In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, few stars possess the emotional depth and career resilience of Naomi Watts. As of February 2026, the two-time Academy Award nominee is currently enjoying a high-fashion, high-profile resurgence, proving that she remains a definitive icon of both prestige television and global cinema.
Whether she is channeling Jackie Kennedy on the small screen or advocating for midlife wellness, Naomi Watts continues to “abide” with a grace that has made her one of the most respected figures in the industry today.
Naomi Watts Biography
Born Naomi Ellen Watts on September 28, 1968, in Shoreham, Kent, England, her early life was nomadic and unconventional. The daughter of Myfanwy Roberts, an antiques dealer and set designer, and Peter Watts, a sound engineer for Pink Floyd, Naomi was exposed to the arts from birth. Following her father’s death when she was seven, she moved across South East England and Wales before her mother relocated the family to Australia when Naomi was 14.
It was in Sydney that Naomi’s artistic fire was lit. Encouraged by her mother, she enrolled in acting classes where she met her lifelong best friend, Nicole Kidman. Despite early struggles and a brief stint as a fashion editor in Japan, Naomi’s “never-say-die” attitude eventually led her to Hollywood, though global stardom would take another decade to find her.
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Career
Naomi’s career is a masterclass in persistence, often cited as the ultimate “late-bloomer” success story:
- The Breakthrough (2001): After years of professional obscurity, David Lynch cast her in Mulholland Drive. Her dual performance is one of the greatest in cinematic history.
- The Scream Queen & Oscar Nominee (2002–2012): She terrified audiences in The Ring and moved them to tears in 21 Grams and The Impossible, both of which earned her Academy Award nominations.
- The Ryan Murphy Era (2024–2026): Naomi has become a core muse for producer Ryan Murphy. In early 2026, she is receiving rave reviews for her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy Onassis in the anthology series Love Story.
- Now (2026): In February 2026, she officially joined the cast of Cody Fern’s untitled feature film in Montreal, playing the estranged sister of Sarah Paulson’s character.
Naomi Watts Movies
- Mulholland Drive (2001): The film that changed everything.
- The Ring (2002): A rare horror remake that became a global phenomenon.
- 21 Grams (2003): Her first Oscar-nominated performance.
- King Kong (2005): Proving she could carry a $200 million blockbuster.
- The Impossible (2012): A grueling, masterful depiction of survival.
- The Friend (2024): A heartwarming drama alongside Bill Murray.
- Emmanuelle (2024): A bold, erotic drama that showcased her fearless range.
Naomi Watts Net Worth
As of early 2026, Naomi Watts’ net worth is estimated at $35 million. This fortune has grown through decades of leading roles, executive producing her own projects like Gypsy and The Watcher, and her entrepreneurial success with Stripes, a holistic wellness brand she founded to support women navigating menopause.
Family
Family is the heartbeat of Naomi’s world. She is the mother of two children, Sasha (born 2007) and Kai (born 2008). In August 2025, Naomi went viral for her “A-plus co-parenting” after sharing emotional photos of herself and her ex, Liev Schreiber, moving their son Sasha into his dorm room at the University of Southern California. She is also a stepmother to Billy Crudup’s son, Will, forming what she calls a “beautifully blended, messy, wonderful family.”
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The Relationships
Naomi Watts and Heath Ledger
One of the most poetic chapters of her life was her relationship with the late Heath Ledger. The pair dated from 2002 to 2004 after meeting on the set of Ned Kelly. Despite their split, they remained incredibly close. In 2026, Naomi continues to honor his memory, often speaking about his “powerful soul” in interviews and documentaries celebrating his life.
Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber
For 11 years (2005–2016), Naomi and Liev Schreiber were one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples. Though they never married, they built a life in New York and Australia. Their 2016 separation was a model of maturity; now, in 2026, they are frequently together at their children’s milestones, with Liev recently stating that their friendship is “vital” to the kids’ happiness.
Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup
In 2017, romance sparked between Naomi and Billy Crudup on the set of the Netflix series Gypsy. After years of being notoriously private, the couple surprised the world by getting “hitched” at a New York City courthouse in June 2023. In June 2024, they celebrated with a lavish second wedding in Mexico. In February 2026, the couple was “toasting” to their love at a high-fashion Valentine’s event in New York, with Billy famously calling Naomi his “celebrity crush turned wife.”
Controversies
Naomi has largely navigated the industry with a clean reputation, but she isn’t afraid to speak her mind:
- The “Menopause” Taboo: Early in the launch of her brand Stripes, Naomi faced minor pushback for being “too candid” about midlife aging. She doubled down, stating that the “shame of menopause” is a controversy the industry needs to get over.
- The “Grossed Out” Kids: In February 2026, she jokingly addressed a minor social media debate after her teens were “completely grossed out” by her glamorous and occasionally revealing red-carpet looks, calling it a “healthy sign” that she’s still a “cool-uncool mom.”
Naomi Watts Age
As of today, February 20, 2026, Naomi Watts is 57 years old. She will celebrate her 58th birthday on September 28, 2026.
Naomi Watts Instagram
With over 2.1 million followers, Naomi’s Instagram (@naomiwatts) is a masterclass in authenticity. Her feed is a mix of high-fashion Balenciaga looks (specifically from her Love Story press tour), “unfiltered” skin updates, and heartwarming glimpses of her life as a USC “college mom.”
Conclusion
Naomi Watts enters 2026 as a woman in her prime, proving that the best roles and the best years often come to those who have the patience to wait for them. She remains the ultimate “friend” to her peers and a “swan” to her fans.
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