Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh is an English actress. Born in Oxford, she made her acting debut in 2014 in the drama film The Falling. Pugh gained recognition in 2016 for her leading role as a violent young bride in the independent drama Lady Macbeth, winning a British Independent Film Award. After starring in the 2018 films King Lear and Outlaw King, she drew praise for her leading role in the 2018 miniseries The Little Drummer Girl. Pugh was nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star Award that same year.
Pugh’s first major moment in the sun came with her riveting performance in William Oldroyd’s “Lady Macbeth” in 2016. Starring opposite Cosmo Jarvis, her portrayal of the deceptively angelic Katherine drew critical acclaim. The dynamism between Pugh and Jarvis set the stage for Pugh’s emergence as a force to be reckoned with. In recognition of her powerful performance, she won the British Independent Film Award for Best Actress the same year.
In 2018, Pugh found herself in the thick of the wrestling ring for “Fighting With My Family,” directed by Stephen Merchant. This project marked her first collaboration with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Pugh held her own, matching Johnson’s charm with her intensity, resulting in a heartfelt biographical sports comedy-drama that earned her a nomination for the BIFA Best Actress award.
As 2019 dawned, Pugh stepped into a dreamlike world crafted by the visionary Ari Aster in “Midsommar.” Aster, known for his chilling storytelling and Pugh, with her knack for embodying complex characters, made an unsettlingly harmonious duo. Pugh’s portrayal of Dani Ardor, a young woman spiraling into a grief-induced nightmare, left audiences entranced, leading to her win for Best Actress at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards in 2020.
2019 also marked the year Pugh teamed up with Greta Gerwig for “Little Women,” an adaptation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Alongside Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, and Laura Dern, Pugh’s performance as Amy March won hearts worldwide. Her on-screen synergy with Timothée Chalamet, who played Laurie, was especially admired, earning the film critical acclaim and a raft of nominations. Pugh’s efforts were recognized with a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 92nd Academy Awards.
In 2021, she starred in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Black Widow as Yelena Belova / Black Widow costarring with David Harbour, Scarlett Johansson, and Rachel Weisz. Her action-packed performance earned her a nomination for Best Female Newcomer at the Empire Awards in 2021.
With the acclaimed BBC mini-series “The Wonder” in 2022, Pugh branched out into television, starring alongside Tom Burke under the direction of Jane Campion. Their collective storytelling prowess made the series a standout that year, gaining Pugh a nomination for Best Actress at the Golden Globes.