Top 10 Silliest Olivia Colman Moments
#10: Look at Me!
It’s rare for one scene to be used constantly to promote a film’s release yet still garner the same excited reaction from the audience when they watch the moment play out in the cinema. But that’s exactly what happened with 2018’s “The Favourite.” With Olivia Colman playing a fictional version of Queen Anne, Rachel Weisz’s Lady Sarah Churchill criticizes Anne’s appearance by comparing it to a badger. As she goes to leave, Anne glances at a servant and yells at them to look at her before screaming, “How dare you?!” when he does. Colman’s comedic talents were shining through in this unhinged and hilarious moment.
#9: Botox Buddy
During the press junket for “Wicked Little Letters,” Colman and co-star Jessie Buckley met with BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay. Colman can’t seem to get her head around the fact that she and Kay are the same age, as she believes he looks much younger than her. She then asks him how much Botox he’s had, which he claims he hasn’t had. Bluntly and honestly, Colman states she’s had “loads,” and it hurts since “it’s needles in your face.” This wasn’t the only memorable radio moment of Colman’s though. What about Colman calling Paul Rudd while he was live on BBC Radio 1 as a practical joke and teasing him for not contacting her when he was in England? Then there’s her pigeon impression, which is something you HAVE to witness. Delightful.
#8: Sobbing Speech
The public often loves when actors are honest and Colman is seemingly one of the most truthful performers around. In 2014, she collected her third BAFTA TV award when she won “Best Actress” for her stunning performance in “Broadchurch.” The emotions got the best of her as Colman wept through her acceptance speech. But she also charmed viewers everywhere by managing to make people laugh while she spoke through her tears. (Xref) When she returned to the stage in 2019 to collect a BAFTA for “Best Actress in a Leading Role” in “The Favourite,” Colman was less sobby this time but had just as much nervous energy. Her announcing how they were going to celebrate later brought a cheer from the crowd.
#7: BAFTA Tea Lady
Safety videos on airplanes are vital, but they can be pretty dull. In 2017, British Airways stepped up the game by featuring several famous UK faces and adding a dash of comedy to one of theirs. After that success, the following year, they did a new one with a similar format and fresh faces, except with Asim Chaudhry playing the terrible director once more. In this one, Colman comes over to do her bit of the announcement. However, Chaudhry believes she’s the tea lady and takes her coffee for himself. While the actor corrects him by stating she has 3 BAFTAs, he chuckles and doesn’t believe her. After her safety bit and getting more disrespect from Chaudhry, Colman slams his ponytail for her mic drop moment.
#6: Dirty Doris
2007’s “Hot Fuzz” was a comedy masterpiece. Part of the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, it was the most financially successful film and helped launch Olivia Colman’s career. Playing the role of PC Doris Thatcher, the actor has spoken about how enjoyable the role was, and for a good reason. Armed with a West Country accent and a deep library of dirty jokes, Thatcher stole every scene she was in with filthy, witty remarks. One particular highlight was her viciously taking out a supermarket employee with a sign and quipping, [“Nothing like a bit of girl-on-girl,”] complete with a raucous laugh.
#5: Troubles of Working from Home
As the world was amid the pandemic in 2020, Christmas was a different time in the UK. Gone was the traditional pantomime as people had to stay at home. But not all hope was lost. A group of actors got together to put on “Cinderella: A Comic Relief Pantomime for Christmas,” letting the audience enjoy the story from the safety of their homes. Each actor performed their fundraising panto pieces via Zoom. This gave us some great comedy moments with Colman as the Fairy Godmother and Narrator, who delivered witty rhymes and fourth wall breaking. At one point, after a long stretch of not being involved, we see Colman delightfully and understandably having a cheeky drink of beer.
#4: Tennant Chemistry
Olivia Colman is a beloved actor in the UK with her charming and honest personality. So, put her together with another national treasure in David Tennant, and you have a recipe for super success. The duo worked together for the critically acclaimed gritty TV show “Broadchurch.” When the two did promos for the second season across various nations, they were clearly having a great time. At one point, they introduced themselves with the other’s name and attempted South African accents with infectious laughter. While doing the promos in French, which is amazing on its own, Tennant jokingly called out Colman for reading it. The close friendship between the two warms our cold, cold hearts.
#3: In-Depth With Vogue
In a 2019 interview with Vogue containing 73 questions, Colman let her mockumentary talents shine. Pretending that she’s been living in high society because she’s portrayed the Queen on more than one occasion, we see her enjoying life at an extravagant residence, complete with a butler. While descending a grand staircase and being asked about the most outrageous thing she’s done in her life, the juxtaposition of her joyous answer of defecating in a cupboard as a child is delightful. Add in Colman’s British joke of “pull my finger,” mentioning being called a “national treasure” sounding like an “old teapot,” and the fancy and strange dinner guests coming over, and the whole interview is an unexpected masterclass.
#2: Every Graham Norton Appearance
Whenever Colman is on “The Graham Norton Show,” she steals the show. So, get ready for some quick-fire moments. Firstly, we have her unintentionally slamming Jack Whitehall’s American accent. Then, there’s the time she accidentally found out about the season 1 culprit in “Broadchurch.” What about Meryl Streep inadvertently criticizing Colman’s teeth on set? We related with Colman when she stated she nearly wet herself meeting Idris Elba and Lena Dunham. We can’t forget her discussing how she dressed provocatively while unknowingly auditioning for the character of a nun. We gotta mention the fan art about Colman and Tennant’s chemistry. There’s also Colman detailing putting a wet sponge “down there” for an intimate scene. Colman also gives us her face hack for playing Queen Elizabeth II. Finally, there’s her not being able to control her body when performing.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
The Foil of “Fleabag”
As the Godmother, Colman’s Brutal Backhanded Compliments & Insults Were Wonderful
Eating British Delicacies
Doing the Best for Britain by Charmingly Promoting the UK’s Cuisine to the World
The Fart Interview
Colman’s Childlike Delight at Fart Sound Effects Was Hilarious
Teaming with Emilia Clarke
Honestly Chit-Chatting About Non-Glamorous Glamor Secrets, Including Knickers
“Peep Show” Favorite
The Iconic Role of Slowly Morphing From Put-Together Sophie to Mark’s Unhinged Ex
#1: The Oscar Speech
The crème de la crème of Colman’s career – so far – was when she was rightfully awarded an Academy Award in 2019 for “Best Actress” for her work in “The Favourite.” Her acceptance speech was special as she opened up by describing the situation as “genuinely quite stressful.” But what made it even better was Colman admitting later that she doesn’t remember the experience! Colman also collected a Golden Globe for the film. Laughter erupted when she shouted out her co-stars Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz by lovingly calling them a certain derogatory word! At the 2020 Oscars, Colman returned to present an award. In her speech, she hilariously mentioned her win being the best night in her husband’s life!
What’s your favorite Olivia Colman screen performance? Let us know below!