Dame Maggie Smith’The actor’s rich career spans more than half a century and the actor has He left a significant impact on the world of cinema with his best films. His cinematic journey is a testament to his talent and versatility. He has received six Academy Award nominations, winning his first in 1969 for her role in The flower of Miss Jean Brodie. She is one of a group of stars who have won Oscars as both a leading and supporting actress. Smith’s captivating performances cover a wide spectrum of genres. She has appeared in everything from historical dramas to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Smith’s characters have a mix of humor and tough, no-nonsense qualities. She has the rare distinction of achieving the triple crown of acting awards: Oscar, Emmy and Tony Awards. His enduring and sincere personality transcends age and continues to be a force in the industry. For any cinephile, a Smith movie marathon is a must, and she has some really great films under her belt.
10 Sisters Law (1992)
Maggie Smith plays Mother Superior
In the classic nineties movie. sister act, Smith gives one of his most memorable performances. In this fun and light-hearted hit, she plays the role of an initially stern convent leader. Her character is tasked with protecting Deloris Wilson, a lively lounge singer played by Whoopi Goldberg, who enters witness protection inside the convent after witnessing a mob murder. Smith’s The description of Mother Superior’s prim and proper manner provides a stark and humorous contrast. to Goldberg’s vibrant and avant-garde Deloris.
Sisters Law It is a moving and entertaining film, and Smith’s exceptional performance contributes significantly to its enduring popularity. This film even spawned a sequel, Sister act 2: Back to the habit, and received well-deserved recognition, including NAACP Image Awards and People’s Choice Awards. This is a film where Smith shows her ability to excel in various roles, but it is far from her most dramatic performance. As such, she is not among the best of the best.
9 The Secret Garden (1993)
Maggie Smith plays Mrs. Medlock
Maggie Smith shows her ability to raise the overall quality of a film with her role as Mrs. Medlock, head cleaner, in the adaptation of The secret Garden. Undoubtedly one of her most exceptional performances, the film revolves around a young orphan, Mary Lennox, and her cousin, who exhibit spoiled and stubborn behaviors. Smith’s description of Mrs. Medlock contrasts strikingly with the children’s rebellious nature. Her performance not only complements the younger actors but adds a seasoned richness to the film. Smith’s portrayal of Mrs. Medlock earned her a Nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
8 The Harry Potter series (2001-2011)
Maggie Smith appears as Minerva McGonagall in seven Harry Potter films
Smith might be best known for her portrayal of Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, showcasing some of his best work. As the stern but endearing head of Gryffindor house and transfiguration teacher, Smith delivers a performance that leaves a lasting impression. His contribution to the series is particularly evident in the first film, where the multifaceted nature of his character is established. Over the course of the next seven films, Smith skillfully allows the softer side of the character to emerge.. However, he never gets enough screen time to Harry Potter to occupy a higher place among his best films.
7 The VIPs (1963)
Maggie Smith plays Miss Mead
An ensemble film set in an airport VIP lounge, The VIPs finds Smith playing Miss Mead, a dedicated secretary who is secretly in love with her employer, Les Mangrum. Smith masterfully brings depth and emotion to her character, so much so that His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination.. In a star-studded film featuring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Orson Welles, Margaret Rutherford and David Frost, Smith’s presence stands out. That’s a testament to her talent, although films that put her in charge rather than a cast stand out even more.
6 The Lady in the Van (2015)
Maggie Smith plays Miss Shepherd
The lady in the van is the true story of Miss Mary Shepherd, a homeless woman who parks her van in the driveway of playwright Alan Bennett’s home of 15 years. Smith brilliantly captures Miss Shepherd’s eccentricities, portraying her as cautious and enigmatic and hinting at a hidden past. Her performance earned Smith his ninth Golden Globe nomination. Despite Shepherd’s defiant and demanding behavior, Smith infuses the character with depth and likability.. Smith’s performance is endearing enough to land The lady in the van among his top 10 films, but it’s a testament to all the other memorable performances of his career that it doesn’t rank in the top five.
5 Travel with my aunt (1972)
Maggie Smith plays Aunt Augusta
Travel with my aunt, a film based on the work of Graham Greene and directed by George Cukor, marked a pivotal moment in Smith’s career. She plays the eccentric character of Aunt Augusta Bertram, who takes her young nephew, Henry, on an adventure around the world. Smith’s performance is a tour de force, showing his comedic talent and his ability to bring an extravagant character to life, despite being known for playing more stoic roles. His role earned him a well-deserved third Academy Award nomination and a second Golden Globe nomination. Without a doubt, it ranks among his top five performances. However, several of his later films are even more memorable.
4 California Suite (1978)
Maggie Smith plays Diana Barrie
Maggie Smith’s portrayal of Diana Barrie in California Suite It is possibly one of her most brilliant and self-aware performances. The film, adapted from Neil Simon’s Broadway play, intertwines four different stories of the guests of a luxurious California resort. As Diana, a British actress coping with a failed awards ceremony and her marriage to a closeted gay man, played by Michael Caine, Smith gives a performance that earned her an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Her The comedy rhythm shines again.and his chemistry with Caine, Jane Fonda, Walter Matthau and Elaine May adds depth to the film.
3 Room with a view (1985)
Maggie Smith plays Charlotte Bartlett
A room with a view follows the prim and disapproving Charlotte, who acts as her cousin’s companion as they travel through Italy. Smith’s description of Charlotte perfectly captures her character’s inability to see the possibilities presented to her in Italy’s live-and-let-live spirit. Smith’s performance in this coming-of-age story received critical acclaim, earning him a second Golden Globe and a fifth Oscar nomination. A room with a view authentically adapts EM Forster’s book, with Smith’s role as Charlotte adds depth to her exploration of burgeoning sexuality and high society.. It is undoubtedly one of his best films, but it falls short. he better.
2 Gosford Park (2001)
Maggie Smith plays Countess Constance Trentham
Smith’s interpretation in Gosford Park is a masterclass in scathing put-downs and witty aristocratic commentary, earning him a sixth Oscar nomination and a seventh Golden Globe nomination. This clever country house murder, with a stellar cast including Alan Bates, Eileen Atkins and Helen Mirren, allowed Smith to shine in her role as the countess. The film marked a turning point in her career. foreshadowing the iconic Dowager Countess she would later become Downton Abbey. It remains a pleasure to watch years later, and the iconic nature of Smith’s performance as Countess Constance Trentham makes Gosford Park one of his best films of all time.
1 The Flower of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
Maggie Smith plays Jean Brodie
Smith gives his most iconic and influential performance in The Flower of Miss Jean Brodie. The film, based on Jay Presson Allen’s adaptation of Muriel Spark’s novel, sees Smith in the classic role, where she effortlessly embodies the haughty and captivating schoolteacher. Smith’s performance stands out for her unique combination of vulnerability, romance, intellect, and undeniable control over the men in her life. The portrait of the charismatic but unorthodox teacher who imparts her unconventional beliefs to her young students shows Maggie SmithExceptional talent and quickly made The Flower of Miss Jean Brodie his best film to date.