Annette Bening (1958) is an acclaimed American actress, known for her versatility and her portrayal of complex and multifaceted women, often with a combination of intelligence, strength, and subtle vulnerability.

She garnered critical acclaim with *The Grifters* (1990), which earned her first Academy Award nomination. Among her most iconic roles is Carolyn Burnham in *American Beauty* (1999), which earned her a second nomination and cemented her status with the wider public.

Other acclaimed performances include *Being Julia* (2004) and *The Kids Are All Right* (2010), both earning further Academy Award nominations. She has also appeared in significant films such as *Valmont* (1989), *Bugsy* (1991), and more recently *Nyad* (2023). Bening is admired for her ability to bring depth and credibility to characters often determined yet with unexpected facets.