The One Performance Elizabeth Olsen Believes Defined Her Career—You Won’t Believe Which It Is!

Elizabeth Olsen, known for her transformative performances in both blockbuster films and indie projects, has built a career that spans genres and characters. From her breakthrough role in Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) to becoming a household name as Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Olsen’s career is a testament to her versatility and depth as an actress. While she has yet to directly name one specific performance as her greatest, interviews, critical acclaim, and awards provide valuable insight into the roles that stand out most in her career.

Critical Acclaim: A Closer Look at Key Roles

Though Olsen has never explicitly ranked her performances, two standout roles frequently emerge in discussions about her career highlights: Sorry for Your Loss (2018-2019) and WandaVision (2021). Both projects were widely praised for showcasing Olsen’s range and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impact on both critics and audiences alike.

In Sorry for Your Loss, a drama series on Facebook Watch, Olsen played Leigh Shaw, a young widow navigating the grief of losing her husband. Her portrayal of Leigh earned her a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series. Critics highlighted this role as one of her most powerful, with some, like those from Collider, calling it her “magnum opus.” The series allowed Olsen to demonstrate a more intimate and grounded side to her acting, moving away from the more fantastical characters she had portrayed before. The role was significant because it marked a shift in her career, showing audiences that she could excel in smaller, more character-driven stories.

Her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff in WandaVision further cemented Olsen’s position as one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses. The Disney+ miniseries, which was a key part of the MCU’s Phase 4, featured Wanda navigating grief and trauma as she dealt with the consequences of her powers. The performance was lauded for its emotional range, from Wanda’s transformation from a grieving widow to a powerful, emotionally complex character. The show earned Olsen nominations for both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe, with many critics pointing to WandaVision as one of her finest achievements.

Other Notable Performances: Independent Films and Career Milestones

Before her MCU fame, Olsen made a name for herself with more intimate, independent films, most notably her debut in Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011). Playing a woman escaping a cult, Olsen’s performance was widely recognized as a breakthrough. She earned a BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination and critical acclaim for her ability to convey subtle, internal conflict. This film marked the beginning of her indie film career, where she continued to take on roles that pushed her as an actress.

In addition to her breakout role, Olsen’s work in Wind River (2017) and Ingrid Goes West (2017) further solidified her reputation for taking on complex, multi-dimensional characters. These roles, while not as high-profile as WandaVision, were significant in their own right and received praise for Olsen’s emotional depth and nuanced performances. However, despite their critical reception, none of these films stand out as her “greatest” performance in her own words, though they were certainly pivotal in her career.

Olsen’s Reflections: A Career Shaped by Diverse Roles

While Olsen has never specifically named a “greatest” performance, she has frequently spoken about her deep connection to her roles. In a 2022 interview with The Talks, Olsen discussed her attachment to Wanda Maximoff, noting that playing her was a “career-defining” experience, especially as she delved into the character’s complex emotional landscape. She also reflected on Sorry for Your Loss, calling the role a valuable learning experience, and mentioned how working in television, a medium that demands sustained emotional investment, helped her hone her acting craft.

In a 2025 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Olsen touched on Martha Marcy May Marlene as a key film in her career, acknowledging it as a role that helped introduce her to the public and solidify her presence in Hollywood. Her reflections also included her time with the MCU, especially WandaVision, which she described as a project that significantly impacted her career. Despite all these insights, she refrained from explicitly ranking her performances, focusing instead on her personal growth and the valuable lessons she learned from each role.

Conclusion: No Clear “Greatest” Role, but a Career of Depth

Though Elizabeth Olsen has yet to directly declare one performance as her greatest, it is clear from her body of work and reflections that her most notable roles are those that allowed her to explore deep, emotional narratives. Whether in Sorry for Your Loss, WandaVision, or Martha Marcy May Marlene, Olsen has proven time and again that she is capable of bringing complex characters to life.

While she may not have named her “greatest” performance, Olsen’s career continues to thrive as she takes on roles that challenge her as an actress. Each of her performances offers a glimpse into her evolution, and no matter how she personally views her past work, her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses is secure.