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Maria Bello Biography

Birth Name:Maria Elaina Bello

Birth Place:Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States

Profession Actress, Producer, Writer, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

  • Co-founded the WE ADVANCE organization to help with the relief efforts in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake
  • Due to her activism, she was voted one of Variety Magazine's most powerful women in Hollywood in 2009
  • Sits on the board for the CQ Matrix Company
  • Majored in political science at Villanova University
  • Quote: "[on her character in "Towelhead") "She's just the nastiest․ So many actors say you have to find something you like in each character․ I've never bought that․ I think there are people in the world who are plain mean․ Not many, but some․""
  • Quote: "All I know is that when someone says to me they have the answer, capital THE, I run quick․ I realize I have had these incredible people in my life who have taught me stuff that I use in my life still today, but they could never tell me who I am․"
  • Her theater credits include "The 24-Hour Plays," "The Killer Inside Me," "Smart Town Gals with Big Problems" and "Urban Planning․"

Awards

  • 1998Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: winner
  • 2001Blockbuster Entertainment Award-Favorite Supporting Actress - Comedy/Romance: winner
  • 2004Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2004Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2004Sierra Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2004NSFC Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2004OFTA Film Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2004OFCS Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2004Golden Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Drama: winner
  • 2004VFCC Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2005ACCA-Best Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2005Festival Prize-Outstanding Actress in a Film: winner
  • 2005Golden Schmoes-Best Supporting Actress of the Year: winner
  • 2005KCFCC Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2005NYFCC Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2005Satellite Award-Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role, Drama: nominated
  • 2005UFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2005VVFP Award-Best Supporting Performance: winner
  • 2006COFCA Award-Best Supporting Performance: winner
  • 2006CFCA Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2006Critics Choice Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2006Gold Derby Film Award-Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2006Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
  • 2006INOCA-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2006IOMA-Best Supporting Actress (Miglior attrice non protagonista): nominated
  • 2006ALFS Award-Actress of the Year: nominated
  • 2006OFTA Film Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2006OFCS Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2006Jury Prize-Best Actress: winner
  • 2006Stinker Award-Most Annoying Fake Accent: Female: nominated
  • 2010Independent Spirit Award-Best Female Lead: nominated
  • 2011EDA Special Mention Award-Most Egregious Age Difference Between the Leading Man and the Love Interest: nominated
  • 2011OFTA Television Award-Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2013NBR Award-Best Ensemble: winner
  • 2016BloodGuts UK Horror Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2022WFCC Award-Best Woman Storyteller: nominated
  • 2023AACTA International Award-Best Screenplay: nominated
  • 2023EDA Award-Best Original Screenplay: nominated
  • 2023EDA Female Focus Award-Best Woman Screenwriter: nominated
  • 2023Black Reel-Outstanding Film: winner
  • 2023Gold Derby TV Award-Limited/Movie Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023Image Award-Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2023OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, Limited or Anthology Series: nominated
  • 2023Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: nominated
  • 2024Astra TV Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Streaming Movie: nominated
  • 2024Critics Choice Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: winner