Olivia Colman, born Sarah Caroline Colman on January 30, 1974, in Norwich, Norfolk, England, is a highly respected British actress known for her versatility across comedy and drama. She first gained recognition through television roles in series such as *Peep Show*, *Green Wing*, and *Broadchurch*, where she played a lead detective in a gripping crime drama, boosting her profile significantly[2][4]. Colman’s film breakthrough came with *The Favourite* (2018), a dark period comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, in which she portrayed Queen Anne. This role won her the Academy Award for Best Actress, as well as other prestigious awards including the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival[1][3]. She received further Oscar recognition with a Best Supporting Actress nomination for *The Father* (2020), a drama featuring Anthony Hopkins[1][3]. Other notable film work includes *The Lost Daughter* (2021), *Tyrannosaur* (2011), and *The Lobster* (2015)[5]. On television, Colman has earned critical acclaim for roles in *The Night Manager* (2016) and her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s *The Crown* (2019–2020), the latter winning her multiple awards including BAFTAs and Golden Globes[3][4]. She also has a strong presence in voice acting for animated films such as *The Mitchells vs. the Machines* (2021) and *Puss in Boots: The Last Wish* (2022)[1]. Married to Ed Sinclair since 2001, Colman balances a prolific career with family life. As of 2025, she remains a prominent figure in British and international film and television, known for her emotional depth, comedic timing, and ability to inhabit complex characters[4][5].