2005 • Earl of Essex

DIRECTOR: Tom Hooper
WRITER(S): Nigel Williams
PRODUCER(S): Barney Reisz
AIR DATE: September 29, 2005 (UK), April 22, 2007 (US)
DISTRIBUTOR(S): Channel 4, HBO
LOCATIONS: Vilnius, Lithuania

Elizabeth I is a two-part mini-series starring Helen Mirren and Jeremy Irons and exploring the private and public life of Elizabeth I and her struggle to stay afloat in a male-dominated world. The first part starts in 1579, dealing with the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and the Earl of Leicester and introducing Leicester's stepson, the Earl of Essex. The second part tells the story of Queen Elizabeth's affair with the Earl of Essex. Her emotions cloud her judgment and affect her decision-making over her kingdom.

In addition to being well received by the critics and getting a well packaged release from HBO, Elizabeth I also garnered awards from the Emmys, Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, and West Bank Awards. Helen Mirren and Jeremy Irons were the recipients of individual awards and Hugh was honored with one Emmy nod ("Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries").

• Dame Helen Mirren . . . Queen Elizabeth I
• Jeremy Irons . . . Earl of Leicester
• Patrick Malahide . . . Sir Francis Walsingham
• Toby Jones . . . Robert Cecil
• Barbara Flynn . . . Mary Queen of Scots
• Ian McDiarmid . . . William Cecil, Lord Burghley
• Jérémie Covillault . . . Duke of Anjou
• Ewen Bremner . . . King James VI
• Eddie Redmayne . . . Southampton