---
name: "Richard Curtis"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/richard-curtis"
fi1m_id: "richard-curtis"
imdb_id: "nm0193485"
tmdb_id: 7018
wikidata_id: "Q355300"
roles: ["Writer","Producer","Director"]
born: "8 November 1956"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 19
average_fi1m_score: 72
average_as: "writer"
average_over: 15
updated: "2026-10-07T11:25:36.685810+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Richard Curtis

## Identity

Richard Curtis

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/richard-curtis
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** richard-curtis
- **IMDb ID:** nm0193485
- **TMDB ID:** 7018
- **Wikidata ID:** Q355300
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Curtis, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q355300, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0193485/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/7018

Writer and producer. Born 8 November 1956 in Wellington, New Zealand.

## Details

- **Work:** Writer, Producer, Director
- **Born:** 8 November 1956, Wellington, New Zealand
- **Active:** 1963–present
- **Also known as:** 리처드 커티스, ریچارد کورتیس, ریچارد کرتیس
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 19: 2 directing, 15 writing, 1 producing, 1 other
- **Frequently works with:** [Tim Bevan](https://film.one/person/tim-bevan.md), [Eric Fellner](https://film.one/person/eric-fellner.md), [Hugh Grant](https://film.one/person/hugh-grant.md), [Duncan Kenworthy](https://film.one/person/duncan-kenworthy.md), [Graeme Harper](https://film.one/person/graeme-harper.md), [Rowan Atkinson](https://film.one/person/rowan-atkinson.md), [Alan Wareing](https://film.one/person/alan-wareing.md), [Alice Troughton](https://film.one/person/alice-troughton.md)
- **Academy Awards:** 1 Oscar nomination
- **Average Fi1m score:** 72, as writer, over 15 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1960s 81 (1), 1980s 76 (2), 1990s 76 (5), 2000s 66 (4), 2010s 67 (6), 2020s 74 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 68 to 63 across 9 titles
- **Score spread:** 6 at 80+, 8 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Genres:** Comedy 10, Drama 7, Romance 6, Action & Adventure 2, Adventure 2, Sci-Fi & Fantasy 2
- **Screen time:** 17 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $2,136m across 8 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Curtis, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q355300, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0193485/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/7018

## Coming up

- *Not Alone* (2027-03-18), Executive Producer

## Streaming the US now

- **BritBox:** [*Blackadder*](https://film.one/tv/blackadder.md) (84), [*Mr. Bean*](https://film.one/tv/mr-bean.md) (82), [*The Vicar of Dibley*](https://film.one/tv/the-vicar-of-dibley.md) (80)
- **Hulu:** [*Bridget Jones's Diary*](https://film.one/film/bridget-joness-diary.md) (80), [*Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason*](https://film.one/film/bridget-jones-the-edge-of-reason.md) (48)
- **Netflix:** [*Four Weddings and a Funeral*](https://film.one/film/four-weddings-and-a-funeral.md) (80), [*About Time*](https://film.one/film/about-time.md) (66)
- **The Roku Channel:** [*Doctor Who*](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who.md) (81)
- **AMC+:** [*Doctor Who*](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who-2005.md) (78)
- **Apple TV:** [*Casualty*](https://film.one/tv/casualty.md) (68)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Love Actually*](https://film.one/film/love-actually.md) (58)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Richard Curtis

> Richard Curtis writes social embarrassment with precision, especially when Hugh Grant is doing the apologising. We like his warmth, but repeated mannerisms and crowded romances leave his actors working harder than they should to make us care.

Hugh Grant's William Thacker keeps qualifying an apology until he has made the conversation harder for himself. In *Notting Hill* (1999), Curtis gives him words that seem to obstruct the simple business of speaking to another person. We laughed because Grant makes William aware of how ridiculous he sounds, yet unable to stop. Roger Michell gives the courtship room to be tender without making every feeling another embarrassment. Julia Roberts has less room in the script, and her warmth has to compensate for that imbalance.

His television work included co-creating *Blackadder* (1983) and *Mr Bean* (1990), before *The Vicar of Dibley* (1994). With Paul Mayhew-Archer, Curtis makes a woman vicar's arrival a matter of neighbours learning to live alongside her. Dawn French gives Geraldine the warmth that makes this gentle approach persuasive. The programme remains good company even when the village eccentrics become predictable. Curtis sometimes keeps a familiar joke going because he seems too fond of the person telling it.

*Four Weddings and a Funeral* (1994) brought his breakthrough as a film screenwriter; the romances that followed repeatedly benefited from actors who could keep awkwardness recognisably adult. In Sharon Maguire's *Bridget Jones's Diary* (2001), Renée Zellweger has to do that work rather too often. The screenplay, shared with Helen Fielding and Andrew Davies, sometimes treats Bridget's intelligence as expendable when there is another humiliation available. Zellweger keeps her worth caring about, and Grant supplies the mischief. We recommend it, with the reservation that its heroine deserves more trust from her writers.

Curtis's first feature as director, *Love Actually* (2003), is where our patience thins. Bill Nighy's sour delivery improves the jokes, while Emma Thompson makes Karen's hurt register with little fuss. But the screenplay keeps introducing and revisiting people when it ought to be spending longer with fewer of them. Editor Nick Moore makes the switches clear, yet promising exchanges finish before the characters have had time to develop. Its insistence that we feel festive becomes tiring.

He went on to write and direct *About Time* (2013), using time travel to explore family and regret. For a first encounter, we would choose *Notting Hill*, where Moore's editing gives Grant's comic hesitations useful space. Just allow for a second half that spends too long finding reasons to keep its lovers apart.

## Biography

Richard Curtis is a British screenwriter, producer and director. Born Richard Whalley Anthony Curtis on 8 November 1956 in Wellington, New Zealand, he studied at the University of Oxford, where he met comedian Rowan Atkinson.

He co-wrote the sitcom *Blackadder* (1983–1989) with Ben Elton. His screenplays for feature films include *Four Weddings and a Funeral* (1994) and *Notting Hill* (1999). Curtis co-founded the British charity Comic Relief with Lenny Henry in 1985.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (19)

### Directed (2)

- *About Time* (2013), Fi1m 66, Executive Producer, Writer, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/about-time.md)
- *Love Actually* (2003), Fi1m 58, Director, Screenplay — [page](https://film.one/film/love-actually.md)

### Wrote (15) — the average rests on these

- *Yesterday* (2019), Fi1m 60, Producer, Screenplay, Story — [page](https://film.one/film/yesterday.md)
- *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* (2018), Fi1m 77, Story, Executive Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/mamma-mia-here-we-go-again.md)
- *Trash* (2014), Fi1m 64, Screenplay — [page](https://film.one/film/trash.md)
- *War Horse* (2011), Fi1m 62, Writer — [page](https://film.one/film/war-horse.md)
- *Doctor Who* (2005), Fi1m 78, Writer — [page](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who-2005.md)
- *Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason* (2004), Fi1m 48, Screenplay — [page](https://film.one/film/bridget-jones-the-edge-of-reason.md)
- *Bridget Jones's Diary* (2001), Fi1m 80, Screenplay — [page](https://film.one/film/bridget-joness-diary.md)
- *Notting Hill* (1999), Fi1m 78, Writer, Executive Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/notting-hill.md)
- *Bean* (1997), Fi1m 60, Executive Producer, Screenplay — [page](https://film.one/film/bean.md)
- *Four Weddings and a Funeral* (1994), Fi1m 80, Writer — [page](https://film.one/film/four-weddings-and-a-funeral.md)
- *The Vicar of Dibley* (1994), Fi1m 80, Creator, Producer, Writer — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-vicar-of-dibley.md)
- *Mr. Bean* (1990), Fi1m 82, Creator, Writer — [page](https://film.one/tv/mr-bean.md)
- *Casualty* (1986), Fi1m 68, Writer — [page](https://film.one/tv/casualty.md)
- *Blackadder* (1983), Fi1m 84, Writer, Creator — [page](https://film.one/tv/blackadder.md)
- *Doctor Who* (1963), Fi1m 81, Writer — [page](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who.md)

### Produced (1)

- *Rising Phoenix* (2020), Fi1m 74, Executive Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/rising-phoenix.md)

### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years* (2016), Fi1m 71, as Self — [page](https://film.one/film/the-beatles-eight-days-a-week-the-touring-years.md)

## Complete filmography (63)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Not Alone* (2027), Executive Producer
- *That Christmas* (2024), Book, Screenplay, Executive Producer
- *Genie* (2023), Writer
- *Blackadder: A Cunning Story* (2023), Thanks
- *Blackadder: The Lost Pilot* (2023), Writer
- *The Vicar of Dibley: In Lockdown* (2020), Writer
- *Nations United: Urgent Solutions for Urgent Times* (2020), Director
- *Rising Phoenix* (2020), Executive Producer — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/rising-phoenix.md)
- *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Yet Again* (2019), Writer
- *Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw* (2019), as Bicycle Courier (uncredited) — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/film/fast-and-furious-presents-hobbs-and-shaw.md)
- *Four Weddings and a Funeral* (2019), series, Executive Producer
- *Yesterday* (2019), Story, Screenplay, Producer — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/yesterday.md)
- *One Red Nose Day and a Wedding* (2019), Writer
- *Diamonds are a Bean's Best Friend* (2018), Characters
- *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* (2018), Story, Executive Producer — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/mamma-mia-here-we-go-again.md)
- *Red Nose Day Actually* (2017), Director, Screenplay
- *Comic Relief: Red Nose Day* (2017), Executive Producer
- *Roald Dahl's Esio Trot* (2015), Writer, Executive Producer
- *Trash* (2014), Screenplay — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/trash.md)
- *About Time* (2013), Director, Writer, Executive Producer — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/about-time.md)
- *Mary and Martha* (2013), Writer
- *Megh Roddur* (2013), Story
- *War Horse* (2011), Writer — Fi1m 62, [page](https://film.one/film/war-horse.md)
- *No Pressure* (2010), Writer
- *Victoria Wood: Seen on TV* (2009), Actor
- *The Boat That Rocked* (2009), Director, Writer, Executive Producer
- *The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency* (2009), series, Producer, Creator
- *Blackadder Exclusive: The Whole Rotten Saga* (2008), Writer
- *British Film Forever* (2007), series, Actor
- *Sixty Six* (2006), Executive Producer
- *The Girl in the Café* (2005), Screenplay, Executive Producer
- *Doctor Who* (2005), series, Writer — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who-2005.md)
- *Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason* (2004), Screenplay — Fi1m 48, [page](https://film.one/film/bridget-jones-the-edge-of-reason.md)
- *Love Actually* (2003), as Trombone Player (uncredited) · Director, Screenplay — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/love-actually.md)
- *Mr. Bean: The Animated Series* (2002), series, Creator
- *Bridget Jones's Diary* (2001), Screenplay — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/bridget-joness-diary.md)
- *French & Saunders - Live* (2000), Writer
- *Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire* (1999), Writer
- *Notting Hill* (1999), Executive Producer, Writer — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/notting-hill.md)
- *Blackadder: Back & Forth* (1999), Writer
- *Doctor Who: The Curse of Fatal Death* (1999), Executive Producer
- *Bean* (1997), Screenplay, Executive Producer — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/bean.md)
- *The Vicar of Dibley* (1994), series, Writer, Producer, Creator — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-vicar-of-dibley.md)
- *Four Weddings and a Funeral* (1994), Co-Executive Producer, Writer — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/four-weddings-and-a-funeral.md)
- *Rowan Atkinson Live: Invisible Drum Kit* (1992), Writer
- *Rowan Atkinson Live* (1992), Writer
- *Bernard and the Genie* (1991), Writer
- *Mr. Bean Takes an Exam* (1991), Writer
- *The Exciting Escapades of Mr. Bean* (1991), Writer
- *Mr. Bean Goes to a Première* (1991), Writer
- *Mr. Bean* (1990), series, Writer, Creator — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/mr-bean.md)
- *The Robbie Coltrane Special* (1989), Writer
- *The Tall Guy* (1989), as Man Leaving Bathroom (uncredited) · Writer
- *Blackadder's Christmas Carol* (1988), Writer
- *Blackadder: The Cavalier Years* (1988), Writer
- *Comic Relief* (1988), series, Creator
- *Casualty* (1986), series, Writer — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/casualty.md)
- *Madness the Pilot* (1984), Writer
- *Blackadder* (1983), series, Writer, Creator — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/blackadder.md)
- *Dead on Time* (1983), as Man in restaurant · Writer
- *Not the Nine O'Clock News* (1979), series, Writer
- *Doctor Who* (1963), series, Writer — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/doctor-who.md)
- *Old Bean*, series, Writer

## Gallery

- ![Richard Curtis](https://film.one/media/person/60123/gallery-c11b72fdd7ec.jpg) Richard Curtis — Montclair Film Festival, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Richard_Curtis_MFF_2016.jpg/1280px-Richard_Curtis_MFF_2016.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Love Actually With Richard Curtis LukeParkerBowles and EmmaFreud Photo courtesy of Neil Grabowsky, Montclair Film Festival. (2016)](https://film.one/media/person/60123/gallery-a060dec04eb8.jpg) Love Actually With Richard Curtis LukeParkerBowles and EmmaFreud Photo courtesy of Neil Grabowsky, Montclair Film Festival. (2016) — Montclair Film, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Love_Actually_With_Richard_Curtis_LukeParkerBowles_and_EmmaFreud.jpg/1280px-Love_Actually_With_Richard_Curtis_LukeParkerBowles_and_EmmaFreud.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Richard Curtis at the Montclair Film Festival 2016.](https://film.one/media/person/60123/gallery-6fe5a4894b24.jpg) Richard Curtis at the Montclair Film Festival 2016. — Montclair Film, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Richard_Curtis_%2826657630142%29.jpg/1280px-Richard_Curtis_%2826657630142%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Richard Curtis at the Montclair Film Festival 2016.](https://film.one/media/person/60123/gallery-75bce0603b78.jpg) Richard Curtis at the Montclair Film Festival 2016. — Montclair Film, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Richard_Curtis_%2826749114016%29.jpg/1280px-Richard_Curtis_%2826749114016%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Richard Curtis at the Montclair Film Festival 2016.](https://film.one/media/person/60123/gallery-f490fdd0f07d.jpg) Richard Curtis at the Montclair Film Festival 2016. — Montclair Film, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Richard_Curtis_%2826749114696%29.jpg/1280px-Richard_Curtis_%2826749114696%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Richard Curtis at the Montclair Film Festival 2016.](https://film.one/media/person/60123/gallery-3d05b702d689.jpg) Richard Curtis at the Montclair Film Festival 2016. — Montclair Film, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Richard_Curtis_%2826749115026%29.jpg/1280px-Richard_Curtis_%2826749115026%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 1 nominated

- 1995: Best Writing, Original Screenplay (nominated), for *Four Weddings and a Funeral*

### Other awards — 1 won, 1 nominated

- Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award 2025: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (won)
- European Film Award - People's Choice Award for Best Director 2004: European Film Award - People's Choice Award for Best Director (nominated), for *Love Actually*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/richard-curtis