Top 10 Olivia Colman Performances

A quirky dark comedy about the Flowers family, Colman shows a different side of herself to audiences in this role. Due the the eccentricities of the family, each character feels completely different, and the audience is never quite sure what’s really happening under the surface. The cast brilliantly sells this through amazing acting and Colman in particular shines as the matriarch of the family. Although she makes some questionable decisions, Colman as Deborah Flowers is instantly entertaining and one of the best parts of the series.

When it first premiered, “Fleabag” garnered critical acclaim for its unique writing style and performances. Colman was nominated for a BAFTA for this role, and understandably so. Playing the titular character’s Godmother, she subtly tries to undermine Fleabag in every situation and Colman plays this perfectly. Seeming nice on the surface, but actually rude and selfish underneath, Godmother feels like someone you’d meet in real life. Colman and Phoebe Waller-Bridge perfectly sell the awkwardness and strange power dynamics of having to deal with unlikeable family members.

An abstract film, “The Lobster” is centred around the strange premise that if someone cannot find love, they will be turned into an animal. Colman has a supporting role in the film as the manager of the hotel that the main characters stay at. Her role is far from the focus of the film, but every scene with her is immediately entertaining and memorable. Going from seemingly kind to aggressive and mean, Colman’s acting sells the oppressive nature of the film’s hotel, and society as a whole.

Starring alongside Tom Hollander, Colman plays the wife of the titular Reverend. This programme had a unique blend of drama, comedy and surprising nuance, so it’s no surprise that Colman’s performances had all these traits too. Picking up a BAFTA nomination for her supporting role, it’s easy to see why she is such a celebrated actress. The programme interestingly delved into the lives of reverends and their families. Having tender moments, but also moments of doubt, with her husband, Alexandra never fails to surprise and delight.

This funny series demonstrates some of the actress’ best comedic work. Colman is Sally Owen (in a BAFTA Award-winning portrayal), a woman who is hopelessly in love with her boss. Shot in a mockumentary style, the show brilliantly captures the awkwardness and struggles of the people trying to organise the London 2012 Olympics. Colman yet again shines in the subtleties that she brings to the role, desperately trying to win the love of Hugh Bonneville’s Ian Fletcher. If you’re looking for a laugh, this is definitely one to watch.

In one of Colman’s longest lasting roles, she portrays Mark’s main love interest, Sophie. Going from simply the object of Mark’s affections to the mother of his child, Sophie is an integral part of the programme. Colman expertly portrays Sophie’s disbelief at Mark’s weirder traits and provides a different sort of humour to the series as a whole. Over the years, Sophie grows as a character and becomes part of the madness that makes “Peep Show” feel so unique. This performance is truly a highlight of Colman’s career.

A complex and tense spy thriller, this programme truly captivated audiences when it first aired. Although Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie received much of the acclaim, Olivia Colman’s role was integral and masterfully acted. Playing the intelligence officer that recruits Hiddleston’s Jonathan Pine, Colman brings the role to life. Staying on the sidelines for part of the series, she also gets some action scenes that really differentiate this role from others. It’s no wonder that Colman was nominated for an Emmy and won a Golden Globe for her performance.

A darker role in her filmography, “Tyrannosaur” sees Olivia playing a victim of abuse, who forms a relationship with a troubled man. This film, and her role, reflect the harshness and darkness of life, but also retain some elements of hope. Thanks to this acting turn, Colman was able to show audiences that she was able to pull off dramatic roles as well as her more familiar comedic fare. Truly being able to bring life to any role, Colman’s performance in this film makes for an intense and emotional watch.

The role that brought Colman into the international spotlight, this performance has been praised by many critics. Winning the Golden Globe for her star turn, Colman truly shines in this film. Although accompanied onscreen by Hollywood leading ladies Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, Colman more than holds her own, and dominates each scene she is in as the Queen. This role will be significant in her career for years to come, as it feels like the culmination of all her hard work over the years.

Co-starring alongside David Tennant, Colman brings her absolute best to “Broadchurch”. The stream of mysteries that make up the programme are always enamouring, but the relationship between the two leads is truly the main draw. Colman, as Miller, has both many emotionally heavy and tender moments to portray, and she nails these all completely. Her performance in the first series won her a BAFTA and deservedly so. She is both entertaining and sympathetic in every scene she is in, and sometimes that sympathy brings crushingly heartbreaking results.