a key part of the saga’s dramatic conclusion. She brought a chilling and formidable presence to the franchise’s finale.

‘Wonderstruck’ (2017)

In her third collaboration with Todd Haynes, Moore played a dual role. In a story set in 1927, she is Lillian Mayhew, a silent film star. In a parallel story set in 1977, she is the older version of a character named Rose.

The film is a unique and visually beautiful love letter to childhood, museums, and New York City. Moore’s elegant performances in both timelines provide the film with its emotional core and connection.

‘Suburbicon’ (2017)

In this dark comedy directed by George Clooney, Moore also played a dual role. She is the gentle, wheelchair-bound Rose and also her scheming twin sister, Margaret, who moves into the family home after a tragic incident.

The film is a satire of 1950s suburban life. Playing both the victim and the villain allowed Moore to once again showcase her incredible range within a single film.

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ (2017)

In this stylish action-comedy sequel, Moore played the main villain, Poppy Adams. She is a cheerful but psychopathic drug lord and the head of the world’s largest drug cartel, who operates from a secret 1950s-themed hideout in the jungle.

Her performance as the bubbly and completely ruthless Poppy was both funny and menacing. She created a memorable and unique villain who was a perfect match for the film’s over-the-top tone.

‘Gloria Bell’ (2018)

Moore starred in the title role of this comedy-drama as Gloria Bell, a free-spirited divorcée in her 50s. By night, she lets her hair down at dance clubs in Los Angeles, and she navigates a new romance with both hope and caution.

The film is a warm and life-affirming character study that rests entirely on Moore’s shoulders. Her performance is natural, charming, and deeply relatable, creating a beautiful portrait of a woman embracing her life to the fullest.

‘Bel Canto’ (2018)

Based on the novel by Ann Patchett, this film stars Moore as Roxanne Coss, a famous American opera singer. While performing at a party for a wealthy industrialist in South America, she and the other guests are taken hostage by a group of revolutionaries.

Although her singing voice was dubbed, Moore’s performance captured the grace and emotional power of a world-renowned artist trapped in a terrifying situation. She portrays the way art and humanity can connect people even in the most extreme circumstances.

‘After the Wedding’ (2019)

In this drama, which she also produced, Moore played Theresa Young, a wealthy media mogul and philanthropist. She invites the manager of an Indian orphanage to New York to discuss a donation, but it is soon revealed that the two women share a deep and complicated past.

Her performance as the powerful and controlling Theresa is complex and compelling. She portrays a woman who seems to have everything but is hiding deep secrets and regrets.

‘The Glorias’ (2020)

In this unconventional biopic about the life of feminist icon Gloria Steinem, four actresses portray her at different stages of her life. Moore played Steinem from her 40s onward, depicting her work as a writer, editor, and leader of the women’s rights movement.

Moore captured the quiet strength, intelligence, and unwavering determination of the real-life figure. She was part of a powerful ensemble that paid tribute to Steinem’s incredible life and legacy.

‘The Woman in the Window’ (2021)

In this psychological thriller, Moore played a mysterious character known as Katie or Jane Russell. The film’s main character, an agoraphobic woman, believes she has witnessed the murder of her new neighbor, but is then told a different woman is the real Jane Russell.

Her role is a key part of the film’s central mystery. Though her screen time is limited, her unsettling performance leaves a lasting impression and keeps the audience guessing.

‘Spirit Untamed’ (2021)

In this animated adventure film, Moore voiced the character of Cora Prescott. She is the caring and practical aunt of the main character, a young girl named Lucky, who moves to a small frontier town and bonds with a wild mustang.

Lending her voice to an animated family film was another showcase of her versatility. She brought warmth and a sense of responsibility to the role of the aunt who is trying to protect her adventurous niece.

‘Lisey’s Story’ (2021)

Moore starred in the lead role of this Apple TV+ miniseries, based on the novel by Stephen King. She played Lisey Landon, the widow of a famous and celebrated novelist, who is forced to confront her late husband’s dark and supernatural past two years after his death.

As the star and an executive producer, Moore delivered a powerful and emotionally complex performance. She anchored the series’ blend of psychological drama, romance, and fantasy horror.

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ (2021)

In this film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, Moore played Heidi Hansen. She is the loving but overworked single mother of the main character, a high school student with social anxiety who gets caught in a lie that spirals out of control.

Moore performed her character’s emotional songs herself, showcasing her vocal talents. Her portrayal of a mother struggling to connect with her troubled son was one of the most praised performances in the film.

‘When You Finish Saving the World’ (2022)

In this comedy-drama, Moore played Rachel Katz, the director of a domestic violence shelter. She struggles to connect with her son, a self-involved high school student who live-streams folk-rock songs for a small online following.

Her performance captured the frustrations of a parent whose politically conscious values clash with her son’s internet fame. The film is a witty and poignant look at a generational and ideological gap within a family.

‘Sharper’ (2023)

Moore starred in and produced this sleek thriller about a group of con artists in New York City. She played Madeline, a beautiful and sophisticated woman who becomes involved with a billionaire and is a key player in a series of elaborate and interlocking scams.

Her performance as the clever and morally ambiguous Madeline was sharp and captivating. She was a perfect fit for this twisting tale of secrets and deception, where no one is who they seem.

‘May December’ (2023)

In this acclaimed drama directed by Todd Haynes, Moore played Gracie Atherton-Yoo. She is a suburban mother whose controversial and scandalous relationship, which began when her husband was in the seventh grade, becomes the subject of a new film.

Her performance is a complex and unsettling masterpiece, earning her Golden Globe and other major nominations. She brilliantly captures a character who is a master of denial, living a seemingly perfect life built on a deeply disturbing foundation.

‘Mary & George’ (2024)

In this historical drama miniseries for Starz, Moore took on the lead role of Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham. In the 17th-century Jacobean court, she molds her beautiful son, George, to seduce King James I and become his powerful favorite.

Her portrayal of the ambitious and ruthless Mary is a tour-de-force. She plays a woman who uses her son as a pawn to gain immense power and influence, creating a character who is both monstrous and compelling.

‘The Room Next Door’ (2024)

In this film from acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, Moore played Ingrid. The story centers on the complex and fractured relationship between Ingrid, a writer, and her close friend Martha, a war correspondent.

This highly anticipated project marks her first collaboration with the celebrated director. Her role promises to be a powerful dramatic performance opposite co-star Tilda Swinton.

‘Echo Valley’ (2025)

Moore stars in this upcoming thriller as Kate Garrett, a woman who is dealing with personal tragedy and running a horse farm. Her life is thrown into chaos when her troubled daughter arrives at their farm one night, covered in someone else’s blood.

This role sees Moore returning to the suspense genre. The film centers on the question of how far a mother will go to protect her child.

‘Sirens’ (2025)

In the Netflix miniseries ‘Sirens’, Moore stars as the lead, Michaela Kell. The series follows the lives of the Kell family, the influential owners of a major media company for generations.

The project places Moore at the center of a sweeping family and corporate drama. Her portrayal of the powerful media matriarch is another compelling character in her distinguished career.

Which Julianne Moore performance do you consider her most powerful? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.