Paz de la Huerta, you know, really made a name for herself as this bold, unapologetic force in Hollywood—someone who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or take on roles that others might shy away from. Growing up in New York City with a single mom definitely shaped who she became: tough, fearless, and full of raw energy. Paz de la Huerta’s early life wasn’t easy, but it gave her that edge—something you could feel in every performance. She started modeling as a kid, like before she even hit her teenage years, and by 14, Paz de la Huerta was already making her film debut in the indie rom-com The Object of My Affection back in 1998.
The following year, she stepped into a more prominent role in The Cider House Rules, a John Irving adaptation that starred heavyweights like Michael Caine and Charlize Theron—pretty impressive for someone so young. After landing guest spots on popular TV series such as Law & Order and The Practice, Paz de la Huerta began carving out a niche in independent cinema. Films like Bringing Rain (2003) and Choke (2008) showcased her willingness to dive into complex, often edgy material.
Then came 2009—a big year for Paz de la Huerta. She took on the lead in Gaspar Noé’s intense, mind-bending Enter the Void, a film that pushed boundaries in every sense. Around the same time, she appeared in Jim Jarmusch’s experimental The Limits of Control, where her character was frequently seen either nude or in sheer clothing. These roles cemented her reputation as an actress unafraid of controversy or physical exposure—Paz de la Huerta clearly had few reservations when it came to using her body as part of her craft.
It was after building that daring image that she landed a much wider audience, joining the cast of HBO’s critically acclaimed Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014). Playing the girlfriend of Steve Buscemi’s Nucky Thompson brought her into living rooms across the country. But at the end of the second season, she was let go—rumors swirled that tensions on set were high, and some said Paz de la Huerta was difficult to work with. Whether or not that’s fair, it didn’t stop her momentum.
As her time on Boardwalk Empire wrapped up, Paz de la Huerta jumped into horror with Nurse 3D (2013) and the quirky The Editor (2014). She kept moving, taking on emotionally charged roles in the erotic drama Bare and the tense thriller The Girl is in Trouble, both released in 2015. That same year, she explored surreal storytelling in Aimy In A Cage and added another layer to her range with the crime drama Death in the Desert.
Then, in late 2017, everything shifted. When the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke, Paz de la Huerta spoke out in a powerful interview with Vanity Fair. She alleged that Weinstein had raped her twice in 2010. Her courage sparked widespread attention, and the New York District Attorney’s Office launched an investigation—criminal charges against Weinstein suddenly seemed possible. Through it all, Paz de la Huerta remained a figure of resilience, complexity, and defiance—exactly who she’s always been.
When it comes to Paz de la Huerta’s filmography, one name that consistently stands out is Enter the Void from 2009—it’s widely regarded as Paz de la Huerta’s highest rated movie. Critics and audiences alike have praised her performance in this visually striking film, which has cemented its place as a standout in her career. On the other end of the spectrum, Paz de la Huerta’s lowest rated project appears to be 30 Beats, released in 2012. While opinions may vary, the general consensus tends to reflect a more lukewarm reception for that particular film. So, whether you’re exploring Paz de la Huerta’s most acclaimed work or diving into the less celebrated corners of her portfolio, these two titles offer a clear contrast in how her roles have been received over the years. And honestly, if you’re looking at Paz de la Huerta’s evolution as an actress, these films really highlight the range of her journey in cinema.