5. Meryl Streep - The Devil Wears Prada
There is not a type of role that Meryl Streep cannot do. She started her career in the TV miniseries Holocaust and went on to do films such as Sophies Choice, Out of Africa and The Bridges of Madison County. But up to the year 2006, she has never portrayed a villain. And the results are The Devil Wears Prada. The role of Miranda Priestly was said to be partially based on Anna Wintour who is the editor-in-chief of Vogue. The character is portrayed as the boss from hell who asserts her dominance through physical and psychological abuse. The best choice she made on the film is not going over the top like Glenn Close as Cruella De Ville in the live action 101 Dalmatians. Instead, her character is always perceived to be the one with the power. Thus, she never raises her voice. Her dry wit and sense of humor is not only cruel but incredibly funny. Yet, Meryl Streep was able to give her character depth by giving her character an emotional core as well as the chance for her to chew up the scenery. And the Academy lauded her by giving her an Oscar nomination for her performance.