Holly Hunter
Holly Hunter, also known for her roles in The Incredibles and Batman v Superman, plays the main character of The Piano, a mute pianist named Ada. Ada is forced into a marriage with a New Zealand frontiersman named Stewart; however, she begins to fall in love with one of his friends, Baines, instead, leading to an intense conflict which turns violent when Stewart finds out. Holly Hunter won her first Oscar for her role as Ada, in the category of "Best Actress in a Leading Role".
Harvey Keitel
Harvey Keitel plays Baines, the ruggedly handsome frontiersman that Ada falls in love with. Baines was attracted to Ada before she knew, and because her piano was accidentally sold away, Ada agrees to a deal Baines proposes where she will earn back one piano key for every meeting they have. The "lessons" eventually become more and more sexual, and Ada begins to reciprocate Baines' affections. Harvey Keitel won an Australian Film Institute "Best Actor in a Lead Role" award for his role as Baines.
Anna Paquin
Anna Paquin plays Flora, Ada's young adolescent daughter who acts as her mouthpiece and communicator with the outside world. Flora is an obedient, somewhat shy girl who speaks on behalf of her mother, interpreting her sign language so other people can understand her. Anna Paquin became the second youngest actress ever to win an Oscar for her performance in The Piano, being only 11 years old at the time of receiving the award.
Sam Neill
Sam Neill plays Alisdair Stewart, the man who Ada is put into an arranged marriage with by her father. Stewart is a New Zealand frontiersman, a man used to the outdoors and the wild. He disregards Ada's piano, seeing it as useless and foolish, and throws it away on the beach, causing Ada to further dislike him. He later becomes paranoid about Ada and Baines' relationship (for good reason) lashes out. Sam Neill's performance was critically well-received; critics praised his commitment to the role and his authenticity of acting, particularly during the later scenes.
