Tilda Swinton

Biography:

Katherine Matilda Swinton (born November 5, 1960) is a celebrated British actress known for her distinctive roles and collaborations with prominent filmmakers. Recognized for her versatile performances, she has received an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and multiple Golden Globe nominations, with The New York Times naming her among the 21st century’s greatest actors.

Swinton’s career began with experimental films by Derek Jarman, including “Caravaggio” (1986) and “Edward II” (1991), for which she won a Venice Film Festival award. She gained further acclaim in films like “Orlando” (1992) and “The Deep End” (2001), earning a Golden Globe nomination. She won an Oscar for “Michael Clayton” (2007) and has starred in a wide range of films, from “Vanilla Sky” (2001) to “Snowpiercer” (2014) and “Suspiria” (2018). She is also known for her roles in “The Chronicles of Narnia” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and frequently collaborates with director Wes Anderson.

Swinton has received numerous accolades, including lifetime achievement awards from the Museum of Modern Art, the British Film Institute, and the Venice Film Festival.

Born in London to a Scottish aristocratic family, she identifies strongly with her Scottish heritage. She attended boarding schools, including West Heath, where she was a classmate of Princess Diana, and later graduated from Cambridge University.

Early in her career, she worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Derek Jarman. Her performance art also gained attention, notably “The Maybe,” where she appeared as a sleeping exhibit.

Swinton has balanced mainstream success with independent projects, collaborating with fashion designers and artists. She has also founded film festivals and schools in Scotland.

In her personal life, Swinton has twins with playwright John Byrne and is currently in a relationship with painter Sandro Kopp. She lives in Scotland and has expressed support for Scottish independence. She has also been vocal about social issues, including calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

She identifies as queer, emphasizing that it’s about sensibility rather than sexuality. She has also spoken about her experience with long COVID and her consideration of training as a palliative carer.