Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Olivia Colman

How Olivia Colman built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Olivia Colman, born Sarah Caroline Sinclair, is a highly acclaimed English actress recognized for her diverse acting abilities in both comedy and drama. Her impressive career has earned her numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, multiple BAFTA Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and a Volpi Cup, solidifying her status as one of the most talented and celebrated actors of her generation.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 2013: Participating in Alzheimer's Society's Holkham Hall Memory Walk

In September 2013, Olivia Colman participated in the Alzheimer's Society's Holkham Hall Memory Walk.

2013: Presenting the Mind Media Awards

In 2013, Olivia Colman presented two of the Mind Media Awards, which celebrate accurate, responsible, and sensitive portrayals of mental health across the media. She has also spoken about her experience of postnatal depression.

2013: Judge of the Norwich Film Festival

Since 2013, Olivia Colman has served as a judge of the Norwich Film Festival.

August 2014: Opposing Scottish Independence

In August 2014, Olivia Colman was among 200 public figures who signed a letter to The Guardian opposing Scottish independence.

September 2014: Scottish Independence Referendum

Olivia Colman opposed Scottish independence in the run-up to the September 2014 referendum on the issue.

December 2014: Involvement in BBC Radio Documentary for Amnesty International UK

In December 2014, Olivia Colman was involved in a BBC Radio documentary about the plight of women in Afghanistan for Amnesty International UK, reading stories of women at risk.

2014: Becoming Patron of Tender Charity

Inspired by her research for the film Tyrannosaur, in 2014, Olivia Colman became the patron of the UK charity Tender, which educates young people about preventing violence and sexual abuse.

2015: Becoming Ambassador for UNICEF UK

In 2015, Olivia Colman became an ambassador for UNICEF UK.

2016: Golden Globe Award for The Night Manager and Emmy Nomination for Fleabag

In 2016, Olivia Colman received a Golden Globe Award for her performance in The Night Manager and received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Fleabag.

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2018: Becoming Patron of the Anthony Nolan Blood-Cancer Charity

In 2018, Olivia Colman became the patron of the Anthony Nolan blood-cancer charity, which she said helped a friend of hers.

2018: Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and BAFTA Award for The Favourite

In 2018, Olivia Colman received the Academy Award for Best Actress, the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in The Favourite.

2019: Golden Globe Award for The Crown

In 2019, Olivia Colman received a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown.

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2019: Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire

In 2019, Olivia Colman was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to drama.

November 2020: Signing Open Letter Condemning Violence Against Trans Women

In November 2020, Olivia Colman signed an open letter condemning violence and discrimination against trans women.

2020: Becoming President for UNICEF UK

In 2020, Olivia Colman became president for UNICEF UK.

2020: Primetime Emmy Award for The Crown

In 2020, Olivia Colman received a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown.

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2020: Golden Globe Award and Academy Award Nomination for The Father

In 2020, Olivia Colman was nominated for the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Father.

2021: Collaboration on Landscapers

In 2021, Olivia Colman and Ed Sinclair collaborated on the miniseries Landscapers, created and co-written by Sinclair, with Colman playing the lead role.

2021: Golden Globe Award and Academy Award Nomination for The Lost Daughter

In 2021, Olivia Colman was nominated for the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in The Lost Daughter.

2022: Appearance in Netflix's Heartstopper

In 2022, Olivia Colman played Sarah Nelson in the Netflix series Heartstopper, earning the Children's and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Performance for her role in the first season.

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2022: Starring Roles in Joyride, Empire of Light, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

In 2022, Olivia Colman starred in the film Joyride, played the lead in Empire of Light, and voiced roles in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.

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November 2023: Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza War

In November 2023, Olivia Colman signed a letter that called for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and condemned western cultural institutions for "repressing, silencing and stigmatising Palestinian voices and perspectives."

December 2023: Appearances in Wonka and The Crown

In December 2023, Olivia Colman appeared as Mrs. Scrubbit in Wonka, released on December 8, 2023, and reprised her role as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, released on December 14, 2023. She also appeared in seasons 2 and 3 of The Bear as Chef Andrea Terry.

2023: Collaboration on Wicked Little Letters

In 2023, Olivia Colman and Ed Sinclair collaborated on the film Wicked Little Letters, which they produced together, with Colman playing the female lead.

2023: Starring Roles in Great Expectations and Secret Invasion, and Production of Wicked Little Letters

In 2023, Olivia Colman starred as Miss Havisham in Great Expectations and as Sonya Falsworth in Secret Invasion. She also produced and starred in the film Wicked Little Letters.

2024: Starring Role in Paddington in Peru

In 2024, Olivia Colman stars as The Reverend Mother in Paddington in Peru, the third film in the Paddington film series.

January 2025: Premiere of Jimpa at Sundance

In January 2025, the film Jimpa, starring Olivia Colman, premiered at Sundance on January 23.

September 2025: Pledging not to work with Israeli Film Institutions

In September 2025, Olivia Colman signed an open pledge with Film Workers for Palestine, pledging not to work with Israeli film institutions "that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people."