Julianne Moore’s Oscar-Nominated Turn in Boogie Nights: A Look Back at Her Iconic Role as Amber Waves

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In 1998, Julianne Moore earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Maggie/”Amber Waves” in the 1997 American period drama film Boogie Nights.

Her co-stars in the critically acclaimed film include Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Heather Graham.

Julianne Moore and her then-boyfriend Bart Freundlich during "Boogie Nights" Los Angeles PremiereJulianne Moore and her then-boyfriend Bart Freundlich during “Boogie Nights” Los Angeles Premiere at Mann Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, on October 15, 1997 (Credit: Apega / WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / Nicky Nelson / Hubert Bosl)

Julianne Moore was 36 years old when the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 1997. Born on December 3, 1960, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, she turned 37 on December 3, 1997.

Before the Hannibal actress got the part, the role of Amber Waves was offered to Marisa Tomei. Julianne clearly does not regret starring in the movie that follows the rise and fall of a well-endowed male porn star.

“Oh my God, I think he should thank God for Boogie Nights. It made his career!” she told Andy Cohen in 2017 about Mark Wahlberg’s role as porn star Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights. “Yeah, my God, it’s a great movie. He was great in it.”

Mark Wahlberg regrets starring as Eddie Adams/"Dirk Diggler" in Boogie NightsMark Wahlberg regrets starring as Eddie Adams/”Dirk Diggler” in Boogie Nights (Credit: New Line Cinema)

Mark Wahlberg’s Breakthrough in ‘Boogie Nights’: A Deep Dive into His Career-Defining Performance as Dirk Diggler

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Mark Wahlberg expressed his hope for God’s forgiveness and understanding of his past poor choices, citing his role in “Boogie Nights” as one of the top decisions he hoped to be forgiven for.

“I just always hope that God is a movie fan and also forgiving because I’ve made some poor choices in my past,” Wahlberg said during an appearance at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

“Boogie Nights is up there at the top of the list,” the devout Catholic actor added, claiming to have asked God for forgiveness.

Julianne Moore's depiction of Amber Waves in Boogie Nights garnered her six awards and nominationsJulianne Moore’s depiction of Amber Waves in Boogie Nights garnered her six awards and nominations (Credit: New Line Cinema)

During an episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in April 2022, actor Mark Wahlberg discussed the prosthetic penis he wore in Boogie Nights. It became one of the most talked-about aspects of the movie, particularly for its size and the way it was depicted in the film’s final scene.

He confirmed to Ellen DeGeneres that he still possesses the prosthetic, kept safely locked away, humorously noting the awkward scenario of his children potentially finding it while searching for something like a phone charger.

“Yes, yes. It’s in a safe locked away,” Wahlberg said about the prosthetic penis he used to portray his role as an adult film actor. “It’s not something I could leave out. All of a sudden my kids are looking for a spare phone charger and pull that thing out and go, ‘What the heck is this?!’ It wouldn’t be a good look.”

In "Boogie Nights," Mark Wahlberg stars as Eddie Adams/Dirk Diggler alongside Julianne Moore as Amber Waves, exploring the 1970s adult film industryIn “Boogie Nights,” Mark Wahlberg stars as Eddie Adams/Dirk Diggler alongside Julianne Moore as Amber Waves, exploring the 1970s adult film industry (Credit: New Line Cinema)

Style Spotlight: Julianne Moore’s Timeless Fashion Choices and Tom Ford Collaboration

In November 2014, Julianne Moore joined Elizabeth Banks, Jessica Simpson, and Jennifer Lawrence for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 premiere at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

She plays the role of President Alma Coin, the leader of the rebellion against the Capitol and a central figure in the final two installments of the series.

Julianne Moore at the premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 17, 2014Julianne Moore at the premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 17, 2014 (Credit: Apega / WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / Nicky Nelson / Hubert Bosl)

For the American dystopian science fiction adventure film premiere, the then 53-year-old actress and children’s author donned a glamorous black dress by Tom Ford featuring flowing fringed layers at the hem.

Julianne Moore in a glamorous black dress by Tom Ford featuring flowing fringed layers at the hemJulianne Moore in a glamorous black dress by Tom Ford featuring flowing fringed layers at the hem (Credit: Apega / WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / Nicky Nelson / Hubert Bosl)

She styled the vintage-inspired floor-length gown with a matching glitter clutch bag.

Julianne Moore shows off her glittering ringsJulianne Moore shows off her glittering rings (Credit: Apega / WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / Nicky Nelson / Hubert Bosl)

Julianne’s show-stopping ensemble was completed with platform sandals from the Tom Ford Spring 2013 collection.

Julianne Moore toting a matching glitter clutch bagJulianne Moore toting a matching glitter clutch bag (Credit: Apega / WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / Nicky Nelson / Hubert Bosl)

How do you like Julianne’s Tom Ford fringe dress and sandals? You can browse the most recent releases from the same designer at Farfetch.

Julianne Moore shows off her feet in platform sandals from the Tom FordJulianne Moore shows off her feet in platform sandals from the Tom Ford (Credit: Apega / WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / Nicky Nelson / Hubert Bosl)