It’s hard to say what was more remarkable about Anna Paquin—was it that she took home an Academy Award at just 11 years old for her stunning performance in The Piano (1993), or that, right after such a monumental achievement, she initially had no intention of pursuing acting further? Thankfully, Anna Paquin changed her mind, because movie lovers everywhere have since benefited from her return to the screen. Over the years, Anna Paquin has delivered performances that are not only thoughtful and layered but sometimes even captivating in their intensity. She’s moved effortlessly between major studio films—like the popular X-Men series—and more intimate, character-driven works such as Noah Baumbach’s The Squid and the Whale (2005).
But perhaps it was on television where Anna Paquin truly found her stride. Her portrayal of a 19th-century schoolteacher advocating for Native American rights in the powerful HBO miniseries Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007) earned widespread acclaim and brought her both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations—an achievement that underscored her depth as an actress. Then came another defining role: Sookie Stackhouse, the telepathic barmaid at the center of Alan Ball’s genre-defining series True Blood (HBO, 2008–14). It was her first regular TV role, and Anna Paquin made it unforgettable, blending charm, vulnerability, and strength in a way that resonated with audiences. All of this only solidified what many already suspected—that Anna Paquin wasn’t just a child prodigy, but a serious, enduring talent with a career full of bold choices and compelling performances.
When it comes to Anna Paquin’s career highlights, one film that really stands out is The Parting Glass from 2018—it’s widely regarded as Anna Paquin’s highest rated movie. Critics and audiences alike praised her performance, making it a definite high point in her filmography. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s Darkness (2002), which tends to receive much more mixed or negative reviews. That one is often cited as Anna Paquin’s lowest rated film. Still, even in less successful projects like that, Anna Paquin brings depth and dedication to her roles. Overall, Anna Paquin continues to impress across a range of genres, with The Parting Glass shining as a personal best.