Octavia Spencer's Career Highlights
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Octavia Spencer
Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer was born in Montgomery, Alabama on May 25th, 1972. The actress is known for portraying passionate and emotional roles, hence her multiple awards throughout the years of her career. Before she starred in these leading roles, she normally appeared in minor parts of movies like in Never Been Kissed (1999), Spider-Man (2002) and Seven Pounds (2008). Check out Octavia Spencer's outstanding performances...
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'The Help'
We're starting off the gallery with one of Octavia's most prominent roles as "Minny Jackson" in The Help. This 2011 film garnered several awards for its portrayal of two African-American maids during the Civil Rights Movement. Octavia herself won an Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award for Best Supporting Actress. It was her first Oscar nomination and win!
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'Fruitvale Station'
In the 2013 film, Fruitvale Station, Octavia portrays the role of "Wanda", the mother of Michael B. Jordan, who portrays the real-life Oscar Grant. This biographical drama follows the story of Grant's death at an Oakland train station, where he was killed by two police officers. Her supporting role once again was praised by critics, earning multiple awards for her expressive performance.
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'Hidden Figures'
In another renowned biographical drama, Octavia stars alongside Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe and Kevin Costner in the 2016 film, Hidden Figures. Spencer, Henson and Monáe all portray mathematicians who work for NASA during the 1960's. The film received praise from critics and won numerous awards. For the second time, Spencer was nominated for an Oscar, Golden Globe and SAG award for Best Supporting Actress!
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'Black or White'
Hidden Figures wasn't the only film where Octavia worked with Kevin Costner! The two also starred opposite of each other in the 2014 drama Black or White. Spencer and Costner fight over the custody of Costner's daughter/Spencer's granddaughter. For this role, Spencer won an African American Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress.
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'Luce'
In another intense movie, Octavia portrays the history teacher of 12 Years a Slave actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. - "Luce Edgar". This 2019 thriller also stars Naomi Watts and Tim Roth. You'll be holding onto the edge of your seat with this movie!
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'The Shape of Water'
Octavia would be nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe under the Best Supporting Actress category once again in The Shape of Water, respectively. The 2017 film directed by Guillermo del Toro won: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score. This fantasy follows the life of "Elisa" (Sally Hawkins) as a mute cleaner who works at a government facility, with "Zelda" (Spencer) as her co-worker and interpreter.
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'Truth Be Told'
Octavia doesn't just star in Oscar winning films! She's also been active in television series, and now streaming services like in Apple+'s Truth Be Told! In this 2019 series (which was just renewed for a second season), Octavia plays "Poppy Parnell", an investigative reporter. The show is even produced by Reese Witherspoon and also stars Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul.
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'Self Made'
Octavia has also made her way into the Netflix scene! In one of her most recent works, she depicts the first recorded female American self-made millionaire, Madam C. J. Walker. The series, titled Self Made, is a limited 4-part series that we highly recommend!
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Octavia Spencer
Recently, you can watch the incredible actress in 'Dolittle' and 'Onward', two animated films that she voiced over for! You can also watch her in 'The Witches' directed by Guillermo del Tor and starring Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci. She is in the Netflix comedy 'Thunder Force' which was released in 2021!