RATINGS: Cast & Crew

DOB: August 20, 1974

Background: Adams was born in Italy, the fourth of seven children, and traveled with her serviceman father from base to base before the family settled in Colorado. She sang professionally in restaurants and had hoped to become a ballerina, but she pursued musical theater instead after graduating high school.

Filmography: Her first film was 1999's "Drop Dead Gorgeous." She also appeared in "Manchester Prep," a failed pilot that eventually was released on video as "Cruel Intentions 2." After guest-starring roles on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Smallville," and "The West Wing," she gained attention for her supporting role in Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can" (2002). But her breakthrough would come three years later in the indie drama "Junebug," which earned her an Oscar nomination and made her a star. In the years since she has balanced serious dramas ("Doubt") with independent films ("Sunshine Cleaning"), and comedies ("Talladega Nights," "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian"). She starred in the Disney musical comedy "Enchanted," and the period romance "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day." This year she stars in "The Muppets" as well as the Jack Kerouac adaptation "On the Road." She has recently been cast as Lois Lane in the upcoming Superman film "Man of Steel."

Academy Awards:

Best Supporting Actress Nominationss
"The Master" (2012); lost to Anne Hathaway ("Les Miserables")
"The Fighter" (2010); lost to Melissa Leo ("The Fighter")
"Doubt" (2008); lost to Penelope Cruz ("Vicky Cristina Barcelona")
"Junebug" (2005); lost to Rachel Weisz ("The Constant Gardener")

Golden Globes:

Best Film Comedy/Musical Actress Nomination
"Enchanted" (2008); lost to Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose")

Best Film Supporting Actress Nominations
"The Master" (2013); lost to Anne Hathaway ("Les Miserables")
"The Fighter" (2011); lost to Melissa Leo ("The Fighter")
"Doubt" (2009); lost to Kate Winslet ("The Reader")

SAG Awards:

Best Film Ensemble Nominations
"The Fighter" (2011); lost to "The King's Speech"
"Doubt" (2009); lost to "Slumdog Millionaire"

Best Film Supporting Actress Nominations
"The Fighter" (2011); lost to Melissa Leo ("The Fighter")
"Dobut" (2009); lost to Kate Winslet ("The Reader")
"Junebug" (2005); lost to Rachel Weisz ("The Constant Gardener")