The keyword phrase functions as a noun phrase. Its grammatical purpose is to act as a single unit that names a specific person. The core or head of the phrase is the common noun "actress," which is modified by the preceding words to specify a particular individual.
A detailed grammatical analysis breaks the phrase into its components. "Actress" serves as the head noun, identifying the person's profession. The proper noun "Patriots Day" acts as a noun adjunct, functioning adjectivally to specify the film with which the actress is associated. Similarly, the proper noun "Jessica Kensky" also serves as a modifier, specifying the real-life person or character portrayed by the actress in that film. The sequence of these proper nouns creates a compound modifier that narrows the identity of the head noun to a single, specific entity.
In application, this construction is highly specific and functions as a unique identifier. The entire noun phrase is designed to pinpoint the exact performer who played a particular role in a named production. The grammatical classification as a noun phrase is crucial because it confirms the subject is a person, place, or thingin this case, a personwhich dictates how it is treated within a larger sentence structure or as a standalone search query.
