Naomi Watts is, unquestionably, among the most talented actors in Hollywood. Throughout her career, Watts has also shown true dedication to her work time and time again. She would tackle any role given to her, whether it is physically demanding or mentally draining. Considering what a versatile career she has had, it does come as a surprise that she has only received two Oscar nominations.
Especially as the majority of her movies are highly rated by fans and critics alike. Just take a look at the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes example. Watts may be one of the most underrated actors on the planet...
Fair Game (2010) - 79%
Directed by Doug Liman, this 2010 political drama stars Watts as a CIA operative whose identity is leaked. The movie is an adaptation of Valerie Plame’s memoir, Fair Game: My Life as a Spy. Plame’s identity was leaked after her husband challenged the Bush administration’s rationale for the Iraq war. It also resulted in the conviction of former chief of staff to the vice president, Scooter Libby.
In 2018, Liman announced that he was re-cutting the movie. In a statement to Indie Wire, he also said that President Trump’s decision to pardon Libby gave him “new urgency” to do it.
21 Grams (2003) - 80%
This 2003 thriller centers on a freak accident that leads a grieving mother (Watts), mathematician, and ex-con to cross paths. To prepare for her role, she attended a number of grief therapy sessions. At the same time, the actress also found a personal connection to the role, having lost her father at a young change.
While speaking with The Morning Call, Watts also explained, “It's like purging emotions.” Watts received an Oscar nod for her performance. Aside from Watts, the movie also stars Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro.
Chuck (2016) - 81%
In this 2016 drama, Liev Schreiber portrays Chuck Wepner, a heavyweight boxer who managed to go several rounds with legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Watts played Schreiber’s wife, Linda, who he meets during his time of crisis.
While speaking with CNN, Schreiber had nothing but praise for Watts. “I think people are going to be very pleasantly surprised by Naomi in this picture,” the actor remarked. “Any chance that I get to work with Naomi is great.”
The Impossible (2012) - 81%
In this 2012 movie, Watts and co-star Ewan McGregor play parents who have to keep their family safe when they experience a tsunami while on vacation. The movie also stars a much younger Tom Holland, who plays one of the couple’s children.
During production, Watts spent seven months shooting inside a water tank. She also scored a second Oscar nomination for this role. Today, The Impossible is one of the best survival movies based on thrilling true stories.
Mulholland Drive (2001) - 83%
In this 2001 movie, Watts plays two roles – cynic Diane and optimistic Betty. Around the time that director David Lynch cast Watts, the actress was a relative newcomer. She didn’t even think she would land the role had she been asked to read lines.
“I walked in the room and he wasn't asking me to read anything,” Watts recalled while speaking with ABC News. “Thank God, because I think I got to the point where I was just a terrible auditioner [sic].” Watts portrayal was eventually recognized as one of the best dramatic performances.
King Kong (2005) - 84%
Directed by Peter Jackson, this 2005 movie is a remake of the 1993 film of the same title. In the movie, Watts stars as the heroine, much like Fay Wray. While speaking with Girl.com.au, Watts admitted to having some “fears in the beginning” about taking on the iconic role.
Nevertheless, Watts had nothing to worry about as she proved to be a hit with critics. Roger Ebert even stated that "Watts made a splendid heroine [and] did well in expressing a range of emotions that wasn't allowed in 1933."
While We’re Young (2014) - 84%
In this 2014 movie, Watts and Ben Stiller play a middle-aged couple who unexpectedly makes friends with a much younger couple, played by Adam Driver and Amanda Seyfried. Of her character, Cornelia, Watts told Reuters that she “loved her instantly.”
“The first read I just thought, ‘Wow, she’s great and she’s smart and she’s made choices that she thinks she’s all good and squared on,’ but she ends up changing.” After the film was released, the actor had also expressed interest in taking on more comedic roles.
Eastern Promises (2007) - 89%
In this thriller, Watts plays a midwife who discovers evidence against a Russian mob family. To prepare for her role, Watts did more than just read books about being a midwife. Instead, she met with several herself.
While speaking with Indie London, the actress revealed that she “went to Whittington Hospital and shadowed a few midwives on a few different days.” The movie also stars Viggo Mortensen as a ruthless man with ties to the Russian mob. It's just a shame that this movie didn't get the sequel.
Luce (2019) - 90%
In the movie, Watts plays a mom who adopts a young boy (Luce), who grows up to be a high school star athlete. Meanwhile, Luce also stars Octavia Spencer who plays the boy’s teacher. While speaking with Vox, Watts revealed that she signed on to do the movie because Spencer was already attached to the picture.
In addition, the actress was also drawn to her character, Amy, “because she’s complex and full of contradictions.” Aside from Watts and Spencer, Luce also stars Tim Roth and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as the titular character.
Birdman (2014) - 91%
In this movie, Michael Keaton plays a washed-up superhero who attempts to restart his career by creating and starring in his own Broadway production. Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the movie stars Watts as Lesley, one of the actors in the production.
Of her stage role, Watts told Indie Wire, “I have the typical nightmares of being on stage: forgetting my lines, being naked.” In response, her co-star, Zach Galifianakis, remarked, “Believe me, it’s not a nightmare.”