Career Overview
Sarah Paulson’s career has spanned over three decades, with notable roles in film, television, and theater. Her versatility and ability to portray complex characters have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Film Roles
Paulson made her film debut in 1997’s “Levitation.” She gained recognition for her supporting roles in “12 Years a Slave” (2013) and “Carol” (2015), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
- 1997: Levitation
- 2002: Swimfan
- 2005: Serenity
- 2012: Mud
- 2013: 12 Years a Slave
- 2015: Carol
- 2017: The Post
- 2018: Ocean’s 8
- 2019: Glass
- 2021: Run
Television Roles
Paulson has had a prolific career in television, starring in numerous series and miniseries. She is best known for her roles as Marcia Clark in “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (2016) and Nurse Ratched in “Ratched” (2020).
- 1994: Law & Order
- 2000: Jack & Jill
- 2006: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
- 2011: American Horror Story
- 2016: The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story
- 2020: Ratched
Theater Roles, Sarah paulson
Paulson has also appeared in several Broadway and off-Broadway productions. She received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in “The Glass Menagerie” in 2017.
- 2005: The Glass Menagerie
- 2008: Collected Stories
- 2010: After Miss Julie
- 2013: The Seagull
- 2017: The Glass Menagerie (Broadway revival)
Collaborations
Paulson has collaborated with notable directors such as Steven Spielberg, Ryan Murphy, and Todd Haynes. She has also worked alongside renowned actors including Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, and Cate Blanchett.
Critical Acclaim and Recognition: Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson has received critical acclaim and recognition throughout her career for her exceptional performances. She has won multiple awards, including two Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and three Critics’ Choice Television Awards.
Paulson’s performance in the anthology series American Horror Story has garnered her widespread praise. She has won two Emmy Awards for her roles as Lana Winters in Asylum and Cordelia Foxx in Coven. Her portrayal of these complex and nuanced characters showcased her versatility and emotional range.
In 2017, Paulson received a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in the television series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Her performance was praised for its accuracy, empathy, and nuanced portrayal of a real-life figure.
Paulson’s other notable performances include her role as Sally McKenna in the horror series Ratched, for which she received a Golden Globe Award nomination, and her portrayal of Alice Macray in the drama series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, which earned her an Emmy Award nomination.
Accolades
* Two Emmy Awards (2013, 2014)
* Two Golden Globe Awards (2017, 2021)
* Three Critics’ Choice Television Awards (2013, 2014, 2017)
* One Screen Actors Guild Award (2017)
* One British Academy Television Award (2017)
Character Portrayals and Acting Style
Sarah Paulson is renowned for her versatility in portraying a wide range of characters, from the quirky and comedic to the deeply dramatic. Her ability to inhabit each role with authenticity and emotional depth is a testament to her exceptional acting skills.
Paulson’s comedic timing and physicality are evident in roles like Cordelia Foxx in American Horror Story: Coven and Susan Warren in American Horror Story: Roanoke. She brings a playful and energetic presence to these characters, using her expressive facial expressions and body language to convey humor and vulnerability.
Dramatic Roles
In contrast, Paulson’s dramatic performances showcase her emotional range and intensity. She has portrayed characters struggling with mental illness, addiction, and trauma, such as Lana Winters in American Horror Story: Asylum and Ally Mayfair-Richards in American Horror Story: Cult. Paulson’s ability to convey the complexities of these characters’ inner struggles is both heartbreaking and captivating.
Unique Acting Style
Paulson’s acting style is characterized by her meticulous attention to detail and her willingness to explore the nuances of her characters. She often collaborates closely with directors and fellow actors to create fully realized and believable performances.
Paulson’s use of physicality and emotional depth is a key aspect of her acting. She is known for her ability to embody the physical and emotional states of her characters, using her body language, facial expressions, and voice to convey their inner worlds.
