Laura Linney’s remarkable career encompasses a variety of celebrated films and television productions, making her a prominent figure in Hollywood. She honed her craft at the prestigious Juilliard School, with her stage debut occurring in New York in 1990. Linney gained early recognition for her performances in films such as Lorenzo’s Oil and Searching for Bobby Fischer. Her breakthrough on television came with the acclaimed series Tales of the City, which she reprised in the sequel, More Tales from the City. This led to a series of successful roles in feature films.
Her filmography includes significant contributions to hits like Congo, Primal Fear, and Absolute Power. However, it was her standout role in The Truman Show that truly launched her into the spotlight, earning her critical acclaim and paving the way for further career milestones. Linney boasts three Academy Award nominations for her roles in You Can Count on Me, Kinse, and The Savages, along with four Emmy Awards out of nine nominations, notably for her performances in The Big C and John Adams. Her most recent work in the Netflix series Ozark further solidified her status as a leading actress.
10 Love Actually (2003)
Sarah
Love Actually has become a beloved seasonal classic, presenting a heartwarming ensemble of characters, including stars like Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant. Linney takes on the role of Sarah, a woman navigating a complicated relationship with her co-worker Karl (Rodrigo Santoro) while also caring for her brother, who has mental health challenges.
Although Sarah faces emotional turmoil, her story resonates with audiences, as the film grossed $250 million against a budget of $40 million, earning two Golden Globe nominations. A follow-up short film in 2017 revealed Sarah’s eventual marriage to Patrick Dempsey, adding a contemporary twist to her character’s journey.
9 Primal Fear (1996)
Janet Venable
Primal Fear, a gripping legal thriller, marked the emergence of Edward Norton as a major talent. The narrative revolves around an altar boy, Aaron Stampler (Norton), accused of murdering an Archbishop. Martin Vail (Richard Gere), an arrogant attorney, believes Aaron’s claim of amnesia and constructs a defense based on allegations of sexual abuse.
Linney portrays Janet Venable, the prosecuting attorney with a complicated past involving Vail. A pivotal scene featuring her character sets the stage for a groundbreaking plot twist that captivated viewers and made Norton an Oscar nominee for Best Supporting Actor.
8 The Squid and the Whale (2005)
Joan Berkman
Directed by Noah Baumbach, The Squid and the Whale is an insightful exploration of family dynamics amid divorce. Linney plays Joan, the wife of an aspiring novelist (Jeff Daniels) whose literary struggles coincide with her own triumphs as a published author. Their separation leads to tumultuous effects on their children, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg and Owen Kline.
This critically acclaimed film received a 91% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its honest depiction of familial conflict and the impact of parental issues on children, earning nominations for both Linney and Daniels at the Golden Globes.
7 The Savages (2007)
Wendy Savage
The Savages is a dark comedy-drama that features Linney alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman as siblings who reunite to care for their estranged father with dementia. The film delves into their tumultuous past, characterized by childhood trauma and emotional distance.
Linney’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, while the screenplay was also recognized with an Oscar nod. The film poignantly addresses themes of family and personal growth, emphasizing the complexities of adult relationships that stem from adolescence.
6 Kinsey (2004)
Clara McMillen
In the biographical drama Kinsey, Linney portrays Clara McMillen, the wife of sex researcher Alfred Kinsey, played by Liam Neeson. Spanning Kinsey’s life and groundbreaking work in sexology, the film sheds light on his academic journey and the societal challenges of his era.
Though receiving only one Oscar nomination for Linney’s performance, Kinsey garnered broader recognition with multiple nominations, highlighting its complex themes and the cultural impact of Kinsey’s research.
5 The Big C (2010-2013)
Cathy Jamison
Linney’s critically acclaimed role in The Big C detailed the life of a teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer. The dramedy navigated Cathy Jamison’s response to her diagnosis, as she sought to reclaim her life and achieve unfulfilled desires, all while managing her family’s complexities.
Despite mixed reviews regarding its handling of themes, Linney’s powerful performance won her both Emmy and Golden Globe awards, revealing her versatility in portraying deep emotional narratives.
4 The Truman Show (1998)
Meryl Burbank/Hannah Gill
Linney garnered critical recognition for her role as Meryl in The Truman Show, a film exploring the life of Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), unknowingly raised in a fabricated world. Meryl serves as an actor in Truman’s life, unaware of the dichotomy between her role and his reality, adding layers to the narrative.
The film became a cultural touchstone, addressing themes of surveillance and authenticity, securing three Academy Award nominations and accolades for its thought-provoking narrative.
3 Mystic River (2003)
Annabeth Markum
Based on Dennis Lehane’s novel, Mystic River dives into themes of childhood trauma and vengeance as it follows three friends whose lives are irrevocably altered by violent acts from their youth. Linney plays Annabeth Markum, the steadfast wife of Jimmy (Sean Penn), who grapples with the fallout of personal tragedy.
The film’s compelling narrative received six Academy Award nominations, ultimately triumphing for Best Actor for Penn and Best Supporting Actor for Tim Robbins, placing Linney’s contribution in a powerful ensemble that resonates with audiences.
2 You Can Count On Me (2000)
Samantha “Sammy”Prescott
Linney’s moving portrayal of Sammy in You Can Count on Me highlights familial bonds, focusing on the complications arising when her brother returns home after years apart. This film, dealing with themes of brokenness and resilience, earned Linney her first Academy Award nomination.
Premiering at Sundance, it was lauded for its emotional depth and strong performances, reflecting the struggles of familial reconciliation against the backdrop of childhood trauma.
1 Ozark (2017-2022)
Wendy Byrde
Linney’s brilliant performance in Ozark established her as a powerhouse in contemporary television. The series follows Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), who becomes entrenched in a money-laundering scheme, with Linney as his ambitious and resilient wife, Wendy.
Her character’s evolution as she becomes more involved in the dark intricacies of their criminal operations captivated audiences and earned critical acclaim, with the series receiving numerous accolades, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.