Dianne Wiest's 20 Best Movies and TV Shows Ranked

Dianne WiestThe best roles in movies and TV shows highlight the career of a famous and legendary actor who isn't exactly a household name. Wiest started out as a theater actress in the 1970s before moving into film and television, quickly finding success and establishing herself as a true talent. Over the course of his career, Wiest has won two Oscars and two Emmy Awards and received numerous other nominations for his wide range of performances on the big and small screen.

Wiest is known for playing kind, soft-spoken characters, but she is also known as a comedic talent, appearing on screen with some of the funniest actors of all time, including Steve Martin and Robin Williams. She has worked with renowned directors such as Tim Burton, Ron Howard and Woody Allen, while appearing in television shows ranging from gritty dramas to hilarious comedies. It's a truly impressive career, and looking at Dianne Wiest's best roles highlights her legacy thus far.

20

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006)

As Flori Montiel

Dianne Wiest joins an incredible ensemble of actors in an underrated coming-of-age film. A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints stars Robert Downey Jr. as Ditto, a writer who returns to his old neighborhood in New York City to care for his sick and estranged father. Upon his return, he relives many of the memories of his troubled childhood and the violence of the place where he grew up, highlighting how they shaped his adult life.

Although the film is largely focused on Ditto's troubled relationship with his father, played by Chazz Palminteri, Wiest is also excellent as her mother, adding layers to her performance in a quieter performance. The film also stars Shia LaBeouf and Channing Tatum, delivering strong performances in the film's flashback sequences. It's a moving and powerful drama, with some standout performances.

19

Dan in Real Life (2007)

As Nana burns

Although Dianne Wiest has been typecast as a mother for much of her career, she often finds ways to bring out interesting shades of these characters while also working alongside some great actors. Steve Carell gives one of his most underrated performances in Dan in real life as an advice columnist who struggles with the loss of his wife, raises his three daughters, and falls in love with his brother's new girlfriend.

The film expertly mixes humor and pathos with Carell's performance as the man who can't control things providing a perfect centerpiece. Wiest is part of the excellent ensemble, playing Carell's caring mother, who is one of the few people who takes care of him while he tries to take care of everyone else.. Wiest plays the role with a fine line between authoritarian and loving.

18

The Horse Whisperer (1998)

As Diane Booker

Dianne Wiest has worked on some truly star-studded sets in the past, but she always finds a way to stand out, no matter the size of her role. The horse's whisper is directed by Robert Redford and also stars the iconic actor as a man who specializes in helping animals and their riders heal from traumatic experiences. When a mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) brings her troubled daughter (Scarlett Johansson) for help, she and Redford form a bond.

Wiest has a small supporting role in the film as Diane, Redford's warm and caring sister-in-law, who lives on the farm with her husband (Chris Cooper). The film is a beautiful, gripping drama with a grounded, magical quality. Wiest adds brilliance with his vision of simple rural life, able to find beauty and comfort in his connection with nature.

17

The Mule (2018)

As Maria Stone

Dianne Wiest collaborated with another famous filmmaker while sharing the screen with him in The mule. Clint Eastwood directs this crime thriller and stars as Earl Stone, a war veteran who faces hard times when his farming business goes bankrupt. Isolated from his family due to his past selfish behavior, Earl takes a job with the cartel, transporting drugs. Wiest stars as Mary, Earl's ex-wife.

Even though the film is based on a true story, it can feel a little strange at times, but Wiest's performance keeps it grounded. Eastwood also seems to be enjoying playing the flawed outlaw character, touching on the unsavory aspects of Earl's personality. It's a gripping crime thriller and a fun starring role for Eastwood.

16

Mayor of Kingstown (2021-2023)

As Mariam McLusky

Mayor of Kingstown is another of the many shows created by Taylor Sheridan, but with a very different setting from his yellow stone universe. Jeremy Renner stars in this series as Michael McLusky, a member of a family that kept the peace in a city where prison is the biggest company in the world. This position has meant danger and heartbreak for the family, while also giving them power that not everyone is willing to give up.

Wiest plays Mariam, the matriarch of the McLusky family who frequently clashes with Michael.. Unlike many of the mothering roles Wiest has played, Miriam is not afraid to show her anger towards her children, even though she is still a loving person. The series is a gripping thriller that makes great use of Renner as a complex protagonist.

15

The Little Tate Man (1991)

As Jane Grierson

Dianne Wiest joined fellow Oscar winner Jodie Foster's directorial debut in the touching drama Little Man Tate. The film focuses on Fred Tate, a 7-year-old music prodigy who lives with his single mother (Foster). As he struggles in a society that doesn't challenge his level of genius, Fred's brilliance catches the attention of a child psychologist (played by Wiest) who wants to nurture his talents. and provide them with an environment in which they can thrive.

The film is filled with humor as this little genius tries to discover his identity in the world he doesn't seem to fit into. However, the dynamic between Foster and Wiest's characters is the most interesting element, as they both find themselves in conflict about what they think is best for the boy. Wiest takes what could have been a cliché character and adds dimensions to the fact that she is a former prodigy who doesn't want to see Fred fight like her.

14

The Lost Boys (1987)

As Lucy Emerson

While Dianne Wiest is widely known for her roles in prestigious shows and films, she's also helped elevate many excellent genre projects, including this beloved '80s classic.. The lost boys stars Jason Patric as a young man who moves in with his single mother (Wiest) and younger brother to a new city. Upon meeting some local teenagers, he becomes involved with a gang of rebellious young people who turn out to be ancient vampires.

Long before Twilight, The Lost Boys I had fun looking at the lives of vampires from a teenage perspective. The film's quintessential '80s vibe has helped it remain a nostalgic cult classic for decades. Although the film sometimes has difficulty combining its horror and comedy elements, Wiest can be counted on to bring gravitas to a strong mother role.

13

I Care A Lot (2020)

As Jennifer Peterson

Even with her extensive career, it's rare to see Dianne Wiest land a role that allows her to embrace her sinister side. However, the effectiveness of its performance in I care a lot proves she should do this more often. Rosamund Pike stars as Marla Grayson, an immoral and scheming con artist who targets vulnerable elderly people to drain them of their wealth and leave them with nothing. HoweverMarla's latest target, Jennifer (Wiest), is far from vulnerable and is linked to some very dangerous people.

The crime comedy wonderfully balances both genres, embracing the darkness of the story while having a lot of fun. Much of this fun comes from Wiest, who is scary at times but also hard not to root for as it becomes clear that Marla has chosen the wrong person to try to make money with.

12

Rabbit Hole (2010)

Like Nat

Nicole Kidman was nominated for an Oscar for her powerful performance in this harrowing drama, but Dianne Wiest also enhances the story's impact in a supporting role.. Rabbit Hole centers on a couple (Kidman and Aaron Eckhart) struggling with grief after the death of their son. While they find it difficult to connect and share their pain, Kidman finds unexpected solace in her connection with the young man (Miles Teller) responsible for her son's death.

Although this is the most central relationship in the drama, some of the most powerful scenes are between Kidman and Wiest, who plays her mother. The characters have a difficult relationship and are also disconnected from emotion, but they slowly learn to share their anger and frustrations with each other in a healing way.

11

Let Them Talk (2020)

As Susan

There aren't many actresses who have maintained as successful and acclaimed a career over the years as Dianne Wiest. However, it's a real pleasure to see Wiest share the screen with some of them while in the hands of a master filmmaker in Let everyone talk. From director Steven Soderbergh, the comedy-drama stars Meryl Streep as a celebrated author who invites her two closest friends, played by Wiest and Candance Bergen, to a cruise ship only to appear too busy to spend time with them.

The simple film set almost entirely on the ship makes for a funny and engaging story of friendship running its course. While Streep and Bergen deal with their long history of feuds and betrayals, Wiest provides plenty of comic relief as the friend caught in the middle.

10

Life in Pieces (2015-2019)

As Joan Short

Dianne Wiest has sometimes been typecast in warm-hearted roles as well as roles that show off her comedic side, but her role in Life in pieces proves how effective she is at combining these elements. Life in pieces It's a comedy like Modern Familyanalyzing different households within a large extended family. He follows them through their various struggles, difficult times, and moments they all share together.

The sitcom thrives on its winning ensemble, which also includes Colin Hanks and James Brolin. However, Wiest is one of the real standouts as Joan, wife of Brolin's character and matriarch of the family. Wiest is hilarious as the loving, sought-after mother and grandmother who is also silly rather than being the voice of reason these characters can sometimes be pigeonholed into.

9

Radio Days (1987)

Like Aunt Bea

Dianne Wiest has worked with many acclaimed filmmakers throughout her long career, but the one who has had the biggest impact on her career is certainly Woody Allen. She worked with the renowned and controversial filmmaker five times in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to some of her biggest successes as an actress. One of their last collaborations to date was on Allen's semi-autobiographical film Radio Days which examines the life of a boy who grew up in a Jewish neighborhood in New York.

The film presents a fantastic coming-of-age story, but Wiest steals the show as Aunt Bea, the main character's unhappy aunt who searches for love but never finds it.. Wiest leans on his comedic skills and endearing on-screen personality as the endlessly positive and hilarious character who adds a special spark to the film.

8

Synecdoche, New York (2008)

As Ellen Bascomb/Millicent Weems

Synecdoche, New York marks one of the most intriguing films of Wiest's career, while also being one of the most fascinating. Philip Seymour Hoffman leads the film as an ambitious stage director who begins work on his biggest project yet. Obsessed with making the production as real as possible, it ends up covering years of his life and at the same time blurring the lines between production and reality. Wiest plays an actress cast in the play who becomes part of the story.

The film is Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut, so perhaps it should come as no surprise that it's such a mind-bending and fascinating journey. Some felt the film was a pretentious and incomprehensible exploration of an artist's mind, while others considered it a masterpiece. Wiest received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her supporting role.

7

The Cage (1996)

As Louise Keeley

As much as Dianne Wiest is capable of delivering powerful dramatic performances, there's no denying that she's also a talented comedic actress. The cage is one of the funniest examples of this, as she fits perfectly into the hilarious screwball comedy. Robin Williams plays a gay man living with his partner (Nathan Lane) when he finds out his son is getting married. With Williams and Lane wanting to make a good impression on their conservative new in-laws (Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest), they try to pretend they are straight.

Wiest is hilarious as the uptight wife who also isn't fooled as easily as her husband. Amid some of the film's greatest performances, Wiest laughs hard at his understated reactions to the savagery around him. She was nominated for an American Comedy Award for her performance, while the entire notable cast was nominated for a Screen Actor's Guild Award.

6

Fatherhood (1989)

As Helen Buckman

Dianne Wiest received another Oscar nomination for her layered performance in the comedy-drama Paternity. Later adapted into a popular TV series Paternity is an ensemble film that follows a large family as they deal with the struggles of raising children, from destructive toddlers to awkward teenagers and adults who still act like kids.

Steve Martin gives a charming and entertaining performance in the lead role as Paternity it also marks a memorable early project for Keanu Reeves and Joaquin Phoenix. However, Wiest gives the best performance of the ensemble as the wife of Martin's character and mother of two teenagers. She's funny, sweet and moving, showing the real and grounded struggles of a mother who is ignored by her children but also needs to be there to protect them, regardless of how they treat her.

5

Under treatment (2008-2009)

As Gina Toll

In addition to winning two Oscars in her career, Dianne Wiest also won an Emmy for her performance in one of the most underrated HBO series of all time. Under treatment stars Gabriel Byrne as psychotherapist Paul Weston, who has weekly sessions with several patients. As he begins to lose faith in his abilities within his profession, he also begins attending sessions with his former mentor, Gina (Wiest).

Byrne is a powerful protagonist in the series with a reserved, internalized performance as this disillusioned man. However, equally important to the series' success is Wiest's thoughtful, nuanced performance as a seasoned professional who reminds him that they are still human. For fans of the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, Under treatment provides a similar, albeit more serious, view of this world of therapy.

4

The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

Like Emma

The first film Dianne Wiest made with Woody Allen is a standout film for both of them. The Purple Rose of Cairo is an inventive and funny comedy starring Jeff Daniels as a movie character who steps off the screen and into the real world, forming a connection with a shy young woman in the audience, played by Mia Farrow.

Wiest has another hilarious role as a sex worker, Emma, ​​who also falls in love with this movie character come to life. She brings laughter and layers to the character, making it obvious why Allen continued working with her. The film takes its fun premise and mines it for great comedic material, imagining the world's reaction if something like this actually happened. The result is a Woody Allen film with a little magic, feeling like a precursor at midnight in Paris.

3

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Like Holly

Dianne Wiest co-starred with some big-name stars in her second collaboration with Woody Allen, but ended up especially standing out in Hannah and her sistersenough to win her first Oscar. The film stars Mia Farrow as a woman celebrating Thanksgiving with her brothers. There's Lee (Barabara Hershey), who is having an affair with Hannah's husband, and Holly (Wiest), a drug addict struggling in her career as an aspiring actress.

The film is an incredible three-act story, with Holly making up the final and most compelling act. Although she seems immature and in constant need of support, Wiest also makes her an endearing character who pursues what she loves. Wiest's performance is a highlight of this intense yet funny drama, which also stars Michael Caine, Max von Sydow and Carrie Fisher.

2

Eduardo Scissorhands (1990)

As Peg Boggs

The first collaboration between Johnny Depp and Tim Burton also features a standout performance from Dianne Wiest. In Eduardo Scissorhands, Wiest plays suburbanite Peg Boggs who, while selling beauty products door to door, comes across a castle with a strange, abandoned young man.. Edward (Depp) is the creation of an inventor who died before being able to complete it, leaving the young man with scissors in his hands. Taking pity on him, Peg takes Edward home and introduces him to the suburban world.

The film is a brilliant mix of Burton's eccentric sense of humor and his beautiful gothic visual style. It tries to achieve a difficult tone between comedy and fairy tale, with Wiest's performance being essential to its success. She's funny, sweet and thoughtful in a role that earned her several award nominations.

1

Bullets on Broadway (1994)

As Helen Sinclair

Among Wiest's many collaborations with Woody Allen, Bullets on Broadway is the best and features the legendary actor's strongest performance. The period comedy is a hilarious mix of the world of theater and the mafia. John Cusack plays a playwright who tries to finance his latest play by hiring a mobster's talentless girlfriend. Wiest plays the veteran actress and an alcoholic who joins the playbringing his talent and also seducing Cusack's smug playwright.

The film is one of Allen's funniest, with an incredible cast of colorful characters that also includes Chazz Palminteri and Jennifer Tilly in prominent supporting roles. However, it's Wiest who steals the show as the vain actress who doesn't know her fame is fading and still sees herself as Broadway's biggest, most important star. Wiest won his second Oscar for the performance.