Olivia Colman took home two awards at the BAFTAs last night, in a ceremony that had more than one shock in store.
Olivia Colman can kiss her days as a guest/bit actress goodbye as the Broadchurch actress walked away from last nights (May 12) BAFTA Television Awards with two gongs to her name. The actress best known for playing lovely Sophie on Peep Show can probably expect starring roles and a greater freedom with her roles than ever before, and frankly it couldn't have come to anyone more deserving.
The actress won the awards for best supporting actress, for her role in ITV's The Accused, and best female in a comedy programme for Twenty Twelve, with the BBC's Olympic send-up also taking home the award for best sitcom. Upon receiving her first award for her role in The Accused, the actress told the audience, "Turns out it does mean a lot. And I'm not going to cry," adding that she owes her win to her co-star Anne Marie Duff, "If it's alright with everyone, it's for Anne Marie and me to share - we're Anne Malivia Colemuff, we did it together and I couldn't have done it without her to play off."
Olivia Colman clutches her winnings
By the second time though it was a little more difficult for Colman to stick with her promise of not crying, but she still managed to hold back the tears anyway (it's almost as though she is destined to become the next nation's sweetheart with that kind of demeanour). On her second walk to the podium the actress decided this time to dedicate her award to her competitors Miranda Hart, Jessica Hynes and Julia Davis, saying; "I'm not even the funniest one in our own programme (referring to Hynes)."
Also taking home prizes on the night were Sheridan Smith (Best Actress - Mrs Biggs) and Skyfall actor Ben Whishaw (Best Actor - Richard II (The Hollow Crown)), with Eastenders robbing Coronation Street in the soap category and Game of Thrones taking home the Audience Award.
The full list of winners:
Actor - Ben Whishaw
Actress - Sheridan Smith
Female comedy performance - Olivia Colman
Male comedy performance - Steve Coogan
Supporting actor - Simon Russell Beale
Supporting Actress - Olivia Colman
Drama series - Last Tango in Halifax
Sport and live event - The London 2012 Paralympic Games
News coverage - 'Hillsborough - The Truth at Last (Granada Reports)'
Current Affairs - The Shame of the Catholic Church
Sitcom - Twenty Twelve
Soap and continuing drama - EastEnders
Audience award - Game of Thrones
BAFTA Special Award - Clare Balding
Fellowship Award - Michael Palin
Michael Palin was given BAFTA's highest honour
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