Sarah Paulson

{{Infobox person

| name = Sarah Paulson

| image = Sarah Paulson at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival 2 (cropped).jpg

| caption = Paulson in 2024

| birthname =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|12|17}}

| birth_place = Tampa, Florida, U.S.

| occupation = Actress

| years_active = 1994–present

| partner = Holland Taylor (2015–present)

| works = Full list

| awards = Full list

}}

Sarah Catharine Paulson (born December 17, 1974) is an American actress. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award. In 2017, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.{{cite magazine |title=Sarah Paulson by Cate Blanchett |url=https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736222/sarah-paulson/ |magazine= TIME |access-date=June 28, 2023}}

Paulson began her acting career starring in the television series American Gothic (1995–1996) and Jack & Jill (1999–2001). She played Harriet Hayes in the NBC series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007). Paulson gained fame for her collaborations with showrunner Ryan Murphy notably starring in nine seasons of his anthology series American Horror Story from 2011 to 2021, earning five Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

For her portrayal of Marcia Clark in the FX limited series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016), she earned the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie. She was Emmy-nominated for her roles as Nicolle Wallace in the HBO television film Game Change (2012), and Linda Tripp in the FX on Hulu miniseries Impeachment: American Crime Story (2021).{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Nick |title=Monica Lewinsky faces down Linda Tripp in 'American Crime Story' teaser |url=https://ew.com/tv/beanie-feldstein-monica-lewinsky-sarah-paulson-linda-tripp-impeachment-american-crime-story-teaser/ |website=EW.com |date=11 August 2021}} She has also played a conservative activist in the FX on Hulu limited series Mrs. America (2020) and Nurse Ratched in the Netflix series Ratched (2020).

On film, she has had leading roles in Blue Jay (2016), Glass (2019), and Run (2020) as well as supporting roles in What Women Want (2000), Down with Love (2003), Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011), Mud (2012), 12 Years a Slave (2013), Carol (2015), The Post (2017), Ocean's 8 (2018) and Bird Box (2018). On Broadway, she acted in the Tennessee Williams revival The Glass Menagerie (2005), the Donald Margulies play Collected Stories (2010), and the Branden Jacobs-Jenkins play Appropriate (2023), the latter earning her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.{{cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Julia |title=Sarah Paulson Wins Her First Tony for Best Actress in a Play |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/16/theater/sarah-paulson-first-tony-appropriate.html |work=The New York Times |date=June 17, 2024 |access-date=June 17, 2024}}

Early life and education

Sarah Catharine Paulson was born in Tampa, Florida, on December 17, 1974,{{cite web|work=United Press International|url=https://www.upi.com/Famous-birthdays-for-Dec-17-Bill-Pullman-Sarah-Paulson/4721513400699/|title=Famous birthdays for Dec. 17: Bill Pullman, Sarah Paulson|author=UPI Staff|date=December 17, 2017|access-date=August 30, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912130919/https://www.upi.com/Famous-birthdays-for-Dec-17-Bill-Pullman-Sarah-Paulson/4721513400699/|url-status=live}} the daughter of Catharine Gordon (née Dolcater) and Douglas Lyle Paulson II.{{cite web|work=TV Guide|title=Sarah Paulson Biography|access-date=September 9, 2018|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/sarah-paulson/bio/173919/|archive-date=May 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509072848/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/sarah-paulson/bio/173919/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/recordofhampd5311976hamp/recordofhampd5311976hamp_djvu.txt|title=Full text of "Record of the Hampden-Sydney Alumni Association"|year=1976|via=Internet Archive|access-date=August 30, 2018|publisher=Hampden-Sydney College of Virginia}} She spent her early life in South Tampa until her parents' divorce when she was five.{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2002/03/28/news_pf/Artsandentertainment/A_big_leap_from_Tampa.shtml|title=A big leap from Tampa|access-date=February 6, 2014|date=March 28, 2002|website=St. Petersburg Times|author=Persaud, Babita|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094815/http://www.sptimes.com/2002/03/28/news_pf/Artsandentertainment/A_big_leap_from_Tampa.shtml|url-status=live}} After her parents' separation, she relocated with her mother and sister to Maine, then to New York City.{{cite web|url=http://www.theatrefirefilms.com/swimmers/sarah.htm|title=Swimmers - Cast - Sarah Paulson|work=Theatre Fire Films|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619112945/http://www.theatrefirefilms.com/swimmers/sarah.htm|archive-date=June 19, 2018|url-status=dead}} Her mother worked as a waitress, and Paulson lived in Queens and Gramercy Park before settling in Park Slope. She recalled of this period, "My mom was 27 years old [when we moved]. She didn't know a single person in New York City. She got a job at Sardi's Restaurant." Throughout her childhood, Paulson spent her summers in Florida with her father, who was an executive at a Tampa door manufacturing company.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/03/fashion/sarah-paulson-opens-up-about-dating-older-women-holland-taylor.html?_r=0|title=Sarah Paulson Opens Up About Acting, Marcia Clark and Dating Older Women|last=Schulman|first=Michael|date=March 2, 2016|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821202257/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/03/fashion/sarah-paulson-opens-up-about-dating-older-women-holland-taylor.html?_r=0|url-status=live}} {{closed access}} She attended P.S. 29 and Berkeley Carroll School{{cite web |date=September 19, 2016 |title=Former BC Student Wins Her First Emmy |url=https://www.berkeleycarroll.org/alumni/alumni-news/alumni-news-post/~board/all-school-news/post/former-bc-student-wins-her-first-emmy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203203452/https://www.berkeleycarroll.org/alumni/alumni-news/alumni-news-post/~board/all-school-news/post/former-bc-student-wins-her-first-emmy |archive-date=December 3, 2023 |website=Alumni News - The Berkeley Carroll School}}{{cite web |url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/sarah-paulson |title=Sarah Paulson |website=Interview Magazine |date=October 1, 2014 |first=Julianne |last=Moore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323011913/https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/sarah-paulson |archive-date=March 23, 2023}} in Brooklyn before attending Manhattan's Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School{{cite web|title=A Conversation with Actor: Sarah Paulson|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/A-Conversation-with-Actor-Sarah-Paulson-20130204# |first=Ted |last=Sod |agency=Roundabout Theatre Company |date=February 4, 2013|website=Broadway World|access-date=December 14, 2013|archive-date=April 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426231545/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/A-Conversation-with-Actor-Sarah-Paulson-20130204|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/01/03/gothic-door-to-stardom-opens/ |title='Gothic' door to stardom opens |last=Yant|first=Monica|date=January 3, 1996|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=January 13, 2014|archive-date=December 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203205809/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/01/03/gothic-door-to-stardom-opens/|url-status=live}} and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Career

= 1994–2007: Early roles and career beginnings =

File:SarahPaulson06.jpg]]

Paulson began working as an actress immediately after high school. She made her Broadway debut in 1994 as a replacement understudy for the role of Tessin, played by Amy Ryan in Wendy Wasserstein's play The Sisters Rosensweig at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.{{cite web |title=The Sisters Rosensweig – Broadway Play – Original {{!}} IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-sisters-rosensweig-4707 |access-date=July 27, 2023 |website=www.ibdb.com}}{{cite web |title=Sarah Paulson – Broadway Cast & Staff {{!}} IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/sarah-paulson-392188 |access-date=July 27, 2023 |website=www.ibdb.com}} She appeared in the Horton Foote play Talking Pictures at the Signature Theatre, and in an episode of Law & Order in 1994. The next year, Paulson appeared in the Hallmark television film Friends at Last (1995) opposite Kathleen Turner, playing the adult version of Turner's character's daughter.{{cite web|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/1995/tv/reviews/cbs-sunday-movie-friends-at-last-1200440883/|title=CBS Sunday Movie: 'Friends at Last'|date=March 30, 1995|first=John P.|last=McCarthy|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092203/https://variety.com/1995/tv/reviews/cbs-sunday-movie-friends-at-last-1200440883/|url-status=live}} She also starred in the short-lived television series American Gothic (also 1995), playing the ghost of a murdered woman.{{sfn|Muir|2001|p=404}} In 1997, Paulson made her feature film debut in the independent thriller film Levitation, playing a woman who discovers she is pregnant after an anonymous sexual encounter.{{cite web|work=Variety|title=Levitation|url=https://variety.com/1997/film/reviews/levitation-1200449577/|first=Leonard|last=Klady|date=April 20, 1997|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092029/https://variety.com/1997/film/reviews/levitation-1200449577/|url-status=live}} Leonard Klady of Variety noted that Paulson and her co-stars are "not supported by the script", concluding: "Levitation is a grim, convoluted saga of identity and belonging. An ill-fitting combination of melodrama and magic realism, the indie effort will have a decidedly difficult time in the theatrical arena." In 1997, Paulson was a featured actress (Janice/Nina) in the two-part episode "True Romance" of Cracker, which starred Robert Pastorelli. The following year she returned to the stage acting in the Off-Broadway production of Killer Joe (1998).{{cite web|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/19/theater/theater-review-dysfunctional-to-say-the-least.html|title=THEATER REVIEW; Dysfunctional, to Say the Least|first=Ben|last=Brantley|author-link=Ben Brantley|date=October 19, 1998|access-date=August 20, 2018|archive-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408124611/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/19/theater/theater-review-dysfunctional-to-say-the-least.html|url-status=live}} {{closed access}}

She subsequently played Elisa Cronkite in The WB comedy-drama series Jack & Jill (1999).{{cite web|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/person/sarah-paulson/|title=Sarah Paulson – Movies and Biography|website=Yahoo! Movies|access-date=January 17, 2014|archive-date=March 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314205610/https://movies.yahoo.com/person/sarah-paulson/|url-status=live}} The same year, she was also cast opposite Juliette Lewis and Diane Keaton in the drama The Other Sister, playing the lesbian sister of a developmentally-disabled woman in San Francisco,{{cite magazine|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|location=New York City|url=https://ew.com/article/1999/03/05/other-sister-3/|title=The Other Sister|first=Lisa|last=Schwarzbaum|author-link=Lisa Schwarzbaum|date=March 5, 1999|access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092044/https://ew.com/article/1999/03/05/other-sister-3/|url-status=live}} and in a supporting part playing a hostage in the comedy Held Up, opposite Jamie Foxx.{{cite web|work=Hartford Courant|url=https://www.courant.com/2000/05/12/held-up-doesnt-add-up/|title='Held Up' Doesn't Add Up|date=May 12, 2000|access-date=July 29, 2018|first=Mary K.|last=Feeney|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912094217/http://articles.courant.com/2000-05-12/features/0005120897_1_vegas-airport-movie-cameo|url-status=live}} The following year, she had a small supporting role in the Nancy Meyers–directed romantic comedy What Women Want (2000), starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt.{{cite web|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2000/film/reviews/what-women-want-3-1117796916/|title=What Women Want|date=December 10, 2000|first=Todd|last=McCarthy|author-link=Todd McCarthy|access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092115/https://variety.com/2000/film/reviews/what-women-want-3-1117796916/|url-status=live}} She portrayed Luci Baines Johnson in the HBO film Path to War (2002) starring Michael Gambon, Donald Sutherland and Alec Baldwin.{{cite web|url= https://www.tvguide.com/movies/path-to-war/cast/2000038121/|title= Path to War|website= TV Guide|access-date= June 6, 2024}} That same year she starred as the main character, Faith Wardwell, an advertising executive, in the NBC series Leap of Faith (2002). Phil Gallo compared the show unfavorably to Sex and the City.{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2002/tv/reviews/leap-of-faith-5-1200551176/|title= Leap of Faith|website= Variety|date= February 25, 2002|access-date= June 6, 2024}} She was then cast in the period romantic comedy Down with Love (2003) in a central supporting role, portraying the friend and editor of a writer (portrayed by Renee Zellweger).{{cite web|work=The A.V. Club|title=Down With Love|url=https://www.avclub.com/down-with-love-1798198520|date=May 13, 2003|first=Keith|last=Phipps|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=November 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124105409/https://film.avclub.com/down-with-love-1798198520|url-status=live}} Paulson had a minor recurring role in the HBO series Deadwood (2005).{{cite web|work=New York Daily News|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/no-deadwood-cast-article-1.641457|title=There's No Deadwood in this Cast|access-date=September 10, 2018|date=March 4, 2005|first=David|last=Bianculli|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912130911/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/no-deadwood-cast-article-1.641457|url-status=live}} and was a focal character in a 2004 episode of the FX series Nip/Tuck.

In 2004, she had a supporting role in the ABC series The D.A., which was cancelled after only four episodes.{{sfn|Erickson|2010|pages=74–75}} In the spring of 2005, Paulson starred in a Broadway revival of the Tennessee Williams play The Glass Menagerie opposite co-star Jessica Lange.{{cite web|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/23/theater/reviews/a-menagerie-full-of-stars-silhouettes-and-weird-sounds.html|title=A 'Menagerie' Full of Stars, Silhouettes and Weird Sounds|first=Ben|last=Brantley|author-link=Ben Brantley|date=March 23, 2005|access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613020402/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/23/theater/reviews/a-menagerie-full-of-stars-silhouettes-and-weird-sounds.html|url-status=live}} {{closed access}} Ben Brantley of The New York Times deemed the production as "misdirected and miscast{{nbsp}}... reality never makes an appearance in this surreally blurred production." Later that year, Paulson appeared Off-Broadway in a production of Colder Than Here, opposite Lily Rabe (also her future co-star on American Horror Story).{{cite web|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2005/legit/reviews/colder-than-here-1200521446/|title=Colder Than Here|date=September 28, 2005|first=Dave|last=Rooney|access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912091924/https://variety.com/2005/legit/reviews/colder-than-here-1200521446/|url-status=live}} The production received an unfavorable review from Variety, with critic Dave Rooney writing: "Rabe speaks in an affected monotone while Sarah Paulson has the measured, upward-inflected delivery of a children's TV presenter{{nbsp}}... this mannered, melancholy play elicits a mainly impassive response, which is no small obstruction in a work dealing with loss." Also in 2005, Paulson had a small role in the Joss Whedon-directed science fiction film Serenity.{{cite web|work=MTV|title=One 'Serenity' Actor is Looking for Another Gig with Joss Whedon|author=MTV Staff|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2603158/serenity-actor-joss-whedon/|access-date=August 30, 2018|date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092041/http://www.mtv.com/news/2603158/serenity-actor-joss-whedon/|url-status=dead}} In the 2006–07 television season, Paulson co-starred in the Aaron Sorkin created NBC comedy-drama Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, playing Harriet Hayes, one of the stars of the show-within-a-show. This role earned her a nomination for Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film. In December 2008, Paulson appeared in the screen adaptation of Will Eisner's comic book The Spirit, playing an updated version of the character Ellen Dolan.{{cite web|last1=Dyer|first1=James|title=Sarah Paulson Full Of The Spirit|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/sarah-paulson-full-spirit/|website=Empire|date=September 2007|access-date=December 19, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222063543/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/sarah-paulson-full-spirit/|url-status=live}}

= 2008–2015: Collaborations with Ryan Murphy =

File:Sarah Paulson TIFF 2011.jpg]]

In 2008, ABC cast Paulson in the pilot Cupid, which was ordered to series. It was a remake of the 1998 series starring Jeremy Piven and Paula Marshall. In the new version, Paulson starred opposite Bobby Cannavale.{{cite magazine|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 31, 2009|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/03/31/bobby-cannavale-2/|title='Cupid' stars Bobby Cannavale and Sarah Paulson take the EW Pop Culture Personality Test|author=Bierly, Mandy|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092115/https://ew.com/article/2009/03/31/bobby-cannavale-2/|url-status=live}} It debuted in late March 2009 on ABC but was cancelled on May 19, 2009, after six episodes.{{cite web|work=TV Series Finale|title=Cupid canceled|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/cupid-cancelled/|access-date=September 8, 2018|date=May 19, 2009|author=Kimball, Trevor|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003200346/https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/cupid-cancelled/|url-status=live}} In February 2010, Paulson was cast as the circa 1982 mother of main character Meredith Grey, on the ABC drama Grey's Anatomy,{{cite magazine|first=Michael|last=Ausiello|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2010/01/20/greys-anatomy-young-richard-and-ellis/|title=Exclusive: 'Grey's Anatomy' recasts Richard and Ellis!|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|location=New York City|date=January 20, 2010|access-date=January 13, 2014|archive-date=December 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217042915/http://insidetv.ew.com/2010/01/20/greys-anatomy-young-richard-and-ellis/|url-status=live}} appearing in a flashback sequence in a season-six episode.{{cite web|work=San Francisco Chronicle|title='Grey's Anatomy': Elizabeth Moss, Sarah Paulson and 9 More Stars You Forgot Appeared on the Show|author=Boucher, Ashley|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=September 9, 2018|via=SFGate|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/the-wrap/article/Grey-s-Anatomy-Elizabeth-Moss-Sarah-12867773.php|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912130905/https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/the-wrap/article/Grey-s-Anatomy-Elizabeth-Moss-Sarah-12867773.php|url-status=live}} She then played Nicolle Wallace in the HBO film Game Change (2012), based on events of the 2008 U.S. presidential election campaign. For her performance, she earned Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations.

In the spring of 2010, she starred in the Donald Margulies play Collected Stories alongside Linda Lavin at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Broadway.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/theater/reviews/29collected.html|work=The New York Times|title=A Literary Life Can Turn Lonely When the Cheering Stops|date=April 28, 2010|author=Isherwood, Charles|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712053101/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/theater/reviews/29collected.html|url-status=live}} {{closed access}} The same year, Paulson filmed the independent drama Martha Marcy May Marlene, in which she starred opposite Elizabeth Olsen and Hugh Dancy, portraying the wealthy sister of a woman who has escaped a cult.{{cite magazine|magazine=The New Yorker|title=Family Farm|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/10/24/family-farm|author=Lane, Anthony|date=October 24, 2011|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912131008/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/10/24/family-farm|url-status=live}} {{closed access}} The film was released in the fall of 2011. Simultaneously, Paulson guest-starred in three episodes of the FX anthology series American Horror Story, playing medium Billie Dean Howard.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/american-horror-story-hotel-finale-spoilers-sarah-paulson-murder-house-billie-dean-howard/|work=TV Guide|title=American Horror Story's Sarah Paulson Reprising Murder House Role in Hotel Finale|author=Gennis, Sadie|date=December 9, 2015|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092107/https://www.tvguide.com/news/american-horror-story-hotel-finale-spoilers-sarah-paulson-murder-house-billie-dean-howard/|url-status=live}} Paulson returned the following year for season two, American Horror Story: Asylum, in which she played a new character, Lana Winters, a writer who is committed to an asylum for being a lesbian.{{cite web|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/emmys-sarah-paulson-tortures-being-564242|title=Emmys: Sarah Paulson on the Tortures of Being on 'American Horror Story'|author=Goldberg, Lesley|date=June 11, 2013|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=September 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910212108/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/emmys-sarah-paulson-tortures-being-564242|url-status=live}} For her performance she was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards.{{cite web|url= https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2013|title= Nominees / Winners 2013 Emmy Awards|website= Television Academy|access-date= June 7, 2024}} During this time, she also played the supporting role of Mary Lee in the acclaimed Jeff Nichols drama film Mud (2012), starring Matthew McConaughey.{{cite web|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/markets-festivals/mud-1117947649/|title=Mud|access-date=September 8, 2018|author=Debruge, Peter|date=May 28, 2012|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092124/https://variety.com/2012/film/markets-festivals/mud-1117947649/|url-status=live}}

Paulson returned to theater in March 2013, appearing in an Off-Broadway production of the Lanford Wilson play Talley's Folly opposite Danny Burstein.{{cite magazine|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/03/07/talleys-folly/|title=Talley's Folly|date=March 7, 2013|access-date=September 9, 2018|author=Markovitz, Adam|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092048/https://ew.com/article/2013/03/07/talleys-folly/|url-status=live}} She then starred in the third season of American Horror Story, titled Coven (2013) as Cordelia Foxx, a witch who runs an academy for other young witches.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/sarah-paulson-american-horror-story-is-too-scary-for-me-246256/|magazine=Rolling Stone|title=Sarah Paulson: 'American Horror Story' Is Too Scary for Me|author=Ayers, Mike|date=October 16, 2013|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092214/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/sarah-paulson-american-horror-story-is-too-scary-for-me-246256/|url-status=live}} The same year, she starred as Mary Epps, an abusive slave-owner, in the Steve McQueen directed historical drama film 12 Years a Slave.{{cite web|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sarah-paulson-12-years-a-slave-20131212-story.html|title=Sarah Paulson channels many nasty emotions for '12 Years a Slave'|date=December 12, 2013|author=Rocchi, James|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224234425/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/12/entertainment/la-et-mn-sarah-paulson-12-years-a-slave-20131212|url-status=live}} The film was a critical success, earning numerous accolades.{{cite news|work=The Telegraph|location=London|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/06/03/12-years-a-slave-review-this-at-last-really-is-history-written-w/|title=12 Years A Slave, review: 'This, at last, really is history written with lightning'|author=Collin, Robbie|date=June 3, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906050949/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/06/03/12-years-a-slave-review-this-at-last-really-is-history-written-w/|url-status=live}} She was nominated along with the ensemble for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.{{cite web|url= https://sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/20th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards|title= 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards|website= sagawards.org|access-date= June 6, 2024}}

In 2014, Paulson appeared in the fourth season of series of American Horror Story, titled Freak Show, playing the roles of conjoined twin sisters Bette and Dot Tattler, who are members of a circus freak show.{{cite web|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title='American Horror Story's' Ryan Murphy Explains How Sarah Paulson Plays Conjoined Twins|author=Goldberg, Lesley|date=October 8, 2014|access-date=September 9, 2018|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-horror-story-how-sarah-739081|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092010/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-horror-story-how-sarah-739081|url-status=live}} She returned for the fifth season, subtitled Hotel, in the role of Hypodermic Sally, the ghost of a drug addict trapped in a Hollywood hotel.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/american-horror-story-hotel-sarah-paulson-1201617651|title='American Horror Story's' Sarah Paulson on That Fall, Lady Gaga and Sally's True Addiction|website=Variety|first=Debra|last=Birnbaum|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=December 2, 2015|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208184334/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/american-horror-story-hotel-sarah-paulson-1201617651/|url-status=live}} For her roles in Freak Show and Hotel she received nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie in 2014 and 2016.{{cite web|url= https://www.emmys.com/bios/sarah-paulson|title= Sarah Paulson – Emmy Awards, Nominations and Wins|website= Television Academy|access-date= June 7, 2024}} She also reprised the character of Billie Dean Howard in the last episode of the season, making a crossover appearance.{{cite web|work=Screen Rant|url=https://screenrant.com/american-horror-story-apocalypse-sarah-paulson-character-details/|title=Sarah Paulson Clarifies Dual Characters in American Horror Story: Apocalypse|author=Archer, Stephanie|date=July 25, 2018|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912091944/https://screenrant.com/american-horror-story-apocalypse-sarah-paulson-character-details/|url-status=live}} During this time, Paulson also took on the role of Abby Gerhard in the Todd Haynes-directed romantic drama Carol (2015), a period piece in which she played the supporting role of Cate Blanchett's close friend.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/11/20/carol-movie-review/76074520/|work=USA Today|title=Review: 'Carol' is an acting masterclass|author=Truitt, Brian|access-date=August 30, 2018|date=November 20, 2015|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912095106/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/11/20/carol-movie-review/76074520/|url-status=live}}

= 2016–present: Career expansion and return to Broadway =

File:TIFF 2019 sarah paulson (48700773398) (cropped).jpg]]

Beginning in February 2016, Paulson starred in the first season of the true crime anthology series American Crime Story, subtitled The People v. O.J. Simpson, portraying prosecutor Marcia Clark.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cuba-gooding-jr-sarah-paulson-755630|title=Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Paulson to Star in FX's 'American Crime Story: People v. O.J. Simpson'|access-date=January 12, 2015|date=December 9, 2014|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|archive-date=February 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201072002/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cuba-gooding-jr-sarah-paulson-755630|url-status=live}} Maureen Ryan of Variety wrote, "Marcia Clark's summation was clipped, precise and underlined by the simmering, quietly controlled anger that Sarah Paulson brought to the role. She was framed with geometric precision and squared edges."{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2016/tv/reviews/people-v-oj-simpson-finale-review-american-crime-story-1201746718/|title= TV Review: 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story' Season Finale|website= Variety|date= April 6, 2016|access-date= June 7, 2024}} She garnered widespread critical acclaim for her performance and won numerous awards,the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie as well as the Screen Actors Guild Award, Golden Globe Award, Critics' Choice Television Award, and TCA Award for the role.{{cite web|work=Variety|title=Sarah Paulson Wins Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie for 'The People v. O.J. Simpson'|first=Lawrence|last=Yee|access-date=September 9, 2018|date=January 8, 2017|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/sarah-paulson-wins-golden-globe-for-best-actress-in-a-limited-series-or-tv-moview-1201955346/|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092150/https://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/sarah-paulson-wins-golden-globe-for-best-actress-in-a-limited-series-or-tv-moview-1201955346/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2016/outstanding-lead-actress-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie|title=Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie - 2016|publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences|access-date=June 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/critics-choice-tv-awards-hbo-leads-22-nominations-1201746217/|title=Critics' Choice Television Awards: HBO Leads 22 Nominations|publisher=Indie Wire|date=November 14, 2016|access-date=June 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/23rd-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards|title=Screen Actors Guild Awards (2016)|publisher=sagawards.org|access-date=June 7, 2024}} That same year she starred opposite Mark Duplass in Netflix romantic drama Blue Jay (2016) which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.{{cite web|url= https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/blue-jay-review-tiff-2016-duplass-paulson-netflix-orchard-1201727777/|title= Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson Capture the Joys of Reliving the Past In 'Blue Jay' — TIFF Review|website= IndieWire|date= September 17, 2016|access-date= June 7, 2024}} Jon Frosch of The Hollywood Reporter wrote of her performance, "If the film proves more stirring than you expect, it’s thanks to Paulson, who, with her crisp delivery and teasing eyes welling up with confusion and heartache, gives Amanda an inner life far beyond what's written for her."{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/blue-jay-929257/|title= 'Blue Jay': Film Review TIFF 2016|website= The Hollywood Reporter|date= September 15, 2016|access-date= June 7, 2024}}

In June 2016, the Human Rights Campaign released a video in tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting; in the video, Paulson and others told the stories of the people killed there.{{cite web|url=http://www.hrc.org/blog/watch-49-celebrities-honor-49-victims-of-orlando-tragedy-in-new-ryan-murphy|title=49 Celebrities Honor 49 Victims of Orlando Tragedy|website=Human Rights Campaign|access-date=June 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823154109/http://www.hrc.org/blog/watch-49-celebrities-honor-49-victims-of-orlando-tragedy-in-new-ryan-murphy|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url-status=dead}} In the fall of 2016, she starred in the sixth iteration of American Horror Story, subtitled Roanoke; in it, she was cast in the dual roles of British actress Audrey Tindall and tortured wife and yoga instructor Shelby Miller, the latter of whom is portrayed by Tindall's character in My Roanoke Nightmare, a documentary within the series.{{cite web|work=TV Guide|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/american-horror-story-roanoke-sarah-paulson-hair-wig/|title=The True Star of American Horror Story: Roanoke Is Sarah Paulson's Hair|first=Sadie|last=Gennis|date=September 26, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092300/https://www.tvguide.com/news/american-horror-story-roanoke-sarah-paulson-hair-wig/|url-status=live}} She also reprised her role of Lana Winters in the final episode of Roanoke, in which the character makes a crossover appearance.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/american-horror-story-roanoke-asylum-crossover-sarah-paulson-1201904768/|work=Variety|title='American Horror Story' Crossover: 'Asylum's' Lana Winters to Appear on 'Roanoke'|first=Debra|last=Birnbaum|date=October 31, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804202200/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/american-horror-story-roanoke-asylum-crossover-sarah-paulson-1201904768/|url-status=live}} After completing Roanoke, Paulson appeared in the series' seventh season, Cult (2017), in which she played restaurant owner Ally Mayfair-Richards,{{cite news |last=Hayman |first=Amanda |url=https://screenrant.com/american-horror-story-cult-season-7-love-story/ |title=American Horror Story: Cult Artwork Reveals Season 7 'Love Story' |work=Screen Rant |date=July 24, 2017 |access-date=August 1, 2017 |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802081200/http://screenrant.com/american-horror-story-cult-season-7-love-story/ |url-status=live }} as well as Susan Atkins in the 10th episode of the season. She also starred as Geraldine Page in one episode of the first season of drama anthology series Feud (2017), which chronicles the turbulent working relationship between actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/sarah-paulson-cast-geraldine-page-ryan-murphy-feud-fx-1201807584/|title=Sarah Paulson Will Play Geraldine Page In Ryan Murphy's Feud For FX|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=August 23, 2016|access-date=February 28, 2017|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306122512/http://deadline.com/2016/08/sarah-paulson-cast-geraldine-page-ryan-murphy-feud-fx-1201807584/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/08/23/sarah-paulson-ryan-murphy-feud|title=Sarah Paulson joins Ryan Murphy's Feud|first=Dan|last=Snierson|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=September 14, 2016|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826212654/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/08/23/sarah-paulson-ryan-murphy-feud|url-status=live}}

Paulson was then cast in the heist film Ocean's 8 (2018), co-starring with Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina, and Rihanna.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/oceans-8-review-cast-release-date-uk-sandra-bullock-rihanna-cate-blanchett-a8385901.html|title=Ocean's 8: What the critics are saying about all-female reboot|first=Jacob|last=Stolworthy|work=The Independent|publisher=Independent Print, Ltd.|location=London, England|date=June 6, 2018|access-date=June 6, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612160534/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/oceans-8-review-cast-release-date-uk-sandra-bullock-rihanna-cate-blanchett-a8385901.html|url-status=live}} The film was a commercial success, grossing nearly $300{{nbsp}}million at the worldwide box office.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=wbeventfilm2018c.htm|title=Ocean's 8 (2018)|work=Box Office Mojo|access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614190417/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=wbeventfilm2018c.htm|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live}} In 2017, she was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/oscar-academy-new-members-2017-full-list-1202121509/ |title=Film Academy Invites Record 774 New Members, From Gal Gadot To Betty White |work=Deadline |last=Hammond |first=Peter |date=June 28, 2017 |access-date=July 2, 2021 }} Paulson returned for the eighth season of American Horror Story, titled Apocalypse, which premiered on September 12, 2018. In Apocalypse, Paulson reprised both the Murder House and Coven roles of Billie Dean Howard and Cordelia Foxx, respectively, and also starred as the villainous Miss Wilhemina Venable.{{cite web|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/american-horror-story-apocalypse-sarah-paulson-evan-peters-direct-1202895044/|title=Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters to Direct 'American Horror Story: Apocalypse'|first=Danielle|last=Turchiano|date=August 3, 2018|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092041/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/american-horror-story-apocalypse-sarah-paulson-evan-peters-direct-1202895044/|url-status=live}} In addition to appearing as three characters, Paulson also directed one of the season's episodes, marking her directorial debut. She played Sandra Bullock's character's sister, Jessica, in the drama horror film Bird Box (2018), which was released on Netflix in December. In 2019, Paulson starred as Dr. Ellie Staple in the superhero thriller film Glass, Xandra in the drama film The Goldfinch, and Dr. Zara in the animated adventure film Abominable. Paulson then starred as Alice Macray in the FX limited drama series Mrs. America (2020) about the unsuccessful political movement to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. Paulson acted opposite Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, Melanie Lynskey and Margo Martindale.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/uzo-aduba-james-marsden-sarah-paulson-rose-byrne-cate-blanchett-fx-mrs-america-1202614271/|title=Uzo Aduba, James Marsden, Sarah Paulson, More Join Cate Blanchett In FX's 'Mrs. America'|first1=Anita|last1=Bennett|date=May 14, 2019|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121223755/https://deadline.com/2019/05/uzo-aduba-james-marsden-sarah-paulson-rose-byrne-cate-blanchett-fx-mrs-america-1202614271/|archive-date=November 21, 2019|url-status=live}} She also starred as Clarissa Montgomery in the HBO satirical comedy television film Coastal Elites, which premiered in September 2020.{{cite web|url=https://pressroom.warnermediagroup.com/us/media-release/coastal-elites-debuts-september-12-exclusively-hbo?language_content_entity=en|title=COASTAL ELITES Debuts September 12, Exclusively on HBO|work=Warner Media|publisher=HBO|date=August 4, 2020|access-date=September 12, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821075429/https://pressroom.warnermediagroup.com/us/media-release/coastal-elites-debuts-september-12-exclusively-hbo?language_content_entity=en|url-status=live}}

In September 2017, it was announced that Paulson would star as a younger version of Nurse Mildred Ratched, the villain of the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and its acclaimed 1975 film adaptation, in the Netflix drama series Ratched, a prequel to the novel which would portray the character's origins.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/ratched-sharon-stone-cynthia-nixon-10-cast-ryan-murphy-netflix-series-sarah-paulson-1202535205/|title='Ratched': Sharon Stone, Cynthia Nixon Among 10 Cast In Ryan Murphy's Netflix Series|first=Denise |last=Petski|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=January 14, 2019|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115075834/https://deadline.com/2019/01/ratched-sharon-stone-cynthia-nixon-10-cast-ryan-murphy-netflix-series-sarah-paulson-1202535205/|archive-date=January 15, 2019|url-status=live}} The first season was released on September 18, 2020.{{Cite web|last=Ausiello|first=Michael|date=July 29, 2020|title=Ratched: Sarah Paulson Channels Iconic Cuckoo's Nest Villainess in Netflix Prequel Series — First Look|url=https://tvline.com/2020/07/29/ratched-netflix-premiere-date-sarah-paulson|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729160918/https://tvline.com/2020/07/29/ratched-netflix-premiere-date-sarah-paulson/|archive-date=July 29, 2020|access-date=September 18, 2020|website=TVLine}} For her performance she was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/2021-golden-globes-nominations-list-nominees-1234896457/ |title=Golden Globes 2021: The Complete Nominations List |last1=Oganesyan |first1=Natalie |last2=Moreau |first2=Jordan |date=February 3, 2021 |website=Variety |access-date=June 7, 2024}} In November 2020, Paulson starred in the psychological thriller film Run, opposite Kiera Allen. It went on to become the most watched original film on the streaming platform Hulu.{{cite web |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/run-hulu-record/ |title='Run' Breaks a Hulu Record to Become the Most-Watched Movie In Its Opening Weekend |last=Pearson |first=Ben |work=Slashfilm |date=November 24, 2020 |access-date=July 2, 2021 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/hulu-run-most-watched-original-movie/ |title=Hulu's Run Is the Streamer's Most-Watched Original Movie |work=CBR |last=Clarke |first=Cass |date=November 24, 2020 |access-date=July 2, 2021 }} In 2021, she portrayed Linda Tripp in the third season of the true crime anthology series American Crime Story, subtitled Impeachment.{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/monica-lewinsky-produced-impeachment-set-as-next-american-crime-story-at-fx-1229819|title=Monica Lewinsky-Produced 'Impeachment' Set as Next 'American Crime Story' at FX|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 6, 2019|access-date=October 11, 2019|archive-date=October 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022230642/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/monica-lewinsky-produced-impeachment-set-as-next-american-crime-story-at-fx-1229819|url-status=live}} For her performance in the series, Paulson received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.{{Cite web |last1=Hipes |first1=Nellie Andreeva,Patrick |last2=Andreeva |first2=Nellie |last3=Hipes |first3=Patrick |date=2022-07-12 |title=Emmy Nominations: The Complete List |url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/2022-emmy-nominations-list-1235062260/ |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} In 2021, she returned to American Horror Story for its tenth season, after being absent for the ninth season. She portrayed the character Tuberculosis Karen and a fictional version of former First Lady of the United States, Mamie Eisenhower.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/american-horror-story-sarah-paulson-returning-american-crime-story-linda-tripp-1202826085/|title=Sarah Paulson Is Returning For 'American Horror Story'; How She Is Prepping For Linda Tripp In Next 'American Crime Story' – TCA|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=January 9, 2020|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=January 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111163716/https://deadline.com/2020/01/american-horror-story-sarah-paulson-returning-american-crime-story-linda-tripp-1202826085/|url-status=live}}

In February 2022, it was announced that Paulson had been tapped to portray author Glennon Doyle in a television series based on Doyle's memoir, Untamed.{{cite web |last=Dawn |first=Randee |title=Find out who is playing Glennon Doyle on TV show 'Untamed' |url=https://www.today.com/parents/moms/glennon-doyle-untamed-actor-rcna15401 |website=TODAY.com |date=February 8, 2022 |access-date=September 20, 2024}} In 2023, she guest-starred in the Hulu comedy drama series The Bear, playing Michelle Berzatto in the episode "Fishes".{{cite web |last=Scorziello |first=Sophia |title=From Jamie Lee Curtis to Will Poulter, Breaking Down Every Surprise Cameo in 'The Bear' Season 2 |url=https://variety.com/lists/the-bear-cameos-season-2/ |website=Variety |date=June 27, 2023 |access-date=September 20, 2024}} Paulson returned to Broadway in 2023 to star in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's play Appropriate acting alongside Corey Stoll, Natalie Gold, Elle Fanning, and Michael Esper.{{cite web|url= https://deadline.com/2023/07/sarah-paulson-broadway-branden-jacobs-jenkins-appropriate-opening-date-1235449344/|title= Sarah Paulson Returns To Broadway This Fall In Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Play 'Appropriate'|website= Deadline Hollywood|date= July 27, 2023|access-date= June 7, 2024}} In the play she portrays Toni, the eldest sibling who tries to reconnect with her siblings after the death of their late father. While at their father's home in rural Arkansas they all discover his shocking past. Adrian Horton of The Guardian declared that Paulson was "the top reason among many to see this play" adding, "Part of the play's delight is relishing Paulson's delivery of some truly scathing burns".{{cite news |last=Horton |first=Adrian |title=Appropriate review – Sarah Paulson wows in blazing tragicomic drama |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/dec/18/appropriate-broadway-review-sarah-paulson-branden-jacobs-jenkins |website=The Guardian |date=December 19, 2023 |access-date=June 7, 2024}} Paulson won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.{{cite web |title=Tony Award Nominations: 'Hell's Kitchen', 'Stereophonic' Lead With 13 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/2024-tonys-nominations-list-1235899070/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=June 7, 2024}}

In the media

In 2016, French hidden object game Criminal Case modeled character Mary Patrick in its fourth season, Mysteries of the Past, after Paulson.

In 2017, Time named Paulson one of the 100 most influential people in the world.{{cite magazine |last=Blanchett |first=Cate |author-link=Cate Blanchett |title=Sarah Paulson |url=https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736222/sarah-paulson/ |url-status=live |magazine=Time |location=New York City |date=April 20, 2017 |access-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831134924/https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736222/sarah-paulson/ |archive-date=August 31, 2020}}

In 2018, Paulson was ranked one of the best dressed women by fashion website Net-a-Porter.{{cite web |title=Best Dressed 2018 |url=https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/porter/article-f0fe0982c9ceac88/cover-stories/cover-stories/best-dressed-2018 |website=Net a Porter |access-date=December 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230030434/https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/porter/article-f0fe0982c9ceac88/cover-stories/cover-stories/best-dressed-2018 |archive-date=December 30, 2018 |url-status=dead}}

Personal life

Paulson lives in Los Angeles.{{cite web |last=Griffith |first=Carson |title=Sarah Paulson Was Shocked To Find This Buried In The Yard Of Her New House |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/sarah-paulson-was-shocked-to-find-this-buried-in-the-yard-of-her-new-house |url-status=live |work=Architectural Digest |date=April 27, 2017 |access-date=September 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912092157/https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/sarah-paulson-was-shocked-to-find-this-buried-in-the-yard-of-her-new-house |archive-date=September 12, 2018}} She is a supporter of the Democratic Party.{{cite web |last=Peikart |first=Mark |title=Sarah Paulson Talks 'Game Change' and Her Emmy Nom |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/sarah-paulson-talks-game-change-emmy-nom-52981/ |url-status=live |website=Backstage |date=August 18, 2012 |access-date=July 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830165224/https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/sarah-paulson-talks-game-change-emmy-nom-52981/ |archive-date=August 30, 2020}} She was diagnosed with melanoma on her back when she was 25, and the growth was removed before the cancer could spread.{{cite news|first=Jane E.|last=Allen|title=Skin Cancer Cases On The Rise Among Teens, Young Adults|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2002/06/25/skin-cancer-cases-on-the-rise-among-teens-young-adults/|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=June 25, 2002|access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-date=September 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911045110/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-06-25/news/0206240285_1_skin-cancer-melanoma-american-cancer/2|url-status=live}}

Addressing her sexuality, Paulson called it "a fluid situation"{{cite web|url=http://www.broadway.com/videos/154682/talleys-folly-star-sarah-paulson-on-not-starring-in-annie-not-playing-kristin-chenoweth-and-not-boffing-jessica-lange/|title=Talley's Folly Star Sarah Paulson on Not Starring in Annie, Not Playing Kristin Chenoweth and Not 'Boffing' Jessica Lange|website=broadwayworld.com|publisher=Key Brand Entertainment|location=New York City|date=March 22, 2013|access-date=January 13, 2014|archive-date=November 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125215510/http://www.broadway.com/videos/154682/talleys-folly-star-sarah-paulson-on-not-starring-in-annie-not-playing-kristin-chenoweth-and-not-boffing-jessica-lange/|url-status=live}} and later said, "If my life choices had to be predicated based on what was expected of me from a community on either side, that's going to make me feel really straitjacketed, and I don't want to feel that." She dated actress Cherry Jones from 2004 to 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/sarah-paulson-and-cherry-jones-2009910|title=Cherry Jones, Sarah Paulson Split|website=Us Weekly|date=October 9, 2009|access-date=October 9, 2009|archive-date=March 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314202801/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/sarah-paulson-and-cherry-jones-2009910|url-status=live}} She had dated only men before this relationship, including her former fiancé, playwright Tracy Letts. Since early 2015, she has been in a relationship with actress Holland Taylor.{{cite web|first=Vanessa|last=Wilkins|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/sarah-paulson-opens-relationship-holland-taylor-love/story?id=37342708|title=Taylor and Paulson in relationship since early 2015|website=ABC News|date=March 2, 2016|access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617005925/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/sarah-paulson-opens-relationship-holland-taylor-love/story?id=37342708|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://people.com/sarah-paulson-celebrates-birthday-broadway-permiere-with-girlfriend-holland-taylor-8418186 | title=Sarah Paulson Celebrates Broadway Premiere with Girlfriend Holland Taylor: 'My Person'}}

Acting credits

Paulson has appeared in such films as What Women Want (2000), Down with Love (2003), Serenity (2005), The Notorious Bettie Page (2005), The Spirit (2008), Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011), New Year's Eve (2011), Mud (2012), Game Change (2012), 12 Years a Slave (2013), Carol (2015), Blue Jay (2016), The Post (2017), Ocean's 8 (2018), Bird Box (2018), Glass (2019), Abominable (2019), and Run (2020).

On television, Paulson starred in American Gothic (1995–1996), Jack & Jill (1999–2001), Deadwood (2005), Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007), Cupid (2009), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2010), American Horror Story (2011–2021), American Crime Story (2016–2021), Mrs. America (2020), and Ratched (2020).

Paulson has also appeared on Broadway in the plays The Glass Menagerie (2005), Collected Stories (2010), and Appropriate (2023) and the off-Broadway plays Crimes of the Heart (2008) and Talley's Folly (2013).

Awards and nominations

{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Sarah Paulson}}

Paulson has accumulated nominations for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, receiving one of each for her role in the limited series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. She was also nominated for her work on other television programs, such as the comedy-drama series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, the political drama film Game Change, and the horror anthology series American Horror Story. For her performance in the Academy Award-winning period drama film 12 Years a Slave, she was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. She won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in Appropriate.

References

Notes

Bibliography

{{cite book |last=Erickson |first=Hal |title=Encyclopedia of Television Law Shows: Factual and Fictional Series About Judges, Lawyers and the Courtroom, 1948–2008 |publisher=McFarland |location=Jefferson, NC |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-786-45452-5}}
{{cite book |last=Muir |first=John Kenneth |author-link=John Kenneth Muir |title=Terror Television: American Series, 1970–1999 |publisher=McFarland |location=Jefferson, NC |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-786-40890-0}}