In February of 2011, Meryl Streep started filming what would be her most anticipated film role in a long time, and her most controversal one. She re-teamed with “Mamma Mia” director Phyllida Lloyd for a biopic on Margaret Thatcher called “The Iron Lady”, which takes a look at the Prime Minister during the Falklands War and her years in retirement. Streep, who sat through a session at the House of Commons to observe British MPs in action in preparation for her role, called her casting “a daunting and exciting challenge.” Former advisers, friends and family of Thatcher criticized Streep’s portrayal of her as inaccurate and biased and has been criticized by Thatcher’s children for putting the focus on her elderly years being heavily affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

The film, released in December of 2011, received mixed reviews for its botched execution and Lloyd’s rather odd, operatic direction. But despite the criticism, Streep’s performance in the title role garnered much critical acclaim and awards (see summary for 2012). The film’s release was heavily promoted in the United States and United Kingdom, and made a whopping $115 million in ticket revenues. On December 27, 2011, Meryl Streep was among the honorees of the 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors.