6 roles of singer Lady Gaga that prove she was born for the cinema

She has made her way from music videos to leading roles in blockbusters.

Lady Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, began as a dancer in New York City's nightclubs before conquering the music world. Few could have predicted that the flamboyant singer, who shocked the public with a meat dress in 2010, would be nominated for an Oscar for acting just a few years later. And in 2021, New York film critics even recognized her as the best actress of the year.

Lady Gaga with bright makeup and a white wig against a background of pink flowers — Lady Gaga

We have gathered all the projects proving that Lady Gaga is not only a queen of flamboyance and the music scene but also a versatile actress.

"Machete Kills" (2013)

In the trash-action movie by Robert Rodriguez, Lady Gaga played a small but colorful role as a mercenary nicknamed La Chameleón, who can change her appearance. According to the plot, she hunts the main character nicknamed Machete.

Lady Gaga with red hair and a gun in her hands — Scene from the movie 'Machete Kills'

Her character is the third embodiment of Chameleón (the first, second, and fourth were played by Walton Goggins, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Antonio Banderas). Although the role was not the main one, it allowed Gaga to try herself in a completely new role and work with a cult director.

The film touches on many sharp topics relevant today. I liked it. Lady Gaga acts well. It's a fun movie worth watching with a friend. I know, that's what I did.

Reviewer ducati17-756-566692 from Imdb

"Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" (2014)

A year after the release of "Machete Kills," the singer collaborated again with director Robert Rodriguez. She played a cameo yet memorable role as waitress Bertha in the sequel to the stylish neo-noir thriller about a city mired in crime.

Lady Gaga in a waitress outfit leaned against the bar counter, holding a bill in her hand — Still from 'Sin City 2'

Her character appears in the bar "Katie's," where she briefly talks to one of the characters named Johnny (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).

This role, like her previous ones, demonstrated Gaga's willingness to experiment and her ability to create striking images even in small scenes.

The film's script is good, it may seem a bit stretched in the middle, but it does not lose the audience's attention. The film, like the first part, is generally violent. The acting is excellent, and despite the huge star cast, almost everyone got enough screen time, and none of them disappointed. The film's climax is predictable, but still captivating.

Reviewer sauravjoshi85 from Imdb

"American Horror Story: Hotel" (2015)

The fifth season of Ryan Murphy's cult anthology series. Lady Gaga plays Elizabeth (The Countess) – the owner of the sinister "Cortez" hotel, a bloodthirsty and stylish vampire.

This role is the singer's first truly major role. She not only embodied the image of a femme fatale (as she did in previous projects) but also infused it with depth and drama. Gaga received a Golden Globe for this work.

Lady Gaga with white hair in a sleek hairstyle and in a bright magenta dress, holding a glass in her hand — Scene from "American Horror Story"

"American Horror Story" became a great start for Gaga in the world of big cinema and television. In 2016, she appeared in the sixth season of the series, albeit in a much smaller role as the supreme witch Scathach, under whose control terrifying events unfold in the town of Roanoke.

I have watched all the seasons of "American Horror Story," and "Hotel" remains my favorite. Gaga brought glamour, and I appreciated the contrast of high fashion and art deco with the overall darkness of the "Cortez" hotel and the existence of ghosts, as well as other supernatural themes.

Reviewer thalassafischer from Imdb

"A Star is Born" (2018)

The directorial debut of Bradley Cooper and arguably the most famous and deeply developed role of Lady Gaga. She plays Ally, a talented but insecure singer who meets the famous country musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper). Their relationship develops against the backdrop of Ally's rising career and Jackson's decline as he battles addictions.

Bradley Cooper plays the piano Lady Gaga is leaning on — Scene from the film "A Star is Born"

Gaga not only played the lead role but also wrote most of the songs for the film, including the Oscar-winning hit "Shallow." Her performance was recognized with an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, as well as an award from the National Board of Review. In this film, the singer revealed herself as a great dramatic actress.

When Lady Gaga started performing, I couldn't stand her. Due to my old prejudice, I considered her pretentious and willing to do anything for attention. Over the past couple of years, I have truly come to love what she does. Seeing her wide range and depth in this film was very pleasing.

Reviewer Hitchcoc from Imdb

"House of Gucci" (2021)

A crime drama by Ridley Scott, based on true events. Lady Gaga plays Patrizia Reggiani, an ambitious and powerful woman who marries Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), heir to the Gucci fashion house. The film chronicles the rise and fall of their marriage, leading to a tragic conclusion.

Lady Gaga in a raspberry ski suit and fur hat against a snowy background — Scene from 'House of Gucci'

For this role, Gaga underwent a dramatic image transformation, becoming a sultry Italian. According to Vulture, she meticulously studied Patrizia Reggiani's accent and mannerisms to portray her as authentically as possible on screen.

Her efforts were highly praised by critics. The singer won the Best Actress award from the New York Film Critics Circle.

I have never bought or owned anything from Gucci, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying Ridley Scott's film. Lady Gaga as Patrizia is cunning and insightful in her calculated approach to restructuring the family and business. She plays any games to get what she wants. I believe her performance in the first half of the film was truly outstanding.

Reviewer ferguson-6 from Imdb

"Joker: Folie à Deux" (2024)

The musical psychological thriller by Todd Phillips, a sequel to the film "Joker" (2019), which won the top prize at the 76th Venice Film Festival—the Golden Lion.

Lady Gaga plays the role of Lee Quinzel (Harley Quinn), a patient at Arkham who falls in love with Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix). She is fascinated by the crimes and the persona of the Joker, which Fleck eventually rejects. Their relationship evolves into a chaotic and mad union, full of music and darkness.

Lady Gaga with smeared makeup and tousled white hair — Scene from the film "Joker: Folie à Deux"

Gaga brought her musical expression to the role by participating in the creation of the soundtrack, which was released as a separate album titled "Harlequin" (2024).

Immersing herself in the role, the singer even decided to temporarily abandon her real name on set. According to Variety, she requested to be called by her character's name—Harley Quinn.

Joaquin Phoenix, as expected, does an excellent job in the role of Arthur Fleck, further enhancing the unsettling image of the Joker. Lady Gaga also brings depth to her role as Harley Quinn, adding a new dynamic to Arthur's story. The chemistry between Phoenix and Gaga adds intrigue to the film.

Reviewer Camerenth from Imdb

In your opinion, in which role has Lady Gaga revealed herself most fully? Will she ever surpass her success in "A Star Is Born"?

Earlier, we at zoomboola.com reported on the five best films starring Reese Witherspoon.