As The Devil Wears Prada 2 wins hearts all over again, one thing becomes clear the moment Meryl Streep appears on screen. She is not just performing, she is reminding everyone why she continues to stand above generations of actors with effortless grace. There are stars, there are legends, and then there is Meryl Streep, who has built a legacy so strong that numbers alone struggle to define it. But even those numbers tell a story that feels almost unreal.
Over the years, Meryl Streep has earned more than 200 wins and over 400 nominations across the biggest awards in the world, a feat that very few can even dream of achieving.
When it comes to the Oscars, she is in a league of her own. With 21 nominations at the Academy Awards, she holds the record for the most nominations ever received by any actor. She has won three times for performances in Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, and The Iron Lady, each role completely different from the other, each one unforgettable in its own way. What makes this even more special is that her nominations span across five different decades, showing a level of consistency and relevance that is almost unheard of.
And then comes her Golden Globes journey, which is nothing short of historic. With over 30 nominations and 8 wins at the Golden Globe Awards, she remains the most nominated actor. It is not just about winning, it is about showing up, again and again, across generations, and still being the best in the room.
Her brilliance has never been limited to Hollywood alone. With 15 nominations and 2 wins at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, she has earned equal respect on the global stage. From American cinema to international platforms, her craft speaks a universal language.
What truly sets her apart is how effortlessly she has moved across mediums. She is among the rare few to be part of the Triple Crown of Acting conversation, having won major awards across film and television, along with recognition in theatre. It is a reminder that her talent is not tied to one format, it is simply limitless.
Beyond competitive awards, the honours Meryl Streep has received reflect her larger impact on culture itself. She was honoured with the AFI Life Achievement Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in cinema. She also received the Kennedy Center Honors, celebrating her contribution to the arts at a national level.
Her influence goes far beyond films. In 2014, Meryl Streep was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama, the highest civilian honour in the United States. It is a rare moment when an actor’s impact is recognised not just by the industry but by the country itself.
Globally too, she continues to be celebrated. From receiving an honorary award from the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma to being honoured at the Berlin International Film Festival with the Golden Bear, her legacy stretches across borders and generations.
And yet, what makes watching her in The Devil Wears Prada 2 so magical is how effortless it all feels. After decades of records, awards and recognition, she still manages to surprise, still manages to charm, and still manages to feel completely new.
That is the magic of Meryl Streep. Not just an award-winning actor, but a once in a generation phenomenon who continues to redefine excellence every single time she steps in front of the camera.