Marie Claire UK Marie Claire UK
  • Fashion Fashion
      • Fashion
        • View all Fashion
        • Fashion Trends
        • Shopping
        • Watches and Jewellery
        • Fashion News
  • Beauty Beauty
      • Beauty
        • View all Beauty
        • Fragrance
        • Hair
        • Make Up
        • Skincare
        • Nails
        • Marie Claire Beauty Awards
  • Health Health
      • Health
        • View all Health
        • Fitness
        • Nutrition
        • Female Health
        • Wellbeing
  • Life Life
      • Life
        • View all Life
        • Opinions
        • Travel
        • Sustainability
        • Weddings
        • Money & Work
        • Competitions
  • Culture Culture
      • Culture
        • View all Culture
        • TV and Film
        • Celebrity News
        • Books
        • Royal News
  • Vouchers Vouchers
      • Clothing
        • View all Vouchers
        • Mint Velvet
        • Karen Millen
        • H&M
        • nobody's child
        • ASOS
        • ARKET
        • MANGO
      • Designer Clothing
        • View all Vouchers
        • Reiss
        • THE OUTNET
        • SSENSE
        • Mytheresa
        • Liberty London
        • Selfridges
        • Farfetch
      • Accessories
        • View all Vouchers
        • AllSaints
        • Aspinal of London
        • Charles & Keith
        • River Island
        • FitFlop
        • Kate Spade
        • Vagabond
      • Jewellery
        • View all Vouchers
        • Pandora
        • Abbott Lyon
        • Goldsmiths
        • Beaverbrooks
        • Astrid & Miyu
        • Swarovski
        • Angara Jewellery
      • Beauty
        • View all Vouchers
        • Sephora
        • Cult Beauty
        • Space NK
        • Dyson
        • Clarins
        • Look Fantastic
        • Clinique
      • Activewear
        • View all Vouchers
        • Lululemon
        • Gymshark
        • Sweaty Betty
        • Nike
        • adidas
        • New Balance
        • Helly Hansen
  • NEWSLETTER Signup to our newsletter
  • logoCreated with Sketch.
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!


    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    You are now subscribed

    Your newsletter sign-up was successful


    An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
    Trending
    • Women in Sport 2026
    • Marie Claire Masters
    • Spring Summer 2026
    • Nail Trends 2026
    • Best Investment Bags
    • Best Perfumes
    • Digital Issues
    • Women Who Win
    1. Culture
    2. TV and Film

    Brad Pitt: Career in Pictures

    Take a look back at the Oscar nominee's scene-stealing, and mostly sizzling, on-screen moments

    By Marie Claire
    Published 14 February 2012 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)
    • Facebook
    • X
    • Pinterest
    Share this article
    Join the conversation
    Follow us
    Add us as a preferred source on Google
    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Take a look back at the Oscar nominee's scene-stealing, and mostly sizzling, on-screen moments

    Thelma & Louise - 1991

    Brad Pitt's first major film role was in this cult girl classic, where he made an unforgettable appearance as charming robber J.D. We still get in a hot flush just thinking about it.

    Thelma & Louise - 1991

    Thelma & Louise - 1991

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Brad Pitt's first major film role was in this cult girl classic, where he made an unforgettable appearance as charming robber J.D. We still get in a hot flush just thinking about it.

    A River Runs Through It - 1992

    A River Runs Through It - 1992

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Pitt plays rebellious fly-fisher Paul McLean in this atmospheric film about two brothers in Montana, directed by actor-turned-director Robert Redford.

    Legends of the Fall - 1994

    Legends of the Fall - 1994

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    The actor stars alongside Aiden Quinn and Anthony Hopkins in this epic tale of three brothers living in the 1900s wilderness. More importantly, he proves that even with that long mane, he can still cause heart palpitations.

    You may like
    • Luke Hersheson My Life In Hair I Spoke to the Super Stylist Behind Victoria Beckham's Iconic Bob—Here Are His Thoughts on Great Hair
    • Zendaya Vintage T-shirt This Trending T-Shirt Style Comes Approved by Zendaya and Alexa Chung—And It's So Easy to Throw On With Anything
    • Naomi Osaka Sport Walk On Fashion Moment Forget the Front Row—The Most Exciting Fashion Moments Are Happening at Tournament Walk-Ins

    Interview with the Vampire - 1994

    Interview with the Vampire - 1994

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Vampires always looked as good as Edward Cullen. Long before Twilight, Brad Pitt was 200-year-old Louis de Pointe du Lac, a vampire with a conscience. He has since said that filming Interview with the Vampire was one of his least famous movie-making experiences.

    12 Monkeys - 1995

    12 Monkeys - 1995

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Pitt's turn as Jeffrey Goines, a fanatical mental patient in a post-apocalyptic future world, earned the actor his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe. Brad had finally made his mark.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    Se7en - 1995

    Se7en - 1995

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    As Pitt's roles start to get grittier and grittier, he seems to get hotter and hotter. In Se7en, he plays a rookie cop hunting a serial killer obsessed by the seven deadly sins. Gwyneth Paltrow plays his pregnant wife and off-screen the pair became romantically involved and later engaged.

    Seven Years In Tibet - 1997

    Seven Years In Tibet - 1997

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    The actor plays Austrian mountain climber Heinrich Harrer, who befriended the young Dalai Lama. When the film was released the Chinese government criticised the plot and argued that the Communist Chinese military officers were intentionally shown as impolite and arrogant. They were so angry that director Jean-Jacques Annaud and stars Brad Pitt and David Thewlis were banned from ever entering China.

    Meet Joe Black - 1998

    Meet Joe Black - 1998

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Pitt reunites with Anthony Hopkins (who plays his dad in Legends of the Fall) as a sharp-suited personification of Death in this 1998 film co-starring Claire Forlani. If you're fan of Pitt's aesthetics, you'll love this film as it contains some particularly raunchy sex scenes and lots of close-ups of his beautiful face.

    What to read next
    • Kaia Gerber Everything Kaia Gerber Wears Is a Masterclass in Minimalism—These Are the Pieces and Brands She Always Goes Back to
    • Skirt Suits Skirt Suits Are Back, According to the A-Listers in New York Right Now—Here’s How to Wear One for Summer and Beyond
    • The Rachel Hair on Gigi Hadid, created by hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos  Gigi Hadid Brought Back the 'Rachel' Haircut—So I Tried It Too, and My Hair Has Never Looked So Full

    Fight Club - 1999

    Fight Club - 1999

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    We're sure we're not the only ones who made good use of the pause button during the Fight Club scenes where Pitt is sans shirt. Not only does he show off his acting prowess in this cult film that explores one of the more physical ways of coping with aggression, he also displays those washboard abs that made him the envy of every man - and the fantasy of every woman.

    Snatch - 2000

    Snatch - 2000

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    We couldn't understand a word he said, but Brad Pitt's witty performance as Mickey the boxer stole every scene in Guy Ritchie's Snatch. It didn't hurt that we got to see him with his shirt off, too.

    The Mexican - 2001

    The Mexican - 2001

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Pitt went the romcom route as a criminal in The Mexican, co-starring with America's sweetheart, Julia Roberts. While it may not be Pitt's finest cinematic moment, he sure looked good doing it.

    Ocean's 11 - 2001

    Ocean's 11 - 2001

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Pitt teams up with best bud (and fellow 2012 Oscar nominee) George Clooney for Ocean's 11, which follows a group of cons trying to pull off the biggest heist of their careers. The film spawned two sequels and had an all-star cast including Julia Roberts and Matt Damon.

    Troy - 2004

    Troy - 2004

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    He armours up for his role as the warrior Achilles in this epic based on Homer's Iliad. While the movie got panned, the star's torso got rave reviews (from us, at least).

    Mr. & Mrs. Smith - 2005

    Mr. & Mrs. Smith - 2005

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Sometimes life really does imitate art. Pitt fell for co-star Angelina Jolie on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, where they played a couple of bored, married assassins. The real-life drama that unfolded between the two - and their on-screen chemistry - couldn't have been more fascinating and we're still talking about the Pitt-Jolie-Aniston love triangle to this day.

    Babel - 2006

    Babel - 2006

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Pitt tackles the issue of communicating (or being unable to) as a husband whose wife (played by Cate Blanchett) gets shot while on holiday in Morocco. Although not received very well by critics, Pitt gives an undoubtedly good performance.

    The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - 2008

    The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - 2008

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    This movie was a dream come true for Pitt fans who got to see the actor get younger and more attractive as the film progressed. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination.

    Burn After Reading - 2008

    Burn After Reading - 2008

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Pitt shows off his funny side in Burn After Reading (is there anything he can't do?), in which he stars as a gym employee who happens upon a CIA agent's memoirs. The all-star cast includes Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton and Pitt's BFF George Clooney.

    Inglourious Basterds - 2009

    Inglourious Basterds - 2009

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    As Lt. Aldo Raine in Quentin Tarantino's WWII-based flick, Pitt has one goal: Kill the Nazis. It's brutal and brilliant.

    The Tree of Life - 2011

    The Tree of Life - 2011

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Terrence Malick's ambitious film sees Pitt as a 1950s father of three sons. Playing a family man isn't too much of a stretch for the father of six.

    Moneyball - 2011

    Moneyball - 2011

    career in pictures, brad pitt, oscars, oscar nominees 2012, films, movies, marie claire, marie claire uk
    (Image credit: Rex Features)

    Pitt earns his third Oscar nomination for the biographical film Moneyball, in which he plays Oakland Athletics manager Billy Beane. Will 2012 be the actor's year to take home a statue?

    Marie Claire
    Social Links Navigation

    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.

    Read more
    Luke Hersheson My Life In Hair
    Hair I Spoke to the Super Stylist Behind Victoria Beckham's Iconic Bob—Here Are His Thoughts on Great Hair
    Zendaya Vintage T-shirt
    Shopping This Trending T-Shirt Style Comes Approved by Zendaya and Alexa Chung—And It's So Easy to Throw On With Anything
     
     
    Naomi Osaka Sport Walk On Fashion Moment
    Fashion Forget the Front Row—The Most Exciting Fashion Moments Are Happening at Tournament Walk-Ins
    Kaia Gerber
    Shopping Everything Kaia Gerber Wears Is a Masterclass in Minimalism—These Are the Pieces and Brands She Always Goes Back to
     
     
    Latest in TV and Film
    We Finally Know What To Expect From Leighton Meester’s Character in Nobody Wants This
    TV and Film One Surprising A-Lister Is Joining the Nobody Wants This Season Three Cast
    Lily Collins in Emily in Paris
    TV and Film Emily in Paris Fans Have Been Mourning a ‘Bittersweet’ Update About Season Six
     
     
    There has been a huge update for The White Lotus season 4
    TV and Film ‘Two Weeks in August’ Has Been Dubbed the 'British White Lotus' – Here’s What We Know About It
    Helena Bonham Carter attends the 2024 BAFTAs
    TV and Film One Cast Member Has Spoken Out About Helena Bonham Carter Leaving The White Lotus
     
     
    Latest in Features
    Charlotte Mensah Afro Hair
    Hair Charlotte Mensah Has Spent 40 Years Changing the Conversation Around Afro Hair—Now, Her Legacy Is Going on Display
    Aesthetics Safety
    Beauty "What Did She Expect?"—The Sexism and Classism Behind The UK’s Aesthetics Safety Crisis
     
     
    Wedding planning
    Relationships I Love My Fiancé, but I Resent the Emotional Labour of Planning Our Wedding
    Expensive beauty products, luxury beauty
    Beauty The Expensive Products That Are Actually Worth It, According to Beauty Editors Who’ve Tried Thousands
     
     
    logoCreated with Sketch.
    • Site Archive
    • Contact Future's experts
    • Contact us
    • Terms and conditions
    • Advertise with us
    • Privacy policy
    • Cookies policy
    • About us
    Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google

    Marie Claire UK is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

    © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.