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Released today on Netflix is the streaming service’s first original feature film, Beasts of No Nation. Directed by emerging auteur Cary Fukunaga, the harrowing war epic stars Idris Elba as a brutal vigilante leader and young Abraham Attah as the orphaned child soldier taken under his wing. Shot on location in West Africa, fourteen-year-old Attah was cast by Fukunaga to play the demanding role of Agu despite never having acted before. The rookie didn’t let his lack of experience stand in the way, however, taking home the top prize for Best Young Actor at the Venice Film Festival before wowing audiences at Toronto where Beasts of No Nation solidified itself as an Oscar contender.
Some people just have a knack for being in front of the camera, even if it’s their very first time. A few have even managed to snag an Oscar for their first film appearance. All ten below — Oscar-decorated or not — managed to shock and awe us as viewers upon learning, “This is their first movie?!”
Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins, 'Mary Poppins' (1964)
Before she was everyone’s favorite nanny, Julie Andrews was garnering attention on Broadway in musicals My Fair Lady and Camelot. But in her typical perfectionist fashion, she took home the Oscar for Best Actress as soon as she transitioned over to film to play the title role in Robert Stevenson’s iconic family musical comedy. Seriously, Julie Andrews, you are an acting goddess among us mere mortals. [Where to stream Mary Poppins]
Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, 'Halloween' (1978)
Following in your parents’ career footsteps is never idealistic, especially if your parents are Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis. At just 19 years old, however, Jamie Lee Curtis carved her own path from the get go, starring in John Carpenter’s classic franchise as Laurie Strode, who is stalked by the infamous Michael Myers. [Where to stream Halloween]
Johnny Depp as Glen Lantz, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984)
If you’re one of those people who’s like “meh” about Johnny Depp as a heartthrob (I know I once was), I suggest you revisit Wes Craven’s horror staple. Not only is the 21-year-old Depp undeniably smoldering, but he totally nails it as the dark and stormy Glen Lantz in his film debut. [Where to stream A Nightmare on Elm Street]
Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber 'Die Hard' (1988)
Before he was Professor Severus Snape, he was Bruce Willis’ arch enemy. After getting his start in theater and television, the UK-based actor took a stab at film, acting for the first time at 42 years old by playing his first of many villainous roles. [Where to stream Die Hard]
Rosie Perez as Tina, 'Do The Right Thing' (1989)
When Rosie Perez fought the power as Tina in Spike Lee’s urban masterpiece, she not only gave a knockout first performance. She also graced us with one of the most iconic opening credits sequences known to man. [Where to stream Do The Right Thing]
Matthew McConaughey as Wooderson, 'Dazed and Confused' (1993)
In addition to kicking off his career that would eventually lead to 2014’s McConaissance, the role of Wooderson in Richard Linklater’s beloved high school stoner flick gave Matthew McConaughey a lifelong tagline that’s followed him for the last two decades and eventually all the way to his Best Actor Oscar speech. [Where to stream Dazed and Confused]
Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey as Juliet Hulme and Pauline Parker, 'Heavenly Creatures' (1994)
Not only did Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey have to lean on each other for their shared first film appearances, but they also had to take on the daunting roles of murderous BFFs Juliet and Pauline. Kudos to Peter Jackson for taking a risk on two first timers, but the real credit goes to Winslet and Lynskey who killed it — literally. [Where to stream Heavenly Creatures]
Jason Schwartzman as Max Fischer, 'Rushmore' (1998)
When visionary Wes Anderson introduced us to his fantastical all-boys prep school and its worst, but most ambitious, student Max Fischer, we got to know newcomer Jason Schwartzman as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, publisher, French club president, model UN member, vice president of the stamp and coin club, debate team captain, lacrosse team manager, beekeeper, and, among others, teacher lover. [Where to stream Rushmore]
Gabourey Sidibe as Precious, 'Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire' (2009)
When Lee Daniels first introduced Hollywood to Gabby Sidibe, the young rookie took the industry by storm and earned a Best Actress nod right out of the gate for her role of Precious, a pregnant, illiterate urban teen who’s offered another shot at life when her guidance counselor urges her to try an alternative schooling program. Sidibe lost out that year to Sandra Bullock for her role in The Blind Side, but it was clear we’d be seeing more of this incredible young talent in the years to come. [Where to stream Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire]
Lupita Nyong'o as Patsey, '12 Years a Slave' (2013)
It’s Solomon Northrup’s story, but as soon as Lupita Nyong’o entered the frame as plantation-locked slave Patsey, it was clear from the get-go this first-time actress was destined for Oscar gold. In addition to snagging the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave took home Best Picture. [Where to stream 12 Years a Slave]
