Anna has always liked to "dress up in lovely costumes" and enjoyed to play characters that are set in different times or in fantasy. This becomes apparent in many of her movies, from her debut role in "The Piano" to her latest appearances, e.g. in "X-Men.

As Anna believably assures that she chooses her roles herself, her choices are both remarkable and significant. In her early roles, Anna has quite often been portraying characters that are precocious by grief, solitude or non-childlike responsibilities. Also, they used to be wilful which, nevertheless, does not protect them from being vulnerable and sensitive.

Anna's career started different from that of so many "kid stars" in Hollywood. This does not only concern the Oscar she was awarded, but also the quality roles she continues to play. She also shows the courage to avoid films that may be more prominent, but which do not meet her own criteria about quality cinema. So, Anna is on a good way to succeed where other former child actresses and actors failed: to make the transition to an excellent adult actress.