Not many actresses have built a legacy as strong as Sally Hawkins. Since the 1990’s, Hawkins has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s mute women in love with creatures, optimistic teachers or famous painters, the actress has portrayed many strong characters. Given the number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Shape of Water
Mental disabilities have shaped my identity. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing damage. I remember being treated as a stranger by my family when I was diagnosed with a grim disorder. Being Autistic affected my abilities to find a job. Due to my disorder, I felt judged by peers that often treated me as an outsider. Autism became a barrier affecting my abilities to succeed in the education system. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured people that suffer from disabilities as powerfully as “The Shape of Water”. Released in 2017, Sally Hawkins’ best movie captured a mute woman falling in love with an amphibian creature. In the greatest role of her career, Hawkins portrayed a mute woman that has a romantic affair with an amphibian creature causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in her most memorable role. Hawkins has spent most of her career playing talkative heroines with larger-than-life personalities. With “The Shape of Water”, however, the actress took a step out of her comfort zone by playing a mute woman. Hawkins effectively used her meaningful expressions rather than words to create a portrait of a mute woman that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Eliza expresses her deep love for the amphibian creature about whom she has grown to care through meaningful sign language is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Shape of Water” Sally Hawkins’ best movie is its universal appeal. Despite its focus on mute women that suffer from disabilities in the 1960’s, it tackles bold themes that remain relevant today. Nearly a decade after the release of a groundbreaking film about mute women that suffer from disabilities falling in love with scary amphibian creatures that have the shape of water, it’s breathtaking reminder of a celebrated actress that has manufactured movies which audiences treasure.
2. Maudie
Painting is an activity that I once loved doing. At an early age, I formed a strong love for painting portraits of people with which I loved to engage. I would always look forward to taking part in art classes in my school that held a precious place in my heart. As someone that has always enjoyed painting that shaped my identity, I adored “Maudie”. Released in 2017, Sally Hawkins’ movie honoured the life of a renowned Canadian painter. In the most artistic role of her career, Hawkins portrayed a prestigious painter that suffered from severe Arthritis causing despair. It’s a demanding role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a painter that’s well-known. Working alongside Ethan Hawke who is also outstanding, Hawkins honoured a legendary artist. For instance, the scene in which Maudie has an argument with her husband Everett when he criticizes her paintings causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Maudie” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about art which resonates with everyone. As strong as Maud’s love for painting, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has built a lasting legacy making great movies which are worth celebrating.
3. Happy-Go-Lucky
Optimistic women have shaped my identity. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a girl in school that always sought to deliver a positive message. Adopting a positive attitude, she was always in a good mood engaging in activities she valued. Even when she faced severe tragedies, she never lost her ability to be happy-go-lucky. As someone treasuring a girl that was happy-go- lucky, I adored “Happy-Go-Lucky”. Released in 2008, Sally Hawkins’ movie captured optimistic women. In the most cheerful role of her career, Hawkins portrayed an optimistic woman that looks at the world from a positive perspective without despair. Hawkins has spent most of her career playing serious women in intense dramas. With “Happy-Go-Lucky”, however, the actress showcased an aptitude for comedy audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Poppy has a bad driving lesson with her frustrated instructor causing despair is one of the funniest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Happy-Go-Lucky” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of optimism in life which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of women in a good mood adopting a positive attitude, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress producing movies which audiences have valued.
4. Spencer
Princess Diana is a legendary member of the royal family that my father loved dearly. I recall with nostalgia memories of a father appreciating Diana. Fascinated with the royal family, he always spoke fondly about a princess that shaped his identity. In 2021, Sally Hawkins honoured the legendary member of the royal family in her movie “Spencer”. In the most compassionate role of her career, Hawkins portrayed a personal assistant that sought to take care of a princess facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by honouring a legendary royal family member that’s well-known. Working alongside Kristen Stewart who is also outstanding, Hawkins created a portrait of a princess that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Maggie confesses her love for Princess Diana who becomes aware she is a lesbian is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Spencer” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the royal family, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. A powerful tribute towards a prestigious queen, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made memorable movies which demand to be seen on the big-screen.
5. Wonka
Baking is an activity that my mother always enjoyed doing. I remember a mother that sought to become a famous baker. Nobody could bake a cake like my mother did without making a single mistake. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that loved baking with nostalgia, I appreciated “Wonka”. Released in 2023, Sally Hawkins’ movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about chocolate inventors. In the most affectionate role of her career, Hawkins portrayed the mother of a chocolate inventor facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Timothee Chalamet who is also amazing, Hawkins honoured an iconic book today. For instance, the scene in which Mrs. Wonka bakes cakes for her son seeking to prepare him to become a chocolate inventor is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Wonka” a wonderful musical is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Willy Wonka’s chocolate store, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made memorable movies which audiences adore.
6. All of Nothing
Sally Hawkins has always excelled at playing emotional women that face tragedy. Hawkins has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing women facing emotional damage. Hawkins’ strength for playing conflicted women is clearly evident in her movie “All or Nothing”. Released in 2002, Mike Leigh’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most emotional role of her career, Hawkins portrayed a teenager struggling to care for a family facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase talent for playing conflicted women. Working alongside Timothy Spall who is also outstanding, Hawkins created a portrait of romance that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of hardships faced by families that are British, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress producing movies which audiences cherish.
7. Blue Jasmine
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned recognition of Woody Allen. With their witty dialogue, compelling characters and strong themes, Allen’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2013, Allen showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Sally Hawkins in his movie “Blue Jasmine”. In the most conflicted role of her career, Hawkins portrayed a woman seeking to care for her depressed sister facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her strength for playing upbeat women with larger-than-life personalities. Working alongside Cate Blanchett who is also amazing, Hawkins created a woman that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of painful consequences faced by women that are anxious, it’s a riveting reminder of a courageous actress whose movies audiences consider precious.
8. Paddington
When it comes to the most beloved characters in British literature, it’s worth discussing the Paddington Bear. Since his creation in 1958, Michael Bond’s commemorated bear has been loved by children. In 2014, Sally Hawkins honoured the bear with affection in her movie “Paddington”. In the most family-friendly role of her career, Hawkins portrayed a conflicted woman whose family adopts a talking bear causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her sharp sense of humour. Working alongside Hugh Grant who is also outstanding, Hawkins honoured an iconic bear that children find inspiring. A captivating tribute towards a talking bear, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actress that has constructed an impressive career by manufacturing great movies about which audiences care.
9. Vera Drake
Abortion is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often avoided a topic that’s misunderstood. In an industry ignoring women having abortions causing heartache, it’s worth praising “Vera Drake”. Released in 2004, Sally Hawkins’ movie offered a powerful portrait of the abortion process. In the most tragic role of her career, Hawkins portrayed a woman having an abortion causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase sadness she hadn’t shown in her career before. Working alongside Imelda Staunton who is also amazing, Hawkins created a portrait of abortion that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of the abortion process, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated actress that thrives making timely movies which address controversial social issues with success.
10. It’s a Wonderful Afterlife
Sally Hawkins hasn’t always made great movies. While most movies the actress has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “It’s a Wonderful Afterlife” falls into the latter category. Released in 2010, Gurinder Chadha’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Hawkins portrayed a woman seeking to prepare for an Indian wedding that’s a burden to bear. Hawkins brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “It’s a Wonderful Afterlife” is a disastrous movie, it celebrated Hawkins’ legacy. As strong as Mrs. Sethi’s desire to arrange her daughter’s wedding in India, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress with charisma that has made great movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 
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