We knew Anna Kendrick could act when we saw her in Up in the Air and we knew she could sing after Pitch Perfect, but thanks to her star turn hosting 'SNL', this past weekend we now can now officially say she is one of Hollywood’s most multi talented young actresses. Kendrick has won praise for her hosting stint, which included Disney reworkings and dressing up as a zoo keeper. Kendrick's career seems to be going from strength to strength lately, which isn't surprising considering this actress has been perfecting her craft for a very long time.

Anna KendrickAnna Kendrick hosted 'SNL' this past weekend

Anna Kendrick started her career young, by 10 she was attending auditions and at 12 she landed the role of Dinah, the precocious pre teen from musical High Society on Broadway. For her performance Kendrick became the third youngest ever recipient of a Tony Award nomination, she also won the Theatre World award which recognises outstanding debu acting performances. Kendrick's stage career continued when next starred in A Little Light Music for the New York City Opera company.

After earning her stage credentials young, Kendrick’s film debut came in 2003’s Camp, Todd Graff’s indie flick following students at a performance arts summer camp. For her movie debut Kendrick picked up the Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Debut Performance as well as a best supporting actress nomination from the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film. A further Independent Spirit nomination followed for her next film role in 2009's, Rocket Science. Kendrick shined in her role as Ginny Ryerson, the fast talking and competitive High School debate team leader. This early independent film success gave Kendrick the oppourtunity she needed to leap into the mainstream as she landed a role in mammoth teen franchise Twilight. Kendrick would appear in all the Twlight movies as Jessica Stanley, Bella Swan’s best friend. 

Anna KendrickAnna Kendrick, from Broadway to Twlight

Whilst the Twlight films might have gotten her atention among teen audiences, mainstream recognition of Kendrick’s talents came after her performance in 2009s Up in the Air, alongside George Clooney. The film was widely acclaimed and earned six Academy Award nominations. Kendrick’s performance was especially recognised with a Best Supporting Actress nod to add to her Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations. Kendrick was next seen in Scott Pilgrim vs the World as Pilgrim's sister Stacey. The movie was directed by her then boyfriend Edgar Wright whom she dated up until late last year .

Next page: Pitch Perfect and beyond