- Cast as Catwoman in BATMAN RETURNS (1992), but was replaced by Michelle Pfeiffer when she became pregnant.
- In AMERICAN BEAUTY (1999), Kevin Spacey and Bening were both the first choices of Sam Mendes for the roles of Lester and Carolyn although the role of Lester Burnham was originally offered to Tom Hanks and Chevy Chase.
- Was nominated Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role in AMERICAN BEAUTY in 2000.
- Publicly criticized Hillary Rodham Clinton's 2000 bid for a seat in the Senate representing New York as the work of an opportunist.
- Nominated for a Tony for Coastal Disturbances in 1987.
- Was a very shy girl when growing up, however she was very sincere and very friendly. Also very outgoing.
- Listed as one of twelve Promising New Actors of 1990 in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 42. (1990)
- Was the first choice to play the role of Carolyn Burnham in AMERICAN BEAUTY (1999).
- At the 1991 Academy Awards, host Billy Crystal introduced Bening by saying She'll soon be appearing as none other than Catwoman in batman II, a part that the studio gave to Michelle Pfeiffer when Bening became pregnant.
- Many movie buffs find that she has an uncanny resemblance to the lady with the torch on the Columbia Pictures logo, which is often joked about.
- Was paid $3,000,000 THE SIEGE (1998).
- Nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama at Golden Globe Awards for AMERICAN BEAUTY. (2000)
- Nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical at Golden Globe Awards for THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT. (1996)
- Nominated for Best Kiss at MTV Movie Awards for BUGSY (1992) - shared with Warren Beatty.
- Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at BAFTA Awards for THE GRIFTERS. (1992)
- Nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama at Golden Globe Awards for BUGSY. (1992)
- Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at Academy Awards for THE GRIFTERS. (1991)
Quotes- "The connection between one's life and the parts one plays are inevitable. I think that I try to keep those sort of separate."
- "When I got home, 'Mommy in the morning' was not quite as wonderful."
- "When I was pregnant, I didn't care about acting...it was a wonderful relief to get away from the celebrity part of it, to kind of disappear."
- "I feel less conflicted about leaving home these days...even if I can't be there every second, my kids are doing great. I'm a good parent, and I think the fact that I love my work and that I work very hard at is a great gift to my kids."
- "I've wanted to be an actor since I was a child. I loved acting from the moment I started and still love it...the only difference is that now that I have become a mother my children come first - and that's the way it should be."
Awards- American Comedy Awards: Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture (Leading Role), AMERICAN BEAUTY (2000)
- British Academy Award: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role , AMERICAN BEAUTY (2000)
- London Critics Circle Film Awards: Actress of the Year, AMERICAN BEAUTY (2000)
- Online Film Critics Society Awards: Best Actress, American Beauty (2000)
- Palm Springs International Film Festival: Desert Palm Achievement Award (2000)
- ShoWest Award: Female Star of the Year (2000)
- Boston Film Festival: Film Excellence Award (1999)
- Online Film Critics Society: Best Ensemble, AMERICAN BEAUTY; shared with cast mates (1999)
- San Diego Film Critics Society Awards: Best Actress, American Beauty (1999)
- Screen Actors Guild Award: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (1999)
- Screen Actors Guild: Cast (Theatrical Motion Picture), AMERICAN BEAUTY; shared with cast mates (1999)
- Screen Actors Guild: Female Actor in a Leading Role (Theatrical Motion Picture), AMERICAN BEAUTY (1999)
- Toronto International Film Festival: People's Choice Award, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (1998)
- Vancouver International Film Festival: Most Popular Film, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (1998)
- San Francisco International Film Festival: Peter J. Owens Award (1997)
- London Film Critics Circle: Newcomer of the Year (1991)
- National Society of Film Critics: Best Supporting Actress, THE GRIFTERS (1990)
- Clarence Derwent Award: Most Outstanding Debut Performance, COASTAL DISTURBANCES (1986)
- Theater World Award: COASTAL DISTURBANCES (1986)
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