If Carey Mulligan reaches the Oscar podium on 25 April with her by turns thrilling and devastating lead performance in Emerald Fennellâs subversive feature debut Promising Young Woman, her win would cement her status as one of the most consistently brilliant actors in the industry today. Over the past 16 years, the 35-year-old Londoner has worked with quiet precision, bringing depth, complexity, and intelligence to every part she takes on. While sheâs still best known for playing strong-willed heroines in lyrical period dramas, itâs her contemporary roles â from a messy lounge singer in Shame (2011) to this recent transformation â that are a true testament to her talent.