The film was well received by critics, and charted well at the box office, becoming the highest grossing British film yet released. The film won a BAFTA, and was nominated in two other categories. Notting Hill won several other awards, including a British Comedy Award and a Brit Award for the soundtrack.
As listed in the opening credits
Julia Roberts as Anna Scott: A world-famous Hollywood film star. She meets Will when she comes into his book shop whilst shopping in Notting Hill. Roberts was the "one and only" choice for the role of Anna, although Roger Michell and Duncan Kenworthy did not expect her to accept the part. She did however take the role, with her agent citing it as "the best romantic comedy she had ever read".[1] Roberts herself commented that after reading the script she decided she was "going to have to do this".[2]
Hugh Grant as William Thacker: Recently divorced owner of a travel book shop in Notting Hill. He meets Anna Scott when she comes in looking for a book. The decision to cast Grant as Will was unanimous, as together he and Richard Curtis had a "writer/actor marriage made in heaven". Michell stated that "Hugh does Richard better than anyone else, and Richard writes Hugh better than anyone else", and that Grant is "one of the only actors who can speak Richard's lines perfectly".[1]
Hugh Bonneville as Bernie: A failing stockbroker and a friend of Will. He fails to realise who Anna Scott is upon first meeting her.
Emma Chambers as Honey Thacker: Will's ditzy younger sister, she is a huge fan of Anna Scott.
James Dreyfus as Martin: William's ineffective assistant at his bookshop.
Rhys Ifans as Spike: Will's strange Welsh flatmate, who dreams of being an artist. He is described by Will as "the stupidest person in the world".
Tim McInnerny as Max: Will's best friend, who Will often stays with. He and Bella host Honey's birthday party.
Gina McKee as Bella: a paraplegic lawyer and Will's ex-girlfriend. She is married to Max.