Expecting her second child. [September 2008].

One of only a few performers to get an Oscar-nomination for their debut performance.

Was approached to play Emily Tallis in Atonement (2007).

Her performance as Bess McNeill is ranked #18 on Premiere Magazine`s 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006).

Daughter, Juliet, born November 2005.

Graduated from Bristol University with a degree in English

She was nominated for 2003 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actress of 2002 for her performance in Uncle Vanya performed at the Donmar Warehouse.

She was Jean-Pierre Jeunet`s first choice to play the title role in Fabuleux destin d`Amélie Poulain, Le (2001), but dropped out for personal reasons. She did manage to leave her mark on the film however; Amelie is named after her.

Her mother has a PhD in English, and is an English teacher.

She graduated from high school, went to University for three years, got a 2.1 ranking [in the English education system], then she applied to drama school but was refused. So she started waitressing and doing secretarial stuff along with some fringe theater. Then she applied to drama school again and was accepted, and did a one-year course. Her first professional job was in the Royal Shakespeare Company, in 1992.

Spent two years at the British Shakespeare School of Acting saying "News from town, my Lord." When Breaking the Waves (1996) premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996, someone grabbed Emily`s shoulders and said to her, "Your life is about to change forever." And indeed it has.

Won the role of Bess in Breaking the Waves (1996) after Helena Bonham Carter dropped out at the last minute because of the film`s explicit sexuality.

Was spotted by Lars von Trier during a representation of Lillian Hellman`s "The Children`s Hour", in which she played a young student who falsely accuses her teacher of lesbianism.

Was considered for the lead role in Bridget Jones`s Diary (2001), along with fellow Brits Kate Winslet and Rachel Weisz, and American model-turned-actress Cameron Diaz.

Supports the English soccer team Arsenal.

Spouse: Jack Waters (1995 - present) 1 child