Paulson's acting style shows her to fully immerse herself in the characters; she has gained critical acclaim for many varied and unique roles. From her portrayal of Marcia Clark in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story to her disturbing maternal presence in Run, she creates a presence that is truly enamoring and genuine. Whether playing the lead in one of the best TV shows of all time or portraying minor, supporting roles in smaller films, Paulson will shine through as one of the highlights that make it worth watching.
10 Ocean's Eight (2018)
As Tammy
Oceans Eight is a sequel/spin-off from the Ocean's Eleven franchise that follows the equally capable sister of master thief Danny Ocean. Fresh out of jail after being framed for art fraud by her former lover, Debbie enlists the help of her best friend and several other talented women to perform a massive heist of the Toussaint necklace, all while getting revenge. Assembling a crack team isn't easy, but Debbie will pull it off in style.
Director Gary Ross
Release Date June 8, 2018
Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures
Writers Gary Ross , Olivia Milch
Cast Helena Bonham Carter , Denisa Juhos , Matt Damon , Mindy Kaling , Charlotte Kirk , Cate Blanchett , Rihanna , Awkwafina , Sarah Paulson , Dakota Fanning , Anne Hathaway , Sandra Bullock Runtime 111minutes
Ocean's Eight is a spinoff (and sequel) of Steven Soderbergh's wildly popular Ocean's Heist series. It follows Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) and her team of criminals, who all bring something different to the mix as they plan a meticulous heist during the famous Met Gala in New York. Paulson plays Tammy, an everyday mom who happens to be one of the best fences in the country, alongside an ensemble cast that also includes some acting greats like Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Helena Bonham Carter.
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Cinematographer Eigil Bryld brought a touch of high class to this heist thriller with beautifully crafted visuals, matched by the down-to-earth and classy touch that Paulson put into her role as Tammy. Even among some heavy-hitting stars, Paulson stands out as one of the high points of the film. Though the narrative is questioned for being a little rushed, Paulson's natural charm and wit in this comedic role helped ground the film as a whole.
9 Run (2020)
As Diane Sherman
Run is a horror thriller released by Hulu in 2020. After being born prematurely, young Chloe Sherman (Kiera Allen) is diagnosed with arrhythmia, hemochromatosis, asthma, and is partially paralysized. Because of this, she is homeschooled by her mother Diane (Sarah Paulson). But years after taking medications, Chloe starts to believe her mother may be hiding a dark secret.
Director Aneesh Chaganty
Release Date November 20, 2020
Studio(s) Hulu
Distributor(s) Hulu
Writers Aneesh Chaganty , Sev Ohanian
Cast Erik Athavale , Conan Hodgkinson , Pat Healy , Derek James Trapp , Clark Webster , Kiera Allen , Steve Pacaud , Onalee Ames , Sarah Paulson , Bradley Sawatzky , Carter Heintz
Runtime 90 Minutes
In the psychological horror-thriller Run, Paulson plays Diane Sherman, the mother of Chloe, who is disabled and has many ailments and health-related conditions. The film follows Chloe when she finds a set of pills in her mother's purse which leads to many horrifying discoveries about the truth of her upbringing, medical problems, and her mother's manipulation. The film provides a tense and spine-tingling atmosphere as the depths of Diane's perversion are slowly uncovered in a series of shocking events.
In a role that compares to her portrayal of Nurse Ratched, Paulson delivers an incredibly unsettling and gripping performance of a mother with deep psychological issues. The quiet dread that creeps up when it's discovered what is really going on in a Munchausen syndrome by proxy situation is as captivating as it is horrifying. Paulson nails the balance between the two, perfectly encapsulating the duality in this allegory about modern parenting practices, and adding another complex antagonist to her filmography.
8 Mrs. America (2020)
As Alice Macray
Mrs. America explores the real-life battle to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s. The series portrays the unexpected opposition led by conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, highlighting her role as a prominent figure in the counter-movement against feminist advancements during this pivotal era.
Cast Cate Blanchett , Novie Edwards , Rose Byrne , Cindy Drummond , Uzo Aduba , Margo Martindale , Tracey Ullman , Elizabeth Banks , Sarah Paulson , John Slattery , Kayli Carter , Ari Graynor , Melanie Lynskey , Jeanne Tripplehorn , Liam MacDonald , Peter MacNeill , Reetu Bambrah , Eden Broda , Téa Helena Carini , Allie Dunbar , Thomas Gough , Andrea Grant , Jessica Greco , Adrian Griffin , Susan Hamann Character(s) Phyllis Schlafly , Willie B. Reed , Gloria Steinem , Lottie Beth Hobbs , Shirley Chisholm , Bella Abzug , Betty Friedan , Jill Ruckelshaus , Alice , Fred Schlafly , Pamela , Brenda Feigen , Rosemary Thomson , Eleanor Schlafly , Andy Schlafly , Barry Goldwater , Congressional Aide , Woman on Bullhorn , Hairdresser , Young GOP Wife , W. Clement Stone , Arlene Crane , Woman #1 , Director , Linda
Release Date April 15, 2020
Seasons 1
Writers April Shih
Directors Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre , Amma Asante
Creator(s) Dahvi Waller
Mrs. America is a political drama that focuses on the real-life story surrounding the Equal Rights Amendment and the surprising movement and backlash that arose, led by conservative activist and anti-feminist Phyllis Schlafly. Paulson plays conservative housewife Alice Macray as she joins the movement in a show featuring themes surrounding political policies, women's roles in society, and in their own private lives. It is a tense and gripping series with a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, and Tracey Ullman.
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As a character crafted as a fictional composite, it might be easy to get lost in the anonymity of the task, but Paulson does an impeccable job of adding an authentic, grounding quality to the role. As Alice, she represents the exploration of personal values and what a woman's identity means to herself and to society at large. Her performance, alongside Blanchett's, delicately contrasts and offers a comparison to someone set in their own beliefs, making it a memorable role integral to the story.
7 Blue Jay (2016)
As Amanda
Blue Jay is a drama featuring two former high-school sweethearts who, upon returning to their small California hometown, encounter one another and delve into reflections on their shared past. The film explores themes of nostalgia and connection through its intimate narrative.
Director Alexandre Lehmann
Release Date October 7, 2016
Cast Mark Duplass , Sarah Paulson , Clu Gulager , James Andrews , Harris Benbury , Daniel Brooks , Mary Brooks , Bill Greer , Cindy Greer , Ana Iovine , Leo Munoz , Loretta Munoz , Brady Rice , Karen Rice Character(s) Jim , Amanda , Waynie , Background
Runtime 81 minutes
Blue Jay is an emotional and introspective romantic drama that tells the story of two high school sweethearts who reconnect after many years apart. Paulson stars as Amanda opposite Jim (Mark Duplass), as they find each other again and recount their memories and experiences with one another in a raw and authentic narrative. The film explores their combined imagination of what could have been if their lives had continued on the path they both now seem to wish they had.
Blue Jay
was filmed entirely in just seven days in California.
Though his first time as a fictional feature director, Alex Lehmann guides a master hand over this superb film. Paulson's chemistry with Duplass is energetic and authentic, and it elevates the plot into something very relatable. In a role she doesn't often get to play, Paulson shows her range in a subtle and character-driven depiction that is bursting with nostalgia and genuine affection, making it a vast change from some of her more celebrated roles.
6 Carol (2015)
As Abby Gerhard
Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, Carol stars Rooney Mara as Therese Belivet, a department store worker and aspiring photographer who, after a chance encounter at work, begins a secret affair with an older wealthy woman named Carol who is going through a bitter divorce. While the two women develop strong feelings for one another, outside forces continually threaten to tear them apart. Cate Blanchett stars alongside Mara as Carol.
Release Date November 20, 2015
Studio(s) Number 9 Films , Film4 , Killer Films
Distributor(s) The Weinstein Company
Writers Phyllis Nagy , Patricia Highsmith
Runtime 119 minutes
In a historical drama, a screenplay adapted from the 1952 romance novel The Price of Salt, Carol tells the story of a forbidden love in the 1950s. Set in New York City, it recounts the affair between a young female photographer (Rooney Mara) and a wealthy older woman (Cate Blanchett) who is currently involved in a messy divorce with her husband. Paulson plays Abby, the best friend and former lover of the older socialite, and provides a much-needed insight into her background and character.
In yet another collaboration with Blanchett, Carol sees Paulson take on more of a supporting role, but as a further testament to her talent, it doesn't diminish her impact. She brings strength and compassion to her lover-turned-friendship character, and her chemistry with Blanchett is spell-binding throughout. Receiving a 10-minute-long standing ovation at its Cannes Film Festival premiere, Carol was nominated for numerous awards. There's no doubt that Paulson's helping hand in anchoring the film with maturity and passion was one of the driving forces behind its success.
5 Impeachment: American Crime Story (2021)
As Linda Tripp
American Crime Story - Season 3
Impeachment: American Crime Story is a standalone season in the larger series, focusing on the infamous Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and the subsequent impeachment of the President. Paulson embodies Linda Tripp, a prominent civil servant who played a key figure in uncovering the situation by secretly (and illegally) recording Monica Lewinsky's confidential calls and confessions surrounding her involvement with President Clinton. The show meticulously and confidently recounts the entire situation of one of the most famous political scandals in recent history.
The 10 Best Sarah Paulson Films & TV Series:
IMDb Rating:
|
Ocean's Eight | 6.3/10 |
Mrs. America | 7.9/10 |
Blue Jay | 7.3/10 |
Run | 6.7/10 |
Carol | 7.2/10 |
Impeachment: American Crime Story | 8.4/10 |
12 Years a Slave | 8.1/10 |
American Horror Story: Asylum | 8.0/10 |
Ratched | 7.3/10 |
The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story | 8.4/10 |
In one of her most layered performances in a career full of complicated characters, Paulson's depiction of Tripp is exceptional, showing her to be both misunderstood and unlikable at the same time. While it can be tricky to play non-fictional roles, Paulson seems to rise to every challenge and skillfully portrays someone morally ambiguous who is caught in a very difficult situation. A collaboration with Ryan Murphy, she solidifies her reputation as one of the best actresses to play complex characters in a thrilling drama.
4 12 Years A Slave (2013)
As Mary Epps
Directed by Steve McQueen and based on the 1853 memoir by Solomon Northup, 12 Years a Slave tells the story of Northrup, a free black man from New York who, in 1841, is captured and sold into slavery in the south. Separated from his family, and forced to endure intense brutality at the hands of his new masters, Northrup works tirelessly to stay alive and regain his freedom. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Northrup, with a cast that includes Lupita Nyong'0, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Release Date January 9, 2014
Studio(s) Searchlight Pictures
Distributor(s) Summit Entertainment , Searchlight Pictures
Runtime 134minutes
Steven McQueen's 12 Years a Slave is a biographical film based on the memoir by African American man Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. One of her more difficult portrayals, Paulson takes on the role of Mary Epps, the wife of plantation owner Edwin Earps, who displays just as sickening acts of cruelty and abuse as her husband. The story follows Northrup as he aims to prove his identity and escape the plantation while doing everything he can to survive and help his fellow slaves.
In 12 Years a Slave, Paulson gives an incredible supporting performance as the vindictive wife who grows jealous of the slaves her husband sexually assaults and bestows upon them her own brand of abuse. Her commitment to playing such a dark ole shows a fearless quality to her acting ability; she adds another layer of impact and significance to the atrocities depicted. Winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, it's another gem in Paulson's memorable film entry, only knocked down due to her relative lack of screen time.
3 American Horror Story: Asylum (2012-2013)
As Lana Winters
American Horror Story - Season 2
In the second season of the epic American Horror series American Horror Story: Asylum, Paulson stars in her iconic role of Lana Winters, an investigative journalist who trespasses into a mental institution before being found, captured, and committed to the institution because of her sexuality. The show is a stand-out in the horror anthology genre as it slowly reveals the terrifying nature of the institution through the unimaginable situations in which Lana is placed, enduring both physical and mental torment.
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In another collaboration with Murphy, Paulson's leading role helped her earn her place as one of the most beloved actresses in American Horror Story and made season 2 the highest-rated season ever for the show. Paulson's depiction of Lana continued her incredible transition to more horror-focused films and series, a move that seems like it was destined to occur. Paulson's portrayal as someone surviving intense trauma and cruelty is masterfully done, and her resilience and range as Lana has been widely celebrated as some of her best work.
2 Ratched (2020)
As Nurse Mildred Ratched
A prequel to the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ratched is a thriller-drama that follows the origins of the cold and sometimes cruel Nurse Mildred Ratched as she begins to worm her way into the asylum that her infamous legacy is born in. Under her caring and professional demeanor, something sinister dwells within.
Cast Sarah Paulson
Release Date September 19, 2020
Seasons 1
In one of her most well-known roles, Paulson portrays the titular Nurse Mildred Ratched in an additional collaboration with Murphy. Ratched is a prequel to the legendary film One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, which shows the abusive and sadistic nurse's early life and events that led up to her role in the film. Ratched arrives in California, looking for employment in a top-rated psychiatric hospital that is on the cutting edge of experimental procedures, but she has many ulterior motives for manipulating her way into a position of power in the ward.
Feeling like the culmination of a career, Paulson's portrayal of Ratched is nothing short of simply spectacular. It's a performance that could never have been anyone else, as she expertly explores a character with an untold, menacing, and sinister presence. Paulson's talent is in taking a multi-layered character who does and says depraved things while adding moments of charm and vulnerability. Her interpretation and presentation of the famous character are universally praised, and it is one of her finest performances ever.
1 The People V. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016)
As Marcia Clark
Created for FX, American Crime Story is an anthology true crime series that follows a new cast each season. Each is a self-contained series exploring true crime court cases in American history. The initial season visits and reenacts the murder trial of O.J. Simpson in the 1990s, with the show's structure following several points of view to give a wider picture of each case.
Cast Sterling K. Brown , Kenneth Choi , Cuba Gooding Jr , Nathan Lane , Sarah Paulson , David Schwimmer , Edgar Ramirez , Darren Criss , Ricky Martin , Penelope Cruz , Beanie Feldstein , Annaleigh Ashford Release Date February 2, 2016
Seasons 3
Streaming Service(s) Hulu Writers Scott Alexander , Larry Karaszewski , Tom Rob Smith , Sarah Burgess
Showrunner Scott Alexander , Larry Karaszewski , Tom Rob Smith , Sarah Burgess
The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story is another true-life criminal drama series that sees Paulsen play one of the most acclaimed performances of her career. Paulson is lead prosecutor Marcia Clark in the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial as the season chronicles the case from beginning to end. Paulson's intense realism and attention to detail in portraying one of the most important characters in the award-winning series defined her as one of the go-to actresses for such distinguished roles.
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Again in an ensemble cast that features some incredible talent, Paulson remains the highlight for her portrayal of the determined prosecutor. Sarah Paulson won a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Lead Actress in a Series as she nails the role and cements her legacy, playing both fictional and nonfictional characters with the same gravitas, maturity, and nuance. Her dedication to the role and attention to detail mirror that of her character in this series, and are the perfect metaphor for how she approaches all the most commanding and exceptional jobs she gets.
Sarah Paulson
Birthname Sarah Catharine Paulson
Birthdate December 17, 1974
Birthplace Tampa, Florida, USA
Bio
Sarah Catharine Paulson is an American actress. She began her acting career in New York City stage productions before starring in the short-lived television series American Gothic and Jack & Jill.
English (US) ·