Emily Blunt‘s journey to earning her first Academy Award nomination culminated two years ago with her acclaimed performance in Oppenheimer. Since then, her work has maintained such a high standard that anticipation builds around a potential second Oscar nomination or even a win. As she stars in the recently released film The Smashing Machine, now is a fitting moment to reassess Emily Blunt’s best performances, highlighting the range and depth that define her career.
An Overview of Blunt’s Role in The Smashing Machine
In The Smashing Machine, Emily Blunt stars opposite Dwayne Johnson, who delivers a quietly powerful and physically intense portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Johnson notably reduces his usual charismatic charm to embody a character who is simultaneously gentle and formidable. Their dynamic culminates in a compelling confrontation during the film’s third act, showcasing a strong emotional exchange.
Dwayne Johnson does manage to upend expectations with this quiet yet immensely physical performance. Turning down some of his movie star charm and making the charisma on display merely an essence, Johnson inhabits Mark Kerr. He finds a way to make this gigantic human both gentle and imposing. He also has some real showcase moments opposite Emily Blunt, especially a real knock down argument in the third act (more on that in a moment). Blunt also disappears into the part and does excellent work, even if the screenplay doesn’t seem to like Dawn very much.
Despite the screenplay’s apparent lack of empathy for her character Dawn, Blunt fully immerses herself in the role, delivering another strong performance that adds depth to the story.
Ranking Emily Blunt’s Finest Film Performances
Emily Blunt’s filmography includes several standout roles, some of which have earned widespread acclaim, while others highlight her versatile talent in less noticed projects. This ranking reflects an updated and thoughtful opinion on her best work to date, aside from the expected critical favorites.
Before diving into the list, it’s worth noting some honorable mentions where Blunt’s performances were notable though not ranked among her top ten:
- The Adjustment Bureau
- Into the Woods
- Jungle Cruise
- Looper
- Sunshine Cleaning
- The Young Victoria
- A Quiet Place – This film represents Blunt at her most emotionally intense, anchoring the suspense with a deeply empathetic performance that resonates strongly with audiences.
- Sicario – Blunt’s role here exemplifies her ability to portray complex characters caught in morally ambiguous environments with gripping realism.
- Oppenheimer – The acclaimed role that earned Blunt her first Oscar nomination, highlighting her nuanced portrayal within a powerful historical narrative.
- The Devil Wears Prada – A fan favorite, this film features Blunt’s sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing, making it a defining moment early in her career.
- Your Sister’s Sister – Often overlooked, this emotional indie film reveals Blunt’s subtle, sincere acting, adding depth to her range of characters.
- The Smashing Machine – A recent addition to Blunt’s repertoire, showcasing her skill in adopting challenging, emotionally fraught roles opposite heavyweight co-stars.
- The Five Year Engagement – A romantic comedy that allows Blunt to display charm and vulnerability in equal measure.
- A Quiet Place Part II – Continuing her role with strong emotional layering, Blunt sustains the tension and familial stakes established in the first film.
- The Fall Guy – Although a less celebrated choice, this performance stands out for demonstrating Blunt’s action-oriented capabilities.
- Edge of Tomorrow – Blunt combines toughness and wit in this science fiction action film, delivering a memorable and compelling lead performance.
The Importance of Recognizing Emily Blunt’s Craft
Emily Blunt’s growing list of critically acclaimed roles not only confirms her as a talented actress but also signals potential for continued lifetime achievements. As her work in The Smashing Machine and other projects keeps capturing attention, audiences and critics alike are eager to see how her career progresses and whether another Academy Award nod will soon follow. Her ability to embody a vast spectrum of characters suggests she will remain a formidable presence in cinema for years ahead.
