Carey Mulligan Speaking Fee: $200,000 to $300,000

Carey Mulligan is a British actress renowned for her compelling performances across film, television, and stage. Born on May 28, 1985, in London, she spent part of her childhood in Germany due to her father's career in hotel management. Her passion for acting ignited at the age of six when she joined the chorus of her brother's school production of The King and I. This early experience led her to pursue drama at Woldingham School in Surrey, where she became head of the drama department. Despite facing initial rejections from several drama schools, Mulligan's determination remained steadfast. She sought guidance from screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who connected her with a casting assistant, leading to her role as Kitty Bennet in the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice. Mulligan's breakthrough came in 2009 with her portrayal of Jenny Mellor in An Education, a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She continued to build her reputation with roles in Shame (2011), Drive (2011), and Inside Llewyn Davis (2013). Her performance as Daisy Buchanan in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby (2013) further solidified her status in Hollywood. In 2015, she returned to the stage in the London revival of David Hare's Skylight, a role that earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play when the production transferred to Broadway. In recent years, Mulligan has taken on roles that blend emotional depth with social commentary. Her portrayal of a vigilante in Promising Young Woman (2020) garnered critical acclaim and earned her a second Academy Award nomination. She also starred in The Dig (2021), depicting the 1939 excavation of Sutton Hoo, and in She Said (2022), portraying journalist Megan Twohey in the investigation that exposed Harvey Weinstein's misconduct. In 2023, she played Felicia Montealegre in Maestro, a biographical film about Leonard Bernstein, earning her a third Academy Award nomination. Beyond her acting career, Mulligan is recognized for her philanthropic efforts. She has been an ambassador for War Child UK since 2014, advocating for the rights of children affected by conflict. In 2024, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of her services to drama. Married to musician Marcus Mumford since 2012, the couple has three children and maintains a relatively private family life. Mulligan's journey from a determined young girl to an acclaimed actress and advocate reflects her unwavering commitment to her craft and causes she believes in.