The Best of Katherine HepburnLike this list

12 items

• The Philadelphia Story

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  A sparkling romantic comedy that revived Hepburn’s career. Her role as Tracy Lord earned her an Oscar nomination and showcased her wit and emotional range.

• Bringing Up Baby

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  Now a screwball classic, Hepburn’s chaotic was a departure from her usual roles and redefined comedic timing, despite its initial box office failure.

• The African Queen

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  Hepburn’s portrayal of a prim missionary opposite Humphrey Bogart in this WWI adventure earned her an Oscar nomination and showcased her versatility in rugged, romantic drama.

• Holiday

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  As the free-spirited Linda Seton, Hepburn delivered a witty, nuanced, and relatable performance. Her chemistry with Cary Grant and the film’s themes of independence made this a defining early role.

• The Lion in Winter

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  As Eleanor of Aquitaine, Hepburn delivered a fierce, intelligent performance that earned her a third Oscar (tied with Barbra Streisand). Her portrayal of political and maternal power remains iconic.

• Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

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  This landmark film tackled interracial marriage with grace and urgency. Hepburn’s role as a mother reconciling her ideals with reality won her a second Oscar.

• Adam's Rib

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  In this battle-of-the-sexes courtroom comedy, Hepburn’s feminist lawyer role opposite Spencer Tracy became a blueprint for smart romantic comedies.

• Woman of the Year

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  Her first pairing with Spencer Tracy, Hepburn played a brilliant but flawed journalist. The role earned her an Oscar nomination and launched one of cinema’s great screen duos. [en.wikipedia.org]

• On Golden Pond

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  Hepburn won her fourth and final Oscar for portraying Ethel Thayer, a warm, resilient wife navigating aging and family tensions. Her chemistry with Henry Fonda (in his final role) gave the film emotional depth and box office success.

• Long Day's Journey Into Night

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  Hepburn gave a raw, haunting performance as a morphine-addicted matriarch. It earned her Cannes’ Best Actress and an Oscar nomination, showing her dramatic range.

• Summertime

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  As a lonely American tourist in Venice, Hepburn delivered a tender, vulnerable performance that earned her another Oscar nomination. The film’s visual beauty matched her emotional depth.

• The Rainmaker

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  Hepburn played a “spinster” who finds self-worth and romance in a drought-stricken town. Her performance earned her an Oscar nomination and showed her ability to elevate sentimental material.