Why Meryl Streep Is Still Considered the Gold Standard in Acting

Across five decades in film and theater, Meryl Streep has defined acting excellence. With a record number of Academy Award nominations and performances that span genres, eras, and accents, the legendary actress continues to shape how audiences define great acting.

Few performers in film history have achieved the level of recognition and respect that Meryl Streep commands. With 21 Academy Award nominations and three wins, she holds the record as the most nominated performer in Oscar history.

Across decades of work, Streep has built a reputation for transformative performances and meticulous preparation. Her ability to disappear into a character has made her one of the most celebrated actors in modern cinema.

Her influence extends beyond the screen. Alongside her acting career, Streep has used her public platform to speak about issues including gender inequality and fair treatment within the entertainment industry.

A Career Defined by Transformation

Before she became one of Hollywood’s most decorated performers, Streep grew up in suburban New Jersey. In her early years she was a soprano, a cheerleader, and a homecoming queen.

Her path eventually led her to Yale University, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree and refined the skills that would define her career.

From the start, Streep showed an unusual ability to transform herself physically, vocally, and emotionally for each role. That commitment helped establish her reputation as one of the most versatile actors in film.

Over time, audiences came to expect performances that combined technical precision with emotional depth.

"Kramer vs. Kramer" and an Early Oscar

Streep’s first Academy Award win came with "Kramer vs. Kramer" in 1979, where she earned the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Her character, Joanna Kramer, was originally written in the source novel as a more unsympathetic figure. Streep worked to reshape the role, adding emotional nuance and empathy.

The result was a character that felt complex rather than one-dimensional. It also signaled a defining pattern in her career. Streep consistently pushed for female characters to be portrayed with greater depth and humanity.

"Sophie's Choice" and a Defining Performance

In 1982, Streep delivered one of the most powerful performances of her career in "Sophie's Choice."

Playing Holocaust survivor Sophie Zawistowski, she portrayed a woman haunted by a devastating decision during World War II. The role required intense preparation, including learning to speak both Polish and German.

The film’s central moment, in which Sophie must choose which of her children will live, became one of cinema’s most heartbreaking scenes.

The performance earned Streep the Academy Award for Best Actress, her second Oscar, and helped cement her status as one of the leading actors of her generation.

Expanding Her Range

Streep continued to demonstrate her versatility throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

In "Out of Africa," she portrayed Danish author Karen Blixen, also known by her pen name Isak Dinesen. The sweeping romantic drama allowed her to lead a large-scale production while maintaining the emotional authenticity that defined her work.

Years later, she delivered another memorable performance in "The Bridges of Madison County."

Playing Italian war bride Francesca Johnson, Streep relied on subtle gestures and quiet emotion rather than dramatic transformation. Director Clint Eastwood insisted on casting her despite pressure from the studio to choose a younger actress.

The result was a performance widely praised for its honesty and restraint.

From Comedy to Political Drama

Streep continued to reinvent herself in the 2000s.

Her role as Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada" became one of her most recognizable characters. Instead of modeling the character directly on fashion editor Anna Wintour, Streep drew inspiration from Clint Eastwood’s calm authority.

The performance blended humor with intimidation and earned Streep another Academy Award nomination. It also helped elevate comedic performances within major awards conversations.

In 2011, she earned her third Oscar for "The Iron Lady," portraying former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. The film traced Thatcher’s rise to political power as well as her later struggles with dementia.

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

While many actresses have historically struggled to find major roles after midlife, Streep’s career has continued to flourish.

Now in her late 70s, she remains one of the most influential figures in film. Alongside her acting work, she has advocated for gender equality in Hollywood. She has spoken out about the industry’s pay gap and supported efforts to create fairer contracts.

Streep also sent a letter and a book to every U.S. lawmaker urging them to revive the Equal Rights Amendment.

Her career reflects a broader shift in how audiences view aging performers. Rather than stepping away from the spotlight, Streep has continued to take on new challenges.

With performances that combine intelligence, humor, and emotional depth, she remains a defining figure in modern acting. Her legacy continues to evolve, proving that great artists do not fade with time. Instead, they grow.