Watts starred in '' The Impossible '' ( 2012 ) , a disaster drama based on the true story of María Belón and her family 's experience of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami ; she played the lead role , with her name changed to Maria Bennett . The film was a critical darling , had the highest-grossing opening weekend for a film in Spain , and made US$ 180.2 million ( equivalent to $ million in ) globally . Deborah Young of '' The Hollywood Reporter '' stated that " Watts packs a huge charge of emotion as the battered , ever-weakening Maria whose tears of pain and fear never appear fake or idealised , " while Justin Chang of '' Variety '' magazine remarked that she " has few equals at conveying physical and emotional extremis , something she again demonstrates in a mostly bedridden role . " Damon Wise of '' The Guardian '' felt that " Watts is both brave and vulnerable , and her scenes with the young Lucas ... are among the film 's best . " Watts went on to be nominated for the Academy Award , Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actress
2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
Naomi Watts