Title: 12-Year-Old Helena Zengel Earns Golden Globe Nomination Alongside Tom Hanks
Helena Zengel, the talented young actress who recently dazzled audiences with her powerful portrayal in the German film System Crasher, has now taken her talents to Hollywood. At just 12 years old, Zengel is starring alongside Tom Hanks in the Golden Globe-nominated film News of the World.
In the film, directed by Paul Greengrass, Zengel plays the character of Johanna, a young girl raised by the Kiowa tribe in the Texas wilderness. Her life takes a turn when Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, portrayed by Hanks, discovers her hiding in the woods. Zengel’s performance in this role garnered her a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination.
Hailing from Berlin, Zengel exudes a vibrant and bubbly energy as she talks about her experience working with Tom Hanks. Known as one of the nicest individuals in Hollywood, Hanks proved to be a supportive co-star for the young actress. Zengel expressed her gratitude for Hanks’ kindness, as he always provided assistance whenever she needed help with her lines or had questions.
Despite her young age, Zengel is no stranger to the world of acting. She began her journey at the tender age of 5 and garnered attention for her outstanding performance as the out-of-control character Benni in System Crasher. Now, with her work in News of the World, she is gaining even more recognition and award nominations. Remarkably, Zengel has never had a formal acting class, as she believes her talent simply flows naturally.
In News of the World, Zengel captivates audiences with her wild and intense portrayal of Johanna. Johanna’s character goes through numerous hardships, allowing Zengel to tap into her emotions and deliver a powerful performance. What makes it even more remarkable is that Johanna is mostly silent, having forgotten her English. Zengel skillfully conveys the character’s emotions through her eyes, creating a compelling portrayal of a young girl who communicates without words.
Zengel discusses the challenge of holding back her emotions and building up to poignant moments in the film. She understands the importance of timing and pacing to create an impactful and authentic performance. Drawing on personal experiences or sad thoughts, Zengel masterfully brings forth emotions on screen, culminating in emotional climaxes at the right moment.
While the film encompasses intense and emotional scenes, Zengel also had the opportunity to showcase her playful side. In a favorite scene, Johanna and Captain Kidd stop for a meal where Johanna decides to eat her stew with her fingers, much to Captain Kidd’s dismay. To annoy the other patrons, she even belts out a Kiowa song at the top of her lungs. Zengel fondly recalls the challenge of not bursting into laughter during the scene, as Tom Hanks would occasionally start laughing, making it difficult for her to remain calm and professional.
With her remarkable performance in News of the World, Helena Zengel has proven her talent and versatility as an actress. From emotionally charged scenes to moments of levity, she effortlessly captures the essence of her characters. It comes as no surprise that Zengel has received a Golden Globe nomination for her exceptional work.
As audiences eagerly await the award ceremony, Helena Zengel continues to shine on the silver screen. Her remarkable talent, genuine personality, and passion for the craft make her a rising star to watch out for in the years to come.
