Tilda Swinton (who is Tilda Swinton?)

Tilda Swinton is a British actress known for her unique and chameleon-like performances across a wide range of genres. She was born Katherine Matilda Swinton on November 5, 1960, in London, England, to an aristocratic family. Swinton attended West Heath Girls' School and later studied at the University of Cambridge, where she earned a degree in Social and Political Sciences.

Swinton began her career with the Royal Shakespeare Company before transitioning to film. Her breakout role was in Derek Jarman's 1986 film "Caravaggio." She became one of Jarman's muses, appearing in many of his films until his death in 1994. These films established her as a favorite in the art-house circuit.

Her versatility as an actress is evident from her wide-ranging filmography. Swinton has played roles in both mainstream Hollywood productions and independent films. Notable works include her performance in "Orlando" (1992), based on the novel by Virginia Woolf, where Swinton played the title character who changes sex from man to woman. This role solidified her prominence as a gender-bending actress capable of portraying complex characters.

Swinton's recognition further increased with her Academy Award-winning performance as Karen Crowder in "Michael Clayton" (2007). The psychological thriller showcased Swinton's ability to convey intense and nuanced emotions, earning her widespread acclaim.

Other significant films in Tilda Swinton’s career include: - "The Deep End" (2001), for which she received Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Award nominations. - "We Need to Talk About Kevin" (2011), where she delivered a haunting performance as the mother of a troubled son. - "Only Lovers Left Alive" (2013), a stylish vampire film directed by Jim Jarmusch. - Her role as The Ancient One in Marvel Studios' "Doctor Strange" (2016) and its follow-ups, bringing her into the big-budget superhero genre.

Swinton is also known for her collaborations with auteur directors such as Wes Anderson, appearing in films like "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014) and "Isle of Dogs" (2018), and the Coen Brothers, with a memorable part in "Hail, Caesar!" (2016).

Her contributions to the film industry extend behind the camera as well, having produced and helped in the creation of several projects. Swinton's sense of fashion has also made her a style icon, known for her androgynous and avant-garde looks on the red carpet and in fashion editorials.

She lives in Scotland with her partner Sandro Kopp, a German-New Zealand painter. Swinton has twins, Honor and Xavier Swinton Byrne, with her former partner, playwright John Byrne.

For more detailed information on Tilda Swinton’s life and work, readers can refer to authoritative sources such as her IMDb profile and biography articles in reputable publications like The New Yorker.