A Nostalgic Guide To Gwyneth Paltrow’s Best Onscreen Moments

In 2019, Gwyneth Paltrow declared that she had only been “masquerading as an actor” before becoming the CEO of her Goop wellness empire – but we beg to differ. She is after all an Oscar winner, and effectively film royalty as the daughter of Blythe Danner.

As she celebrates her 51st birthday, we present a nostalgic look back at GP’s best onscreen moments to date.

Emma

Could there have been a more perfect casting than Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma Woodhouse in this film adaptation of Jane Austen’s literary classic, Emma? We think not. Featuring a stellar line-up that also included Alan Cumming, Toni Collette, Ewan McGregor and Jeremy Northam, the 1996 film is worth rewatching time and again. British costumer Ruth Myers made period pieces look more wearable than ever, while Paltrow had the English accent down to a tee.

Shakespeare In Love

Rom-com Shakespeare In Love (1998) is the film that launched Paltrow into the stratosphere. Not only did it gross nearly $300 million (£230 million) worldwide, but it scooped seven Oscars in total. Paltrow has since credited it with changing her life forever. It also gave us the iconic powder-pink Ralph Lauren gown she wore to to collect her Best Actress statuette.

The Talented Mr Ripley

You’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t got lost in the sun-drenched tale of The Talented Mr Ripley. The 1999 thriller’s locations and outfits serve as a love letter to la dolce vita, and 1950s Italy in particular. Paltrow, who plays Marge, was part of a fantastic cast that also included Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Jude Law and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Gorgeous scenery and equally gorgeous people, combined with liberal amounts of lust, envy and treachery, made this a cult classic.

The Royal Tenenbaums

Every detail of every scene in The Royal Tenenbaums perfectly captures Wes Anderson’s unmistakable vision. The 2001 comedy-drama, starring Danny Glover, Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Bill Murray, Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, and of course Paltrow, is as whimsical as it is brilliant. With her vintage coat and razor-sharp bob, Paltrow’s Margot Tenenbaum became instantly iconic in Anderson’s dreamy take on a New York family.

Mirror Sliding Doors

In terms of relatability, the 1998 romantic comedy Sliding Doors is second to none. Who hasn’t pondered whether a single mundane moment or split-second decision altered the course of their life entirely? It’s why seeing Paltrow, as Helen, playing out two parallel universe scenarios (one in which she caught the Tube she ran for, one in which she didn’t), is so captivating. Also starring John Hannah, it’s a British rom-com classic.

Sylvia

Starring alongside her mother, Blythe Danner, Paltrow does justice to Sylvia Plath with her portrayal of the incredibly talented writer in 2003 biopic Sylvia. Charting her turbulent life and marriage to fellow poet Ted Hughes (played by Daniel Craig), it offers insight into the life and work of a literary genius.

Great Expectations

This contemporary film adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations offers up style and substance in equal measure. With fashion designer Donna Karan behind Paltrow’s wardrobe, it’s easy to see why her looks have stood the test of time – it’s less stuffy period costume, more Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-esque separates. Starring opposite Ethan Hawke (he plays Pip), it’s a modern remake with a twist – and it still looks glorious more than 20 years on.