Dear Oscars, Olivia Colman Won British Hearts As Sophie From Peep Show Long Before The Favourite

Sophie, like Queen Anne, was a hilarious, multi-faceted character and Olivia breathed humour into every part of her. She was sometimes sneaky (the job application and “discovering” the engagement ring), often sassy, strong, spiritual (yep, she was responsible for the Rainbow Rhythms invite), irresponsible, spoilt (Nana’s cottage – and the Happy Birthday down-the-stairs hat dance), not to forget kind and thoughtful.  

The Favourite might have included some exposing sex scenes, but over the course of nine series, Olivia laid the groundwork for her Oscar-winning performance. She navigated not only several excruciatingly awkward sex scenes, but heartbreak, being cheated on and childbirth – all similar themes to her recent blockbuster. She also got high at work and battled alcoholism. Mark covering her in coloured balls at the soft play was darkly funny. 

Olivia, like David Mitchell and Robert Webb – who were the lead characters Mark and Jez, broke the conventions of the one-dimensional sitcom character, with so many very human layers. 

And it’s those human layers that underpin every character I have seen Colman play, which is perhaps a reflection of how human and down-to-earth she seems IRL. I hate to admit I have never watched Broadchurch, but standout Colman performances for me include Hannah in Tyrannosaur, Deborah in Flowers and the evil godmother in Fleabag. And we have so much more of her to look forward to with Fleabag season two and The Crown season three, in which she plays the Queen.

She said to her kids in her speech: “This is not going to happen again.” But I for one hope it does. So Hollywood, watch this space.