Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams, born on 15 April 1997, is a talented English actress who rose to prominence with her role as Arya Stark in the HBO epic medieval fantasy series Game of Thrones (2011–2019). Her portrayal of Arya earned her widespread recognition, critical acclaim, and two Emmy Award nominations.


Williams has showcased her versatility across various television and film projects. She appeared as Ashildr in the BBC science fiction series Doctor Who (2015), starred in the British docudrama television film Cyberbully , and played a central role in the British science-fiction teen thriller film iBoy .


Williams took on the lead character in the comedy action drama miniseries Two Weeks to Live and portrayed punk rock icon Jordan in Pistol (2022), a biopic about the Sex Pistols.Additionally, she lent her voice to the character Cammie MacCloud in the American animated web series Gen:Lock.


In 2014, Williams ventured into feature films, starring as Lydia in the coming-of-age mystery drama The Falling, earning critical acclaim and several awards for her performance. She further expanded her filmography with roles in Mary Shelley (2017), Early Man (2018), and Then Came You (2018).


Williams made her stage debut in 2018 in Lauren Gunderson's play I and You at the Hampstead Theatre in London, receiving positive reviews for her performance. In 2020, she starred in the superhero horror film The New Mutants and the psychological thriller The Owners.


Beyond her acting career, Maisie Williams co-developed and launched the social media platform Daisie in 2019. Daisie is a multi-media networking app designed to provide alternative support for artists and creators, especially those at the beginning of their careers. Williams's contributions to the entertainment industry and her endeavors in supporting emerging artists highlight her multifaceted talent and commitment to fostering creativity.


Maisie Williams embarked on her professional acting journey at the age of 12, landing a role in one of the most significant ensemble casts on television. Cast as Arya Stark in HBO's historical fantasy drama series Game of Thrones, based on George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Williams became part of a global phenomenon.


Williams almost missed the audition, coinciding with a school trip to a farm. Her mother's persuasion led her to the audition, setting the stage for a transformative career. As Game of Thrones gained international acclaim, Williams's portrayal of Arya Stark earned her global recognition.


Arya Stark, characterized as an anti-heroine, became a fan favorite and evolved into one of the central protagonists in the Game of Thrones epic. Arya's story arc across the first six seasons involved themes of severance, trauma, tragedy, and revenge. Williams, naturally right-handed but performing left-handed for the role, undertook the physical demands of portraying a deadly assassin. She did the majority of her own stunts and fight scenes, showcasing her commitment to authenticity.


Williams's performance in the episode "The Long Night," featuring the longest battle scene in film and television history, earned her a nomination for the 2020 BAFTA TV Awards in the "Must-see moment" category. Williams appeared in all eight broadcast seasons of Game of Thrones, with the final episode airing in May 2019.


While Williams looks back at her role with pride and affection, she has been candid about the challenges she faced during that period of her personal life. Arya's character, younger and more boyish than Williams, required her to adopt a different appearance.


The discomfort with her changing body and the physical constraints of portraying Arya impacted Williams during her mid-teen years. Despite the challenges, Williams's dedication to the role and her impactful portrayal of Arya Stark left an enduring mark on the iconic series.


Maisie Williams received widespread critical acclaim and recognition for her exceptional portrayal of Arya in Game of Thrones. In 2012, her second year in the acting profession, HBO submitted her for consideration in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress for the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards. Although she did not secure a nomination, she received the 2012 Portal Award for Best Young Actor and the Portal Award for Best Supporting Actress – Television, becoming the youngest actress at 15 to achieve this feat.


Williams continued to garner accolades for her remarkable performance. In November 2013, she received the BBC Radio 1 Teen Award for Best British Actor. In August 2014, she was honored with the "Best Supporting Actress, Drama" title in the EWwy Awards. The following year, she earned the Empire Hero Award and the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Television Series.


Her accomplishments continued in 2016, where she made it to the nomination shortlist for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. In 2018, Williams received a nomination for the Best Performance in a Show at the MTV Movie & TV Awards.


Her performance in the final season of Game of Thrones in 2019 resulted in her winning the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series. Additionally, she received nominations for Best Hero and Best Fight at the MTV Movie & TV Awards, as well as People's Choice Awards nominations for The Female TV Star and The Drama TV Star.


In 2019, Maisie Williams achieved her second nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Daniel D'Addario from Variety praised her growth as a performer, stating that she entered the show with minimal experience but swiftly proved herself to be a very gifted performer. The recognition and awards underscored Williams's journey and the impact of her exceptional talents on the iconic series.

References

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11. a b c d e "Maisie Williams: 'I was covered in blood and gnawing on pizza'". The Guardian. 14 April 2019. Archived from the original on 26 May 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
12. ^ "Maisie Williams talks resisting stereotypical roles as she prepares to take Hollywood by storm". London Evening Standard. 20 August 2015. Archived from the original on 30 January 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
13. ^ "Maisie Williams". Empire. 2016. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2021