From Bond to Blonde: Ranking Ana de Armas’ 9 Best Performances

Few actors have demonstrated such remarkable range as Ana de Armas, whose journey from Cuban cinema to Hollywood stardom showcases extraordinary versatility. Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2014, de Armas has delivered unforgettable performances in Spanish and English-language films, seamlessly transitioning between intimate dramas, high-octane action, and complex biopics. Her Golden Globe-nominated turn in Knives Out and historic Oscar nomination for Blonde cemented her status among cinema’s most compelling talents. We analyze her most powerful roles that reveal why she consistently captivates global audiences.

9. ‘Corazón’ (2018)

Ana de Armas delivers a raw, emotionally charged performance as Elena Ramírez, a sex worker battling critical illness while fighting systemic discrimination. Based on true events, this underrated gem showcases her ability to humanize marginalized characters with profound empathy. Opposite Demián Bichir’s compassionate doctor, de Armas navigates Elena’s struggle for medical care and dignity against societal stigma. Her nuanced portrayal elevates this poignant exploration of injustice beyond typical melodrama, proving her commitment to socially resonant storytelling long before mainstream fame.

8. ‘The Gray Man’ (2022)

As CIA operative Dani Miranda in Netflix’s $200 million blockbuster, de Armas holds her own alongside Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. Her preparation involved deep research with real CIA agents to authentically capture the agency’s chain of command and operational tensions. Beyond the breathtaking action sequences, she brings cerebral intensity to Dani’s moral conflicts, demonstrating how substance and physicality can coexist in action roles. This performance solidified her as a bankable franchise star while showcasing meticulous character-building.

7. ‘Sergio’ (2020)

Playing UN consultant Carolina Larriera opposite Wagner Moura’s diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello, de Armas masterfully balances romantic chemistry with harrowing emotional stakes. The film chronicles their relationship amidst the chaos of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, culminating in the tragic 2003 Canal Hotel bombing. De Armas captures Carolina’s resilience and vulnerability during life-threatening crises, earning praise for her authentic chemistry with Moura. The role highlights her ability to anchor political dramas with humanistic depth.

6. ‘War Dogs’ (2016)

In Todd Phillips’ dark comedy based on real arms dealers, de Armas shines as Iz, the morally conflicted wife of Miles Teller’s character. Her performance provides crucial emotional counterbalance to the film’s exploration of war profiteering and greed. As a voice of conscience opposing the Iraq War, Iz’s disillusionment with her husband’s choices adds layers to this satirical take on American ambition. De Armas proves even supporting roles can resonate when infused with authentic moral complexity.

5. ‘No Time to Die’ (2021)

Stealing scenes in Daniel Craig’s Bond finale, de Armas’ Paloma became an instant fan favorite despite limited screen time. Director Cary Joji Fukunaga specifically crafted the witty, lethal CIA agent for her, resulting in a whirlwind performance combining combat prowess with sparkling charisma. Her Havana-set sequence, featuring an iconic cocktail dress-and-automatic-weapon combo, demonstrated her action-star potential and left audiences demanding a Paloma spin-off. This role catapulted her into blockbuster royalty.

4. ‘Ballerina’ (2025)

Leading the John Wick spinoff as assassin Rooney, de Armas underwent grueling two-month training in judo, wrestling, and tactical weaponry. Her portrayal of a dancer-turned-avenger expanded the franchise’s lore while delivering breathtaking, fluid combat sequences. Sharing screens with Keanu Reeves’ Wick, she established a formidable screen presence that thrilled action enthusiasts. The performance showcased her physical dedication and ability to anchor major franchises with magnetic intensity.

3. ‘Blonde’ (2022)

Despite polarizing reviews for the film itself, de Armas’ transformative portrayal of Marilyn Monroe earned unanimous acclaim and an Oscar nomination. She meticulously studied Monroe’s mannerisms, voice, and psychological struggles for nine months, delivering a haunting examination of fame’s brutality. Her fearless performance navigated trauma and identity with heartbreaking vulnerability, making her the first Cuban actress nominated for Best Actress. This role redefined her as a dramatic powerhouse willing to take artistic risks.

2. ‘Knives Out’ (2019)

As compassionate nurse Marta Cabrera in Rian Johnson’s whodunnit, de Armas became the moral center amidst an ensemble of scheming elites. Her Golden Globe-nominated performance balanced quiet strength and comedic timing, with The Times praising how she “manages the difficult task of making goodness interesting.” Marta’s evolving dynamic with Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc showcased de Armas’ gift for reactive acting, turning what could’ve been a passive role into the film’s emotional anchor.

1. ‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017)

De Armas’ breakthrough as holographic companion Joi remains her most conceptually daring performance. She crafted an AI’s evolving consciousness through subtle physicality—conveying digital glitches with eye movements and embodying artificial longing with heartbreaking sincerity. Her rain-soaked “I love you” scene with Ryan Gosling’s K remains a sci-fi landmark, exploring humanity’s essence through non-human eyes. This role announced de Armas as a generational talent capable of elevating genre films into profound art.

Ana de Armas’ transformative journey—from Cuban cinema to Oscar-nominated star—proves her unparalleled ability to embody radically diverse characters while maintaining emotional authenticity. Whether as Marilyn Monroe’s tortured spirit or a holographic AI discovering love, she consistently transcends genre boundaries with fearless commitment. Explore her filmography to witness an artist continually redefining cinematic excellence.

Must Know

What was Ana de Armas’ first major English-language role?

Her breakthrough came in Knock Knock (2015) opposite Keanu Reeves, but global recognition arrived with Blade Runner 2049 (2017). As the holographic AI Joi, she delivered a nuanced performance blending artificiality with profound emotion, establishing her Hollywood credibility and leading to roles in major franchises.

How did Ana prepare for her Oscar-nominated role in Blonde?

De Armas underwent nine months of intensive preparation, studying Monroe’s voice, mannerisms, and psychological history. She worked with dialect coaches daily and analyzed hundreds of hours of archival footage to authentically capture Monroe’s physicality and emotional essence, resulting in a transformative performance.

Which Ana de Armas performance earned Golden Globe nominations?

She received Golden Globe nominations for both Knives Out (2019) as nurse Marta Cabrera and Blonde (2022) as Marilyn Monroe. These acclaimed performances showcased her range from subtle character-driven drama to bold biographical interpretation, cementing her status among Hollywood’s elite talents.

What makes Ana de Armas’ action roles unique?

Unlike typical action stars, de Armas combines physical prowess with deep character research. For The Gray Man, she consulted real CIA agents about operational protocols, while for Ballerina, she trained for months in combat techniques. This commitment to authenticity makes her action heroines feel grounded and psychologically rich.

Is Ana de Armas the first Cuban actress nominated for an Oscar?

Yes, her 2023 Best Actress nomination for Blonde made history as the first Oscar nomination for a Cuban-born performer in a leading role. This milestone highlighted her trailblazing impact and representation for Latin American actors in Hollywood’s highest echelons.

How did No Time to Die change Ana de Armas’ career?

Her scene-stealing turn as Paloma in the Bond franchise demonstrated her blockbuster appeal and action capabilities. Director Cary Joji Fukunaga specifically wrote the role for her, resulting in a character so beloved it sparked fan campaigns for a Paloma spin-off film, significantly elevating her industry standing.