Jamie Lee Curtis, a celebrated actress with a rich family history in cinema and a recent Oscar win, revealed her picks for the greatest films and television series. Known for her long-standing career, which recently surged again after several quieter years, Curtis highlighted titles that resonate deeply with her cinematic sensibilities, underscoring the importance of storytelling in award-winning productions like those that earned her Jamie Lee Curtis awards themselves.
Jamie Lee Curtis’s Award-Winning Legacy and Career Revival
Jamie Lee Curtis’s connection to award-winning films runs deep, rooted in her parents’ legacies—Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, both Academy Award nominees—and culminating in her own victory with the Oscar for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Despite the complexity of that film’s script, particularly the work by the Daniels, Curtis quickly connected with her character Deirdre Beaubeirdre. This Oscar not only honored her skill but also reignited her standing in the industry after a long period without major hits following Freaky Friday.
Her career resurgence began with the unexpected success of the Halloween reboot in 2018, followed by a starring role in Rian Johnson’s hit Knives Out the next year. However, it was the genre-defying Everything Everywhere All at Once in 2022 that truly brought Curtis back to the forefront, reconnecting her with audiences since her breakthrough as Laurie Strode in John Carpenter’s original Halloween film in the late 1970s.
A Deep Love of Film Rooted in Family and Personal Tastes
With parents who were cinema icons, Curtis’s passion for film is no surprise. She often praises classic and contemporary movies alike, citing her father’s 1957 thriller The Sweet Smell of Success, alongside 2024’s lauded film Anora. Her admiration extends to widely acclaimed works that have shaped the industry’s standards for excellence, reflecting the same devotion that has propelled her own career and recognition through Jamie Lee Curtis awards.
Jamie Lee Curtis’s Favorite Films and Television Series
When asked about her all-time favorite movies, Curtis singled out two masterpieces from Francis Ford Coppola’s oeuvre:
“The Godfather is a perfect movie. The Godfather, Part II is a perfect movie.” – Jamie Lee Curtis
For television, she praised two interconnected series that have become cultural touchstones, ultimately choosing one as her top pick:
“Breaking Bad is a perfect television show. Better Call Saul is a perfect show. But I have to pick one, so I’m going with Better Call Saul.” – Jamie Lee Curtis
“It’s the combo platter of originality, writing, storytelling, character development, tension, mystery and incredibly beautiful visuals. Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman, even though that character was invented in Breaking Bad, [he] is clearly one of the greatest television characters ever.” – Jamie Lee Curtis
Better Call Saul, co-created and co-written by Vince Gilligan and starring Rhea Seehorn, acts as a prequel to Breaking Bad and ranks nearly equal in acclaim. It has earned numerous award nominations including 53 Emmy nods—the highest number without a win—solidifying its status alongside its predecessor, which is often hailed as one of the best TV series ever made.
Recent Projects Highlight Jamie Lee Curtis’s Versatility
Curtis continues to deliver noteworthy performances, recently earning praise for her role in Pamela Anderson’s The Last Showgirl. She is also featured in John Turturro’s film The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, which serves as an affectionate homage to the city. The movie follows a lifelong petty thief, portrayed by Turturro, who must take on one final job, adding to Curtis’s broad and dynamic body of work that remains closely linked with critically recognized, award-worthy projects.
Jamie Lee Curtis’s choices highlight not only key moments in her own career but also the exceptional storytelling and character work that define the best in cinema and television. Her reflections offer insight into the artistry behind some of the most acclaimed films and series, underscoring why her own performances continue to earn Jamie Lee Curtis awards and respect in the industry.
