Erin Brockovic

The next year, after two Academy Award nominations, Roberts won her only Oscar to date for Best Actress thanks to her compassionate yet realistic portrayal of the titular environmental activist in 'Erin Brockovich'.

Roberts brought to life the strong-willed single mother, who took on the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and helped families win a complex class action suit regarding the Hinkley groundwater contamination.

The film was historically significant, too, as Roberts became the first actress to be paid $20 million for one film.