Blake Lively Movies and TV Shows: From Bridget to Serena and Beyond

Blake Lively’s acting career began at a young age, with her first professional role in her father Ernie Lively’s 1998 film Sandman. However, her big break came in 2005 when she was cast as Bridget in the hit teen drama, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Lively landed the role without even auditioning, simply walking in and leaving a photo of herself.

The film was a commercial success, and Lively’s performance as the free-spirited Bridget earned her critical acclaim. She reprised the role in the 2008 sequel The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the industry. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants franchise not only showcased Lively’s acting chops but also her natural charisma and on-screen presence, which would become hallmarks of her career in the years to come.

Gossip Girl and Mainstream Success

Following the success of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Lively achieved international recognition for her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen in the CW teen drama series Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012. The show was a massive hit, catapulting Lively to stardom and making her a household name. During this time, she also starred in several films, including the romantic comedies New York, I Love You (2008) and The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (2009), as well as the thrillers The Town (2010) and Savages (2012).

Lively’s performance as the glamorous and troubled Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl showcased her versatility as an actress, as she seamlessly transitioned between the character’s dramatic and comedic moments. The show’s popularity and Lively’s captivating performance cemented her status as a rising star in Hollywood, paving the way for her to take on more challenging and diverse roles in the years to come.

Dramatic Roles and Critical Acclaim

Lively’s career took a more dramatic turn in the 2010s, with her starring in several acclaimed films. In 2015, she garnered praise for her performance as the title character in the romantic fantasy The Age of Adaline, which earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination. The film, which tells the story of a woman who stops aging after a near-fatal accident, allowed Lively to showcase her dramatic range and emotional depth.

She followed this up with roles in the romantic comedy-drama Café Society (2016) and the black comedy thriller A Simple Favor (2018), both of which were well-received by critics. In Café Society, Lively played the role of a 1930s Hollywood starlet, while in A Simple Favor, she portrayed a mysterious and enigmatic woman whose disappearance sets off a thrilling chain of events. These roles demonstrated Lively’s versatility as an actress and her ability to tackle complex and nuanced characters, further cementing her reputation as a talented and versatile performer.

Versatility and Continued Success

Lively has continued to demonstrate her versatility as an actress, taking on a variety of roles in recent years. She has headlined the survival horror film The Shallows (2016), the psychological drama All I See Is You (2016), and the thriller The Rhythm Section (2020). In The Shallows, Lively played a surfer who becomes stranded on a rock after a shark attack, showcasing her physical prowess and emotional range.

In All I See Is You, she portrayed a woman who regains her sight after years of blindness, exploring the psychological and emotional complexities of her character’s journey. And in The Rhythm Section, Lively took on the role of a woman seeking revenge for the death of her family, further demonstrating her ability to tackle intense and action-packed roles. Lively’s continued success in these diverse and challenging roles is a testament to her talent and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of her craft.

Awards and Accolades

Throughout her career, Lively has been recognized for her talents, earning numerous awards and nominations. She has won 8 awards and received 26 nominations, including a Teen Choice Award and several nominations from the Critics’ Choice Super Awards and the Country Music Association Awards.

Her performance in The Age of Adaline earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice Movie Actress: Drama, while her work in A Simple Favor garnered her a nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy at the Critics’ Choice Super Awards. Lively’s recognition from these prestigious awards organizations is a reflection of the critical acclaim she has received for her work, as well as the respect and admiration she has earned from her peers in the industry.

Conclusion

Lively’s career has been marked by a diverse range of roles and critical acclaim. From her breakout performance in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants to her iconic turn as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, Lively has proven herself to be a versatile and talented actress. Her more recent dramatic roles have further cemented her status as a leading lady in Hollywood, and her continued success is a testament to her dedication and skill.

Whether she is playing a free-spirited teenager, a glamorous socialite, or a complex and nuanced character, Lively consistently delivers performances that captivate audiences and critics alike. As she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, it is clear that Lively is a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.