Melanie Lynskey

 Melanie Jayne Lynskey, born 16 May 1977, is a New Zealand actress. She is well-known for her portrayals of complex women and her ability to speak American dialects. She is primarily involved in films that are independent. Lynskey is the winner of two Critics' Choice Awards, an HCA Award and a Gracie. She also won an award from the New Zealand Film Award and an Hollywood Film Award.

 Lynskey's first screen appearance was in Heavenly Creatures (1994), in which she was awarded an award called a New Zealand Film Award as her character Pauline Parker, a teenage murderess. In the following years, she was in a variety of international films, like Ever After (1998), Detroit Rock City, but I'm not a fan, The Cherry Orchard (1999), Coyote Ugly (2001), Snakeskin (2001), Shooters, Abandon, Sweet Home Alabama (all 2002). Lynskey was an actor with a lot of recognition after making the move to the United States. She is most well-known for her roles in a range of big and small-budget films that include Shattered Glass (2003) and Flags of Our Fathers (2006).

 Lynskey's role as the lead in the film Hello I Must Be Going as a divorced woman who is depressed received praise from critics in 2012 and received a Gotham Award nomination. This was a turning point in the career of Lynskey. Her subsequent roles include The Big Ask (2013) and Happy Christmas, We’ll Never Have Paris (all 2014), The Intervention (all 2016), Rainbow Time, Little Boxes (2016), I Don't Feel At home in This World Anymore (both 2017), Sadie (2018) and Lady of the Manor (2021) made her known as an influential figure in the American independent film industry.