Meryl Streep is a name synonymous with Hollywood excellence. With an astonishing career that spans over five decades, she has become one of the most respected and decorated actresses in the industry. While Streep’s Academy Award nominations often grab headlines, her record-setting number of Golden Globe nominations is equally, if not more, impressive.

As of 2023, Streep has received an unparalleled 33 Golden Globe nominations, further solidifying her status as a true legend of the silver screen. This article will take a deep dive into Streep’s incredible journey through the Golden Globes, highlighting the roles that earned her these prestigious nods and exploring the significance of her achievements in the entertainment world.

The Early Years: Establishing a Legacy

1979: “The Deer Hunter”
Meryl Streep’s journey to Golden Globe glory began with her first nomination in 1979 for her role in “The Deer Hunter.” Although she didn’t win, this nomination marked the start of a career that would be characterized by a constant presence at award shows. In “The Deer Hunter,” Streep portrayed the girlfriend of a soldier who fought in the Vietnam War. The role may not have brought her a win, but it established her as a formidable talent in Hollywood.

1980: “Kramer vs. Kramer”
Just a year later, Streep would not only be nominated but also take home her first Golden Globe for her role in “Kramer vs. Kramer.” Her portrayal of Joanna Kramer, a woman in the midst of a tumultuous divorce, earned her the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama. This win was just the beginning of what would become a long list of accolades.

1982: “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”
Streep’s Golden Globe success continued in 1982 when she won Best Actress in a Leading Role for “The French Lieutenant’s Woman.” Her performance as Sarah Woodruff, a complex and mysterious woman, showcased her range and cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses.

1983: “Sophie’s Choice”
Perhaps one of her most iconic roles, Streep’s performance in “Sophie’s Choice” in 1983 brought her another Golden Globe win. Her portrayal of Sophie Zawistowski, a Holocaust survivor forced to make an unimaginable choice, is often cited as one of the greatest performances in film history. This role also earned her a second Academy Award, further solidifying her place in Hollywood royalty.

The Consistent Contender: Streep’s Golden Globe Nominations in the 1980s and 1990s

1984: “Silkwood”
The mid-1980s saw Streep continue to dominate the awards circuit. In 1984, she was nominated for her role as Karen Silkwood in “Silkwood,” a real-life whistleblower who fought against unsafe working conditions at a plutonium processing plant. Though she didn’t win, the nomination added to her growing list of accolades.

1986: “Out of Africa”
Two years later, in 1986, Streep was nominated for her role in “Out of Africa,” where she starred opposite Robert Redford. The film, based on the memoirs of Baroness Karen von Blixen, was a critical success, and Streep’s performance earned her yet another nomination for Best Actress.

1988: “Ironweed”
Streep’s versatility as an actress was on full display in “Ironweed” (1988), where she played the lover of an unhoused man. Her performance earned her another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress, further demonstrating her ability to tackle a wide range of characters.

1990: “She-Devil”
While Streep is often celebrated for her dramatic roles, her comedic turn in “She-Devil” in 1990 did not go unnoticed. Her performance as the antagonist to Roseanne Barr’s character earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, showing that Streep could excel in any genre.

1991: “Postcards from the Edge”
In 1991, Streep was nominated once again for her role in “Postcards from the Edge,” a film based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Carrie Fisher. Streep’s portrayal of an actress struggling with addiction earned her yet another nomination, proving her consistent ability to deliver powerful performances.

The Turn of the Century: Streep’s Continued Dominance

1995: “The River Wild”
Streep’s dominance in the 1990s continued with her nomination for “The River Wild” in 1995. In this action-packed film, Streep showcased her versatility by taking on a physically demanding role, earning her a nomination for Best Actress.

1996: “The Bridges of Madison County”
The following year, Streep received a nomination for her role in “The Bridges of Madison County,” where she played an Iowa woman who embarks on an affair with a National Geographic photographer. This role, like many others, demonstrated Streep’s ability to bring depth and nuance to her characters.

2000: “Music of the Heart”
As the new millennium began, Streep continued to impress audiences and critics alike. In 2000, she was nominated for her role in “Music of the Heart,” where she played a determined violinist. Streep’s dedication to the role was evident as she learned to play the violin for the film, earning her another nomination for Best Actress.

2003: “Adaptation” and “The Hours”
The early 2000s were particularly fruitful for Streep. In 2003, she won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Adaptation,” where she played a fictionalized version of writer Susan Orlean. That same year, she was also nominated for her performance in “The Hours,” although she lost to her co-star, Nicole Kidman.

The Modern Era: Streep’s Continued Impact

2007: “The Devil Wears Prada”
One of Streep’s most memorable roles in recent years came in 2007 with “The Devil Wears Prada.” Her portrayal of the icy fashion editor Miranda Priestly, a character inspired by Vogue’s Anna Wintour, earned her another Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. This role became iconic, solidifying Streep’s place in pop culture.

2012: “The Iron Lady”
In 2012, Streep’s performance as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady” earned her yet another Golden Globe win. Her portrayal of Britain’s first female prime minister was widely praised, and it also earned her a third Academy Award, making her one of the most awarded actresses of all time.

2017: “The Post”
Streep continued to receive recognition for her work into the 2010s, with a nomination in 2017 for “The Post.” In this film, she portrayed Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, once again proving her ability to bring historical figures to life.

2024: “Only Murders in the Building”Most recently, Streep was nominated for her role in Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” where she played Loretta Durkin, a character surrounded by mystery and intrigue. This nomination, her 33rd, highlights Streep’s enduring relevance in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence

Meryl Streep’s record-breaking 33 Golden Globe nominations are a testament to her incredible talent and dedication to her craft. Over the years, she has brought countless characters to life, each one leaving a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.

As she continues to take on new roles, it’s clear that Streep’s influence on Hollywood is far from over. Her legacy as one of the greatest actresses of all time is secure, and her journey through the Golden Globes is just one chapter in a remarkable career that continues to inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many Golden Globe nominations has Meryl Streep received?
Meryl Streep has received 33 Golden Globe nominations as of 2023, making her the most nominated actor in Golden Globe history.

2. How many Golden Globe Awards has Meryl Streep won?
Meryl Streep has won 9 Golden Globe Awards throughout her career, spanning various categories including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.

3. What was Meryl Streep’s first Golden Globe nomination?
Meryl Streep’s first Golden Globe nomination was for her role in “The Deer Hunter” in 1979.

4. Which role earned Meryl Streep her first Golden Globe win?
Meryl Streep won her first Golden Globe in 1980 for her role as Joanna Kramer in “Kramer vs. Kramer.”

5. What is Meryl Streep’s most recent Golden Globe nomination?
Meryl Streep’s most recent Golden Globe nomination was in 2024 for her role in the Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building.”