A consummate technician capable of projecting fiery intensity, Winger became both a critics' darling and a major box-office draw during the early 1980s. She turned in forceful, delicately shaded performances in URBAN COWBOY (1980), AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN (1982) and TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (1983), the last two of which earned her Oscar® nominations.
After this early, spectacular ascent, Winger's career began to falter. She exercises considerable care in her choice of roles, but outings in films by two of Europe's most celebrated directors -- Costa-Gavras for BETRAYED (1988) and Bertolucci for THE SHELTERING SKY (1990) -- yielded disappointing results. Her performance as a spunky, feisty American who brings light into the life of English writer C.S. Lewis (Anthony Hopkins) in SHADOWLANDS (1993), though the film was not a box-office smash, nonetheless brought Winger critical acclaim, an Oscar nomination, and some of her most widespread exposure in years.
Other notable (non-nominated) credits include CANNERY ROW (1982), MIKE'S MURDER (1984), LEGAL EAGLES (1986), BLACK WIDOW (1987), LEAP OF FAITH (1992), FORGET PARIS (1995), BIG BAD LOVE (2001), RADIO (2003), EULOGY (2004), and DANCING WITH SHIVA and ITW (both scheduled for 2008 release).
Winger was married to actor Timothy Hutton (1986-1990), with whom she has a son. She married actor Arliss Howard in 1996, and they have one child.
Nominated for Actress 1982: AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN
Nominated for Actress 1983: TERMS OF ENDEARMENT
Nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1993: SHADOWLANDS
3 nominations