10 Biopics About Embracing a New Life

Description: Erin Brockovich, a single mother with no legal training, becomes a key figure in a major lawsuit against a power company. It's a story of determination and the fight for justice.

Fact: Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich. The real Erin Brockovich made a cameo in the film as a waitress.

Description: Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist, survives the Holocaust by hiding in the ruins of Warsaw, finding solace in music amidst despair.

Fact: Adrien Brody lost 30 pounds for the role and learned to play the piano. The film won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and three Oscars.

Description: John Nash, a brilliant mathematician, struggles with schizophrenia but finds a way to manage his condition and continue his work, which eventually earns him a Nobel Prize.

Fact: Russell Crowe was nominated for an Oscar for his role as John Nash. The film took some liberties with Nash's life for dramatic effect.

Description: Johnny Cash's life, from his early days to his rise to fame, his battle with addiction, and his tumultuous relationship with June Carter, is depicted in this biopic.

Fact: Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon performed all their own singing in the film. Witherspoon won an Oscar for her portrayal of June Carter.

Description: Truman Capote's journey to write "In Cold Blood" is depicted, showing how the book changed his life and career, but also how it haunted him.

Fact: Philip Seymour Hoffman won an Oscar for his role as Capote. The film was shot in sequence to capture Capote's emotional journey accurately.

Description: This film follows Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman who turns his life around to become a successful stockbroker. It's a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of a better life.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in the film, mirroring their real-life relationship. The film's title misspelling was intentional, reflecting the misspelling on the mural in the daycare center where Chris leaves his son.

Description: Michael Oher, a homeless teenager, is taken in by a wealthy family and goes on to become an NFL star. This film is about the transformative power of kindness and opportunity.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy. The real Michael Oher was initially reluctant to have his story turned into a film.

Description: Margaret Thatcher's life is explored, focusing on her rise to power, her policies, and her later years, reflecting on her legacy and personal life.

Fact: Meryl Streep won an Oscar for her portrayal of Thatcher. The film was controversial for its portrayal of Thatcher's dementia.

Description: King George VI, who stuttered, overcomes his speech impediment with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue, to deliver a crucial wartime speech.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture. The real Lionel Logue's diaries were used to ensure historical accuracy.

Description: This film chronicles the life of Stephen Hawking, focusing on his relationship with his wife Jane and his battle with motor neuron disease, showcasing his incredible mind and spirit.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking. The film was adapted from Jane Hawking's memoir, "Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen."