The glittering world of 1990s Hollywood witnessed one of its most dramatic friendship breakdowns when Gwyneth Paltrow and Winona Ryder, once inseparable A-list companions, became embroiled in a bitter feud over an Oscar-winning role.
The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Friendship
During the 1990s, Gwyneth Paltrow and Winona Ryder represented Hollywood royalty at its finest. They were constantly photographed together at glamorous events and even dated best friends Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Their bond appeared unbreakable until a fateful visit to Ryder's San Francisco home changed everything.
The controversy began when Paltrow allegedly discovered the script for Shakespeare in Love during a visit to Ryder's residence. According to reports, Paltrow was immediately captivated by the material and contacted her agent to secure an audition for the lead role of Viola de Lesseps.
The Oscar-Winning Betrayal
The situation escalated dramatically when Paltrow ultimately won the part that Ryder had been lined up for. The 1998 romantic comedy-drama became a critical darling, featuring an ensemble cast including Joseph Fiennes, Colin Firth, Judi Dench, Geoffrey Rush, and Ben Affleck.
To add insult to injury, the film achieved the ultimate Hollywood recognition by winning Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 1999. Paltrow's performance earned her the Best Actress Oscar, cementing her status as a Hollywood heavyweight while simultaneously destroying her friendship with Ryder.
Denials and Digital Daggers
Paltrow has consistently denied stealing the role from her former best friend. During a 2015 interview with Howard Stern, she dismissed the allegations as an 'urban myth', stating: 'I swear to God I did not, I'm raising my right hand on the Bible. I swear to God.'
The actress revealed she hadn't spoken to Ryder in years and suggested her former friend's 'jealousy' had led her to 'makeup lies'. However, Paltrow appeared to reignite the controversy in 2009 through her Goop newsletter.
In a piece titled 'Evil Tongue and Living in Negativity', she described a 'frenemy' who was 'hell-bent on taking me down'. While not naming Ryder directly, many readers connected the description to the actress, particularly when Paltrow referenced 'something unfortunate and humiliating' that happened to this person.
This was widely interpreted as a reference to Ryder's 2001 shoplifting arrest in Beverly Hills, where she was accused of stealing £4,000 worth of designer items from Saks Fifth Avenue. Ryder was found guilty of grand theft, shoplifting, and vandalism, receiving three years of probation, 480 hours of community service, and substantial fines.
Paltrow wrote about hearing the news: 'My reaction was deep relief and...happiness. There went the high road. So, why does it feel so good to hear something bad about someone you don't like?'
Though Paltrow never confirmed the identity of the person she described, one thing remains certain: Winona Ryder definitely isn't on her Christmas card list anymore.
