After a constant stream of celebrated performances throughout the decade, Meryl Streep finished the 2000s with two additional performances that would become fast fan favorites, and critical darlings. She starred in Nora Ephron’s last film “Julie & Julia”, based on Julie Powell’s best selling book by the same name, as the larger-than-life Julia Child. The comedic and heartfelt performance earned her yet another Golden Globe – the fourth within this decade – a Critics Choice Award, New York Film Critics Circle Award and nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award and BAFTA Film Award. Receiving glowing reviews, and despite its limited appeal to mainstream moviegoers, “Julie & Julia” made $129 million at the box office on a $40 million budget.

Streep’s box office success was even topped with Nancy Meyers’ very grown-up and very funny romcom “It’s Complicated”, in which Meryl’s character, a divorcee and recent empty-nester, is caught between newfound affection for the architect she has hired to remodel her home, and rather warmed up affection from her ex husband who regrets their separation. Co-starring Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, the film received favorable reviews but a strong reception at the box office, grossing over $224 million during its Christmas release. For her performance, Streep received yet another Golden Globe nomination – and, ironically, lost to herself for “Julie & Julia”.