Michelle Williams: Career in Pictures
Oscar-nominated for the third time, take a look back at the star's career moments

Oscar-nominated for the third time, take a look back at the star's career moments
What: My Week With Marilyn When: 2011
Michelle Williams
Williams tackled her biggest challenge to date when she transformed into Hollywood screen legend Marilyn Monroe. The role has garnered her a Golden Globe award and a Best Actress Oscar nomination - and we're convinced it's helped shape her enviable off-screen style.
Michelle Williams
What: Meek's Cutoff
When: 2010
The actress hit the Oregon trail circa 1845 in this Western indie flick directed by Kelly Reichardt.
Michelle Williams
What: Meek's Cutoff
When: 2010
The actress hit the Oregon trail circa 1845 in this Western indie flick directed by Kelly Reichardt.
Michelle Williams
What: Blue Valentine
When: 2010
The indie darling earned her first Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of exasperated wife Cindy opposite Ryan Gosling in Blue Valentine.
Michelle Williams
What: Shutter Island
When: 2009
The actress was handpicked by director Martin Scorcese to play the role of Leonardo DiCaprio's deceased - but all too present - wife in this psychological thriller.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Michelle Williams
What: Deception
When: 2008
Williams played the female lead - a seductress named 'S' - in this thriller with Ewan McGregor and Hugh Jackman.
Michelle Williams
What: Wendy and Lucy
When: 2008
Proving her acting talents in indie director Kelly Reichardt's melancholy film about a girl who experiences a series of setbacks, Williams shows that she doesn't need a full face of war paint and a stylish coif to hold an audience captive.
Michelle Williams
What: Brokeback Mountain
When: 2005
Williams met her future partner and father of her daughter, Matilda, on the set of Ang Lee's provocative film about two cowboys who pursue a forbidden love affair. Her role as Ledger's on-screen wife, Alma, also earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination from the Academy.
Michelle Williams
What: I'm Not There
When: 2007
The star's supporting role as Coco Rivington in this film, where six different actors play Bob Dylan, wasn't her most memorable on-screen acting moment, but her take on swinging sixties style is pitch-perfect.
Michelle Williams
What: Land of Plenty
When: 2004
Director Wim Wenders cast Williams as Lana in this exploration of post-9/11 malaise.
Michelle Williams
What: A Hole in One
When: 2004
In this quirky flick, Williams played a 1950s suburban girl who starts to question her sanity... and decides she wants a lobotomy. Things aren't all bad - that net veil is divine.
Michelle Williams
What: The Station Agent
When: 2003
The actress played a librarian opposite Peter Dinklage in this BAFTA-winning indie flick.
Michelle Williams
What: Prozac Nation
When: 2002
Williams starred opposite Christina Ricci as Harvard pal Ruby in this exploration of depression and drug abuse based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's acclaimed book.
Michelle Williams
What: Me Without You
When: 2001
Williams tries her hand at a British accent as we see her play Brighton girl Holly, and witness the trials and tribulations she goes through with best friend Marina (played by Anna Friel).
Michelle Williams
What: Halloween H2O: 20 Years Later
When: 1998
Williams made the leap from small to big screen with a role in this slasher flick, where she mastered the art of screaming in fear. Who would have known it would be the start of such a rich and lauded film career?
Michelle Williams
What: Dawson's Creek
When:1998-2003
The actress made her small screen debut playing girl-with-a-past Jen as one of the key quartet - alongside Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek and Joshua Jackson - on this hit teen show chronicling four friends and their relationships.
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
Mind the wealth gap: why women still have less than men and what you can do about it
How money has changed for women, the wealth gaps we need to close and how to do it.
By Jessica Sheldon
-
Why are we praising homemaker influencers for escapism content, but tearing Meghan Markle apart for being vacuous?
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Givenchy Autumn/Winter 2025: Sarah Burton's debut
The former Alexander McQueen creative director presents her first offering for the storied French house
By Rebecca Jane Hill