By Jeanne Sutton
15th Apr 2015
15th Apr 2015
For a young lady of a mere 25 years, Emma Watson has accomplished a lot. Today marks her milestone birthday, so we’re taking some time out to remind you why this young actress and campaigner is our modern heroine.
She’s the voice and face of modern feminism
Last year Emma became one of our favourite people as she launched HeForShe, a campaign from UN Women, of which she is a global ambassador, to encourage men and boys to get involved in securing women equality around the world. Her announcement speech was a klaxon and has led to endorsements from a vast array of influential men. Our own President is even involved, and the #HeForShe conversation is constantly abuzz on social media.
Last month at the Oscars, Steve Carell wore campaign cufflinks to show his support. His outfit choice moved Emma so much she dedicated a lovely Instagram to the Foxcatcher actor. The Noah actress wrote:
Dear Steve Carell,
You were pure genius in “Little Miss Sunshine” (one of my all-time favourite films), my brother became obsessed with you in “Anchorman”, I wanted to marry you or have you adopt me after “Crazy, Stupid, Love”, I hated that guy you played in “The Way Way Back”, and then you were mind-blowing in “Foxcatcher”. I think you’re so awesome and now you are wearing?#HeForShe cufflinks at the Oscars to support Gender Equality. Couldn’t be more proud! Thank you.
Love,
Emma x
Her efforts at changing society for the better grabbed her the number one spot on AskMen’s Top 99 Outstanding Women list. As the magazine said, ?Her alignment with theUnited Nations’ HeForShe campaign has made her the face of feminism right now, and she’s helping change the way men think about women. Now that’s power.?
She’s going to be amazing as Belle in Beauty and the Beast
When it came to picking an actress to bring the timeless and beautiful-on-the-inside character of Beauty and the Beast‘s Belle to life, Watson was clearly the only choice. After watching her grow up as Hermione, we know Watson has got the presence to play a beloved female character and imbue her with an elegant intelligence.
Today her co-star Josh Gad Instagramed this selfie from the first day of the set. We can’t wait to see the finished product.
She transitioned from child star to mega star with no stint in rehab
When the Harry Potter franchise ended, Emma Watson did not tread down the clich’d path that many child stars tend towards. There was no Miley reinvention, no Lindsay shenanigans, no attempt at a Kelly Osborne-esque musical career. No, Emma kept true to herself and took her career at her own pace, with small parts in My Week With Marilyn and a role in a Burberry campaign. She pursued an English Literature degree at Oxford and Brown University in her spare time. It wasn’t until Sofia Coppola cast her in 2013’s The Bling Ring that her return to Hollywood was seen as a certainty.
Look at how proud she was to graduate!
? Emma Watson (@EmWatson) May 25, 2014
She’s brilliant at shutting down trolls
When a Turkish politician said women should not laugh out loud because it was unchaste, Emma decided to post a photo of her on social media visibly guffawing. Don’t try telling a woman with over 17 million Twitter followers what to do.
.@UN_Women @phumzileunwomen @e_nyamayaro pic.twitter.com/YkvWKN3iqo
? Emma Watson (@EmWatson) August 1, 2014
She’s not afraid to try new things
Last year Emma edited an issue of indie magazine Wonderland. It was an out-of-the-blue career move from a young actress, but the end result was a dream. Think hazy 1980s pop video fashion editorials and intelligent features – a real collectors item.
She’s pals with Douglas Booth
Is her Noah co-star too pretty? Do you believe in angels? Can we ask Emma to invite him to the picnic party we’ve suddenly decided to throw May Bank Holiday Weekend? Here’s The Riot Club actor supporting #HeForShe and showing off his neat handwriting.
Follow Jeanne Sutton on Twitter @jeannedesutun
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