RATINGS: Cast & Crew

DOB: April 15, 1959

Background: Thompson is an English actress and writer who was born in London. Her father Eric Thompson was an actor, and her mother Phyllida Law was an actress. She studied English at the University of Cambridge, where she was also active in the comedy troupe. She was signed by an agent two years before her graduation in 1980.

Filmography: Her career started on television with roles on the British programs "Alfresco," "The Young Ones," "Tutti Frutti," and "Fortunes of War." Her film career began with "The Tall Guy" in 1989 and followed with "Dead Again," "Impromptu," "Howard's End," "Peter's Friends," "In the Name of the Father," "The Remains of the Day," "Carrington," "Junior," "Sense and Sensibility," "Primary Colors," "Love Actually," "Nanny McPhee," "Stranger Than Fiction," "Last Chance Harvey," "An Education," and several of the "Harry Potter" films. Her American TV roles have included "Cheers," "Ellen," "Wit," "Angels in America," and "The Song of Lunch."

Academy Awards: Wins - Best Actress ("Howard's End," 1992); Best Adapted Screenplay ("Sense and Sensibility," 1995)

Best Actress Nominations
"Sense and Sensibility" (1995); lost to Susan Sarandon ("Dead Man Walking")
"The Remains of the Day" (1993); lost to Holly Hunter ("The Piano")

Best Supporting Actress Nomination
"In the Name of the Father" (1993); lost to Anna Paquin ("The Piano")

Emmy Awards: Win - Best Comedy Guest Actress ("Ellen," 1998)

Best TV Movie/Miniseries Actress Nominations
"The Song of Lunch" (2012); lost to Julianne Moore ("Game Change")
"Angels in America" (2004); lost to Meryl Streep ("Angels in America")
"Wit" (2001); lost to Judy Davis ("Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows")

Best TV Movie/Miniseries Writing Nomination
"Wit" (2001); lost to Loring Mandel ("Conspiracy")

Golden Globes: Wins - Best Film Drama Actress ("Howard's End," 1993); Best Film Screenplay ("Sense and Sensibility," 1996)

Best Film Drama Actress Nominations
"Sense and Sensibility" (1996); lost to Sharon Stone ("Casino")
"The Remains of the Day" (1994); lost to Holly Hunter ("The Piano")

Best Film Comedy/Musical Actress Nominations
"Last Chance Harvey" (2009); lost to Sally Hawkins ("Happy-Go-Lucky")
"Junior" (1995); lost to Jamie Lee Curtis ("Junior")

Best Film Supporting Actress Nomination
"In the Name of the Father" (1994); lost to Winona Ryder ("The Age of Innocence")

Best TV Movie/Miniseries Actress Nomination
"Wit" (2002); lost to Judy Davis ("Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows")

SAG Awards:

Best Film Ensemble Nominations
"An Education" (2010); lost to "Inglourious Basterds"
"Sense and Sensibility" (1996); lost to "Apollo 13"

Best Film Actress Nomination
"Sense and Sensibility" (1996); lost to Susan Sarandon ("Dead Man Walking")

Best TV Movie/Miniseries Actress Nominations
"Angels in America" (2004); lost to Meryl Streep ("Angels in America")
"Wit" (2002); lost to Judy Davis ("Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows)