Chris Mejaski
It's a bit of an understatement to say the U.K. has a rich history for filmmakers to use for inspiration. The stories of some of Britain's most prominent political and historical figures don't just make for great source material; they also command award-worthy performances when done right.
Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher
Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher
Most recently Meryl Streep won accolades and numerous awards — including the Oscar for best actress — for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady." While Thatcher has quite the political legacy to draw upon, this 2011 film painted an intimate portrait of the U.K.'s first and so far only female Prime Minister. Streep's portrayal of the divisive figure received overwhelmingly positive grades, alongside Jim Broadbent, who played Thatcher's now-deceased husband Denis.
Colin Firth as King George VI
Colin Firth as King George VI
A year prior it was Colin Firth who swept awards season, thanks to his portrayal of a prominent British figure of the past. In "The King's Speech," Firth took on the role of King George VI of Britain, whose ascension to the throne was plagued by a stutter he had to overcome. The film brought prominence to a story not everyone knew about the King. In addition to Firth's work, Helena Bonham Carter won praise for her performance as Queen Elizabeth in the film.
Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I
Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I
Prior to Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett had taken on the role of Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 film "Elizabeth," which focused on the Queen's ascension to the throne and what it meant to be the monarch. The film was well-received by critics and earned Blanchett an Oscar nomination, leading to a 2007 follow-up, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age," which explored the story of the Queen's romance with adventurer Sir Walter Raleigh (played by Clive Owen).
Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II
Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II
Fast forwarding to a more modern day, Helen Mirren's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film "The Queen" earned her an Oscar and countless other accolades. The acting legend took on the current monarch in the film, which focuses on the Queen's decision to stay hidden after the death of Princess Diana. James Cromwell portrayed Prince Philip in the film, while Michael Sheen played British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Princess Diana - Dave Bennett, Getty Images
Naomi Watts as Princess Diana
Next up, Naomi Watts takes on the daunting task of playing the late Princess Diana in a biopic that chronicles the last two years of her life. While multiple biopics about Lady Di have been rumoured to be in the works, this is the first official casting of the People's Princess to be confirmed. Jessica Chastain had previously been attached to the project, while another film has reportedly considered Charlize Theron and Carey Mulligan for the truly iconic role.
