Anya Taylor-Joy, at 30 years old, has established herself as one of the most talented actors of her generation, boasting a Golden Globe, a SAG Award, and an Emmy nomination. She continues to select a variety of projects, including an upcoming role as the elf Seren in the prequel film 'The Hunt for Gollum,' based on 'The Lord of the Rings.'
Her latest limited series, 'Lucky,' available on Apple TV, features Taylor-Joy as a con artist on the run after falling for her husband's scheme. She not only stars in the crime series but also serves as an executive producer alongside Reese Witherspoon. The initial three episodes are currently streaming, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly.
Taylor-Joy's career saw a significant turning point with the success of the Netflix series 'The Queen's Gambit.' The show, centered on orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon, became a cultural phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her performance in this chess-centric drama was widely praised for its compelling portrayal of Harmon's journey to professional chess mastery.
Other notable performances include her role as Emma Woodhouse in the 2020 film adaptation of Jane Austen's novel 'Emma.' Despite its release shortly before the pandemic, the film garnered critical acclaim, with Taylor-Joy's performance in the classic tale of a well-meaning but misguided matchmaker being a standout.
Her early work with director Robert Eggers in the 2015 horror film 'The Witch' also left a lasting impression. Set in the 1600s, the film follows a Puritan family's descent into paranoia and suspected witchcraft. This marked Taylor-Joy's first starring role and her initial collaboration with Eggers.
Taylor-Joy also joined the cast of the critically acclaimed television series 'Peaky Blinders' in its fifth season, playing Gina Gray. Her character introduced significant conflict for the Shelby family, allowing Taylor-Joy to explore a villainous role.
In the 2021 psychological horror film 'Last Night in Soho,' directed by Edgar Wright, Taylor-Joy portrayed Sandie, an aspiring singer in 1960s London, whose story intertwines with a present-day fashion student. The film showcased Taylor-Joy's singing talent and offered a stylized dive into the past.
The culinary horror-comedy 'The Menu,' released in 2022, cast Taylor-Joy as Margot, a woman attending an exclusive restaurant experience with a hidden identity, creating tension with the renowned chef played by Ralph Fiennes.
Early in her career, Taylor-Joy starred alongside Olivia Cooke in the 2017 dark comedy 'Thoroughbreds.' The film explored a plot between two high schoolers to kill one of their stepfathers, notable for its layered writing and performances.