Jodie Foster Movies and TV Shows: A Career Defined by Powerful Performances

Jodie Foster’s career—spanning from child prodigy to award-winning actor, director, and producer—shines through a blend of fearless choices and deeply emotional performances. She starred in influential films like Taxi Driver, The Accused, The Silence of the Lambs, Contact, Inside Man, The Mauritanian, Nyad, and the HBO series True Detective: Night Country. Through decades of evolving artistry, Foster defines a legacy built on versatility and depth.

From Child Star to Teen Icon

Early TV and Disney Films

She began acting around age three in a Coppertone commercial and quickly became a familiar face on television—appearing in shows such as Gunsmoke, My Three Sons, and her own short-lived sitcom Paper Moon (1974) . At Disney, she starred in Napoleon and Samantha (1972), Freaky Friday (1976), and Candleshoe (1977), balancing innocence with surprising emotional range .

Taxi Driver and Early Recognition

The turning point came with Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver (1976), where Foster delivered a chilling portrayal of a 12-year‑old prostitute—earning an Academy Award nomination and immediate critical acclaim . That era also included The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane and Bugsy Malone, showcasing her ability to tackle complex emotional narratives even as a teenager .

“Some people get quick breaks and declare, ‘I’ll never do commercials!’… I worked for 20 years doing that stuff and I feel it’s really invaluable.”
— On early career experience and its lessons

Transition to Adult Roles and Breakthrough Success

The Accused — First Oscar

After earning her degree from Yale in 1985, Foster returned to acting in The Accused (1988). Her portrayal of a rape victim navigating the justice system earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and marked her emergence as a mature dramatic performer .

Silence of the Lambs — Iconic Role

In The Silence of the Lambs (1991), she played Clarice Starling, facing Hannibal Lecter in a role that secured her second Academy Award and cemented the film’s place in cinema history. The movie swept the Oscars, winning in all major categories .

Exploring Genres and Creative Evolution

Diversifying Her Film Choices

Foster continued with roles in Sommersby (1993), Maverick (1994), and Contact (1997)—a science‑fiction hit where she played a scientist chasing extraterrestrial signals .

She produced and starred in Nell (1994), portraying an isolated woman with her own language. The film was a commercial hit and earned Foster an Oscar nomination .

Thrillers, Indie Films, and Directing

The late 1990s and 2000s saw Foster explore ventures such as Panic Room (2002), Inside Man (2006), The Brave One (2007), and Elysium (2013) . On the directing front, she made her debut with Little Man Tate (1991), followed by Home for the Holidays (1995) and later The Beaver (2011) and Money Monster (2016) .

Return to the Screen and Television Triumphs

The Mauritanian and Nyad

In 2021, Foster earned praise—and a Golden Globe—for her supporting role in The Mauritanian . In 2023’s Nyad, she portrayed Bonnie Stoll, earning another Oscar nomination and reaffirming her talent in subtle, layered roles .

True Detective: A Staggering TV Comeback

After decades focused on film and directing, Foster returned to television in a major way with True Detective: Night Country (2024). Her powerful performance as an Alaskan police chief investigating vanishings won her both a Golden Globe and her first Emmy Award .

Personal Insight and the Unfiltered Artist

Foster has spoken candidly about her relationship with acting. At the Marrakesh Film Festival in late 2025, she described her early years in the industry as something she didn’t choose, calling acting “a cruel job” that was imposed on her . Recently, she reflected on her upbringing in a culturally rich, female-led household, crediting her mother with shaping her intellectual curiosity and career values .

Conclusion

Jodie Foster’s career spans nearly six decades. From child commercial actor to towering film star and director, she’s excelled in drama, thriller, sci‑fi, and intimate indie roles. Her return to TV with True Detective brought her first Emmy, highlighting unmatched versatility. Foster’s trajectory is defined by bold choices, emotional honesty, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling.

Takeaway: Foster’s body of work reflects emotional bravery and artistic risk—not the loudest performances, but the most resonant. Staying selective and true to herself allowed her to flourish across generations and mediums.

FAQs

Q: What was Jodie Foster’s first major film role?
She earned her first major attention starring in Taxi Driver (1976) at age 12, which earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Q: For which roles did she win her Academy Awards?
Foster won Best Actress Oscars for The Accused (1988) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991).

Q: Has Foster directed feature films as well?
Yes. She directed Little Man Tate (1991), Home for the Holidays (1995), The Beaver (2011), and Money Monster (2016).

Q: Did she return to television after decades in film?
Indeed. She returned in a major capacity with True Detective: Night Country (2024), winning both a Golden Globe and an Emmy.

Q: What other recent notable roles has she had?
Foster starred in The Mauritanian (2021), earning a Golden Globe, and in Nyad (2023), earning another Oscar nomination.

Q: How does she view her early career in hindsight?
Foster has described acting as something she didn’t choose, calling it “a cruel job” and reflecting on how it shaped her identity and values.