Strathairn came to prominence in the 1980s and the 1990s performing in the films of fellow Williams College graduate John Sayles, including "Return of the Secaucus 7" (his screen debut), "The Brother from Another Planet", "Matewan", "City of Hope", "Eight Men Out", and "Limbo". Strathairn was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for portraying journalist Edward R. Murrow in "Good Night, and Good Luck" (2005). He is also recognized for his role as CIA Deputy Director Noah Vosen in the 2007 film "The Bourne Ultimatum", a role he reprised in 2012's "The Bourne Legacy". He played a prominent role as Dr. Lee Rosen on the Syfy series "Alphas" from 2011 to 2012 and played Secretary of State William H. Seward in Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" (2012). He won an Emmy and was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in the TV film "Temple Grandin" (2010). He was nominated for a Satellite Award for his performance in "Nomadland" (2020).