---
name: "Dianne Wiest"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/dianne-wiest"
fi1m_id: "dianne-wiest"
imdb_id: "nm0001848"
tmdb_id: 1902
wikidata_id: "Q217573"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "28 March 1948"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 16
average_fi1m_score: 73
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 16
updated: "2026-10-05T04:03:47.024625+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Dianne Wiest

## Identity

Dianne Wiest

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/dianne-wiest
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** dianne-wiest
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001848
- **TMDB ID:** 1902
- **Wikidata ID:** Q217573
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dianne_Wiest, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q217573, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001848/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1902

Actor. Born 28 March 1948 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 28 March 1948, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- **Active:** 1984–present
- **Also known as:** Diane Wiest, دایان ویست, Dianne Evelyn Wiest
- **Frequently works with:** [Denise Di Novi](https://film.one/person/denise-di-novi.md), [Nicole Kidman](https://film.one/person/nicole-kidman.md), [Robert Greenhut](https://film.one/person/robert-greenhut.md), [Woody Allen](https://film.one/person/woody-allen.md), [Akiva Goldsman](https://film.one/person/akiva-goldsman.md), [Babaloo Mandel](https://film.one/person/babaloo-mandel.md), [David Lindsay-Abaire](https://film.one/person/david-lindsay-abaire.md), [Lowell Ganz](https://film.one/person/lowell-ganz.md)
- **Academy Awards:** 2 Oscars (2 won · 1 nominated)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 73, as actor, over 16 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 80 (4), 1990s 74 (6), 2000s 73 (2), 2010s 70 (2), 2020s 56 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 73 to 68 across 14 titles
- **Score spread:** 6 at 80+, 9 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 14 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 10, Comedy 9, Romance 7, Fantasy 4, Crime 3, Adventure 1
- **Screen time:** 26 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,165m across 13 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dianne_Wiest, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q217573, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001848/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1902

## Streaming the US now

- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*The Birdcage*](https://film.one/film/the-birdcage.md) (81), [*Bullets Over Broadway*](https://film.one/film/bullets-over-broadway.md) (80), [*Rabbit Hole*](https://film.one/film/rabbit-hole.md) (76), [*Footloose*](https://film.one/film/footloose.md) (72)
- **Pluto TV:** [*Hannah and Her Sisters*](https://film.one/film/hannah-and-her-sisters.md) (88), [*The Purple Rose of Cairo*](https://film.one/film/the-purple-rose-of-cairo.md) (84)
- **Disney+:** [*Edward Scissorhands*](https://film.one/film/edward-scissorhands.md) (83), [*Practical Magic*](https://film.one/film/practical-magic.md) (60)
- **The Roku Channel:** [*Synecdoche, New York*](https://film.one/film/synecdoche-new-york.md) (84)
- **Netflix:** [*Parenthood*](https://film.one/film/parenthood.md) (78)
- **Tubi:** [*The Horse Whisperer*](https://film.one/film/the-horse-whisperer.md) (68)
- **HBO Max:** [*Let Them All Talk*](https://film.one/film/let-them-all-talk.md) (64)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Dianne Wiest

> Dianne Wiest can make a peacemaker worth watching while louder people talk, or make a leading lady's vanity exhausting and funny. We rate her most when the writing allows her more than kindness.

In *Bullets Over Broadway* (1994), Dianne Wiest's Helen Sinclair treats every conversation as an occasion for everyone else to recognise her importance. Her grand manner is funny partly because maintaining it looks like such hard work. We laughed at her insistence: she makes other people's attention seem like something she is owed. Wiest plays her broadly, but the wish to be noticed remains clear beneath the theatrical flourishes. The film's familiar stage types and occasionally stiff staging are real limitations; she is a good reason to forgive them.

The five films she made with Woody Allen between 1985 and 1994 established her in cinema, often playing women whose insecurity was close to the surface. Holly in *Hannah and Her Sisters* (1986) belongs to that period. The maternal roles in *Parenthood* (1989) and Tim Burton's *Edward Scissorhands* (1990) made use of her warmth. There is value in that sincerity, especially in a fantasy that needs somebody recognisably human. The trouble came when later film offers kept returning her to underwritten nice mothers, leaving too little else to play.

In Steven Soderbergh's *Let Them All Talk* (2020), she makes herself worth watching while the other women speak. Her Susan is a mild, watchful peacemaker, and Wiest does much of the work with her face as Streep and Bergen talk. The pleasure is in being able to follow someone who is listening, without needing the dialogue to announce that she matters. We would happily watch more of her, though the film itself remains slight and leaves several threads unattended. A good supporting performance cannot do all the work of a more fully developed script.

The temptation is to praise that quietness as though it were always the better choice. Helen Sinclair is a useful correction. We value Wiest's warmth, but we like her most when somebody gives her permission to be difficult. Start with *Bullets Over Broadway*; a tolerance for theatrical extravagance will be rewarded.

## Biography

Dianne Wiest is an American actress. She was born on 28 March 1948 in Kansas City, Missouri, and studied at the University of Maryland.

Wiest has won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress, for her roles in *Hannah and Her Sisters* (1986) and *Bullets Over Broadway* (1994), both directed by Woody Allen. She also received a Golden Globe Award for the latter film. Her other film credits include *Footloose* (1984), *The Lost Boys* (1987), *Edward Scissorhands* (1990), *The Mule* (2018), *Let Them All Talk* (2020) and *I Care a Lot* (2020). On television she has appeared in *Law & Order* (2000–2002), *In Treatment* (2008–2009) and *Only Murders in the Building* (2021–). She won Primetime Emmy Awards for *Road to Avonlea* (1997) and *In Treatment* (2008).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (16)

- *Practical Magic 2* (2026), Fi1m 48, as Aunt Jet — [page](https://film.one/film/practical-magic-2.md)
- *Let Them All Talk* (2020), Fi1m 64, as Susan — [page](https://film.one/film/let-them-all-talk.md)
- *The Blacklist* (2013), Fi1m 63, as Ruth Kipling — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-blacklist.md)
- *Rabbit Hole* (2010), Fi1m 76, as Nat — [page](https://film.one/film/rabbit-hole.md)
- *Synecdoche, New York* (2008), Fi1m 84, as Ellen Bascomb / Millicent Weems — [page](https://film.one/film/synecdoche-new-york.md)
- *Robots* (2005), Fi1m 62, as Mrs. Copperbottom (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/robots-2005.md)
- *Practical Magic* (1998), Fi1m 60, as Aunt Jet — [page](https://film.one/film/practical-magic.md)
- *The Horse Whisperer* (1998), Fi1m 68, as Diane Booker — [page](https://film.one/film/the-horse-whisperer.md)
- *The Birdcage* (1996), Fi1m 81, as Louise Keeley — [page](https://film.one/film/the-birdcage.md)
- *Bullets Over Broadway* (1994), Fi1m 80, as Helen Sinclair — [page](https://film.one/film/bullets-over-broadway.md)
- *Edward Scissorhands* (1990), Fi1m 83, as Peg — [page](https://film.one/film/edward-scissorhands.md)
- *Law & Order* (1990), Fi1m 72, as Nora Lewin — [page](https://film.one/tv/law-and-order.md)
- *Parenthood* (1989), Fi1m 78, as Helen Buckman Lampkin Bowman — [page](https://film.one/film/parenthood.md)
- *Hannah and Her Sisters* (1986), Fi1m 88, as Holly — [page](https://film.one/film/hannah-and-her-sisters.md)
- *The Purple Rose of Cairo* (1985), Fi1m 84, as Emma — [page](https://film.one/film/the-purple-rose-of-cairo.md)
- *Footloose* (1984), Fi1m 72, as Vi Moore — [page](https://film.one/film/footloose.md)

## Complete filmography (70)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Closing Night* (2026), as Diane
- *Practical Magic 2* (2026), as Aunt Jet — Fi1m 48, [page](https://film.one/film/practical-magic-2.md)
- *Apartment 7A* (2024), as Minnie Castevet
- *Elsbeth* (2024), series, as Reverend Mother Constance Mary Cabot
- *Scene Partners* (2023), as Meryl Kowalski
- *My Father's Dragon* (2022), as Iris the Rhinoceros (voice)
- *Mayor of Kingstown* (2021), series, as Miriam McLusky
- *Only Murders in the Building* (2021), series, as Lorraine — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/only-murders-in-the-building.md)
- *I Care a Lot* (2021), as Jennifer Peterson
- *Let Them All Talk* (2020), as Susan — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/let-them-all-talk.md)
- *The Mule* (2018), as Mary
- *Five Nights in Maine* (2016), as Lucinda
- *Sisters* (2015), as Deana Ellis
- *Rasheeda Speaking* (2015), as Ileen
- *Life in Pieces* (2015), series, as Joan Short
- *The Humbling* (2014), as Carol
- *The Blacklist* (2013), series, as Ruth Kipling — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-blacklist.md)
- *The Odd Life of Timothy Green* (2012), as Ms. Bernice Crudstaff
- *Darling Companion* (2012), as Penny
- *The Big Year* (2011), as Brenda Harris
- *Rabbit Hole* (2010), as Nat — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/rabbit-hole.md)
- *Rage* (2009), as Miss Roth
- *Synecdoche, New York* (2008), as Ellen Bascomb / Millicent Weems — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/synecdoche-new-york.md)
- *Passengers* (2008), as Toni
- *The Return of Jezebel James* (2008), series, Actor
- *In Treatment* (2008), series, as Dr. Gina Toll
- *Dan in Real Life* (2007), as Nana
- *Dedication* (2007), as Carol
- *A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints* (2006), as Dito's Mother
- *Robots* (2005), as Mrs. Copperbottom (voice) — Fi1m 62, [page](https://film.one/film/robots-2005.md)
- *Category 6: Day of Destruction* (2004), as Shirley Abbott
- *Category 6: Day of Destruction* (2004), series, as Shirley Abbott, Secretary of Energy
- *The Blackwater Lightship* (2004), as Lily
- *Thank You, Doctor Rey* (2003), as Elisabeth Beaumont
- *I Am Sam* (2001), as Annie Cassell
- *Law & Order: Criminal Intent* (2001), series, as Nora Lewin
- *Not Afraid, Not Afraid* (2001), as Paula
- *The 10th Kingdom* (2000), series, as Evil Queen
- *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Interim D.A. Nora Lewin
- *The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn* (1999), as Sarah McClellan
- *Practical Magic* (1998), as Aunt Jet — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/practical-magic.md)
- *The Horse Whisperer* (1998), as Diane Booker — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/the-horse-whisperer.md)
- *Drunks* (1997), as Rachel
- *The Associate* (1996), as Sally Dugan
- *The Birdcage* (1996), as Louise Keeley — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/the-birdcage.md)
- *Bullets Over Broadway* (1994), as Helen Sinclair — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/bullets-over-broadway.md)
- *The Scout* (1994), as Doctor H. Aaron
- *Cops & Robbersons* (1994), as Helen Robberson
- *Little Man Tate* (1991), as Jane Grierson
- *Edward Scissorhands* (1990), as Peg — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/edward-scissorhands.md)
- *Law & Order* (1990), series, as Nora Lewin — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/law-and-order.md)
- *Cookie* (1989), as Lenore
- *Parenthood* (1989), as Helen Buckman Lampkin Bowman — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/parenthood.md)
- *Bright Lights, Big City* (1988), as Mother
- *September* (1987), as Stephanie
- *The Lost Boys* (1987), as Lucy
- *Radio Days* (1987), as Aunt Bea
- *Hannah and Her Sisters* (1986), as Holly — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/hannah-and-her-sisters.md)
- *The Purple Rose of Cairo* (1985), as Emma — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/the-purple-rose-of-cairo.md)
- *Falling in Love* (1984), as Isabelle
- *Footloose* (1984), as Vi Moore — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/footloose.md)
- *The Face of Rage* (1983), as Rebecca Hammil
- *Independence Day* (1983), as Nancy Morgan
- *I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can* (1982), as Julie Addison
- *It's My Turn* (1980), as Gail
- *Out of Our Fathers' House* (1978), as Elizabeth Gertrude Stern
- *Zalmen, or The Madness of God* (1975), as Nina
- *Great Performances* (1971), series, as Elizabeth Gertrude Stern
- *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Lily
- *This Old Love of Mine*, as Margo Bannon

## Gallery

- ![Dianne Wiest as Nat in Rabbit Hole (2010)](https://film.one/media/title/12367/still-b8f37ce98c45.jpg) Dianne Wiest as Nat in *Rabbit Hole* (2010) — Image via TMDB
- ![Dianne Wiest](https://film.one/media/person/9265/gallery-48942a13db8f.jpg) Dianne Wiest — MC1 Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Dianne_Wiest_2009.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![1990 Academy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. S](https://film.one/media/person/9265/gallery-a1253487d46b.jpg) 1990 Academy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. S — Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/Diane_Weist_%282105828413%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Dianne Wiest](https://film.one/media/person/9265/gallery-1dc1453ed49a.jpg) Dianne Wiest — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 2 won, 1 nominated

- 1995: Best Supporting Actress (won), for *Bullets Over Broadway*
- 1990: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *Parenthood*
- 1987: Best Supporting Actress (won), for *Hannah and Her Sisters*

### Golden Globes — 1 won

- 1995: Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (won), for *Bullets Over Broadway*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 2 won

- 2008: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (won), for *In Treatment*
- 1997: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (won), for *Road to Avonlea*

### Other awards — 1 won

- Theatre World Award 1980: Theatre World Award (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/dianne-wiest