10 Biopics Celebrating Strong Women

Description: Salma Hayek stars as Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican painter known for her vibrant self-portraits and tumultuous life. The film captures her resilience in the face of physical and emotional pain, showcasing her as a symbol of artistic and personal strength.

Fact: Hayek won the Best Actress award at the Ariel Awards, Mexico's equivalent to the Oscars. Frida Kahlo's art was meticulously recreated for the film.

Description: Julia Roberts delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Erin Brockovich, a single mother who takes on a powerful corporation in a David vs. Goliath legal battle. Her tenacity and determination make her an emblem of strength and justice.

Fact: Erin Brockovich herself made a cameo in the film, playing a waitress. The real Erin Brockovich was involved in the film's production to ensure accuracy.

Description: While centered on Władysław Szpilman, the film also portrays the resilience of his sister, Halina, who played a crucial role in his survival during the Holocaust. Her strength and courage are integral to the narrative.

Fact: Adrien Brody won an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film was shot in Warsaw, where the events took place.

Description: While primarily about John Nash, the film also highlights the strength of his wife, Alicia, who stood by him through his struggles with schizophrenia. Her unwavering support is a testament to the power of love and resilience.

Fact: The film was based on Sylvia Nasar's biography of Nash. Jennifer Connelly won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Alicia.

Description: Helen Mirren's depiction of Queen Elizabeth II during the tumultuous week following Princess Diana's death showcases the monarch's stoic strength and the complexities of her role in modern Britain.

Fact: Mirren won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. The film was shot in the actual locations where the events took place.

Description: Meryl Streep's portrayal of Margaret Thatcher, the UK's first female Prime Minister, is both powerful and nuanced. The film delves into her political career, highlighting her iron will and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field.

Fact: Streep won her third Academy Award for this role. The film was controversial for its portrayal of Thatcher's later years with dementia.

Description: This film captures the lives of African-American maids in the 1960s South, focusing on their strength, unity, and the quiet revolution they sparked through their stories, highlighting the power of collective action.

Fact: The film was adapted from Kathryn Stockett's novel. Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer both received Oscar nominations for their performances.

Description: This biopic focuses on Stephen Hawking but also celebrates the strength of his first wife, Jane Wilde Hawking, who supported him through his battle with motor neuron disease, showcasing her own incredible journey.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for his portrayal of Hawking. Jane Hawking was involved in the film's production to ensure her story was accurately represented.

Description: This film follows the lives of women fighting for the right to vote in early 20th century Britain. It showcases the determination and sacrifices made by these women, highlighting their collective strength in the face of adversity.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events and people, though the characters are composites. Meryl Streep plays Emmeline Pankhurst, a key figure in the suffrage movement.

Description: This film tells the incredible true story of three African-American women at NASA who were the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Their story is one of perseverance against racial and gender discrimination, making it a perfect fit for this collection.

Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The real-life Katherine Johnson, one of the women portrayed, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in