Is Meryl Streep the Best Screen Actress of All Time? Perspectives and Evaluations

The debate around whether Meryl Streep is the best screen actress of all time has been a longstanding one in the film industry. While Streep is frequently cited as one of the greatest actresses, opinions remain divided, with some critics and fans considering her the pinnacle of acting while others argue that she has lost her edge over time.

Streep: A Leading Contender for Greatness

Meryl Streep is often regarded as one of the greatest screen actresses of all time. Her remarkable range, versatility, and profound depth of character have earned her numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards and a record number of Oscar nominations. Critics and fellow actors often cite her outstanding performances in films such as Sophie's Choice, The Devil Wears Prada, and Kramer vs. Kramer.

Legendary Stars of Yesteryear

When the words “best” and “actress” are mentioned, names like Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Bette Davis, Barbara Stanwyck, Vivien Leigh, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, and many others immediately come to mind. While Streep has received significant recognition, opinions remain mixed. Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, with their timeless grace and magnetic screen presence, have set a high bar that is difficult to match. Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Kathy Bates, Sigourney Weaver, Anne Hathaway, Glenn Close, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Kathy Bates are among those who have remained in the public eye for decades, remaining at the top of their craft.

While Streep has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the film industry, some argue that her recent performances have been less nuanced and memorable. Many feel that during the 1980s, her roles in films like The French Lieutenant's Woman, Sophie's Choice, Silkwood, Out of Africa, and Ironweed showcased her immense talent and depth.

The Decline of Nuance and Quality

However, some critics suggest that Streep's performances have lost their depth and subtlety somewhere around the 1990s, with films like The Devil Wears Prada, Julia and Julia, The Iron Lady, Ricki and the Flash, Florence Foster Jenkins, and The Laundromat being seen as excessive and gimmicky. These performances are criticized for their reliance on overacting, seen as a hammed-up approach to screen performance.

Expanding the Acting Landscape

Other actresses of her generation, such as Glenn Close, Judy Davis, Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Emma Thompson, Miranda Richardson, Frances McDormand, Kathy Bates, Julie Walters, Sissy Spacek, and Helen Mirren, are often hailed as far superior. Some actresses have continued to thrive on stage as well, earning accolades such as Tony Awards, Laurence Olivier Awards, and Molière Awards.

Glenn Close has received three Tony Awards and a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress, while Lesley Manville won a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role in Ghosts. Isabelle Huppert is a seven-time Molière Award nominee, with a Lifetime Honorary Molière Award in 2017.

Youthful Prodigies of Today

Moreover, younger actresses such as Cate Blanchett, Rachel Weisz, Emily Watson, Samantha Morton, Toni Collette, Kate Winslet, Julianne Moore, Viola Davis, Saoirse Ronan, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Helena Bonham Carter, and Tilda Swinton have also established themselves as formidable talents in the industry. These young actresses bring fresh perspectives and strong performances to the screen, often earning critical acclaim and recognition.

Conclusion

The debate over whether Meryl Streep is the best screen actress of all time will likely continue. While her contributions to the film industry are significant, opinions remain divided. Some appreciate her range and depth, while others feel that her recent performances lack the nuance and subtlety of her earlier work. As the debate continues, the industry and audiences will continue to seek out new and diverse voices in the world of acting.