Elizabeth Karlsen is an AmericanâÂÂBritish film producer. Her career has spanned over three and a half decades, and in 2019, she was awarded the BAFTA award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema. Her work has garnered a total of 52 BAFTA nominations and wins, and 20 Academy Awardî nominations and wins. In 2002, she co-founded Number 9 Films with production partner and husband, Stephen Woolley.
She has produced independent films in the US and Europe including: Todd HaynesâÂÂs CAROL (nominated for 6 Academy Awardsî, 6 Golden Globe Awards and 9 BAFTA Awards) Mark HermanâÂÂs LITTLE VOICE (winner of a Golden Globe Award, nominated for 1 Academy Awardî, 6 Golden Globe Awards and 6 BAFTA Awards) Neil JordanâÂÂs THE CRYING GAME (winner of an Academy Awardî, a BAFTA Award and nominated for 6 Academy Awardsî), MADE IN DAGENHAM (nominated for 3 BAFTA Awards) and Phyllis NagyâÂÂs MRS HARRIS (nominated for 12 Emmyî Awards, 3 Golden Globe Awards and a PGA Award) and Wash WestmorelandâÂÂs COLETTE (Nominated for 4 BIFAâÂÂs and an Independent Spirit Award). Other work includes: ON CHESIL BEACH, written by Ian McEwan and directed by Dominic Cooke; THEIR FINEST, directed by Lone Scherfig; THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM written by Jane Goldman and directed by Juan Carlos Medina, GREAT EXPECTATIONS, written by David Nicholls and directed by Mike Newell, THE NEON BIBLE directed by Terence Davies and BYZANTIUM directed by Neil Jordan and as co-producer Paolo SorrentinoâÂÂs YOUTH (nominated for 1 Academy Awardî and winner of 3 European Film Awards). She also produced the international box office success Ladies in Lavender, starring Maggie Smith and Judi Dench.
She has had multiple films selected for Palme DâÂÂOr competition in Cannes and premieres in international film festivals including TIFF, LFF, NY and Sundance.
In addition to film work, MADE IN DAGENHAM: THE MUSICAL opened in LondonâÂÂs West End in 2014 starring Gemma Arterton.
Elizabeth has served on the board of The Edinburgh Film Festival, the NFTS Gala, the American Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts Events Committee, and was chair of Women in Film and TV UK.
In 2025, Karlsen was the Jury President of the Official Competition at the 69th BFI London Film Festival.
Director's name in brackets after film title.