Kate Beckinsale is an actress.
Emma (1996 TV film) . This production of Emma stars Kate Beckinsale as the title character , and also features Samantha Morton as Harriet Smith and Mark Strong as Mr. Knightley . Kathrin Romary Beckinsale ( born 26 July 1973 ) is an English actress . She then appeared in British costume dramas such as Prince of Jutland ( 1994 ) , Cold Comfort Farm ( 1995 ) , Emma ( 1996 ) , and The Golden Bowl ( 2000 ) , in addition to various stage and radio productions . Much Ado About Nothing (1993 film) . The film also stars Branagh 's then-wife Emma Thompson , Robert Sean Leonard , Denzel Washington , Michael Keaton , Keanu Reeves , and Kate Beckinsale in her film debut .