The Oscar-winning actress was truly an effortless '90s 'It girl'
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It's no easy feat to be an "It girl" and America's Sweetheart, but Sandra Bullock pulled off both in the '90s.
The Virginia native made her big screen debut in 1987's Hangmen and appeared in A Fool and His Money (1989) and Love Potion No. 9 (1992), as well as on the TV show Working Girl, before landing her breakthrough role alongside Keanu Reeves in 1994's Speed.
From there, the beloved actress churned out one box-office hit after another, including the films While You Were Sleeping (1995), The Net (1995), Hope Floats (1998) and Practical Magic (1998).
Bullock won even more hearts when she played rough-and-tumble cop-turned-beauty-queen Gracie Heart in 2000's Miss Congeniality and 2005's Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous. However, the classic performances didn't stop there — she starred in The Lake House (2006) and The Proposal (2009) before snagging a Best Actress Oscar at the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010 for her riveting performance in The Blind Side.
Though she's taken a break from Hollywood — which she clarified to PEOPLE in June 2022 wasn't a retirement but simply "just going to not spend time in front of the camera for a while" — her more recent on-screen appearances include Ocean's Eight (2018), Bird Box (2018), The Unforgivable (2021), The Lost City (2022) and Bullet Train (2022).
Along the way, she's wowed on red carpets as a '90s fashion icon and shared sweet on-set moments with costars. Take a trip down memory lane with a look at some of Sandra Bullock's best throwback photos.
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Girl Next Door
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The budding superstar appeared shy and a little nervous at the premiere of 1993's Demolition Man.
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Taking the Reins
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A fresh-faced and rosy-cheeked Bullock aptly took the driver's seat during a promotion for Speed in this undated shot.
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From Costars to Friends
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Now longtime friends, Bullock and Reeves were side-by-side at the 1994 premiere of Speed in L.A.
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Simple Elegance
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Bullock was in good spirits while attending the 1995 premiere of The Net in a little pink dress.
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Golden Winner
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Bullock won big for Speed at the 1995 MTV Movie Awards, nabbing Best Female Performance. She also walked away with three other popcorn bucket trophies: Best Kiss and Best On-Screen Duo with Reeves, as well as Most Desirable Female.
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Star Girl
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The Lost City actress posed with her award during the 22nd annual People's Choice Awards in March 1996.
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Brunette Beauty
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Though she wouldn't win her first Oscar until 2010 for The Blind Side, Bullock was certainly one of the night's winners when she arrived at the 68th Academy Awards in March 1996. The actress stunned in a floor-length, chocolate-brown Calvin Klein dress, accentuated with silver accessories and big hair.
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Sharing the Spotlight
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Costars Bullock and Jason Patric goofed around during a 1997 press junket for Speed 2: Cruise Control.
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Night on the Town
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The superstar was all smiles during APLA's 10-Year Commitment to Life benefit gala in February 1998.
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Goofing Around
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Also in 1998, Bullock starred in the classic film Hope Floats opposite Harry Connick Jr. Above, the two were captured having some fun while filming.
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Adorable Date
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At the Hope Floats premiere, Bullock paused to take an adorable picture with her young costar, Mae Whitman, who plays her daughter Bernice in the romance drama.
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Serving Face
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Bullock donned a romantic makeup look at the 25th annual People's Choice Awards in January 1999.
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Hug It Out
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Goofing around on set appears to be a theme for Bullock! She was pictured keeping close tabs on costar Ben Affleck as the two filmed 1999's Forces of Nature.
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Gothic Girl
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For the Forces of Nature premiere, the Gravity actress wore a deep ruby red ensemble, which she complemented with '90s dark makeup.
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Heaven Sent
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The Miss Congeniality star looked angelic in this pristine, white Oscar de la Renta gown at the 2004 Oscars.
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