Holly Hunter Reflects on Iconic Role in The Piano as She Embarks on New Star Trek Journey
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Holly Hunter has taken a moment to reflect on her celebrated role in the 1993 film The Piano, a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the actress discussed not only her time on the film but also her new venture in the Star Trek universe, as she stars in the recently premiered series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
The exclusive interview took place on March 10 in Hollywood during the Star Trek: Starfleet Academy For Your Consideration event. At 67, Hunter’s reminiscing regarding her role as Ada McGrath highlights how fondly she looks back on her experiences working alongside talented collaborators, including Oscar-winning director Jane Campion and Anna Paquin, who portrayed her daughter Flora in the film.
Hunter expressed her gratitude for the shared experiences during the making of The Piano, saying, “Oh, I loved having the experience with my cast. It was cool to experience it with them as opposed to being alone.” Reflecting on Campion’s influence, she added, “And of course I was in love with the character, so that made it really special.”
In The Piano, Hunter’s performance was complemented by that of Anna Paquin, who, at just 11 years old, took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, making her the second-youngest competitive winner in history. The film itself achieved significant acclaim, with Campion winning for Best Original Screenplay and the movie receiving a nomination for Best Picture. Additionally, Campion made history by becoming the first female director to win the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for this remarkable film.
Hunter’s admiration for Paquin remains evident as she reminisces about working alongside the now 43-year-old actress. “She’s extraordinary and I’ve loved my time with Anna over the years,” she noted, although she expressed lament for not having seen Paquin recently due to a lack of shared time in Los Angeles.
As she looks towards the present day, Hunter finds herself stepping into the role of Nahla Ake in the new science-fiction series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Portraying the Chancellor of Starfleet Academy and Captain of the U.S.S. Athena, Hunter leads a group of cadets aspiring to become Starfleet officers. Discussing her character, she remarked, “I was really drawn to the character as soon as I read her, and I think it’s captivating to think about playing somebody who’s over 400 years old.”
Hunter recalls being captivated by the original Star Trek series when it aired in the 1960s, an intrigue that has come full circle as she rises to prominence within this iconic franchise. However, she clarified her artistic preferences by stating, “I have never been attracted to movies or plays that sent me out a big message or claimed a moral correctness, a moral righteousness in the world… But I love the moral universe of Star Trek.”
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which premiered in January 2026, boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Paul Giamatti, Robert Picardo, Tig Notaro, and several promising new actors such as Bella Shepard and Karim Diané. The series aims to capture the spirit of camaraderie and exploration that has long characterized the franchise.
While Hunter has transitioned into new roles and opportunities, she maintains a desire for the entertainment industry to thrive in Los Angeles. “I want the work to come back to LA,” she expressed, hoping for a resurgence of vitality in the industry.
As Hunter reflects on her remarkable career, both in The Piano and her role in Star Trek, she exemplifies the enduring spirit of an actress who has consistently entertained and inspired audiences across generations. With Star Trek: Starfleet Academy now available on Paramount+, viewers can look forward to seeing more of Hunter’s captivating performances in this exciting new chapter of her career.