Details
Alternate Names: Mary Elle Fanning, Эль Фэннинг, Эль Фаннинг, 艾丽·范宁, 엘 패닝, Ель Фаннінг, Ель Феннінг, Елль Феннінґ, اِل فَنینگ, إيل فانينغ
Physical Characteristics:
Career
First Appearances: - I Am Sam (2001) as Lucy (2 Years Old)
Most Important Roles: - The Door in the Floor (2004) as Ruth Cole
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) as Daisy Age 7
- Déjà Vu (2006) as Abbey
- Reservation Road (2007) as Emma Learner
- The Nines (2007) as Noelle
- Super 8 (2011) as Alice Dainard
- Astro Boy (2009) as Grace (voice)
- Somewhere (2010) as Cleo
- Because of Winn-Dixie (2005) as Sweety Pie Thomas
Career Highlights: - The Door in the Floor (2004)
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
- Déjà Vu (2006)
- Reservation Road (2007)
- The Nines (2007)
- Super 8 (2011)
- Astro Boy (2009)
- Somewhere (2010)
- Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)
Awards
Awards: - Nominated for 1 Saturn Award - Best Performance by a Younger Actor (2015)
- Nominated for 1 Saturn Award - Best Performance by a Younger Actor (2012)
- Nominated for 1 Bodil - Best Actress (Bedste kvindelige hovedrolle) (2017)
- Nominated for 1 British Independent Film Award - Best Actress (2012)
- Nominated for 1 Critics Choice Award - Best Actress in a Comedy Series (2022)
- Nominated for 1 Critics Choice Award - Best Young Actor/Actress (2013)
- Nominated for 1 Critics Choice Award - Best Young Actor/Actress (2012)
- Nominated for 1 Critics Choice Award - Best Young Actor/Actress (2011)
- Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (2022)
- Nominated for 1 Golden Globe - Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy (2024)
- Nominated for 1 Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy (2022)
- Nominated for 1 Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy (2021)
- Nominated for 1 Satellite Award - Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical (2024)
- Nominated for 1 Satellite Award - Best Actress in a Miniseries, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (2023)
- Won Satellite Award - Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical (2021)
- Nominated for 1 Satellite Award - Best Actress in a Supporting Role (2011)
- Nominated for 1 Gotham Independent Film Award - Breakthrough Series - Longform (2021)
- Won Spotlight Award (2011)
- Nominated for 1 Independent Spirit Award - Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series (2021)
- Won Best Actress (2014)
Full Biography
Elle Fanning is a distinguished American actress and producer known for her ethereal screen presence and remarkably versatile range. Born on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, she followed in the footsteps of her older sister, Dakota, making her film debut at just two years old. After gaining early recognition in J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 and Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere, she transitioned seamlessly from child stardom to complex leading roles in both independent cinema and major studio franchises.
She reached global stardom as Princess Aurora in Disney’s Maleficent series, but it was her critically acclaimed performance as Catherine the Great in the satirical series The Great that earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. In 2026, she solidified her status as a powerhouse performer with her first Academy Award nomination for her role in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value. Beyond the screen, Fanning is a fashion icon and an active producer through her company, Lewellen Pictures, continuing to shape the industry both in front of and behind the camera.
