By YoungHollywood.com
Winter '98

"Exploding out from the shadow of older brother Ralph, Joseph Fiennes won over audiences and critics in 1998 by starring in two costume dramas that highlighted both his classically handsome looks as well as his classically-trained acting ability.

Hailing from a career background that includes British theater, Fiennes first appeared on the screen opposite Liv Tyler in Bernardo Bertolucci's sumptuous Stealing Beauty. But it was his strong performance in Shekar Kapur's Elizabeth, as the Virgin Queen's tempestuous confidante and lover, that caught audience's attention. He not only holds his own against some of Britain's finest stage and screen talent; he frequently rose above them while generating an intense chemistry with his co-star, Cate Blanchett.

But it was his role as the title character in John Madden's Shakespeare in Love that permanently dispelled any doubt of whether or not Joseph could measure up to his older sibling. Playing one of the greatest dramatists of the English language, Fiennes delivered a richly satisfying performance that commanded the screen with grace and intelligence soaked in sex appeal. Once again, Fiennes shared a heated, highly believable chemistry with his leading lady, this time in the person of Gwyneth Paltrow. Shakespeare, a critical success and audience favorite, ultimately won seven Academy Awards, and helped make big stars out of both of its stars.

Quickly jumping to the forefront of young British actors making permanent impressions on the face of cinema, Joseph Fiennes is definitely one of the most talented imports to have recently come across the Atlantic. Fiennes is destined to become a major star and respected actor before long, and with such a fantastic start to his career, one has to wonder how long it may be before Ralph is known as Joseph's older brother."