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Meg Ryan Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Meg Ryan: An Examination of Her Career and Public Persona

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Meg Ryan: An Examination of Her Career and Public Persona Study Guide

Early Life and Career Foundations

Meg Ryan's birth name was Margaret Mary Emily Anne Ryan, and she was born in December 1961.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan's birth name was Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra, and she was born in November 1961, not December.

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Meg Ryan's professional surname was adopted from her father's side of the family to join the Screen Actors Guild.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan adopted her professional surname 'Ryan' from her maternal grandmother's maiden name, not her father's side of the family.

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While studying journalism, Meg Ryan supported herself by acting in television commercials and the soap opera *As the World Turns*.

Answer: True

Explanation: During her college studies in journalism, Meg Ryan earned money by appearing in television commercials and the soap opera *As the World Turns*.

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Meg Ryan's film debut was in the 1986 drama *Top Gun*, where she played Carole Bradshaw.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan's film debut was in the 1981 drama *Rich and Famous*. She played Carole Bradshaw in the 1986 film *Top Gun*, but this was not her debut.

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What is Meg Ryan's full birth name?

Answer: Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra

Explanation: Meg Ryan's full birth name is Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra.

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What was the primary occupation Meg Ryan has been active in since 1981?

Answer: Actress

Explanation: Meg Ryan's primary occupation since 1981 has been acting.

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In which 1986 film did Meg Ryan play Carole Bradshaw, the wife of naval flight officer Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw?

Answer: *Top Gun*

Explanation: Meg Ryan portrayed Carole Bradshaw in the 1986 film *Top Gun*.

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Iconic Romantic Comedy Era

Meg Ryan's first leading role in a romantic comedy, *When Harry Met Sally...*, earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

Answer: True

Explanation: Her performance in *When Harry Met Sally...* earned Meg Ryan a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.

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*Sleepless in Seattle* and *You've Got Mail* are the only two films that famously paired Meg Ryan with Tom Hanks.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks were also paired in *Joe Versus the Volcano*, making it three films, not two, where they were romantic leads.

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The American Film Institute ranks *You've Got Mail* among the 10 greatest romantic comedies of all time.

Answer: False

Explanation: The American Film Institute ranks *When Harry Met Sally...* and *Sleepless in Seattle* among the 10 greatest romantic comedies, but not *You've Got Mail*.

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Which film marked Meg Ryan's first collaboration with Tom Hanks as romantic leads?

Answer: *Joe Versus the Volcano*

Explanation: *Joe Versus the Volcano* was the first film to pair Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks as romantic leads.

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Which two of Meg Ryan's romantic comedies are ranked among the AFI's 10 greatest of all time?

Answer: *When Harry Met Sally...* and *Sleepless in Seattle*

Explanation: The American Film Institute includes *When Harry Met Sally...* and *Sleepless in Seattle* in its list of the 10 greatest romantic comedies.

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Career Evolution and Directorial Ventures

Meg Ryan turned down the role of Clarice Starling in *The Silence of the Lambs* due to scheduling conflicts with another film.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan rejected the role of Clarice Starling in *The Silence of the Lambs* because of the film's gruesome and violent themes, not scheduling conflicts.

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In *When a Man Loves a Woman*, Meg Ryan played a role that was consistent with her established romantic-comedy ingenue image.

Answer: False

Explanation: Her role as an alcoholic high-school guidance counselor in *When a Man Loves a Woman* was a significant departure from her typical romantic-comedy ingenue image.

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Meg Ryan voiced the lead role in the 1997 animated film *Anastasia*, which was a critical and commercial success.

Answer: True

Explanation: Meg Ryan voiced the lead in *Anastasia*, which received good reviews and was a box office success.

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*City of Angels* (1998) was a commercial failure despite receiving positive critical reviews.

Answer: False

Explanation: *City of Angels* drew positive reviews and earned nearly $200 million worldwide, indicating it was a commercial success, not a failure.

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Meg Ryan's first film of the 2000s, *Hanging Up*, was a critical success directed by Diane Keaton.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Hanging Up* was directed by Diane Keaton but received poor reviews from critics, making it a critical failure, not a success.

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*Kate & Leopold* was Meg Ryan's highest-grossing film of the 2000s, earning over $100 million worldwide.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Kate & Leopold* was her highest-grossing film of the 2000s, but it earned $70 million worldwide, not over $100 million.

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*Against the Ropes* (2004) was a critical success but a commercial failure, grossing less than $6 million in the U.S.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Against the Ropes* was panned by critics, making it a critical failure, not a success, and it grossed less than $6 million in the U.S.

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Meg Ryan received positive reviews for her performance in the 2007 independent film *In the Land of Women*, despite mixed reviews for the film itself.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kenneth Turan of the *Los Angeles Times* noted her performance in *In the Land of Women* as 'the best work [she] has done in forever,' despite the film's mixed reception.

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*The Deal* (2008) was a satirical comedy that premiered at Sundance and secured a wide theatrical release.

Answer: False

Explanation: *The Deal* premiered at Sundance but failed to attract film studios, resulting in a straight-to-DVD release, not a wide theatrical release.

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*The Women* (2008) was a critical disaster but a financial success, grossing $50 million worldwide.

Answer: True

Explanation: *The Women* received a disastrous critical response but was a financial success, grossing $50 million worldwide.

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In *Serious Moonlight*, Meg Ryan's character duct-tapes her husband to a chair after discovering his infidelity.

Answer: False

Explanation: In *Serious Moonlight*, Meg Ryan's character duct-tapes her husband to a toilet, not a chair.

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Meg Ryan's directorial debut was the 2015 drama film *Ithaca*, based on a 1943 novel.

Answer: True

Explanation: Her directorial debut was indeed the 2015 drama film *Ithaca*, an adaptation of William Saroyan's 1943 novel *The Human Comedy*.

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Meg Ryan directed and starred in the 2023 romantic comedy *What Happens Later* alongside Tom Hanks.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan directed and starred in *What Happens Later* alongside David Duchovny, not Tom Hanks.

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Which animated film featured Meg Ryan in a lead voice role in 1997?

Answer: *Anastasia*

Explanation: Meg Ryan voiced the lead role in the 1997 animated film *Anastasia*.

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What was the critical and commercial reception of *City of Angels* (1998)?

Answer: Positive reviews and earned nearly $200 million worldwide.

Explanation: *City of Angels* received positive reviews and was a commercial success, earning nearly $200 million worldwide.

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Which 2001 romantic comedy was Meg Ryan's highest-grossing film of that decade, earning $70 million worldwide?

Answer: *Kate & Leopold*

Explanation: *Kate & Leopold* was Meg Ryan's highest-grossing film of the 2000s, earning $70 million worldwide.

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What was the critical reception of Meg Ryan's 2004 sports drama *Against the Ropes*?

Answer: It was panned by critics.

Explanation: *Against the Ropes* was widely panned by critics, partly for its perceived similarities to other boxing films.

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What was the outcome for *The Deal* (2008), a satirical comedy starring Meg Ryan?

Answer: It premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival but failed to attract film studios, resulting in a straight-to-DVD release.

Explanation: *The Deal* premiered at Sundance but did not secure a theatrical release, going straight to DVD.

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What was the critical reception of *The Women* (2008), an all-female cast film starring Meg Ryan?

Answer: It received a disastrous response from critics but was a financial success.

Explanation: *The Women* was critically panned, with one critic calling it 'one of the worst movies I've ever seen,' but it still grossed $50 million worldwide.

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What was Meg Ryan's first feature film directorial debut?

Answer: *Ithaca*

Explanation: Meg Ryan's directorial debut was the 2015 drama film *Ithaca*.

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Which romantic comedy from 2023 did Meg Ryan both direct and star in?

Answer: *What Happens Later*

Explanation: In 2023, Meg Ryan directed and starred in the romantic comedy *What Happens Later*.

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Public Persona and Media Scrutiny

Meg Ryan's appearance in a lengthy nude scene in *In the Cut* was consistent with her established 'America's Sweetheart' image.

Answer: False

Explanation: Her nude scene in *In the Cut* conflicted with her established 'America's Sweetheart' image and drew media attention.

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Meg Ryan's 2003 interview on Michael Parkinson's talk show became infamous because she walked off the set abruptly.

Answer: False

Explanation: The interview became infamous because she appeared disinterested, gave one-word responses, and suggested the interview end, but she did not walk off the set.

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Meg Ryan was featured in a 2012 PBS documentary about women's empowerment called *Half the Sky*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Meg Ryan was featured in the October 2012 PBS documentary *Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide*.

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At the peak of her career, Meg Ryan was among Hollywood's highest-paid actresses, earning up to $15 million per film.

Answer: True

Explanation: By the end of the 1990s, Meg Ryan was among Hollywood's highest-paid actresses, earning as much as $15 million per film.

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Benjamin Lee of *The Guardian* praised Meg Ryan's success in romantic comedies, attributing it to her 'endless source of warmth and charisma.'

Answer: True

Explanation: Benjamin Lee of *The Guardian* indeed attributed her success in the genre to her 'endless source of warmth and charisma' and 'magic, ineffable charm.'

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Meg Ryan embraced the 'America's Sweetheart' label, finding it an accurate reflection of her public and private persona.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan felt conflicted about the 'America's Sweetheart' label, describing it as '100% projection,' indicating she did not fully embrace it as an accurate reflection.

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The film *In the Cut* significantly boosted Meg Ryan's public image and led to an increase in her workload.

Answer: False

Explanation: Her role in *In the Cut* drew backlash and led her to significantly limit her workload and public appearances, negatively impacting her public image.

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Meg Ryan stated that her infamous *Parkinson* interview and rumors of infidelity with Russell Crowe were the only incidents that negatively affected her public image.

Answer: False

Explanation: The film *In the Cut* also significantly contributed to the negative impact on her public image, in addition to the *Parkinson* interview and Russell Crowe rumors.

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Meg Ryan has publicly supported the Republican Party and its environmental protection programs.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan has publicly supported the Democratic Party, particularly its environmental protection programs and initiatives.

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What media nickname did Meg Ryan receive due to her wholesome on- and off-screen personas?

Answer: America's Sweetheart

Explanation: Due to her wholesome public image, Meg Ryan was dubbed 'America's Sweetheart' by the media.

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What was notable about Meg Ryan's role in the 2003 erotic thriller *In the Cut*?

Answer: She appeared nude in a lengthy and graphic love scene for the first time in her career.

Explanation: Her role in *In the Cut* was notable for her first-time appearance in a lengthy and graphic nude scene, which conflicted with her established public image.

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How did Meg Ryan's interview on Michael Parkinson's talk show in 2003 become infamous?

Answer: She appeared disinterested, delivered one-word responses, and suggested the interview end.

Explanation: The interview became infamous due to her perceived disinterest, terse responses, and suggestion to end the interview when questioned about nude scenes.

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In what PBS documentary was Meg Ryan featured in 2012?

Answer: *Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide*

Explanation: Meg Ryan was featured in the 2012 PBS documentary *Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide*.

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How was Meg Ryan's status in Hollywood described during the peak of her career?

Answer: One of Hollywood's most bankable stars, earning up to $15 million per film.

Explanation: At the peak of her career, Meg Ryan was considered one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, commanding up to $15 million per film.

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What did Benjamin Lee of *The Guardian* attribute to Meg Ryan's success in romantic comedies?

Answer: Her 'endless source of warmth and charisma' and 'magic, ineffable charm.'

Explanation: Benjamin Lee of *The Guardian* praised her 'endless source of warmth and charisma' and 'magic, ineffable charm' as key to her romantic comedy success.

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How did Meg Ryan respond to being labeled 'America's Sweetheart'?

Answer: She felt conflicted, describing it as '100% projection.'

Explanation: Meg Ryan expressed conflict over the 'America's Sweetheart' label, calling it '100% projection' of her wholesome image.

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What impact did the film *In the Cut* have on Meg Ryan's public image and career?

Answer: It drew backlash from critics and fans, leading her to significantly limit her workload and public appearances.

Explanation: The film *In the Cut* generated backlash, causing her to reduce her workload and public appearances, and negatively altered her public perception.

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What was 'The Meg' haircut, popular during the 1990s?

Answer: A shag haircut

Explanation: 'The Meg' was the popular nickname for the shag haircut Meg Ryan sported in the 1990s.

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Which political party has Meg Ryan publicly supported, particularly its environmental protection programs?

Answer: Democratic Party

Explanation: Meg Ryan has publicly supported the Democratic Party and its environmental protection initiatives.

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What did Meg Ryan say about her relationship with fame in 2019?

Answer: She described herself as a 'terrible celebrity' who finds fame uncomfortable, exhausting, and disabling.

Explanation: In 2019, Meg Ryan characterized herself as a 'terrible celebrity,' finding fame to be an uncomfortable, exhausting, and disabling aspect of her public life.

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Personal Life and Relationships

Meg Ryan's involvement in *Proof of Life* gained tabloid attention due to her affair with co-star Russell Crowe.

Answer: True

Explanation: Her affair with co-star Russell Crowe during the filming of *Proof of Life* garnered significant tabloid attention.

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Meg Ryan married Dennis Quaid on Valentine's Day in 1991, and they had a son named Jack.

Answer: True

Explanation: Meg Ryan married Dennis Quaid on February 14, 1991, and their son, Jack Quaid, was born on April 24, 1992.

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Meg Ryan clarified that Russell Crowe was solely responsible for the breakup of her marriage to Dennis Quaid.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan clarified that Dennis Quaid's infidelity was the reason her marriage ended, asserting that 'Russell didn't break up the marriage.'

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Meg Ryan adopted her daughter, Daisy True, from China in 2006.

Answer: True

Explanation: In January 2006, Meg Ryan adopted a 14-month-old girl from China, whom she named Daisy True.

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What controversy surrounded Meg Ryan's involvement in the 2000 action thriller *Proof of Life*?

Answer: Her affair with co-star Russell Crowe during filming.

Explanation: Meg Ryan's affair with co-star Russell Crowe during the filming of *Proof of Life* garnered significant tabloid attention.

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When did Meg Ryan marry actor Dennis Quaid?

Answer: February 14, 1991

Explanation: Meg Ryan married Dennis Quaid on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1991.

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What did Meg Ryan clarify about her romantic involvement with Russell Crowe and her divorce from Dennis Quaid?

Answer: She asserted that Dennis Quaid's infidelity was the reason her marriage ended, not Russell Crowe.

Explanation: Meg Ryan clarified that her marriage to Dennis Quaid ended due to his infidelity, stating that Russell Crowe was not the cause of the divorce.

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From which country did Meg Ryan adopt her daughter, Daisy True, in January 2006?

Answer: China

Explanation: Meg Ryan adopted her daughter, Daisy True, from China in January 2006.

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Who was Meg Ryan in a long-term relationship with, including an engagement, from 2010 to 2019 (with a break)?

Answer: John Mellencamp

Explanation: Meg Ryan was in a long-term, on-again, off-again relationship with John Mellencamp, including an engagement, from 2010 to 2019.

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Accolades and Industry Recognition

Meg Ryan received her second Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for her performance in *You've Got Mail*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan received her second Golden Globe nomination for *Sleepless in Seattle*. She received a third nomination for *You've Got Mail*, but it was not her second.

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Meg Ryan received the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award at the 2024 Sarajevo Film Festival.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2024, Meg Ryan was honored with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award at the Sarajevo Film Festival.

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Meg Ryan has received four Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan has received three Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.

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Meg Ryan won the American Comedy Award for Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture for both *When Harry Met Sally* and *Sleepless in Seattle*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Meg Ryan won the American Comedy Award for Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture for *When Harry Met Sally* (1990) and *Sleepless in Seattle* (1994).

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Meg Ryan was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance in *You've Got Mail*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meg Ryan was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance in *When a Man Loves a Woman*, not *You've Got Mail*.

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What significant award nomination did Meg Ryan earn for her first leading role in the romantic comedy *When Harry Met Sally...*?

Answer: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical

Explanation: Her role in *When Harry Met Sally...* earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.

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For which film did Meg Ryan receive her second Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical?

Answer: *Sleepless in Seattle*

Explanation: Meg Ryan received her second Golden Globe nomination for her performance in *Sleepless in Seattle*.

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What awards did Meg Ryan receive in 1994 and 1995 for her career achievements?

Answer: Harvard's Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year and Women in Film Crystal Award

Explanation: In 1994, she received Harvard's Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year, and in 1995, the Women in Film Crystal Award.

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What prestigious award did Meg Ryan receive at the 2024 Sarajevo Film Festival?

Answer: Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award

Explanation: Meg Ryan received the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award at the 2024 Sarajevo Film Festival.

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How many Golden Globe Award nominations has Meg Ryan received for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical?

Answer: Three

Explanation: Meg Ryan has received three Golden Globe Award nominations in this category.

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For which film did Meg Ryan win the American Comedy Award for Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture in 1990?

Answer: *When Harry Met Sally*

Explanation: Meg Ryan won the American Comedy Award for Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture in 1990 for her role in *When Harry Met Sally*.

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Which film earned Meg Ryan the Bambi Award for Best Actress – International in 2008?

Answer: *The Women*

Explanation: Meg Ryan received the Bambi Award for Best Actress – International in 2008 for her performance in *The Women*.

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For which film did Meg Ryan win the Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actress – Comedy/Romance in 1999?

Answer: *You've Got Mail*

Explanation: Meg Ryan won the Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actress – Comedy/Romance in 1999 for her performance in *You've Got Mail*.

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For which film was Meg Ryan nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role in 1995?

Answer: *When a Man Loves a Woman*

Explanation: Meg Ryan received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in 1995 for her performance in *When a Man Loves a Woman*.

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For which film was Meg Ryan nominated for The Stinkers Bad Movie Award for Worst Fake Accent – Female in 2004?

Answer: *Against the Ropes*

Explanation: Meg Ryan was nominated for The Stinkers Bad Movie Award for Worst Fake Accent – Female in 2004 for her role in *Against the Ropes*.

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