Throughout cinema’s history, a notable number of actors and actresses rose to fame through daring roles, unforgettable moments, and occasionally provocative on-screen scenes. Some of these moments pushed boundaries in nudity or highly erotic drama. While controversial, they often served as a catalyst, turning unknown performers into international stars. Here are ten of the most symbolic cases:
Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct
Sharon Stone’s ascent in Hollywood is widely considered one of the most famous career turns. In the erotic thriller Basic Instinct, she portrayed a murder suspect whose enigmatic charm captivated audiences. The infamous moment—Stone crossing her legs during a police interview—became an iconic image in film history. It spotlighted her presence and helped redefine her status as a top star of the 1990s.
Sharon Stone nude
Halle Berry at Monster’s Ball
Halle Berry became the first African American woman to win the Best Actress Oscar for Monster’s Ball, a film in which she portrays the widow of a man executed for murder. Her performance includes a powerful, emotionally intense scene that resonated with critics and audiences alike, contributing to Berry’s rise as a leading figure in Hollywood.
Halle Berry nude on the balcony
Kate Winslet in Titanic
Before Titanic, Winslet already showed remarkable range, but a memorable portrait scene as Jack Dawson sketches her captured public imagination. The film’s global success and Winslet’s acclaimed performance solidified her standing as a premier actress of her generation.
Alexandra Daddario in True Detective
Alexandra Daddario transitioned from recognizable film roles to a household name with the critically acclaimed series True Detective. Her portrayal of Lisa Tragnetti featured scenes that drew widespread attention, boosting her recognition across audiences and critics alike.
Alexandra Daddario—a rising star
Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street
Margot Robbie’s trajectory accelerated after her standout performance as Naomi Lapaglia in The Wolf of Wall Street. Her bold on-screen presence, including a provocative scene involving Leonardo DiCaprio, generated extensive discussion and established her as a formidable talent. This led to high-profile roles in films such as Suicide Squad, Amsterdam, and Barbie.
Margot Robbie and the famous scene
Eva Green in The Dreamers
Eva Green’s breakout came with The Dreamers, a Bernardo Bertolucci feature in which she plays Isabelle. The film includes several nude and sexually charged moments that sparked controversy but also helped launch Green’s international career, opening doors to later roles in major productions like Casino Royale and 300.
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Eva Green, the enigmatic diva
Jamie Lee Curtis in Trading Places
Jamie Lee Curtis, already known for horror genres, broadened her appeal with a comedy that showcased a topless moment. This performance allowed her to diversify her career and take on a wider range of roles, marking a turning point in her professional journey.
Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting
Ewan McGregor had already collaborated with director Danny Boyle, but Trainspotting elevated his profile in a major way. The film includes several provocative scenes that underscored his talent and helped propel him toward global stardom.
Michael Fassbender in Shame
Michael Fassbender appears in a notably explicit role in Shame, portraying a sex and pornography addict. The film contains several explicit scenes that pushed boundaries. While the movie did not dominate the box office, Fassbender’s performance earned widespread critical praise and helped propel his subsequent career in larger projects such as 12 Years a Slave, Prometheus, and X-Men: First Class.
Michael Fassbender—a rapid rise
Mark Wahlberg in Boogie Nights
Mark Wahlberg, then known as a rapper, delivered a career-changing performance in Boogie Nights as Dirk Diggler, a fictional porn star. The film’s nude scenes and bold storytelling contributed to Wahlberg’s transition from music to respected dramatic acting, solidifying his place in Hollywood.
The 7 most famous moments in cinema
Across the history of film, bold nude and erotic scenes have sparked controversy yet served as powerful catalysts for talent. They showcased versatility, led to critical acclaim, and helped shape many iconic careers in the entertainment industry. Yet there were cases where public reception did not translate into lasting fame. Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls is often cited in discussions about misaligned career trajectories following explicit roles.