In 1980, Blethyn made her television debut in Mike Leigh's "Grown-Ups". She later won leading roles on the short-run sitcoms "Chance in a Million" (1984–1986) and "The Labours of Erica" (1989–1990). She made her big-screen debut with a small role in Nicolas Roeg's 1990 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's "The Witches". She experienced a major career breakthrough with her leading role in Mike Leigh's 1996 drama "Secrets &amp; Lies", for which she received multiple awards, including Best Actress at Cannes, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award nomination. She earned her second Academy Award nomination two years later, for her performance in "Little Voice" (1998).