Biography

Anna Carvalho

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Overview

Birth name
Ana Paula Carvalho
Nickname
- Paulinha
Height
5′ 7″ (1.70 m)

Biography

Anna Carvalho is a Luso-American award-winning actress and filmmaker known for her intense, psychologically driven performances and her bold, character-focused directing style. Multilingual and internationally trained, she works across the US and Europe, bringing depth, conviction and emotional intelligence to every project.

As an actress, Anna made her screen debut in the Venice-awarded feature Ossos (1997) directed by Pedro Costa. She has since built an international career across Portugal, the UK, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United States.

Her work can be seen on Prime Video in the award-winning Free Dead or Alive (2022), alongside actresses Patricia Velasquez and Edy Ganem, and in the acclaimed drama Lux (2015) with José Pimentão.

She also has a strong theatre background, performing in productions such as Macbeth, Saint Joan, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Frankenstein, Lysistrata, and immersive experiences including Alita: Passport Iron City and Jack Ryan Experience.

As a filmmaker, Anna has written, directed and produced multiple award-winning short films, earning distinctions including Best Woman Director, Best Actress and Best Drama Film on the international festival circuit. Her work is known for its psychological depth, strong female leads and exploration of identity, resilience and moral complexity.

Anna holds a Master’s in Performing Arts, a degree in Audiovisuals, and is a proud member of the Portuguese Film Academy. She is also a dedicated practitioner of Tukong Moosul, a Korean martial art that reflects her disciplined and fearless approach to both acting and directing.
- IMDb mini biography by: Anonymous

Self-verified on IMDbPro

Gender / Gender identity
Female
Pronouns
she/her

Trivia

One of the founders of the Portuguese Improv Troupe "O Cão Comeu o Guião" directed by João Pinto Dias.
Anna began working as a producer in 2002 and, from 2004 to 2005, served as the producer of the television program Portugal Industry, a show focused on the Portuguese industry.
In high school and later in college, Anna's teachers encouraged her to pursue a career as an actress.
Star, co-writer, and producer of the theatrical show Death Cabaret, which toured nationwide for one year.
Anna participated in several youth exchange programs for artists across Europe. In 2008, she served as the leader of the Portuguese group and one of the acting teachers for the 'Youth Exchange' Art2b in the Netherlands.