Renowned British actress Carey Mulligan has been honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours, recognising her outstanding contributions to drama. The Bafta-winning star, celebrated for her captivating performances in films such as Promising Young Woman, She Said, Drive, and Maestro, has cemented her legacy as one of the finest actors of her generation.
A remarkable journey
Born in Westminster, Mulligan’s path to stardom began with modest ambitions. After receiving her A-level results, she briefly considered university but ultimately decided to pursue acting. In a candid interview with BBC Radio 5, she revealed how she “blagged a job” during her gap year, setting her on the course for a stellar career.
Her breakout role came in 2005, starring as Ada Clare in the BBC’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Bleak House. In the same year, she portrayed Kitty Bennet in Pride & Prejudice, acting alongside Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.
Critical acclaim
In 2009, Mulligan achieved international recognition with her portrayal of Jenny Mellor in An Education, a film based on journalist Lynn Barber’s memoir. Her performance as a young girl entangled in a romantic relationship with an older man earned her a nomination for her first Academy Award and a Bafta win for Best Actress.
She continued to captivate audiences with her nuanced portrayals of complex characters, such as the suicidal singer in Sir Steve McQueen’s Shame, opposite Michael Fassbender, and the oppressed wife in Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive, starring Ryan Gosling.
In 2013, Mulligan took on the role of Daisy Buchanan in Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant adaptation of The Great Gatsby, opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. That same year, she starred in the Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis, delivering a raw and unflinching performance as a foul-mouthed folk singer.
Championing social and historical themes
Mulligan has consistently chosen roles that explore significant social and historical themes. In Suffragette (2015), she portrayed Maud Watts, a fictional activist in the women’s suffrage movement. The film shed light on the sacrifices and resilience of early 20th-century feminists, earning Mulligan further acclaim.
Her role in Promising Young Woman (2020) showcased her ability to tackle contemporary issues with grit and sensitivity. Playing Cassie, a woman seeking justice for her best friend who was sexually assaulted, Mulligan delivered a performance that earned her a second Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
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In She Said (2022), she took on the role of Megan Twohey, one of the investigative reporters who exposed Harvey Weinstein’s history of abuse. Her portrayal highlighted the courage and perseverance of journalists in holding powerful figures accountable, earning her a Bafta nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Recent triumphs
Mulligan’s most recent project, Maestro, saw her step into the shoes of actress Felicia Montealegre, the wife of conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. Directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, the film has been lauded for its sensitive exploration of artistry and relationships. Mulligan’s performance secured her a third Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, as well as a nod for Best Leading Actress at the Baftas.
A life beyond the screen
Away from her professional achievements, Mulligan married Marcus Mumford, the lead singer of folk band Mumford & Sons, in 2012. The couple have three children and maintain a relatively private family life.
Recognition of excellence
Mulligan’s CBE is a fitting recognition of her contributions to drama, from her early breakout roles to her fearless exploration of dark and challenging characters. Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to a diverse array of roles has solidified her status as a towering figure in modern cinema.
As she continues to take on projects that push boundaries and spark important conversations, Carey Mulligan remains an inspiration to aspiring actors and audiences alike.
