Marianne Jean-Baptiste is a British actress and singer known for her versatile career in both film and television. Born in London, she gained widespread recognition for her role in the acclaimed 1996 film "Secrets & Lies," directed by Mike Leigh. Jean-Baptiste's performance as Hortense Cumberbatch, a woman searching for her birth mother, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the first Black British actresses to be nominated in this category. This breakthrough role solidified her status as a talented and highly regarded performer in the entertainment industry.

Throughout her career, Jean-Baptiste has worked across a variety of genres, showcasing her range in both dramatic and comedic roles. She starred in the popular TV series "Without a Trace," earning her multiple award nominations, the crime thriller "Training Day" and Apple TV+'s psychological thriller "Surface," among others. She also has appeared in films such as "Johnny Was," "The Manchurian Candidate," "The Equalizer 2" and "Hard Truths," for which she won the Excellence in Acting Award at the Denver Film Festival.

A writer and composer, Jean-Baptiste is a talented singer and composed the musical score for Leigh's film "Career Girls." She released her debut album, The Good Life, in 2010, seamlessly blending jazz, soul, and pop influences. Her passion for music has remained an integral part of her creative expression throughout her career, and she continues to explore new musical projects in parallel with her acting work.

Jean-Baptiste is also known for her advocacy on behalf of diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. She has been an outspoken advocate for representation and has worked to challenge industry norms around race and gender. Her ability to break barriers and take on a wide range of roles has made her a trailblazer for future generations of actresses.

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