**Maria Bello** is an American actress appreciated for her versatility and for portraying strong and complex female characters. After her early roles, she distinguished herself with intense performances in dramatic films that earned her critical acclaim.

Among her most acclaimed works are *The Cooler* (2003), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination, and notably David Cronenberg's *A History of Violence* (2005), a role that earned her another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. She has also starred in significant films such as Oliver Stone's *World Trade Center* (2006) and the thriller *Prisoners* (2013).

Her style is characterized by authenticity and the ability to bring to the screen figures who are often vulnerable yet resilient, with remarkable psychological depth, making her a magnetic presence in the cinematic landscape.