**Patricia Arquette** (Chicago, 1968) is an American actress known for her versatility and her portrayal of complex and "real" characters. Her film career began with roles in independent and cult films, gaining attention for intense performances.

Among her first prominent appearances are the girlfriend in Tony Scott's *True Romance* (1993) and her unsettling performance in David Lynch's *Lost Highway* (1997). The culmination came with Richard Linklater's *Boyhood* (2014), a film shot over a twelve-year period. For her poignant portrayal of single mother Olivia Evans, Arquette won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, symbolizing her ability to bring depth to authentic female figures.