Sarah Paulson’s acting career began in 1994 when she appeared in an episode of Law & Order, and since then she has appeared in a variety of roles in both film and TV which have demonstrated her undeniable range and talent of becoming completely unrecognizable in her roles. She is now one of the most in-demand actresses with a legion of fans due to her iconic roles.
After she starred in Ryan Murphy’s long-standing series American Horror Story, she became a household name, and her acting career was elevated to new levels. She would star in all seasons of the show except one, usually as a leading character and her ability to shape-shift into whatever character Ryan Murphy throws at her is extremely impressive. Here’s a look at the best Sarah Paulson performances, ranked.
8 Mrs. America
Mrs. America is a historical drama series created by Dahvi Waller with an ensemble cast including Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, Elizabeth Banks, and Kayli Carter. The series focuses on the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and the unexpected backlash led by conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly (played by Blanchett). The series includes prominent feminists of the era including Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Shirley Chisholm, Bella Abzug and Jill Ruckelshaus. Paulson plays Alice, who isn’t central to the story and represents conservative women. Even in such a strong cast, Paulson holds her own and commands the screen whenever she is present.
7 Ocean's 8
Ocean's 8 is a spin-off from the popular Ocean's trilogy directed by Steven Soderbergh, and the cast includes prominent stars including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling, and Helena Bonham Carter in addition to Paulson. The story follows a group of women who plan a heist at the Met Gala in New York City, this time directed by Gary Ross. Paulson plays Tammy, a mom who is also a fence and plays a crucial role in the organized heist. The film received very strong reviews, with the cast in particular being praised for their chemistry on screen.
6 Blue Jay
In 2016, Paulson starred in Alex Lehmann’s romantic drama, Blue Jay. In this indie film, she plays Amanda, who runs into her high school lover years after they have broken up. The film is raw, vulnerable and emotional, and is completely shot in black and white, making for an even stronger emotional feel. Paulson demonstrates her acting skills perfectly, allowing the audience to feel the heart-wrenching emotions that can come with a lovers' reconciliation.
5 12 Years a Slave
Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave was a huge success at the box office and during awards season. The film is based on a memoir from 1853 by Solomon Northup, telling the story of his enslavement at Louisiana plantations before his eventual freedom. The films cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, as Solomon, as well as Lupita Nyong'o, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Alfre Woodard and Benedict Cumberbatch. Paulson plays Mistress Mary Epps, who is a vile character that the actress completely disappears into, truly bringing us into a time when atrocities were happening regularly.
4 Ratched
2020’s Ratched, created by Evan Romansky saw Paulson take on the role of Nurse Mildred Ratched, the character we have come to know and fear from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The series depicts how Mildred descends into darkness, serving as a prequel to the popular film. We see a human side to her and how events led up to her mental decline, eventually leading to her inhumane treatment of patients that we come to see. Paulson succeeds in adding new layers to a fairly one-dimensional character, making Retched a compelling watch.
3 Carol
2015’s Carol was directed by Todd Haynes and is based on the 1952 romance novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith. The film stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara as two women who engage in a forbidden love affair while Carol (Blanchett) is navigating a difficult divorce. Paulson stars as Abby, the ex-girlfriend of Carol, who advises Carol to follow her heart amidst the difficult drama. Paulson uses her subtle techniques to bring life to the character and add layers of beauty to the film, and has even expressed her interest in making a prequel.
2 American Crime Story
After the success of American Horror Story, Ryan Murphy found success with spin-off American Crime Story. American Crime Story follows a similar format in terms of changing plot/ characters every season, however, this time the series depicts real life crimes or scandals which dominated American culture. Paulson has starred as a central role in two seasons of the show. Once as Marcia Clark in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story and again as Linda Tripp in Impeachment: American Crime Story. Her performances were well received, especially for her role as Marcia Clark, and it’s easy to see why Murphy is such a fan, since she can easily shape-shift between whatever characters he throws her way.
1 American Horror Story
Paulson’s long-term collaboration with Ryan Murphy began when she starred in American Horror Story: Murder House. Her role was relatively small compared to her later roles here, and she would truly shine in American Horror Story: Asylum when she played a leading role as Lana Winters. Paulson has so far starred in 9 out of the 10 series which have aired, and brings a star power to her role each time, shifting between polar opposite characters with ease.