:Michael Sheen

Sheen was born on 5 February 1969 in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/arts/sites/michael-sheen/pages/biography.shtml |title=Michael Sheen biography |date=11 January 2011 |publisher=BBC Cymru Wales|access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626200622/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/arts/sites/michael-sheen/pages/biography.shtml |url-status=live }} the son of Irene, a secretary, and Meyrick, a British Steel Corporation personnel manager. He has one younger sister, Joanne. The family had already been living in Llanmartin for seven years prior to his birth.{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24578061|title=Michael Sheen's anger over mural demolition|date=18 October 2013 |publisher=BBC|access-date=26 July 2020|archive-date=23 May 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150523081809/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24578061| url-status=live|quote=Sheen was born in Newport and his family lived in Llanmartin in the county for 12 years before moving to Port Talbot when the actor was five.}} When he was five, the family moved to Wallasey for work,{{cite tweet |user=michaelsheen |number=637357951552884736 |title=I lived in Wallasey for three years when I was a kid |date=28 August 2015 |last=Sheen |first=Michael |access-date=16 October 2016|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190626200618/https://twitter.com/michaelsheen/status/637357951552884736|url-status=live}} but settled in his parents' home town of Port Talbot, Glamorgan, three years later.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/mar/20/michael-sheen-interview-damned-united |title=That's all I play – me |first=Simon |last=Hattenstone |newspaper=The Guardian |date=20 March 2009 |access-date=20 September 2010 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219064933/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/mar/20/michael-sheen-interview-damned-united |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/showbiz/michael-sheen-coming-home-find-1885305 |title=Michael Sheen is Coming Home to find his family roots |first=Kirstie |last=McCrum |website=Wales Online |date=13 November 2010 |access-date=9 January 2018 |archive-date=10 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110054456/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/showbiz/michael-sheen-coming-home-find-1885305 |url-status=live }}

Director Sam Mendes has described Sheen as "a stage creature" and attributed that to the actor's Welsh roots: "I'm serious. He's Welsh in the tradition of Anthony Hopkins and Richard Burton: fiery, mercurial, unpredictable."{{cite news |title=An Actor Creates A Fearful, but Still Bratty, Mozart |first=Matt |last=Wolf |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/12/theater/theater-an-actor-creates-a-fearful-but-still-bratty-mozart.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=12 December 1999 |access-date=18 December 2013 |archive-date=25 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225113743/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/12/theater/theater-an-actor-creates-a-fearful-but-still-bratty-mozart.html |url-status=live }} A keen footballer, Sheen was scouted and offered a place on Arsenal's youth team at the age of 12, but his family was unwilling to relocate to London. He later said he was "grateful" for his parents' decision, as the chances of forging a professional football career were "so slim".{{cite magazine |title=Michael Sheen on vampires, politicians, and soccer |first=Darren |last=Franich |url=https://ew.com/article/2010/02/26/michael-sheen/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=26 February 2010 |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224202032/https://ew.com/article/2010/02/26/michael-sheen/ |url-status=live }}

Sheen was raised in a theatrical family; his parents were both involved in local amateur operatics and musicals{{cite web |url=http://thisiswhoiam.empireonline.com/Celebrities/View/Michael-Sheen_ |title=Michael Sheen – This Is Who I Am |work=Empire |year=2009 |access-date=24 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705084423/http://thisiswhoiam.empireonline.com/Celebrities/View/Michael-Sheen_ |archive-date=5 July 2009}} and, later in life, his father worked as a part-time professional Jack Nicholson lookalike.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/features/michael-sheen-a-touch-of-frost-410387.html |newspaper=The Independent|title=Michael Sheen: A touch of Frost |first=Michael |last=Coveney |date=3 August 2006 |access-date=25 May 2012 |archive-date=10 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210013656/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/features/michael-sheen-a-touch-of-frost-410387.html |url-status=dead }} In his teenage years, Sheen was involved with the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre and, later, the National Youth Theatre of Wales.{{cite web |title=Owain Arwel Hughes and Michael Sheen recognised in New Year's Honours List |date=15 January 2009 |website=WJEC |access-date=21 August 2011 |url=http://www.wjec.co.uk/index.php?nav=14&news=61 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927101054/http://www.wjec.co.uk/index.php?nav=14&news=61 |archive-date=27 September 2011 }} "It was a brilliant youth theatre", Sheen has said, "and it taught me not only a lot about acting, but also about work ethic; it was very disciplined."{{cite news |title=British Actor Michael Sheen Fights for The Damned United |first=Brad |last=Balfour |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/brad-balfour/qa-british-actor-michael_b_320393.html |work=HuffPost |date=14 October 2009 |access-date=18 September 2011 |archive-date=14 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114180952/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brad-balfour/qa-british-actor-michael_b_320393.html |url-status=live }} He was influenced by the performances of Laurence Olivier and the writings of theatre critic Kenneth Tynan, saying "the combination of those two things kind of blew my head off."{{cite news |title=Profile: Michael Sheen |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7805058.stm |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 August 2011 |date=31 December 2008 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930003342/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7805058.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.theartsdesk.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2184:theartsdesk-qa-michael-sheen&Itemid=80/ |title=Q&A: Actor Michael Sheen |date=11 September 2010 |website=The Arts Desk |access-date=29 July 2019 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716223852/http://www.theartsdesk.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2184%3Atheartsdesk-qa-michael-sheen&Itemid=80%2F |url-status=live }} Sheen was educated at Blaenbaglan Primary School, Glan Afan Comprehensive School and, finally, Neath Port Talbot College where he sat A-levels in English, Drama and Sociology.{{cite news |title=Portrait of the artist as a young man |first=Gavin |last=Allen |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Portrait+of+the+artist+as+a+young+man%3B+Michael+Sheen+will+be+at+the...-a0194199675 |newspaper=The Western Mail |date=21 February 2009 |access-date=20 September 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025074406/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Portrait+of+the+artist+as+a+young+man%3B+Michael+Sheen+will+be+at+the...-a0194199675 |url-status=live }} He considered studying English at university but instead decided to attend drama school. He moved to London in 1988 to train as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), having spent the previous year working in a Welsh fast-food restaurant called Burger Master to earn money. Sheen was granted the Laurence Olivier Bursary by the Society of London Theatre in his second year at RADA.{{cite web |title=Laurence Olivier Bursary |url=http://www.solt.co.uk/bursaries.html |website=Society of London Theatre |access-date=21 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830140013/http://www.solt.co.uk/bursaries.html |archive-date=30 August 2011}}{{cite news |title=Larry, dear Larry! In Olivier's footsteps |first=Kate |last=Youde |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/news/larry-dear-larry-in-oliviers-footsteps-2348908.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=4 September 2011 |access-date=18 September 2011 |archive-date=23 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923161328/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/news/larry-dear-larry-in-oliviers-footsteps-2348908.html |url-status=live }} He graduated in 1991 with a BA in Acting.

Sheen worked predominantly in theatre in the 1990s and has since remarked that he will always feel "slightly more at home" on stage. "It's more of an actor's medium. You are your own editor, nobody else is choosing what is being seen of you."{{cite news |title=Mr Sheen cleans up |first=Ravi |last=Somaiya |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/may/18/television.theatre |newspaper=The Guardian |date=18 May 2007 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219070159/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/may/18/television.theatre |url-status=live }} His first professional role, while still in his third and final year at RADA, was in When She Danced at the Globe Theatre in 1991.{{cite news |first=Rosanna |last=Greenstreet |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/dec/27/michael-sheen |title=Q&A |newspaper=The Guardian |date=27 December 2008 |access-date=24 October 2010 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219071013/http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/dec/27/michael-sheen |url-status=live }} He later described the role as "a big break. One day, I was at RADA doing a movement class, the next I was at a read-through with Vanessa Redgrave and Frances de la Tour."{{cite news |title=Another opening, another break |first=Tim |last=Teeman |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/another-opening-another-break-zjfr8vz37z0 |newspaper=The Times |date=5 January 2009 |access-date=18 September 2011}} Milton Shulman of the Evening Standard praised an "excellent" performance{{cite news |title=Review: When She Danced |first=Milton |last=Shulman |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=7 August 1991}} while The Observer wrote of "a notable West End debut".{{cite news |title=When She Danced at The Globe |first=Michael |last=Coveney |newspaper=The Observer |date=11 August 1991}} In 1992, Sheen's performance in Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Exchange received a MEN Theatre Award nomination{{cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:AMyebeGs4zkJ:www.roxanevacca.co.uk/portfolio.php%3Fartist_id%3D44%26action%3Dsave%26file%3DSheenCV.doc+manchester+award+michael+sheen+romeo+and+juliet+roxane+vacca&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjG80u7nDWYztqH41jY6CJKIDiQOh4EkcXVV1xpaGMikLAbeH7MhdWTRWJIDct4IRZhRurtKrRP9-E0kJuIOb46e5I8q0JpEz61X1eDYcCfzyJXtWk88fD_lwPTke87AlzqrcoE&sig=AHIEtbRrSVbV0j1LOhHKyIjqjyq7CVcfqQ |title=Michael Sheen CV |publisher=Roxane Vacca Management |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=13 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113002510/https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache%3AAMyebeGs4zkJ%3Awww.roxanevacca.co.uk%2Fportfolio.php%3Fartist_id%3D44&action=save&file=SheenCV.doc+manchester+award+michael+sheen+romeo+and+juliet+roxane+vacca&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjG80u7nDWYztqH41jY6CJKIDiQOh4EkcXVV1xpaGMikLAbeH7MhdWTRWJIDct4IRZhRurtKrRP9-E0kJuIOb46e5I8q0JpEz61X1eDYcCfzyJXtWk88fD_lwPTke87AlzqrcoE&sig=AHIEtbRrSVbV0j1LOhHKyIjqjyq7CVcfqQ |url-status=live }} and led theatre critic Michael Coveney to declare him "the most exciting young actor of his generation ... a volatile, electrifying and technically fearless performer".{{cite news |title=A wizard coming in from the wings |first=Jackie |last=McGlone |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/a-wizard-coming-in-from-the-wings-1.758465 |newspaper=The Herald |date=22 May 1993 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=10 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010171407/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/a-wizard-coming-in-from-the-wings-1.758465 |url-status=live }} His 1993 turn as Perdican in Alfred de Musset's Don't Fool With Love at the Donmar Warehouse was nominated for the Ian Charleson Award.{{cite web |url=http://www.tribute.ca/people/michael-sheen/8639/ |title=Michael Sheen Biography & Filmography |work=Tribute.ca |publisher=Tribute Entertainment Media Group |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=20 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820210706/http://www.tribute.ca/people/michael-sheen/8639/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Rebecca |title=Triumphant first acts |newspaper=The Sunday Times |date=13 March 1994}} and was described by The Independent as "quite thrilling".{{cite news |title=Blind men's bluff |first=Paul |last=Taylor |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre--blind-mens-bluff-paul-taylor-reviews-cheek-by-jowls-double-bill-1457106.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=24 April 1993 |access-date=18 September 2011 |archive-date=29 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129163226/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre--blind-mens-bluff-paul-taylor-reviews-cheek-by-jowls-double-bill-1457106.html |url-status=dead }} Also in 1993, Sheen appeared in the world premiere of Harold Pinter's Moonlight at the Almeida Theatre{{cite news |title=Pinter's Moonlight at the Donmar: Time to go |first=Blake |last=Morrison |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2011/apr/01/harold-pinter-moonlight-blake-morrison |newspaper=The Guardian |date=1 April 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=26 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326115121/http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2011/apr/01/harold-pinter-moonlight-blake-morrison |url-status=live }} and made his television debut in the 1993 BBC mini-series Gallowglass.{{cite news |title='Gallowglass' Serves 'Mystery!' |first=Howard |last=Rosenberg |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-10-05-ca-53467-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=5 October 1995 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=27 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127095532/http://articles.latimes.com/1995-10-05/entertainment/ca-53467_1_prime-suspect |url-status=live }}

Sheen played the title role in Peer Gynt in 1994. The Yukio Ninagawa production was staged in Oslo, Tokyo and at the Barbican Centre, London. The Times praised Sheen's "astonishing vitality"{{cite web |url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1802757622/bio |title=Michael Sheen Biography |website=Yahoo! Movies |access-date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091227074348/http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1802757622/bio |archive-date=27 December 2009 }} while The Independent found him "sensationally good" and noted that "the Norwegian press were grudgingly captivated by the mercurial Welsh boyo".{{cite news |title=A Peer with no equals |first=Paul |last=Taylor |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre--a-peer-with-no-equals-the-plan-was-to-stage-ibsens-peer-gynt-on-home-soil-in-olympic-year-enter-the-japanese-master-ninagawa-teaterflopp-jeered-a-norwegian-critic-by-paul-taylor-1394464.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=16 February 1994 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=24 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124080227/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre--a-peer-with-no-equals-the-plan-was-to-stage-ibsens-peer-gynt-on-home-soil-in-olympic-year-enter-the-japanese-master-ninagawa-teaterflopp-jeered-a-norwegian-critic-by-paul-taylor-1394464.html |url-status=dead }} In other 1994 work, Sheen appeared in Le Livre de Spencer at the Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe, Paris{{cite web |url=http://www.lesarchivesduspectacle.net/?IDX_Spectacle=26483 |title=Le Livre de Spencer |work=Les Archives du spectacle |date=18 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025140530/http://lesarchivesduspectacle.net/?IDX_Spectacle=26483 |archive-date=25 October 2011 |access-date=25 November 2011}} and starred in the cross-dressing farce Charley's Aunt at the Royal Exchange.{{cite news |title=I played a normal person once |first=Jasper |last=Rees |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/3643330/I-played-a-normal-person-once.html |date=6 June 2005 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=25 November 2011 |archive-date=10 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110210103/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/3643330/I-played-a-normal-person-once.html |url-status=live }} In 1995, he appeared opposite Kate Beckinsale in a production of The Seagull at the Theatre Royal, Bath{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/kate_beckinsale/biography |title=Kate Beckinsale Biography |work=People |access-date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305081723/http://www.people.com/people/kate_beckinsale/biography/ |archive-date=5 March 2016}} and, with the encouragement of Thelma Holt,{{cite news |title=Badfinger interview |first=David |last=Benedict |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/theatre-1272985.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201164327/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/theatre-1272985.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2012 |newspaper=The Independent |date=15 March 1997 |access-date=22 August 2011}} directed and starred in The Dresser at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth. In addition, Sheen made his film debut that year, appearing opposite Kenneth Branagh in Othello.{{cite news |title=Othello (1995) |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/135483/Othello/cast |access-date=19 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222085440/https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/135483/Othello/cast |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=The New York Times |date=2012 |archive-date=22 February 2012}} 1996 saw Sheen at the National Theatre for The Ends of the Earth, an original play by David Lan.{{cite news |title=The Passion of Michael Sheen |first=Matt |last=Wolf |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/arts/21iht-michaelsheen21.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=20 April 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=26 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426052510/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/arts/21iht-michaelsheen21.html |url-status=live }} A minor role in Mary Reilly marked the first of three film collaborations with director Stephen Frears.{{cite news |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/film/twz6/mary-reilly |title=Mary Reilly Review |first=Adrian |last=Turner |access-date=20 September 2011 |newspaper=Radio Times |archive-date=28 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028215108/http://www.radiotimes.com/film/twz6/mary-reilly |url-status=live }} Sheen's most significant appearance of 1997 was the title role in Henry V, staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) at their Stratford-upon-Avon theatre, which earned him a second Ian Charleson Award nomination.{{cite news |title=Ian Charleson award; Drama |newspaper=The Sunday Times |date=5 April 1998}} The Times praised "a blisteringly intelligent performance".{{cite news |title=Winning in a double act |newspaper=The Sunday Times |first=John |last=Harlow |date=16 April 1998}} Also in 1997, he appeared in a revival of Harold Pinter's The Homecoming at the National Theatre, directed by Roger Michell,{{cite news |title=The Homecoming |first=Matt |last=Wolf |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117432860 |newspaper=Variety |date=23 January 1997 |access-date=25 November 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121122/https://variety.com/1997/legit/reviews/the-homecoming-2-1200448980/ |url-status=live }} and directed Badfinger, starring Rhys Ifans, at the Donmar Warehouse.{{cite news |url=http://home.comcast.net/~badfinger2//newstand/art018.htm |title=A Peek Scaled in the Valleys |first=Jeremy |last=Kingston |date=18 March 1997 |newspaper=The Times |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630212324/http://home.comcast.net/~badfinger2//newstand/art018.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2012}}{{cite news |title=Theatre: Badfinger at the Donmar Warehouse |first=Paul |last=Taylor |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-widows-badfinger-oxford-playhouse-donmar-warehouse-1273450.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=17 March 1997 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=2 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202032537/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-widows-badfinger-oxford-playhouse-donmar-warehouse-1273450.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Junk shop in need of a tidy up |first=Kate |last=Bassett |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4708044/Junk-shop-in-need-of-a-tidy-up.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150914/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4708044/Junk-shop-in-need-of-a-tidy-up.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 September 2015 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 March 1997 |access-date=22 August 2011}} The latter was staged by the Thin Language Theatre Company, which Sheen had co-founded in 1991, aiming to further Welsh theatre.{{cite news |title=Gleaming talent of Mr Sheen |first=Kate |last=Bassett |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4707198/Gleaming-talent-of-Mr-Sheen.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150907/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4707198/Gleaming-talent-of-Mr-Sheen.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 September 2015 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=18 January 1997 |access-date=22 August 2011}} He then appeared in the biographical film Wilde, playing Robbie Ross to Stephen Fry's Oscar Wilde.{{cite news |title=Wilde's Antics: Victorians Were Only Half-Amused |first=Janet|last=Maslin|author-link=Janet Maslin|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E0CE3D7153EF932A35756C0A96E958260 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1 May 1998 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=22 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222063456/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E0CE3D7153EF932A35756C0A96E958260 |url-status=live }} In early 1998 Sheen formed a production company, The Foundry, with Helen McCrory and Robert Delamere to promote the work of emerging playwrights, and produced A Little World of Our Own at the Donmar Warehouse, which gave Colin Farrell his West End debut.{{cite news |title=Waiting for Godot was never so much fun |first=Robert |last=Butler |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/theatre-waiting-for-godot-was-never-so-much-fun-1150359.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=15 March 1998 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=2 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202072557/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/theatre-waiting-for-godot-was-never-so-much-fun-1150359.html |url-status=live }}

File:Old vic night.JPG, where Sheen starred in a successful revival of Amadeus in 1998. The play later transferred to Broadway.]]

From 1998 to 1999 Sheen starred as Mozart in a successful revival of Amadeus.{{cite web |title=Tickets for Broadway Amadeus Go on Sale |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/48700-Tickets-for-Broadway-Amadeus-Go-On-Sale-By-Phone-Oct-31|work=Playbill|date=31 October 1999 |access-date=21 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219020705/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/48700-Tickets-for-Broadway-Amadeus-Go-On-Sale-By-Phone-Oct-31 |archive-date=19 December 2013 }} The Peter Hall-directed production was staged at the Old Vic, London, and later transferred to the Music Box on Broadway. Ben Brantley, chief theatre critic for The New York Times, was particularly vocal in his praise. He noted that "Mr. Sheen elicits a real poetry from the role" and felt that, while watching him, "you start to appreciate the derivation of the term star. This actor is so luminous it's scary!"{{cite news |title=Mozart Blazes Before a Changed Salieri |first=Ben|last=Brantley|author-link=Ben Brantley|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/16/theater/theater-review-mozart-blazes-before-a-changed-salieri.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=16 December 1999 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=27 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727175703/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/16/theater/theater-review-mozart-blazes-before-a-changed-salieri.html |url-status=live }} The Independent found him "quite stunning as Mozart. His fantastically physical performance convinces you of his character's genius and the play catches fire whenever he's on stage."{{cite news |title=Amadeus review |first=David |last=Benedict |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-review-amadeus-1181877.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=31 October 1998 |access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=28 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128031706/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-review-amadeus-1181877.html |url-status=live }} Sheen was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Supporting Performance and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actor.{{cite web |url=http://www.olivierawards.com/about/previous-winners/view/item98534/Olivier-Winners-1999/ |title=Previous Winners: Olivier Winners 1999 |work=Olivier Awards |access-date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117002400/http://www.olivierawards.com/about/previous-winners/view/item98534/Olivier-Winners-1999/ |archive-date=17 January 2012 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/46735-Halls-Amadeus-Comes-to-the-Ahmanson-Oct-10-for-Six-Weeks |title=Hall's Amadeus Comes to the Ahmanson |work=Playbill |access-date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021235002/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/46735-Halls-Amadeus-Comes-to-the-Ahmanson-Oct-10-for-Six-Weeks |archive-date=21 October 2012 }} In 1999, Sheen explored the role of Jimmy Porter in the National Theatre's production of Look Back in Anger. In 2003, Sheen described the production as "the most enjoyable thing I've ever done ... everything came together".{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/interviews/theatre/london/E8821051273097/20+Questions+With...Michael+Sheen.html |title=20 Questions With...Michael Sheen |work=What's on Stage |access-date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020175922/http://www.whatsonstage.com/interviews/theatre/london/E8821051273097/20+Questions+With...Michael+Sheen.html |archive-date=20 October 2012 }} "Sheen has cornered the market in explosive energy", said The Independent, "but this thrilling performance is his finest yet."{{cite news |title=First Night: Furious young man roars his way to our sympathy |first=David |last=Benedict |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/first-night-furious-young-man-roars-his-way-to-our-sympathy-1106628.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=16 July 1999 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=27 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127164018/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/first-night-furious-young-man-roars-his-way-to-our-sympathy-1106628.html |url-status=live }} The Financial Times noted: "As Jimmy Porter, a role of staggering difficulty in every way, Michael Sheen gives surely the best performance London has yet seen from him ... You hang on every word he utters ... This is a dazzlingly through-the-body performance."{{cite news |title=Osborne's fury still sparkling |newspaper=Financial Times|date=19 July 1999}} He was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor and an Evening Standard Award for Best Actor.{{cite web |url=http://www.olivierawards.com/about/previous-winners/view/item98535/Olivier-Winners-2000/ |title=Previous Winners: Olivier Winners 2000 |work=Olivier Awards |access-date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117003247/http://www.olivierawards.com/about/previous-winners/view/item98535/Olivier-Winners-2000/ |archive-date=17 January 2012 }}

At this point in his career Sheen began to devote more time to film work.{{cite web |url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/39345 |title=Frost/Beaks: Michael Sheen On Shaming A President, Turning Into A Werewolf, And Visiting Burton's WONDERLAND! |work=Ain't It Cool |access-date=25 November 2011 |archive-date=8 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008044751/http://www.aintitcool.com/node/39345 |url-status=live }} Heartlands, a little-seen 2002 film about a naive man's road trip in the Midlands, was his first leading film role.{{cite news |title=A Touch of Frost |first=Michael |last=Coveney |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/features/michael-sheen-a-touch-of-frost-410387.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=3 August 2006 |access-date=22 November 2011 |archive-date=10 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210013656/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/features/michael-sheen-a-touch-of-frost-410387.html |url-status=dead }} While The Guardian dismissed the "cloying bittersweet-regional-lottery-Britfilm", it noted that "Sheen himself has a childlike, Frank Spencer-ish charm".{{cite news |title=Heartlands review |first=Peter |last=Bradshaw |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2003/may/02/artsfeatures10 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=2 May 2003 |access-date=21 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121123/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2003/may/02/artsfeatures10 |url-status=live }} "It was great to do something that was so different", Sheen has said of the role. "I usually play very extreme characters."{{cite news |title=Manning's choice: Back with some Heart |first=Jo |last=Manning |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Manning's+choice%3A+Back+with+some+Heart%3B+Welsh+actor+Michael+Sheen+has...-a0101248344 |newspaper=The South Wales Echo |date=3 May 2003 |access-date=21 August 2011 |archive-date=17 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017215920/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Manning%27s+choice%3A+Back+with+some+Heart%3B+Welsh+actor+Michael+Sheen+has...-a0101248344 |url-status=live }} Also in 2002, he had a minor role in the action-adventure film The Four Feathers.{{cite news |title=Going Undercover in the Service of Her Majesty |first=Elvis|last=Mitchell|author-link=Elvis Mitchell|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E06E4DA1030F933A1575AC0A9649C8B63 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=20 September 2002 |access-date=15 September 2011 |archive-date=22 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222063434/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E06E4DA1030F933A1575AC0A9649C8B63 |url-status=live }} In 2003, Sheen appeared in Bright Young Things, the directorial debut of his Wilde co-star, Stephen Fry. An adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's novel Vile Bodies, the film followed high society partygoers in decadent, pre-war London. Sheen played a gay aristocrat in an ensemble cast which included James McAvoy, Emily Mortimer, David Tennant, Dan Aykroyd, Jim Broadbent and Peter O'Toole. While the Los Angeles Times said he "shone",{{cite news |title=Partying as if there are no consequences |first=Carina |last=Chocano |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-sep-10-et-bright10-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=10 September 2004 |access-date=21 August 2011 |archive-date=27 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127094410/http://articles.latimes.com/2004/sep/10/entertainment/et-bright10 |url-status=live }} The Guardian felt the role "drastically under-uses his talents".{{cite news |title=The Brightest Young Thing of his generation |first=Dee |last=O'Connell |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/aug/31/features.magazine |newspaper=The Observer |date=31 August 2003 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121123/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/aug/31/features.magazine |url-status=live }} Sheen described his character as "possibly the campest man in cinema history" and relished a scene "where I do drugs with [a then 95-year-old] Sir John Mills."{{cite news |title=Michael Sheen: Premier league |first=James |last=Rampton |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/michael-sheen-premier-league-580933.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=24 September 2003 |access-date=22 August 2011 }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In other 2003 film work, Sheen portrayed the werewolf leader Lucian in Underworld{{cite news |title=His Hair's Not Always Perfect |first=Dave|last=Itzkoff|author-link=Dave Itzkoff|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/movies/07werewolves.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=5 February 2010 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=14 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214030636/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/movies/07werewolves.html |url-status=live }} and made a brief appearance in the sci-fi film Timeline.{{cite news |title=Timeline (2003) |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/278220/Timeline/cast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222072128/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/278220/Timeline/cast |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2012 |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=The New York Times |date=2012 |access-date=19 September 2011}}

Sheen returned to the stage in 2003 to play the title role in Caligula at the Donmar Warehouse, directed by Michael Grandage. It was the first of just three stage appearances during the 2000s; his young daughter was now based in Los Angeles which made more frequent stage runs in Britain impractical.{{cite web |url=http://www.broadway.com/shows/frostnixon/buzz/11214/michael-sheen/ |title=Broadway Buzz – Michael Sheen |date=29 March 2007 |work=Broadway.com |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121124/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/11214/michael-sheen/ |url-status=live }} The Independent{{'}}s critic declared it "one of the most thrilling and searching performances I have ever witnessed"{{cite news |title=Caligula, Donmar Warehouse |first=Paul |last=Taylor |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/caligula-donmar-warehouse-596189.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905075348/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/caligula-donmar-warehouse-596189.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 September 2009 |newspaper=The Independent |date=1 May 2003 |access-date=22 August 2011}} and The Daily Telegraph described him as an "outrageously charismatic actor" with "an astonishing physical presence".{{cite news |title=Potent echoes of Saddam the sadist |first=Charles |last=Spencer |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/3593762/Potent-echoes-of-Saddam-the-sadist.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=2 May 2003 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=25 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125081151/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/3593762/Potent-echoes-of-Saddam-the-sadist.html |url-status=live }} The Times praised a "riveting performance"{{cite news |title=Caligula |first=Benedict |last=Nightingale |url=https://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article874624.ece |newspaper=The Times |date=1 May 2003 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121126/https://www.the-tls.co.uk/ |url-status=live }} and The Guardian found him "highly impressive ... at one point he attacks his court poet with a single hair-raising leap across a chair and table".{{cite news |title=Caligula, Donmar Warehouse, London |first=Michael|last=Billington|author-link=Michael Billington (critic)|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2003/may/01/theatre.artsfeatures2|newspaper=The Guardian|date=1 May 2003 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121125/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2003/may/01/theatre.artsfeatures2 |url-status=live }} Sheen won an Evening Standard Award for Best Actor and a Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best Actor, and was again nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor.{{cite web |url=http://www.olivierawards.com/about/previous-winners/view/item98547/Olivier-Winners-2004/ |title=Previous Winners: Olivier Winners 2004 |work=Olivier Awards |access-date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117001422/http://www.olivierawards.com/about/previous-winners/view/item98547/Olivier-Winners-2004/ |archive-date=17 January 2012 }}

Sheen's breakthrough role was as British politician Tony Blair in 2003's The Deal. The Channel 4 film explored the so-called Granita pact made by Tony Blair and Gordon Brown prior to the 1994 Labour Party leadership election, and was the actor's first collaboration with screenwriter Peter Morgan. Director Stephen Frears cast him because "he was in Mary Reilly and I knew he was brilliant."{{cite web |url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/D/the_deal/director_interview.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031008214047/http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/D/the_deal/director_interview.html |archive-date=8 October 2003 |title=E4 – The Deal |work=Channel 4 |access-date=22 August 2011}} Filmed while he was playing Caligula nightly on stage, Sheen has remarked, "It's interesting that in searching for monsters to play, you often end up playing leaders."{{cite news |title=Blairs and Graces |first=Andrew |last=Mueller |date=10 December 2003 |newspaper=The Independent }} The Daily Telegraph praised his "earnest, yet steely, portrayal"{{cite news |title=Tony Blair: screen versions of the former prime minister |first=James |last=Lachno |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/8632940/Tony-Blair-screen-versions-of-the-former-prime-minister.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=21 July 2011 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822213312/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/8632940/Tony-Blair-screen-versions-of-the-former-prime-minister.html |url-status=live }} while The Guardian found him "excellent. This is intelligent and honest casting."{{cite news |title=Review: The Deal, Channel 4 |first=Michael |last=White |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/sep/16/uk.channel4 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=16 September 2003 |access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121128/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/sep/16/uk.channel4 |url-status=live }} In 2004, Sheen starred in ITV's Dirty Filthy Love, a comic film about a man dealing with OCD and Tourette's after a marital separation. Sheen spoke of "treading a fine line" because "a lot of the symptoms are intrinsically comical".{{cite web |url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/features/feature.php/4271/cuss-the-two-of-us-michael-sheen |title=Cuss the two of us |work=The Stage |access-date=21 August 2011}}{{dead link |date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Television Actor and a RTS Best Actor Award.{{cite news |title=Bafta nominations |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/mar/14/broadcasting.uknews1 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=14 March 2005 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219072347/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/mar/14/broadcasting.uknews1 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Royal Television Society Awards |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/tv_and_showbiz/s/151234_royal_television_society_awards |newspaper=The Manchester Evening News |date=15 March 2005 |access-date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112200730/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/tv_and_showbiz/s/151234_royal_television_society_awards |archive-date=12 November 2012 }} Also in 2004, Sheen played a pompous rock star in the romantic comedy Laws of Attraction{{cite news |title='Laws of Attraction': Attorneys at Love |first=Ann |last=Hornaday |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2004/04/30/AR2005033113012.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=30 April 2004 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=13 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113042941/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2004/04/30/AR2005033113012.html |url-status=live }} and produced and starred in The Banker, which won a BAFTA Award for Best Short Film.{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/film/laughing-all-the-way/2005/07/28/1122143912304.html |title=Laughing all the way |date=28 July 2005 |work=The Age |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=1 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901004059/http://www.theage.com.au/news/film/laughing-all-the-way/2005/07/28/1122143912304.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://film.britishcouncil.org/the-banker |title=British Council Film: The Banker |work=British Film Council |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=7 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907224114/http://film.britishcouncil.org/the-banker |url-status=live }}

In 2005, Sheen starred in the National Theatre's production of The UN Inspector, a David Farr adaptation of The Government Inspector. The Times wrote of "a scathingly brilliant and inventive performance"{{cite web |title=The UN Inspector – Reviews |url=http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/?lid=12005&dspl=reviews |work=Royal National Theatre |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403030443/http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/?lid=12005&dspl=reviews |url-status=live }} while Variety noted that the actor "adds comic finesse to his apparently ceaseless repertoire".{{cite news |title=Variety Reviews – The U.N. Inspector |first=Matt |last=Wolf |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117927477?refCatId=33 |newspaper=Variety |date=24 June 2005 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=14 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114091744/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117927477?refCatId=33 |url-status=live }} The Evening Standard, while conceding that the performance was "technically brilliant", expressed bemusement as to why "one of the most mercurial and inspiring actors we have seems set on impersonating Rik Mayall throughout".{{cite news |title=Rik's tricks and tics |first=Nick |last=Curtis |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/theatre/review-19363511-riks-tricks-and-tics.do |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918125716/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/theatre/review-19363511-riks-tricks-and-tics.do |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 September 2012 |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=17 June 2005 |access-date=22 August 2011 }} Also that year, he took part in the Old Vic's 24 Hour Play,{{cite news |title=Why have I got myself into this? |first=Paul |last=Arendt |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2005/jun/22/theatre1 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=22 June 2005 |access-date=21 November 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219070151/http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2005/jun/22/theatre1 |url-status=live }} in which The Daily Telegraph felt he "dazzled".{{cite news |title=What a difference a day makes |first=Serena |last=Davies |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/3645345/What-a-difference-a-day-makes.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=25 July 2005 |access-date=21 November 2011 |archive-date=3 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103172014/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/3645345/What-a-difference-a-day-makes.html |url-status=live }} In 2005 film work, Sheen starred in Dead Long Enough, a small-budget Welsh/Irish film, with his longtime friend, Jason Hughes.{{cite web |url=http://cineuropa.org/makingclip.aspx?lang=en&documentID=874&fmt=real |title=Making of Dead Long Enough |work=Cineuropa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407111948/http://cineuropa.org/makingclip.aspx?lang=en&documentID=874&fmt=real |archive-date=7 April 2012 |access-date=22 August 2011}}{{cite news |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Performing+Arts%3A+Stage+right%3A+Jason+Hughes.-a0100625765 |title=Stage right: Jason Hughes |newspaper=The Western Mail |date=25 April 2003 |access-date=24 September 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025081936/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Performing+Arts:+Stage+right:+Jason+Hughes.-a0100625765 |url-status=live }} In addition, he had a supporting role in Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven,{{cite news |title=Kingdom of Heaven |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/294331/Kingdom-of-Heaven/cast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222082257/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/294331/Kingdom-of-Heaven/cast |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2012 |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=The New York Times |date=2012 |access-date=19 September 2011}} made a cameo appearance in The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse{{cite news |title=The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/321742/The-League-of-Gentlemen-s-Apocalypse/cast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222065022/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/321742/The-League-of-Gentlemen-s-Apocalypse/cast |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2012 |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=The New York Times |date=2012 |access-date=19 September 2011}} and starred in the short film The Open Doors.{{cite web |url=http://film.britishcouncil.org/the-open-doors |title=The Open Doors |access-date=19 September 2011 |work=British Film Council |archive-date=7 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907103440/http://film.britishcouncil.org/the-open-doors |url-status=live }}

Sheen came to international attention in 2006 for his portrayal of Tony Blair in The Queen. The film focused on the differing reactions of the British Royal Family and the newly appointed Prime Minister following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997; it was Sheen's third collaboration with director Stephen Frears and his second with screenwriter Peter Morgan. He enjoyed reprising his role because Blair, at this point in his career, had "a weight to him that he didn't have before". When asked to discuss his personal opinion of Blair, Sheen admitted that the more time he spent working on the character, the "less opinion" he has of the politician: "Now when I watch him on TV or hear his voice, it's sort of like a cross between a family member, a friend and seeing a really old embarrassing video of yourself."{{cite AV media |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/stephen_merchant/tracklisting_20071230.shtml |title=The Stephen Merchant Show|date=30 December 2007 |publisher=BBC Radio 6 Music|access-date=22 November 2011}} Peter Travers of Rolling Stone praised "a sensational performance, alert and nuanced"{{cite news |title=The Queen |first=Peter |last=Travers |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/the-queen-20060921 |newspaper=Rolling Stone |date=21 September 2006 |access-date=23 November 2011 |archive-date=22 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122122259/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/the-queen-20060921 |url-status=live }} while Empire spoke of an "uncanny, insightful performance".{{cite web |url=https://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=134552 |title=The Queen |work=Empire |access-date=22 November 2011 |archive-date=18 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118160516/http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=134552 |url-status=live }} Sheen was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.{{cite web |url=http://www.bafta.org/search.html?q=michael%20sheen&w=true |title=Michael Sheen BAFTA nominations |type=search results |publisher=BAFTA |access-date=20 September 2011 |archive-date=7 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707133959/http://www.bafta.org/search.html?q=michael%20sheen&w=true |url-status=live }} His second film appearance of 2006 was a supporting role in Blood Diamond as an unscrupulous diamond dealer.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/jan/28/leonardodicaprio.thriller |title=Blood Diamond review |first=Philip |last=French |newspaper=The Observer |date=28 January 2007 |access-date=21 September 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219074227/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/jan/28/leonardodicaprio.thriller |url-status=live }}

Also in 2006 Sheen starred as the troubled English comic actor Kenneth Williams in BBC Four's Fantabulosa! In preparation for the role, he lost two and a half stone (approx. 35 lbs), studied archival footage and read Williams' published diaries. Sheen has said he is "fascinated by finding the private side of the public face".{{cite news |title=Michael Sheen carries on shining |first=Sandro |last=Monetti |url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/197644 |newspaper=Daily Express |date=5 September 2010 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=28 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128194702/http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/197644 |url-status=live }} The Times found his performance "mesmerising"{{cite news |title=Saturday TV Choice |first=David |last=Chater |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article4309139.ece |newspaper=The Times |date=12 July 2008 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121151/https://www.the-tls.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }} while The Observer described it as "a characterisation for which the description tour-de-force is, frankly, pretty faint praise".{{cite news |title=Sunday drama? Stop messing about |first=Kathryn |last=Flett |url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,1733857,00.html |newspaper=The Observer |date=19 March 2006 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=17 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617190239/http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,1733857,00.html |url-status=live }} He won a RTS Award for Best Actor,{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/cinema/features/fantabulosa.shtml |title= Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa! |publisher= BBC |access-date= 22 August 2011 |archive-date= 5 September 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110905213001/http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/cinema/features/fantabulosa.shtml |url-status= live }} and received his second BAFTA nomination of 2006, for Best Television Actor.{{cite news |title=Bafta nominations announced |first=John |last=Plunkett |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/apr/11/broadcasting |newspaper=The Guardian |date=11 April 2007 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=23 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623141143/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/apr/11/broadcasting |url-status=live }} Sheen starred in two other BBC television productions in 2006, playing H. G. Wells in H. G. Wells: War with the World{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0074t1l |title=H. G. Wells: War with the World |date=19 September 2011 |publisher=BBC |access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-date=4 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204164551/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0074t1l |url-status=live }} and Nero in Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/07_july/18/bbcone_factual.shtml#rome |title=Ancient Rome – The Rise and Fall of an Empire |publisher=BBC |type=press release |access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-date=5 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105150120/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/07_july/18/bbcone_factual.shtml#rome |url-status=live }}

From 2006 to 2007, Sheen starred as the television broadcaster David Frost in Frost/Nixon at both the Donmar Warehouse and Gielgud Theatre in London and the Jacobs Theatre on Broadway. The play, written by Peter Morgan, directed by Michael Grandage and co-starring Frank Langella, was a critical and commercial success{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/movies/moviesspecial/02gold.html |title=The Interview That Was a Play Becomes a Film |first=Sylviane |last=Gold |date=31 October 2008 |access-date=21 September 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=25 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225114216/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/movies/moviesspecial/02gold.html |url-status=live }} but Sheen initially accepted the role as a favour to his friends and "never thought it was going anywhere".{{cite news |title=There have been times when I would have loved to be more of a star |first=Decca |last=Aitkenhead |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2011/oct/23/michael-sheen-interview |newspaper=The Guardian |date=23 October 2011 |access-date=25 November 2011 |archive-date=25 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925182325/http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2011/oct/23/michael-sheen-interview |url-status=live }} The Guardian said the actor "exactly captures Frost's verbal tics and mannerisms while suggesting a nervousness behind the self-assurance".{{cite news |title=Frost/Nixon, Donmar, London |first=Michael|last=Billington|author-link=Michael Billington (critic)|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2006/aug/22/theatre |newspaper=The Guardian |date=22 August 2006 |access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219064809/http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2006/aug/22/theatre |url-status=live }} "He's got the voice, the mannerisms, the blaze," said the Financial Times, "but, more than that, Sheen – as viscerally exciting an actor as any in Britain today – shows us the hunger of Frost's ambition .. and fox-like instinct for the hunt and the kill."{{cite news |title=Frost/Nixon, Donmar Warehouse, London |first=Alastair |last=Macaulay |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/273ed582-3396-11db-981f-0000779e2340.html |newspaper=Financial Times |date=24 August 2006 |access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121129/https://www.ft.com/content/273ed582-3396-11db-981f-0000779e2340 |url-status=live }} Sheen was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor and a Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance.{{cite web |url=http://www.olivierawards.com/news/view/item98535/Olivier-Winners-2000/ |title=Olivier Winners |work=Olivier Awards |access-date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116232927/http://www.olivierawards.com/news/view/item98535/Olivier-Winners-2000/ |archive-date=16 January 2012 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/107581-73rd-Annual-Drama-League-Award-Nominees-Announced |title=73rd Annual Drama League Award Nominees Announced |work=Playbill |date=25 April 2007 |access-date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021125431/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/107581-73rd-Annual-Drama-League-Award-Nominees-Announced |archive-date=21 October 2012 }} Sheen next appeared in the 2007 film Music Within as a political activist with cerebral palsy. He spoke of having a "responsibility" to accurately portray the condition.{{cite web |url=http://movies.about.com/od/musicwithin/a/musicms101807.htm |title=Michael Sheen Talks About Music Within |access-date=18 September 2011 |work=About |archive-date=24 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824074258/http://movies.about.com/od/musicwithin/a/musicms101807.htm |url-status=live }} Variety said his performance was "remarkable.. utterly convincing",{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117935165?refcatid=31 |title=Variety Reviews – Music Within |first=John |last=Anderson |date=22 January 2007 |newspaper=Variety |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=8 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908161027/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117935165?refcatid=31 |url-status=live }} USA Today found him "outstanding"{{cite news |title='Music' hits an off note |first=Claudia |last=Puig |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2007-11-08-also-opening_N.htm |newspaper=USA Today |date=9 November 2007 |access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121129/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2007-11-08-also-opening_N.htm |url-status=live }} while the Los Angeles Times felt he was "reminiscent of Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot, bringing a vibrancy and wit to the role".{{cite news |title='Music' misses out on dramatic notes |first=Kevin |last=Crust |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-26-et-music26-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=26 October 2007 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=27 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127095853/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/oct/26/entertainment/et-music26 |url-status=live }} Also that year, Sheen starred in the short film Airlock, or How To Say Goodbye in Space with Derek Jacobi{{cite web |url=http://film.britishcouncil.org/airlock-or-how-to-say-goodbye-in-space |title=Airlock Or How To Say Goodbye in Space |access-date=19 September 2011 |work=British Film Directory |archive-date=7 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907124031/http://film.britishcouncil.org/airlock-or-how-to-say-goodbye-in-space |url-status=live }} and was invited to join the actors' branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.ie/movies/news/a61859/daniel-craig-invited-to-join-the-academy.html?locale |title=Daniel Craig invited to join the Academy |work=Digital Spy |date=19 June 2007 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=27 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327210042/http://www.digitalspy.ie/movies/news/a61859/daniel-craig-invited-to-join-the-academy.html?locale |url-status=live }}

Sheen reprised the role of David Frost in 2008's Frost/Nixon, a film dramatisation of The Nixon Interviews of 1977. Despite appearing in the original stage production in a part written for him by Peter Morgan, Sheen was surprised to have been cast in the film: "Peter said he'd only be prepared to give the rights to someone who would cast me as Frost, which was very nice, but when the studios get their hands on something... Right up until we started filming I was prepared to be disappointed".{{cite news |title=Michael Sheen, the star of Frost/Nixon |first=Carole |last=Cadwalladr |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/jan/18/frost-nixon-michael-sheen |newspaper=The Observer |date=18 January 2009 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=5 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905162801/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/jan/18/frost-nixon-michael-sheen |url-status=live }} Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times asserted that Sheen embodied his character in a "compelling, intense" performance{{cite news |title=Frost/Nixon: Review |first=Roger |last=Ebert |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081210/REVIEWS/812109987 |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |date=10 September 2008 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=17 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317152653/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20081210%2FREVIEWS%2F812109987 |url-status=dead }} while The Wall Street Journal felt he was "a brilliant actor" who "grows his character from a bright-eyed social butterfly to a gimlet-eyed interrogator".{{cite news |title=Film: Exploring Nixon's Haunted Soul |first=Joe |last=Morgenstern |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122842792010280755?mod=article-outset-box |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=5 December 2008 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=28 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528052454/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122842792010280755?mod=article-outset-box |url-status=live }} However, The New York Times felt "the likable, watchable Mr. Sheen has been pitted against a scene-stealer" in Frank Langella's Nixon.{{cite news |title=Frank Langella and Michael Sheen Star in Ron Howard's Adaptation of a Hit Play |first=Manohla|last=Dargis|author-link=Manohla Dargis|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2008/12/05/movies/05fros.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=5 December 2008 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=26 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826173201/http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/12/05/movies/05fros.html |url-status=live }} Frost himself later said it was "a wonderful performance".{{cite news |title=The chameleon whose art is to make himself vanish |first=William |last=Langley |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/4214321/Michael-Sheen-the-chameleon-whose-art-is-to-make-himself-vanish.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=10 January 2009 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=27 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027124834/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/4214321/Michael-Sheen-the-chameleon-whose-art-is-to-make-himself-vanish.html |url-status=live }} Sheen was the recipient of the Variety Award at the British Independent Film Awards 2008.,{{cite web |url=http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/article/16246/2008?show=15000&page=1&step=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100630103859/http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/article/16246/2008?show=15000&page=1&step=10 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2010 |title=Nominations and winners announced for the 11th British Independent Film Awards |access-date=18 September 2011 |work=UK Film Council }} while Langella was nominated for an Academy Award.

File:MichaelSheenAAFeb09.jpg in 2009. He was invited to join the actors' branch of the Academy in 2007.]]

In 2009, portrayed another public figure; he starred in The Damned United as the outspoken football manager Brian Clough. The Tom Hooper-directed film focused on Clough's disastrous 44-day tenure as manager of Leeds United and marked Sheen's fifth collaboration with writer Peter Morgan. He said Clough is the real-life character he enjoyed playing most.{{cite web |url=http://www.filmcritic.com/features/2009/10/michael-sheen-interview/ |title=Q&A – Michael Sheen Geeks Out in Preparation for The Damned United |work=Film Critic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611012411/http://www.filmcritic.com/features/2009/10/michael-sheen-interview/ |archive-date=11 June 2011 |date=7 October 2009}} The Guardian, writing in 2009, declared it the "best performance of his big-screen career"{{cite news |title=Film review: The Damned United |first=Peter |last=Bradshaw |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/mar/27/damned-united-brian-clough-leeds-united-film-review |newspaper=The Guardian |date=27 March 2009 |access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=29 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129183911/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/mar/27/damned-united-brian-clough-leeds-united-film-review |url-status=live }} while The Times found him "magnificent".{{cite news |title=The Damned United |first=James |last=Christopher |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/film_reviews/article5975775.ece |newspaper=The Times |date=26 March 2009 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=23 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423224047/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/film_reviews/article5975775.ece |url-status=dead }} Entertainment Weekly asserted that, despite American audiences' unfamiliarity with Clough, "what's lost in translation is recovered easily enough in Michael Sheen's astonishing performance".{{cite magazine |title=The Damned United Review |first=Lisa |last=Schwarzbaum |url=https://ew.com/article/2009/10/07/damned-united/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=7 October 2009 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=17 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017215921/http://www.ew.com/article/2009/10/07/damned-united |url-status=live }} Variety noted that his "typically scrupulous channelling of Clough gets the tics and mannerisms right, but also carves a moving portrait of a braggart suddenly out of his depth".{{cite news |title=The Damned United |first=Leslie |last=Felperin |url=https://variety.com/2009/film/reviews/the-damned-united-1200473999/ |newspaper=Variety |date=7 October 2009 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325045546/http://variety.com/2009/film/reviews/the-damned-united-1200473999/ |url-status=live }} Also in 2009, Sheen reprised his role as a werewolf in Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, a prequel to the original film. Of his decision to take part, Sheen has said: "My rule of thumb is that I want to do things I'd like to go and see myself."{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.ie/movies/interviews/a205898/michael-sheen.html |title=Interview: Michael Sheen |work=Digital Spy |access-date=21 September 2011 |archive-date=27 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327210453/http://www.digitalspy.ie/movies/interviews/a205898/michael-sheen.html |url-status=live }} The New York Times felt he was "the movie's greatest asset ... [taking] a lively break from his usual high-crust duties to bring wit, actual acting and some unexpected musculature to the goth-horror flick".{{cite news |title=Clash of the Monsters: The Origins of a Feud |first=Manohla|last=Dargis|author-link=Manohla Dargis|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/24/movies/24unde.html?partner=Rotten%2520Tomatoes&ei=5083|newspaper=The New York Times|date=24 January 2009 |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=4 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104144549/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/24/movies/24unde.html?partner=Rotten%2520Tomatoes&ei=5083 |url-status=live }} Variety said he hit "all the right notes in a star-powered performance that will amuse, if not amaze, anyone who only knows the actor as Tony Blair or David Frost"{{cite news |title=Underworld: Rise of the Lycans |first=Joe |last=Leydon |url=https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/underworld-rise-of-the-lycans-1200473116/ |newspaper=Variety |date=25 January 2009 |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224202031/https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/underworld-rise-of-the-lycans-1200473116/ |url-status=live }} while Richard Corliss of Time noted that he "tries bravely to keep a straight face"{{cite news |title=Underworld 3: Me No Lycan |first=Richard |last=Corliss |url=http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1873606,00.html |newspaper=Time |date=23 January 2009 |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224202033/http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1873606,00.html |url-status=live }}

Sheen had a supporting role in 2009's The Twilight Saga: New Moon, the second film in the highly popular vampire series.{{cite news |title=Inside The 'Twilight' Empire |first=Dorothy |last=Pomerantz |url=https://www.forbes.com/2010/06/22/twilight-kristen-stewart-robert-pattinson-business-entertainment-celeb-100-10-twilight.html |newspaper=Forbes |date=28 June 2010 |access-date=22 November 2011 |archive-date=16 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116102606/http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/22/twilight-kristen-stewart-robert-pattinson-business-entertainment-celeb-100-10-twilight.html |url-status=live }} In its review, Rolling Stone said: "Late in the film, a real actor, Michael Sheen, shows up as the mind-reading Aro, of the Italian Volturi vampires, and sparks things up. You can almost hear the young cast thinking, 'Is that acting? It looks hard.' So Sheen is quickly ushered out."{{cite news |title=New Moon: Rolling Stone Movies |first=Peter |last=Travers |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/new-moon-20091119 |newspaper=Rolling Stone |date=19 November 2009 |access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=29 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829153721/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/new-moon-20091119 |url-status=live }} While The New York Times said he "preens with plausible menace",{{cite news |title=For Kristen Stewart, Abstinence Makes the Heart ... You Know |first=Manohla|last=Dargis|author-link=Manohla Dargis|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/movies/20twilightnewmoon.html |newspaper=The New York Times|date=20 November 2009 |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=22 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322130100/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/movies/20twilightnewmoon.html |url-status=live }} USA Today felt he "plays the character with more high-pitched giddiness than menace".{{cite news |title=Werewolves inject life into 'New Moon' but the sequel still sputters |first=Claudia |last=Puig |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2009-11-19-twilight-new-moon_N.htm |newspaper=USA Today |date=20 November 2009 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604073255/http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2009-11-19-twilight-new-moon_N.htm |url-status=live }} He was named Actor of the Year at GQ magazine's annual Men of the Year ceremony.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/men-of-the-year/home/winners-2009/michael-sheen-interview-actor-twilight-movies-bond-tony-blair-twitter |title=MOTY 2009 – Actor: Michael Sheen |magazine=GQ |date=3 September 2009 |access-date=24 October 2010 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219003841/http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/men-of-the-year/home/winners-2009/michael-sheen-interview-actor-twilight-movies-bond-tony-blair-twitter |url-status=live }} Sheen made two one-off stage appearances in 2009; he performed a scene from Betrayal as part of a Harold Pinter tribute evening at the National Theatre and performed improvisational comedy as part of The Groundlings' Crazy Joe Show in Los Angeles.{{cite web |url=http://twitpic.com/40zpv |title=Groundlings picture |work=TwitPic |access-date=25 November 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219022539/http://twitpic.com/40zpv |url-status=live }}

In 2010, Sheen had a supporting role in the science fiction sequel Tron: Legacy. Referring to his David Bowie-esque character, Sheen has said, "I was paid to show off basically". The Wall Street Journal found little fun in the movie "except for a gleefully campy turn by Michael Sheen"{{cite news |title=TRON: Legacy: Film Review |first=Joe |last=Morgenstern |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703395204576023403064697820?mod=WSJ_ArtsEnt_LifestyleArtEnt_2 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=17 December 2010 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=27 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927113752/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703395204576023403064697820?mod=WSJ_ArtsEnt_LifestyleArtEnt_2 |url-status=live }} while The New York Times said he "shows up to deliver the closest thing to a performance in the movie".{{cite news |title=Tron-Legacy, in 3-D, Stars Jeff Bridges |first=Manohla|last=Dargis|author-link=Manohla Dargis|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2010/12/17/movies/17tron.html |newspaper=The New York Times|date=16 December 2010 |access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=28 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828144336/http://movies.nytimes.com/2010/12/17/movies/17tron.html |url-status=live }} The Daily Telegraph felt his "lively hamming as a cane-swishing nightclub owner merely underlines how impersonal—how inhuman—much else here is".{{cite news |title=Tron: Legacy, review |first=Sukhdev |last=Sandhu |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/8207442/Tron-Legacy-review.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=16 December 2010 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=23 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823111121/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/8207442/Tron-Legacy-review.html |url-status=live }} However, USA Today felt his "scenery-chewing performance ... is meant as comic relief, but this movie thunders along so seriously that the attempt at humor feels jarring".{{cite news |title=Slick sequel 'TRON: Legacy' gets some wires crossed |first=Claudia |last=Puig |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2010-12-17-tron17_online_ST_N.htm |newspaper=USA Today |date=17 December 2010 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121129/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2010-12-17-tron17_online_ST_N.htm |url-status=live }} In other 2010 film work, Sheen voiced Nivens McTwisp, the White Rabbit, in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland{{cite news |title=What's a Nice Girl Doing in this Hole? |first=Manohla|last=Dargis|author-link=Manohla Dargis|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2010/03/05/movies/05alice.html |newspaper=The New York Times|date=5 March 2010 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=2 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202072410/http://movies.nytimes.com/2010/03/05/movies/05alice.html |url-status=live }} and Dr. Griffiths in Disney's Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue{{cite news |title=Britain's Sheen inhabits darker territory in 'Beautiful Boy' |first=Lynda |last=Gorov |url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-06-12/ae/29650689_1_michael-sheen-michael-armbruster-film |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=12 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815095449/http://articles.boston.com/2011-06-12/ae/29650689_1_michael-sheen-michael-armbruster-film |archive-date=15 August 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011}} and appeared as a terrorist in Unthinkable.{{cite news |title=Unthinkable |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/449269/Unthinkable/details |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414002246/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/449269/Unthinkable/details |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 April 2010 |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=The New York Times |date=2010 |access-date=19 September 2011}} On television, Sheen's performance in the third instalment of Peter Morgan's Blair trilogy, The Special Relationship, was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor – Miniseries or Movie.{{cite web |url=http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/michael-sheen |title=Michael Sheen |work=Emmys |access-date=30 November 2011 |archive-date=8 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008050125/http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/michael-sheen |url-status=live }} The HBO film examined the "special relationship" between the US and the UK in the political era of Blair and Bill Clinton. It was the sixth collaboration between Sheen and Peter Morgan; both parties have since said they will not work together again "for the foreseeable future".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11290477 |title=Michael Sheen's Blair swansong |date=17 September 2010 |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 August 2011 |archive-date=13 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113202900/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11290477 |url-status=live }} Sheen also made a guest appearance in four episodes of NBC's 30 Rock as Wesley Snipes, a love interest for Tina Fey's Liz Lemon. Fey, the sitcom's star and creator, has said that "he was so funny and delightful to work with".{{cite news |title=Steve Carell, Tina Fey on dates and their longest kiss |first=Ruben V. |last=Nepales |url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20100416-264642/Steve-Carell-Tina-Fey-on-dates-and-their-longest-kiss |newspaper=The Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=16 April 2010 |access-date=18 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127095720/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20100416-264642/Steve-Carell-Tina-Fey-on-dates-and-their-longest-kiss |archive-date=27 January 2012 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.ie/ustv/news/a220469/fey-hoping-for-sheen-30-rock-return.html |title=Fey hoping for Sheen '30 Rock' return |work=Digital Spy |date=18 May 2010 |access-date=21 August 2011 |archive-date=27 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327210154/http://www.digitalspy.ie/ustv/news/a220469/fey-hoping-for-sheen-30-rock-return.html |url-status=live }} In November 2010, Sheen received the BAFTA Britannia Award for British Artist of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/celebrity-photos/2010/11/05/2010-bafta-los-angeles-britannia-awards |title=BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards |work=Vogue |date=5 November 2010 |access-date=21 September 2011 |archive-date=25 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925021832/http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/celebrity-photos/2010/11/05/2010-bafta-los-angeles-britannia-awards |url-status=live }}

File:Michael Sheen by Gage Skidmore.jpg]]

In 2011, Sheen starred in and was creative director of National Theatre Wales's The Passion, a 72-hour secular passion play staged in his hometown of Port Talbot, Wales.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-13176102 |title=Michael Sheen's Port Talbot Passion play 'crucifixion' |publisher=BBC |date=24 April 2011 |access-date=24 April 2011 |archive-date=25 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425042243/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-13176102 |url-status=live }} In addition to a professional cast, over one thousand local amateurs took part in the performance and as many more volunteers from local charity and community groups were involved in preparations in the months leading up to the play.{{cite news |title=Second Coming |first=Sarah |last=Hemming |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/0bfd87ea-66e1-11e0-8d88-00144feab49a.html |newspaper=Financial Times |date=15 April 2011 |access-date=22 November 2011 |archive-date=20 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420070502/http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/0bfd87ea-66e1-11e0-8d88-00144feab49a.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-13175605 |title=Michael Sheen's Port Talbot Passion play 'last supper' |date=23 April 2011 |publisher=BBC |access-date=22 November 2011 |archive-date=26 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426004631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-13175605 |url-status=live }} The event was the subject of both a BBC documentary and The Gospel of Us, a film by director Dave McKean.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-12326895 |title=Port Talbot Passion Play to be filmed |publisher=BBC |access-date=31 January 2011 |date=31 January 2011 |archive-date=30 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430224547/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-12326895 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Dylan |last=Moore |url=http://www.theartsdesk.com/film/gospel-us |title=The Gospel of Us |work=The Arts Desk |date=10 April 2012 |access-date=13 June 2012 |archive-date=14 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414231414/http://www.theartsdesk.com/film/gospel-us |url-status=live }} Sheen has described it as "the most meaningful experience" of his career.{{cite news |title=Features: Michael Sheen |first=Laura |last=Kelly |url=http://www.bigissuescotland.com/features/view/512 |newspaper=The Big Issue Scotland |date=26 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429061056/http://www.bigissuescotland.com/features/view/512 |archive-date=29 April 2011 |access-date=22 August 2011}} The Observer declared it "one of the outstanding theatrical events not only of this year, but of the decade".{{cite news |title=The Passion – review |first=Susannah |last=Clapp |author-link=Susannah Clapp |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2011/may/01/michael-sheen-passion-port-talbot-review |newspaper=The Observer |date=1 May 2011 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219072210/http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2011/may/01/michael-sheen-passion-port-talbot-review |url-status=live }} The Independent{{'}}s critic described it as "the most extraordinary piece of community-specific theatre I've ever beheld".{{cite news |title=The Passion, Port Talbot |first=Kate |last=Bassett |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/the-passion-port-talbotbrcardenio-swan-stratforduponavonbrmacbeth-royal-shakespeare-theatre-stratforduponavon-2277299.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=1 May 2011 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=4 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904085803/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/the-passion-port-talbotbrcardenio-swan-stratforduponavonbrmacbeth-royal-shakespeare-theatre-stratforduponavon-2277299.html |url-status=live }} While The Daily Telegraph bemoaned the large-scale production's logistical problems, "overall I found it touching, transformative and, in its own wayward way, a triumph."{{cite news |title=Port Talbot Passion, Port Talbot, review |first=Dominic |last=Cavendish |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/8473969/Port-Talbot-Passion-Port-Talbot-review.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=26 April 2011 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=30 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430152159/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/8473969/Port-Talbot-Passion-Port-Talbot-review.html |url-status=live }} The Guardian felt it was "so much more than just an epic piece of street theatre..transforming and uplifting".{{cite news |title=The Passion – review |first=Lyn |last=Gardner |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2011/apr/24/the-passion-port-talbot-review |newspaper=The Guardian |date=24 April 2011 |access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930041958/http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2011/apr/24/the-passion-port-talbot-review |url-status=live }} Sheen and co-director Bill Mitchell were jointly honoured as Best Director at the Theatre Awards UK 2011.{{cite web |title=Derek Jacobi, Michael Sheen, Sir Peter Hall and Matilda Among Winners for Theatre Awards UK 2011 |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/156043-Derek-Jacobi-Michael-Sheen-Sir-Peter-Hall-and-Matilda-Among-Winners-for-Theatre-Awards-UK-2011 |work=Playbill |date=30 October 2011 |access-date=21 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031083307/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/156043-Derek-Jacobi-Michael-Sheen-Sir-Peter-Hall-and-Matilda-Among-Winners-for-Theatre-Awards-UK-2011 |archive-date=31 October 2011 }} In 2013, Sheen won Best Actor at Welsh BAFTA for the production.{{cite web |first=Kathryn |last=Williams |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/michael-sheen-ruth-jones-sherlock-5429714 |title=Michael Sheen, Ruth Jones and Sherlock lead Welsh Bafta nominations |work=Wales Online |date=2 August 2013 |access-date=17 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112031923/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/michael-sheen-ruth-jones-sherlock-5429714 |archive-date=12 January 2014 }}{{Cite web |title=2013 Cymru Actor {{!}} BAFTA Awards |url=https://awards.bafta.org/award/2013/cymru/actor |access-date=11 December 2023 |website=awards.bafta.org}}

Sheen's most notable film appearance of 2011 was a supporting role in Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris.{{cite news |title=Woody Allen's 'Midnight in Paris': Cannes Review |first=Todd |last=McCarthy |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/midnight-paris-cannes-review-187349 |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter |date=5 November 2011 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=16 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316174135/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/midnight-paris-cannes-review-187349 |url-status=live }} Allen noted that "Michael had to do the pseudo-intellectual, the genuine intellectual, the pedant, and he came in and nailed it from the start".{{cite web |title=Midnight in Paris: About the Production |url=http://www.sonyclassics.com/midnightinparis/production.html |work=Sony Classics |access-date=12 September 2011 |archive-date=12 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112121204/http://www.sonyclassics.com/midnightinparis/production.html |url-status=live }} Sheen enjoyed playing "someone who's just absolutely got no sense that he's overstepping the mark or that he's being a bore."{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/michael-sheen-interview-midnight-in-paris/90925/ |title=Michael Sheen Talks 'Midnight In Paris', 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn', and More |work=Collider |date=24 May 2011 |access-date=12 September 2011 |archive-date=18 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918183553/http://collider.com/michael-sheen-interview-midnight-in-paris/90925/ |url-status=live }} The film opened the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and became Allen's highest-grossing film to date.{{cite news |title='Midnight in Paris' Becomes Woody Allen's Top Film of All Time in North America |first=Pamela |last=McClintock |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-paris-becomes-woody-allens-212254 |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter |date=16 July 2011 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809143301/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/midnight-paris-becomes-woody-allens-212254 |url-status=live }} Also in 2011, Sheen starred in Beautiful Boy, an independent drama focusing on the aftermath of a school shooting,{{cite news |title=Alone to Face the Fallout From a Son's Horrific Crime |first=Stephen|last=Holden|author-link=Stephen Holden|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2011/06/03/movies/shawn-kus-beautiful-boy-review.html |newspaper=The New York Times|date=2 June 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=26 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826070429/http://movies.nytimes.com/2011/06/03/movies/shawn-kus-beautiful-boy-review.html |url-status=live }} voiced the enigmatic and mysterious villain House in the Doctor Who episode "The Doctor's Wife" written by his friend Neil Gaiman{{cite news |title=Michael Sheen lends his voice to Neil Gaiman's 'Doctor Who' |url=http://whosnews.usaweekend.com/2011/05/michael-sheen-lends-his-voice-to-neil-gaimans-doctor-who-episode-saturday/ |newspaper=USA Weekend |date=13 May 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110516062854/http://whosnews.usaweekend.com/2011/05/michael-sheen-lends-his-voice-to-neil-gaimans-doctor-who-episode-saturday/ |archive-date=16 May 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011}} and made cameo appearances in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/michael-sheen-twilight-breaking-dawn-dark-shadows/89107/ |title=Michael Sheen Talks Twilight; Says He's Not Doing Dark Shadows |work=Collider |date=9 August 2011 |access-date=20 September 2011 |archive-date=16 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916062227/http://collider.com/michael-sheen-twilight-breaking-dawn-dark-shadows/89107/ |url-status=live }} and Resistance.{{cite news |title=Andrea Riseborough tapped for 'Resistance' |first=Stuart |last=Kemp |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/andrea-riseborough-tapped-resistance-28873 |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter |date=14 October 2010 |access-date=15 September 2011 |archive-date=3 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103051549/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/andrea-riseborough-tapped-resistance-28873 |url-status=live }} In 2012 film work, Sheen starred opposite Toni Collette in the independent comedy Jesus Henry Christ{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=53559 |title=Jesus Henry Christ Trailer, News, Videos, and Reviews |work=ComingSoon.net |date=20 April 2012 |access-date=13 June 2012 |archive-date=18 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618122658/http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=53559 |url-status=live }} and reprised his role as the vampire Aro in the final installment of The Twilight Saga.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1663300/breaking-dawn-michael-sheen.jhtml |title='Breaking Dawn' Star Michael Sheen Teases 'Extraordinary' Battle Scene |work=MTV |date=4 May 2011 |access-date=22 November 2011 |archive-date=24 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124003157/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1663300/breaking-dawn-michael-sheen.jhtml |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 Gets Released 16 November 2012 |url=https://www.collider.com/2010/08/03/the-twilight-saga-breaking-dawn-part-2-release-date-november-16-2012-release-date |work=Collider |date=3 November 2010 |access-date=4 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208090236/http://www.collider.com/2010/08/03/the-twilight-saga-breaking-dawn-part-2-release-date-november-16-2012-release-date |archive-date=8 December 2010 }}

Sheen played the title role in Hamlet at the Young Vic in late 2011 and early 2012,{{cite web |url=http://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/hamlet |title=Hamlet at the Young Vic |work=The Young Vic |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831130917/http://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/hamlet |url-status=live }} a role he first explored in a 1999 BBC Radio 3 production.{{cite book |title=Hamlet: A BBC Radio 3 Full-cast Dramatisation |id={{ASIN|0563553642|country=uk}} }} While there had been tentative plans over the years for both Peter Hall and Michael Grandage to direct Sheen in the play,{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/blog/theatre/london/E8831288171956/index.php?pg=777 |title=Hamlet Without Cuts |work=What's on Stage |date=27 October 2010 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020175743/http://www.whatsonstage.com/blog/theatre/london/E8831288171956/index.php?pg=777 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=The Peter principle |first=Jasper |last=Rees |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/the-peter-principle-1178943.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=18 October 1998 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=29 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129171812/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/the-peter-principle-1178943.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=The Branagh enigma |first=Michael |last=Coveney |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/the-branagh-enigma-979857.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=31 October 2008 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=27 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127012836/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/the-branagh-enigma-979857.html |url-status=live }} he eventually asked Ian Rickson.{{cite news |title=Michael Sheen to play Hamlet at the Young Vic |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2010/may/13/michael-sheen-hamlet-young-vic |newspaper=The Guardian |date=13 May 2010 |access-date=13 May 2010 |first=Charlotte |last=Higgins |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121130/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2010/may/13/michael-sheen-hamlet-young-vic |url-status=live }} Rickson's production was set in the secure wing of a psychiatric hospital and featured original music by PJ Harvey.{{cite web |title=Sheen Adds Gloss to Hamlet |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/blog/theatre/london/E8831320919695/Sheen+Adds+Gloss+to+Hamlet.html |work=What's on Stage |date=10 November 2011 |access-date=21 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112204305/http://www.whatsonstage.com/blog/theatre/london/E8831320919695/Sheen+Adds+Gloss+to+Hamlet.html |archive-date=12 November 2011 |url-status=dead }} The Evening Standard declared Sheen's performance "an audacious achievement" that "will live in the memory"{{cite news |title=Hamlet, Young Vic |first=Henry |last=Hitchings |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/theatre/review-24008250-hamlet-young-vic---review.do |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=10 November 2011 |access-date=21 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113033843/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/theatre/review-24008250-hamlet-young-vic---review.do |archive-date=13 November 2011 }} while The Independent praised "a recklessly brilliant and bravura performance."{{cite news |title=First Night: Hamlet, Young Vic |first=Paul |last=Tayor |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/first-night-hamlet-young-vic-6259609.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=10 November 2011 |access-date=21 November 2011 |archive-date=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113062218/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/first-night-hamlet-young-vic-6259609.html |url-status=dead }} The Daily Telegraph felt that Sheen "could be right up there among the great Hamlets",{{cite news |title=Hamlet, The Young Vic Theatre: review |first=Charles |last=Spencer |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/8879601/Hamlet-The-Young-Vic-Theatre-review.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=10 November 2011 |access-date=21 November 2011 |archive-date=18 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118104655/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/8879601/Hamlet-The-Young-Vic-Theatre-review.html |url-status=live }} were it not for Rickson's "mindlessly modish" staging, while The Times found him "unbearably moving".{{cite news |title=Hamlet at the Young Vic, SE1 |first=Libby |last=Purves |url=https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/article/hamlet-at-the-young-vic-se1-nlj5wg26jq0 |newspaper=The Times |date=10 November 2011 |access-date=20 November 2011 |archive-date=26 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126060145/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/stage/theatre/article3221988.ece |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Hamlet, Young Vic, London |first=Sarah |last=Hemming |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/37c59692-0baa-11e1-9861-00144feabdc0.html |newspaper=Financial Times |date=11 November 2011 |access-date=20 November 2011 |archive-date=2 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202100135/http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/37c59692-0baa-11e1-9861-00144feabdc0.html |url-status=live }} The Guardian described him as "fascinating to watch ... intelligent, inventive and full of insights ... [he] delivers the "What a piece of work is a man" passage with a beautiful consciousness of human potential."{{cite news |title=Hamlet – review |first=Michael|last=Billington|author-link=Michael Billington (critic)|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2011/nov/09/hamlet-youngvic-review |newspaper=The Guardian|date=9 November 2011 |access-date=21 November 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219070037/http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2011/nov/09/hamlet-youngvic-review |url-status=live }} The Observer declared him an actor "always worth crossing a principality to see and hear" whose {{" '}}To be, or not to be' is a marvel."{{cite news |title=Hamlet; The Westbridge – review |first=Susannah |last=Clapp |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2011/nov/13/hamlet-michael-sheen-westbridge-review |newspaper=The Observer |date=13 November 2011 |access-date=21 November 2011}}

In 2013, Sheen appeared in a supporting role as the boyfriend of Tina Fey in the comedy Admission, with Stephanie Zacharek of The Village Voice describing the character as "a whiskery, elfin academic who chuckles to himself as he reads the Canterbury Tales prologue aloud in bed, in Middle English, no less. (Sheen is scarily good at this.)"{{cite web |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/film/tina-feys-great-but-admission-doesnt-make-the-grade-6437757 |title=Tina Fey's Great, But Admission Doesn't Make the Grade |work=The Village Voice |date=20 March 2013 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Stephanie |last=Zacharek |archive-date=23 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423003254/http://www.villagevoice.com/film/tina-feys-great-but-admission-doesnt-make-the-grade-6437757 |url-status=live }} In 2014, he starred in the fantasy children's film Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box.{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2012/film/markets-festivals/team-sets-magical-mariah-1118049898/ |work=Variety |first1=John |last1=Hopewell |first2=Diana |last2=Lodderhose |title=Team sets magical 'Mariah' |date=8 February 2012 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=3 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503233757/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118049898 |url-status=live }} R. Kurt Osenlund of Slant Magazine said "the ever-versatile Sheen brings an artful hamminess to his role"{{cite web |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/the-adventurer-the-curse-of-the-midas-box |title=The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box |work=Slate |date=7 January 2014 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=R. Kurt |last=Osenlund |archive-date=3 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103191212/http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/the-adventurer-the-curse-of-the-midas-box |url-status=live }} but Matt Pais of RedEye found him "insufficiently zany" in "a part that Robert Downey Jr. would nail but never accept."{{cite web |url=http://www.redeyechicago.com/entertainment/movies/redeye-the-adventurer-the-curse-of-the-midas-box-redeye-movie-review-20131230-column.html |title='The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box' review: Bland ho! |work=Red Eye Chicago |date=9 January 2014 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Matt |last=Pais |archive-date=10 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510080037/http://www.redeyechicago.com/entertainment/movies/redeye-the-adventurer-the-curse-of-the-midas-box-redeye-movie-review-20131230-column.html |url-status=live }} His second film role of 2014 was a minor role in the political thriller Kill the Messenger.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-kill-the-messenger-1201314058/ |title=Film Review: 'Kill the Messenger' |work=Variety |date=26 September 2014 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Andrew |last=Barker |archive-date=16 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916135121/http://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-kill-the-messenger-1201314058/ |url-status=live }} Also in 2014, he starred in IFC's six-episode The Spoils of Babylon, a television parody of classic, sweeping miniseries, in which he played the husband of Kristen Wiig's character.{{cite web |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2014/01/the-spoils-of-babylon-review-the-rise-of-the-empir.html |title=The Spoils of Babylon Review: "The Rise of the Empire" (Episode 1.04) |work=Paste Magazine |date=24 January 2014 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Christine N. |last=Ziemba |archive-date=24 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224072855/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2014/01/the-spoils-of-babylon-review-the-rise-of-the-empir.html |url-status=live }}

In 2015, Sheen starred opposite Carey Mulligan in the romantic drama Far from the Madding Crowd as prosperous bachelor William Boldwood. His performance was well received.{{cite web |url=http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/kristen-wiig-in-welcome-to-me-and-carey-mulligan-in-far-from-the-madding-crowd/ |title=Welcome to Madness: Kristen Wiig in 'Welcome to Me' and Carey Mulligan in 'Far From the Madding Crowd' |work=Grantland |date=5 May 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Wesley |last=Morris |archive-date=24 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024123412/http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/kristen-wiig-in-welcome-to-me-and-carey-mulligan-in-far-from-the-madding-crowd/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.salon.com/2015/04/29/far_from_the_madding_crowd_a_powerful_classic_recaptured_in_all_its_erotic_glory/ |title="Far From the Madding Crowd": A powerful classic recaptured, in all its erotic glory |work=Salon |date=30 April 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Andrew |last=O'Hehir |archive-date=1 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301051158/http://www.salon.com/2015/04/29/far_from_the_madding_crowd_a_powerful_classic_recaptured_in_all_its_erotic_glory/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/far-from-the-madding-crowd-20150501 |title=Far From the Madding Crowd |magazine=Rolling Stone|date=1 May 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Peter |last=Travers |archive-date=28 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628140342/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/far-from-the-madding-crowd-20150501 |url-status=live }} Anthony Lane of The New Yorker remarked: "How you prevent such a fellow, crushed by his own decency, from sagging into a bearded Ashley Wilkes is no easy task, yet Sheen succeeds, and Boldwood's brave smile grows dreadful to behold."{{cite magazine |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/05/04/fighting-on |title=Fighting On: Avengers: Age of Ultron and Far from the Madding Crowd|magazine=The New Yorker|date=4 May 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Anthony|last=Lane|author-link=Anthony Lane|archive-date=1 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801093201/http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/05/04/fighting-on |url-status=live }} Ignatiy Vishnevetsky of The A.V. Club found the character "pitiful, and sometimes downright painful to watch. He's not Hardy's Boldwood, but he's a Boldwood. The only sad, genuine moment of the film belongs to him."{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/review/carey-mulligan-stars-book-report-far-madding-crowd-218598 |title=Carey Mulligan stars in a book report on Far From The Madding Crowd |work=The A.V. Club |date=30 April 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Ignatiy |last=Vishnevetsky |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221190048/http://www.avclub.com/review/carey-mulligan-stars-book-report-far-madding-crowd-218598 |url-status=live }} Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian remarked that Sheen's face "is etched with agony and an awful kind of abject adoration, forever trying to find ways to forgive the loved one in advance for rejection. When Sheen's Boldwood confides to Oak that he feels "grief" you really can feel his pain."{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/02/far-from-the-madding-crowd-review-carey-mulligan-shines-in-hardy-perennial |title=Far From the Madding Crowd review: Carey Mulligan shines in Hardy perennial |work=The Guardian |date=2 April 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Peter |last=Bradshaw |archive-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924210619/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/02/far-from-the-madding-crowd-review-carey-mulligan-shines-in-hardy-perennial |url-status=live }} Stephanie Zacharek of The Village Voice also referred to the scene where Boldwood expressed his grief, commenting: "Sheen's performance is fine-grained, and the pure Englishness of his understatement is heartrending."{{cite web |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/film/far-from-the-madding-crowd-means-well-but-sells-its-heroine-short-6444197 |title=Far From the Madding Crowd Means Well but Sells Its Heroine Short |work=The Village Voice |date=29 April 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Stephanie |last=Zacharek |archive-date=20 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520020516/http://www.villagevoice.com/film/far-from-the-madding-crowd-means-well-but-sells-its-heroine-short-6444197 |url-status=live }} Also in 2015, Sheen had well-received comedic television performances in Comedy Bang! Bang!,{{cite web |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/05/comedy-bang-bang-review-michael-sheen.html |title=Comedy Bang! Bang! Review: "Michael Sheen" |work=Paste Magazine |date=16 May 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Ross |last=Bonaime |archive-date=24 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224071520/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/05/comedy-bang-bang-review-michael-sheen.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/comedy-bang-bang-michael-sheen-wears-a-plaid-button-1798183826 |title=Comedy Bang! Bang!: "Michael Sheen Wears A Plaid Button Down And Grey Blazer" |work=The A.V. Club |date=15 May 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=LaToya |last=Ferguson |archive-date=23 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023170526/http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/comedy-bang-bang-michael-sheen-wears-plaid-button--219530 |url-status=live }} The Spoils Before Dying{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/spoils-before-dying-tv-review-807154 |title='The Spoils Before Dying': TV Review |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=7 July 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Keith |last=Uhlich |archive-date=9 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409000830/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/spoils-before-dying-tv-review-807154 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10275673379634644280204581080542825861266 |title='The Spoils Before Dying' Review: High Dive Into the Wacky Pool |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=2 July 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Nancy |last=DeWolf Smith |archive-date=28 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428063820/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10275673379634644280204581080542825861266 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/07/the-spoils-before-dying-review-thats-jazz-fear-ste.html |title=The Spoils Before Dying Review: "That's Jazz" / "Fear Steps In" |work=Paste Magazine |date=11 July 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Christine N. |last=Ziemba |archive-date=24 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324055101/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/07/the-spoils-before-dying-review-thats-jazz-fear-ste.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/reviews/the-spoils-before-dying-review-ifc-funny-or-die-1201534682/ |title=TV Review: 'The Spoils Before Dying' |work=Variety |date=7 July 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Brian |last=Lowry |archive-date=25 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025180626/http://variety.com/2015/tv/reviews/the-spoils-before-dying-review-ifc-funny-or-die-1201534682/ |url-status=live }} and 7 Days in Hell.{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/review/advantage-andy-samberg-ridiculous-7-days-hell-221814 |title=Advantage: Andy Samberg, in the ridiculous 7 Days In Hell |work=The A.V. Club |date=8 July 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Alex |last=McCown-Levy |archive-date=4 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104194250/http://www.avclub.com/review/advantage-andy-samberg-ridiculous-7-days-hell-221814 |url-status=live }} Mary McNamara of the Los Angeles Times said his television host in 7 Days in Hell was "played with damp lechery and cigarette-ash mastery."{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-st-seven-days-in-hell-review-20150711-column.html |title=Review HBO's '7 Days in Hell' finds a hilarious match in Samberg, Harington |work=Los Angeles Times |date=10 July 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Mary |last=McNamara |archive-date=16 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916082610/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-st-seven-days-in-hell-review-20150711-column.html |url-status=live }} Liz Shannon Miller of Indiewire said he may have "stolen the show"{{cite web |url=https://www.indiewire.com/article/review-hbo-sports-comedy-spoof-7-days-in-hell-is-weird-as-hell-but-it-works-20150709 |title=Review: HBO Sports Comedy Spoof '7 Days in Hell' is Weird as Hell, But It Works |work=Indiewire |date=9 July 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Liz Shannon |last=Miller |archive-date=29 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529175035/http://www.indiewire.com/article/review-hbo-sports-comedy-spoof-7-days-in-hell-is-weird-as-hell-but-it-works-20150709 |url-status=live }} while John DeFore of The Hollywood Reporter described him as the "scene-stealer of the bunch".{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/7-days-hell-sxsw-review-781489 |title='7 Days in Hell': SXSW Review |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=13 March 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=John |last=DeFore |archive-date=26 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426033243/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/7-days-hell-sxsw-review-781489 |url-status=live }}

File:3 short clips of Michael Sheen presenting the St David Award 2015.webm, Cardiff in 2015]]

In February 2015 Sheen joined The Great Comic Relief Bake Off – the charity version of The Great British Bake Off, and won the title "Star Baker" of the episode.{{Cite web |date=3 February 2015 |title=Michael Sheen to join Comic Relief edition of The Great British Bake Off |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/11768192.newport-born-hollywood-star-michael-sheen-to-join-comic-relief-edition-of-the-great-british-bake-off/ |access-date=15 April 2024 |website=South Wales Argus |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The Great Comic Relief Bake Off: Michael Sheen named Star Baker |url=https://www.imdb.com/news/ni58333147/ |access-date=15 April 2024 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Greenwood |first=Carl |date=26 February 2015 |title=Great Comic Relief Bake Off: Michael Sheen beats Sarah Brown to the title of Star Baker |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/great-comic-relief-bake-off-5233300 |access-date=15 April 2024 |website=The Mirror |language=en}}

Between 2013 and 2016 Sheen starred in and produced Showtime's Masters of Sex.{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/showtimes-dexter-summer-homeland-premiere-411745 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Philiana |last=Ng |title=Showtime Moves 'Dexter' to Summer, Sets Premieres for New Dramas |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=11 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211025016/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/showtimes-dexter-summer-homeland-premiere-411745 |url-status=live }} He and Lizzy Caplan portrayed the 1960s human sexuality pioneers Masters and Johnson; the series chronicled "their unusual lives, romance and pop culture trajectory, which saw them go from a Midwestern teaching hospital to the cover of Time magazine and Johnny Carson's couch".{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/showtime-ray-donovan-masters-of-sex-335854 |title=Showtime Orders 'Ray Donovan' and 'Masters of Sex' to Series |date=11 June 2012 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=2 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602130950/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/showtime-ray-donovan-masters-of-sex-335854 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |title=UPDATE: Michael Sheen & Lizzy Caplan To Star In Showtime Pilot 'Masters Of Sex' |url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/michael-sheen-to-star-in-showtime-pilot-masters-of-sex-224907/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=2 February 2012 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=4 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140804234417/http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/michael-sheen-to-star-in-showtime-pilot-masters-of-sex/ |url-status=live }} David Sims of The Atlantic described Sheen's portrayal of Masters as "an intensely honest and unsympathetic one"{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/07/masters-of-sex-jumps-to-1966-and-struggles-to-catch-up/398261/ |title=Masters of Sex Jumps into the Free Love Era |work=The Atlantic |date=12 July 2014 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=David |last=Sims |archive-date=24 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024065942/http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/07/masters-of-sex-jumps-to-1966-and-struggles-to-catch-up/398261/ |url-status=live }} while Sonia Saraiya of The A.V. Club said Sheen played the role "so seamlessly it's hard to remember that there's a British actor there who has played flamboyant news personalities and prime ministers."{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/masters-of-sex-pilot-1798178129 |title=Masters of Sex: "Pilot" |work=The A.V. Club |date=29 September 2013 |first=Sonia |last=Saraiya |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=1 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701041334/http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/masters-of-sex-pilot-103041 |url-status=live }} Sean T. Collins of The Observer described Masters as "a singularly unappealing figure": "It's not that Michael Sheen is bad in the role. On the contrary! Sheen's skill in playing Masters as an asshole who oscillates between headache-inducing self-repression and volcanic rage renders him unpleasant to spend more than two minutes with at a time."{{cite web |url=http://observer.com/2015/07/masters-of-sex-season-premiere-recap-endless-bummer/ |title='Masters of Sex' Season Premiere Recap: Endless Bummer |work=The Observer (U.S.) |date=7 December 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Sean T. |last=Collins |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505194820/http://observer.com/2015/07/masters-of-sex-season-premiere-recap-endless-bummer/ |url-status=live }} Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter remarked: "Masters has never been very likable. In fact, it's a testament to Sheen's performance— and Caplan's nuanced Johnson offsetting Masters—that anyone still cares what happens to Masters on a personal level."{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/masters-sex-lizzy-caplan-showtime-808214 |title='Masters of Sex' Season 3: TV Review |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=7 December 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Tim |last=Goodman |archive-date=10 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410085354/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/masters-sex-lizzy-caplan-showtime-808214 |url-status=live }} He received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in late 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-01-12/golden-globes-2014-who-are-the-british-nominees-to-watch |title=Golden Globes 2014: who are the British nominees to watch? |work=Radio Times |date=12 January 2014 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Ellie |last=Walker-Arnott |archive-date=18 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018203118/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-01-12/golden-globes-2014-who-are-the-british-nominees-to-watch |url-status=live }}{{cite AV media |people=Sheen, Michael (Contributor), Lizzy Caplan (Contributor), Caitlin FitzGerald (Contributor), Teddy Sears (Contributor) |medium=Drama |title=Masters of Sex |date=29 September 2013 |time=60 min}}

In 2016 Sheen had supporting roles in the dramas Nocturnal Animals{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/tom-fords-nocturnal-animals-venice-925339 |title='Nocturnal Animals': Venice Review |first=David |last=Rooney |date=2 September 2016 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=12 September 2019 |archive-date=5 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205125902/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/tom-fords-nocturnal-animals-venice-925339 |url-status=live }} and Norman,{{cite web |url=http://theplaylist.net/richard-gere-norman-moderate-rise-tragic-fall-new-york-fixer-thats-not-bad-thing-review-20160907/ |title=Richard Gere Is 'Norman: The Moderate Rise And Tragic Fall Of A New York Fixer' And That's Not A Bad Thing [Telluride Review] |first=Gregory |last=Ellwood |date=7 September 2016 |work=The Playlist.net |access-date=4 December 2016 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220053227/http://theplaylist.net/richard-gere-norman-moderate-rise-tragic-fall-new-york-fixer-thats-not-bad-thing-review-20160907/ |url-status=live }} and the science fiction romance Passengers.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/passengers-michael-sheen-jennifer-lawrence-chris-pratt-1201535570/ |title=Michael Sheen Joins Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt in 'Passengers' |work=Variety |date=17 July 2015 |access-date=16 October 2016 |first=Justin |last=Kroll |archive-date=18 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118135838/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/passengers-michael-sheen-jennifer-lawrence-chris-pratt-1201535570/ |url-status=live }} He also reprised his role as the White Rabbit in the fantasy adventure Alice Through the Looking Glass.{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/article/new-alice-through-looking-glass-trailer-feeds-your-232343 |title=New Alice Through The Looking Glass trailer feeds your head |work=The A.V. Club |date=16 February 2016 |access-date=16 October 2016 |archive-date=30 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030181315/http://www.avclub.com/article/new-alice-through-looking-glass-trailer-feeds-your-232343 |url-status=live }} Sheen also starred in BBC Wales documentary Michael Sheen: The Fight For My Steel Town{{Cite web |date=4 June 2016 |title=BBC One – Michael Sheen: The Fight for My Steel Town, Michael Sheen gets an insider's view of the Port Talbot steelworks |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03x88ch |access-date=11 December 2023 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |date=8 June 2016 |title=Michael Sheen's return to Port Talbot to fight for steel town |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-36469174 |access-date=11 December 2023}} and won Welsh BAFTA Award for News and Current Affairs.{{Cite web |title=2017 Cymru News and Current Affairs {{!}} BAFTA Awards |url=https://awards.bafta.org/award/2017/cymru/news-and-current-affairs |access-date=11 December 2023 |website=awards.bafta.org}}{{Cite news |title=Bafta Cymru 2017: Port Talbot people praised after award win |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-wales-41547428 |access-date=11 December 2023}} In 2017, he had supporting roles in the dramatic comedies Brad's Status{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-sheen-luke-wilson-jenna-fischer-join-ben-stiller-brads-status-941025 |title=Michael Sheen, Luke Wilson and Jenna Fischer Join Ben Stiller in 'Brad's Status' (Exclusive) |first=Alex |last=Ritman |date=25 October 2016 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=12 September 2019 |archive-date=12 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212171828/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-sheen-luke-wilson-jenna-fischer-join-ben-stiller-brads-status-941025 |url-status=live }} and Home Again.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/reese-witherspoon-starrer-home-again-931535 |title=Reese Witherspoon-Starrer 'Home Again' Nabbed by Open Road for North America |first=Mia |last=Galuppo |date=21 September 2016 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=12 September 2019 |archive-date=9 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509010841/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/reese-witherspoon-starrer-home-again-931535 |url-status=live }} In 2018, Sheen was cast as unconventional lawyer Roland Blum in season 3 of television series The Good Fight.{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/michael-sheen-the-good-fight-1203022234/ |title=Michael Sheen Joins 'The Good Fight' Season 3 at CBS All Access |last=Nickolai |first=Nate |date=7 November 2018 |website=Variety |language=en |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=6 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706010254/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/michael-sheen-the-good-fight-1203022234/ |url-status=live }}

File:Michael Sheen crop n2 Good Omens panel at NYCC (61104).jpg]]

In May 2019 Sheen starred alongside David Tennant in Good Omens, based on the novel of the same name written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman and was cast as Chris Tarrant in the TV adaptation of James Graham's stage play Quiz.{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/quiz-who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-stephen-frears-michael-sheen-1203304574/ |title=ITV and AMC Order 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' Cheating Drama 'Quiz' |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=16 August 2019 |website=Variety |language=en |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=16 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816135519/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/quiz-who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-stephen-frears-michael-sheen-1203304574/ |url-status=live }} From September 2019 through May 2021, Sheen played the role of Martin Whitly in the American television series Prodigal Son on Fox.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/michael-sheen-cast-fox-drama-pilot-prodigal-son-1202569817/|title=Michael Sheen To Star In Fox Drama Pilot 'Prodigal Son'|last1=Petski|first1=Denise|last2=Andreeva|first2=Nellie|date=5 March 2019|website=Deadline|access-date=12 November 2019|archive-date=11 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511214137/https://deadline.com/2019/03/michael-sheen-cast-fox-drama-pilot-prodigal-son-1202569817/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/fox-orders-drama-series-prodigal-son-deputy-next-weisman-katims-bubble-dramas-1202610963/|title=Fox Picks Up 4 New Drama Series: 'Prodigal Son', 'Deputy', 'NeXt' & Weisman/Katims; What Does It Mean For Network's Bubble Dramas?|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=9 May 2019|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=12 September 2019|archive-date=11 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511022247/https://deadline.com/2019/05/fox-orders-drama-series-prodigal-son-deputy-next-weisman-katims-bubble-dramas-1202610963/|url-status=live}} In April 2020, Quiz was shown on ITV. On 14 April, when the ITV channel broadcast the second instalment, the continuity announcer introduced him as "Martin Sheen", a different actor. Sheen reacted to this by changing his Twitter handle to "Martin Sheen".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/apr/15/michael-sheen-mocks-itv-announcer-over-martin-mix-up|title=Michael Sheen mocks ITV announcer over 'Martin' mix-up|work=The Guardian|date=15 April 2020|access-date=16 April 2020}} In June 2020, Sheen starred alongside David Tennant again in a six-part television lockdown comedy entitled Staged, which was made using video-conferencing software.{{cite magazine|title=When is Staged on TV? Everything you need to know about David Tennant and Michael Sheen's lockdown comedy|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-05-28/staged-release-date-comedy/|magazine=Radio Times|author=Bley Griffiths, Eleanor|date=28 May 2020|access-date=24 December 2020|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029054627/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-05-28/staged-release-date-comedy/|url-status=live}} A second eight-episode series started airing in January 2021.{{cite magazine|title=BBC teases Staged series 2 with first look at David Tennant and Michael Sheen with Ben Schwartz|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/comedy/2020-10-22/staged-david-tennant-michael-sheen-confirm-season-2/|magazine=Radio Times|author=Morris, Lauren|date=22 October 2020|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=4 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104203027/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/comedy/2020-10-22/staged-david-tennant-michael-sheen-confirm-season-2/|url-status=live}} In June 2021, Sheen returned to the London stage, after its protracted period of Covid-19 shutdown, in Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood in the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre. A new production of Amadeus, scheduled for December 2022 at the Sydney Opera House, was announced in July 2022 with Sheen as Salieri.{{cite magazine|url=https://limelightmagazine.com.au/news/michael-sheen-to-star-in-amadeus-at-soh/|title=Michael Sheen to star in Amadeus at SOH|author=Jo Litson|date=12 July 2022|access-date=16 July 2022|magazine=Limelight}} Sheen won Best Performer in a Play at the 2023 BroadwayWorld Australia – Sydney Awards for his performance.{{Cite web |last=Awards |first=B. W. W. |title=Winners Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Australia – Sydney Awards |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/sydney/article/Winners-Announced-For-The-2023-BroadwayWorld-Australia-Sydney-Awards-20240105 |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}

Continuing Sheen's professional partnership with Tennant, a third six-episode series of Staged aired in its entirely on 14 November 2022,{{Cite web |title=David Tennant and Michael Sheen to return for Staged season 3 |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/comedy/staged-season-3-britbox-tennant-sheen-newsupdate/ |access-date=24 November 2022 |website=Radio Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=16 November 2022 |title=David Tennant and Michael Sheen's Staged reveals season 3 return date |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a41977672/staged-season-3-return-date/ |access-date=24 November 2022 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}} while a second six-episode series of Good Omens premiered on 28 July 2023.{{cite web|title='Good Omens' Renewed For Season 2 At Amazon|url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/good-omens-neil-gaiman-season-2-amazon-renewed-1234783163/|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Peter|last=White|date=29 June 2021|access-date=29 June 2021|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629130128/https://deadline.com/2021/06/good-omens-neil-gaiman-season-2-amazon-renewed-1234783163/|url-status=live}} In June 2023, Sheen starred in BBC One's Best Interests, which won him Best Actor in International Competition at the 2023 Series Mania.{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Emily |date=29 March 2023 |title=Michael Sheen awarded best actor prize at international TV festival |url=https://nation.cymru/news/michael-sheen-awarded-best-actor-prize-at-international-tv-festival/ |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}} In November 2023, Sheen was cast as Prince Andrew, Duke of York for a limited series entitled A Very Royal Scandal.{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=20 November 2023 |title=Michael Sheen, Ruth Wilson to Star in 'A Very Royal Scandal' Amazon Series Based on Prince Andrew Interview With Emily Maitlis |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/michael-sheen-ruth-wilson-a-very-royal-scandal-amazon-series-prince-andrew-interview-emily-maitlis-1235781725/ |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Variety}} Sheen will continue his partnership with Tennant in the finale episode for Good Omens, a 90 minute program currently being filmed in Edinburgh.

From 19 February to 4 March 2024 Sheen directed and starred in a three-part television series called The Way on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.{{Cite news |date=6 February 2024 |title=Michael Sheen's The Way echoes Tata steelworks reality |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-68209308 |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=BBC |language=en-GB}} From February to June 2024, Sheen performed on stage as Aneurin Bevan in Nye, a play written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris.{{Cite web |last=Powster |title=Nye {{!}} Official Website {{!}} 23 April 2024 |url=https://nye.ntlive.com/ |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Nye {{!}} Official Website}}{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Stephen |date=14 February 2024 |title=Watch: First look at Michael Sheen in 'Nye' trailer |url=https://nation.cymru/culture/watch-first-look-at-michael-sheen-in-nye-trailer/ |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}} The play ran in the Royal National Theatre from 24 February until 11 May,{{Cite web |title=Nye {{!}} National Theatre |url=https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/nye/ |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=www.nationaltheatre.org.uk |language=en-GB}} and at the Wales Millennium Centre from 18 May to 1 June.{{Cite web |title=Nye |url=https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2024/nye |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Wales Millennium Centre}} Sheen was nominated for Best Performer in a Play at the 2025 WhatsOnStage Awards for this role.{{Cite web |date=9 February 2025 |title=Starlight Express, Imelda Staunton, David Tennant and more win big at 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards |url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/starlight-express-imelda-staunton-david-tennant-and-more-win-big-at-25th-annual-whatsonstage-awards_1663790/ |access-date=14 March 2025 |language=en-US}} Following a sell-out run in 2024, Sheen will reprise his role as Aneurin Bevan in the play Nye in 2025. The second run will be at the Royal National Theatre from 3 July to 16 August 2025, and at the Wales Millennium Centre from 22 to 30 August 2025.{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Emily |date=24 September 2024 |title=Michael Sheen to reprise role as smash hit Nye returns to Cardiff |url=https://nation.cymru/news/michael-sheen-to-reprise-role-as-smash-hit-nye-returns-to-cardiff/ |access-date=24 September 2024 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Nye |url=https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2025/nye25 |access-date=24 September 2024 |website=Wales Millennium Centre}}

In April 2024, Sheen guested on BBC's The Assembly for Autism Acceptance Week, and was praised for his "heartwarming" interaction with neurodivergent journalists.{{Cite web |last=Yossman |first=K. J. |date=5 April 2024 |title=How 'The Assembly' Producers Convinced Michael Sheen to Participate in a Three-Hour Grilling With 30 Neurodivergent Journalists: 'It's an Interview Without a Safety Net' |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/global/michael-sheen-the-assembly-autism-1235926519/ |access-date=6 April 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Ramaswamy |first=Chitra |date=5 April 2024 |title=The Assembly review – Michael Sheen is grilled by 35 neurodivergent young people … and it's pure TV joy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/apr/05/the-assembly-review-michael-sheen-is-grilled-by-35-neurodivergent-young-people-and-its-pure-tv-joy |access-date=6 April 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |title=The Assembly viewers in tears over "moving" Michael Sheen show |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/assembly-viewers-in-tears-michael-sheen-newsupdate/ |access-date=6 April 2024 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB}} Sheen answering a question from journalist Leo{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8-f07KT_jo |title=Shy interviewer asks Michael Sheen the BEST question 💛 {{!}} The Assembly - BBC |date=8 April 2024 |last=BBC |access-date=19 November 2024 |via=YouTube}} was nominated for TV Moment of the Year at the Edinburgh TV Festival Awards.{{Cite web |title=Vote for your TV Moment of the Year |url=https://airtable.com/apppXMTWWHDFinW1n/shrCqHkkZk1nWIWHP |access-date=19 August 2024 |website=Airtable}} The Assembly half-hour special with Sheen won Media Moment at the 2025 Scope Awards.{{Cite web |title=Scope Awards 2025 winners and nominees {{!}} Disability charity Scope UK |url=https://www.scope.org.uk/awards/scope-awards-2025-shortlist?fbclid=IwY2xjawKZtMBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBINEUwSjdlUndXZUVpcFAxAR7TlZnJ8tZJ0r7HyaTEpkqQGAm53dgJuTSQsfxgdmGah6VB83uPYELcVWqL2g_aem_xb_Zx5909ScZ5hbWBen2Xw |access-date=20 May 2025 |website=Scope |language=en-gb}}

In June 2024, Sheen joined the BBC Radio 4's environmental documentary podcast Buried Series 2: The Last Witness as the hearsay witness who recorded dead witness Douglas Gowan's final testimony.{{Cite web |title=How Michael Sheen helped to uncover a dark environmental secret |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c066ydkm8pko |access-date=24 June 2024 |website=BBC |last=Mercer |first=Rosie |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Michael Sheen joins new series of BBC Radio 4's award-winning podcast Buried |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/michael-sheen-joins-new-series-bbc-radio-4-award-winning-podcast-buried/ |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=BBC Media Centre}}{{Cite web |title=Buried - The Last Witness - Introducing Buried: The Last Witness |work=BBC Sounds |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0020kkl |access-date=17 June 2024 |language=en-GB}} Along with husband-and-wife journalists Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor, Sheen investigated the potential harm caused by chemical waste dumped in South Wales following reports from researcher Douglas Gowan, whom Sheen interviewed in 2017 and was mentioned in his 2017 Annual Raymond Williams Memorial Lecture. Buried Series 2: The Last Witness was named the third best podcast of 2024 by The Guardian.{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Hannah J. |date=24 December 2024 |title=The 20 best podcasts of 2024 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/dec/24/the-20-best-podcasts-of-2024 |access-date=11 April 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} The podcast was shortlisted in the 2025 Amnesty International UK Media Awards for Radio & Podcasts,{{Cite web |title=Amnesty Media Awards 2025: Shortlist announced |url=https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/amnesty-media-awards-2025-shortlist-announced |access-date=11 April 2025 |publisher=Amnesty International}} but did not make it to the list of finalists.{{Cite web |title=Amnesty Media Awards 2025: Finalists and host announced |url=https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/amnesty-media-awards-2025-finalists-and-host-announced |access-date=11 April 2025 |publisher=Amnesty International}} Buried: The Last Witness won Grand Award at the 2025 New York Festivals Radio Awards in the Documentary: Environment & Ecology category,{{Cite web |title=Shortlists List - New York Festivals |url=https://radio.newyorkfestivals.com/winners/shortlists/f619b980-abca-4b9d-904a-ebe4df3ba62b |access-date=11 April 2025 |publisher=New York Festivals Radio Awards}}{{Cite tweet |user=danielashby |last=Ashby |first=Dan |date=23 May 2025 |title="A fabulous night...Buried with @smoketrailprod @lucytaylor @michaelsheen @RoySocChem @BBCRadio4 has won the 'Grand Award' at @NYFestivals gala. |url=https://x.com/danielashby/status/1925837878703133134 |access-date=23 May 2025 |number=1925837878703133134}}{{Cite web |date=23 May 2025 |title=UK documentary wins top prize at 2025 New York Radio Awards |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2025/05/uk-documentary-wins-top-prize-at-2025-new-york-radio-awards/ |access-date=23 May 2025 |website=RadioToday |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Coats |first=Cameron |date=23 May 2025 |title=Al Jazeera, CBC Take Top 2025 New York Festivals Honors |work=Radio & Television Business Report |url=https://rbr.com/al-jazeera-cbc-take-top-2025-new-york-festivals-honors/ |access-date=23 May 2025 |language=en-US}} and is shortlisted in the 2025 True Crime Awards for Podcast: Impact For Change.{{Cite web |last=Events |first=The Assembly |title=True Crime Awards 2025 - Shortlist 2025 - Podcasting |url=https://truecrimeawards.co.uk/truecrimeawards2025/en/page/shortlist-2025-podcasting |access-date=11 April 2025 |publisher=True Crime Awards}}

A Very Royal Scandal was released on 19 September 2024 on the streaming service Amazon Prime Video.{{Cite web |last=Goldbart |first=Max |date=13 August 2024 |title='A Very Royal Scandal': Michael Sheen Is Prince Andrew & Ruth Wilson Is Emily Maitlis In Latest Project On Notorious 'Newsnight' Interview |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/a-very-royal-scandal-first-looks-amazon-michael-sheen-emily-maitlis-1236038877/ |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

On 10 January 2025, Sheen announced that he had launched a new national theatre for Wales named Welsh National Theatre{{Cite web |title=Welsh National Theatre |url=https://www.welshnationaltheatre.com/ |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=Welsh National Theatre |language=en-GB}} after the National Theatre Wales was forced to close due to the company's £1.6m funding from the Arts Council of Wales being cut.{{Cite web |title=Michael Sheen to fund new national theatre for Wales |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y8yw3j47qo |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=BBC |last=Prichard |first=Lorna |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Owens |first=David |date=10 January 2025 |title=Michael Sheen launches the Welsh National Theatre |url=https://nation.cymru/culture/michael-sheen-launches-the-welsh-national-theatre/ |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Woodcock |first=Zara |date=11 January 2025 |title='Amazing' Michael Sheen praised as he funds new Welsh national theatre |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/michael-sheen-praised-using-money-34463287 |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=The Mirror |language=en}} He would personally fund the Welsh National Theatre from the outset as well as taking on the role of artistic director.{{Cite web |title=Good Omens and Staged star Michael Sheen funds new Welsh theatre to support arts |last=Craig |first=David |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/michael-sheen-welsh-national-theatre-newsupdate/ |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Ford |first=Lily |date=10 January 2025 |title=Michael Sheen to Self-Finance New National Theater in Wales, Serve as Artistic Director |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/michael-sheen-national-theatre-wales-artistic-director-stage-1236106104/ |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}

On 10 March 2025, the documentary Michael Sheen's Secret Million Pound Giveaway was aired on Channel 4, which explains why people are vulnerable to debt spirals, how debt-buying practices work, and how Sheen wrote off £1,000,000 of debt for 900 people in South Wales using £100,000 of his own money by secretly spending two years setting up a debt acquisition company.{{Cite web |date=5 March 2025 |title=Michael Sheen buys £1m worth of people's debts |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg1ewdgk7no |access-date=5 March 2025 |website=BBC |last=Griffiths |first=Eleri |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Michael Sheen explains how he wrote off £1 million of people's debt in documentary |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/michael-sheen-secret-million-pound-giveaway-newsupdate/ |access-date=5 March 2025 |website=Radio Times |last=Molina-Whyte |first=Lidia |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Chris |date=5 March 2025 |title=Michael Sheen just paid £1m worth of debt for 900 people using his own money |url=https://www.nme.com/news/film/michael-sheen-just-paid-1m-worth-of-debt-for-900-people-using-his-own-money-3843895 |access-date=5 March 2025 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} The program was well-received and Sheen's heist was hailed as inspiring and "Robin Hood-like", although questions remain as to whether it will get the UK government to pass the Fair Banking Act.{{Cite news |last=Nicholson |first=Rebecca |date=10 March 2025 |title=Michael Sheen's Secret Million Pound Giveaway review – this Robin Hood heist is a total inspiration |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/10/michael-sheens-secret-million-pound-giveaway-review-this-robin-hood-heist-is-a-total-inspiration |access-date=14 March 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Anita |date=10 March 2025 |title=Michael Sheen's Secret Million Pound Giveaway may be a gimmick – but it's a very generous one |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/michael-sheen-secret-million-pound-giveaway-review/?msockid=2242d3397fb46a3609dbc6957e3f6b63 |access-date=14 March 2025 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}{{Cite web |date=12 March 2025 |title=As Michael Sheen plays Robin Hood in Wales, does campaigning TV ever get results? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/michael-sheen-port-talbot-secret-million-pound-giveaway-b2713521.html |access-date=14 March 2025 |website=The Independent }}{{Cite web |first=Ben |last=Dowell |date=10 March 2025 |title=Michael Sheen's Secret Million Pound Giveaway review — will this 'heist' make a difference? |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/michael-sheen-secret-million-pound-giveaway-review-channel-4-7p9hfj8z0?msockid=2242d3397fb46a3609dbc6957e3f6b63 |access-date=14 March 2025 |website=The Times}}{{Cite web |title=Michael Sheen hailed a 'hero' on Secret Million Pound Giveaway as actor clears £1m debt for 900 people |work=Evening Standard |last=Campbell |first=Tina |url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/michael-sheen-hailed-a-hero-on-secret-million-pound-giveaway-as-actor-clears-1m-debt-for-900-people/ar-AA1AGsvH?ocid=BingNewsSerp |access-date=14 March 2025 |via=MSN}}

On 2 April 2025, Sheen's Welsh National Theatre company revealed plans for their inaugural season with two plays: Thornton Wilder's Our Town told from the Welsh perspective, and a new play by Gary Owen called Owain & Henry, about Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion against the rule of Henry IV of England in the 15th century.{{Cite web |date=2 April 2025 |title=Welsh National Theatre to stage new play, Owain and Henry, with Michael Sheen |website=WhatsOnStage |first=Tanyel |last=Gumushan |url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/welsh-national-theatre-to-stage-new-play-owain-and-henry-with-michael-sheen_1672047/ |access-date=3 April 2025 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2 April 2025 |title=Michael Sheen to star in new production of Our Town in London and on tour |publisher=West End Theatre |url=https://www.westendtheatre.com/283870/news/michael-sheen-to-star-in-new-production-of-our-town/ |access-date=3 April 2025 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Lois |date=3 April 2025 |title=Michael Sheen's Welsh National Theatre announces its first two plays |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/michael-sheens-welsh-national-theatre-31344117 |access-date=3 April 2025 |website=Wales Online}} Sheen will star in both plays, as Stage Manager and Owain Glyndŵr respectively.{{Cite web |date=2 April 2025 |title=Michael Sheen to portray 'iconic' Welsh prince Owain Glyndwr |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yr8y5exgpo |access-date=3 April 2025 |website=BBC |last=Prichard |first=Lorna |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2 April 2025 |title=Rose Theatre Announces Our Town Starring Michael Sheen in Co-Production with Welsh National Theatre |url=https://theatreweekly.com/rose-theatre-announces-our-town-starring-michael-sheen-in-co-production-with-welsh-national-theatre/ |access-date=3 April 2025 |website=Theatre Weekly |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Welsh National Theatre to Stage Owain and Henry with Michael Sheen |url=https://www.londontheatrenews.co.uk/news/welsh-national-theatre-to-stage-owain-and-henry-with-michael-sheen |access-date=3 April 2025 |website=London Theatre News |language=en-GB}}

On 20 May 2025, Sheen was listed in Time 100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy 2025 by Time magazine.{{Cite web |last=Javed |first=Ayesha |date=20 May 2025 |title=TIME100 Philanthropy: Michael Sheen |url=https://time.com/collections/time100-philanthropy-2025/7286015/michael-sheen/?filters=innovators |access-date=20 May 2025 |website=Time}}{{Cite news |date=20 May 2025 |title=Time 100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy 2025: Ambanis, Nikhil Kamath & other Indians who made the cut |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/time-100-most-influential-people-in-philanthropy-2025-david-beckham-warren-buffett-azim-premji-others-who-made-the-cut/articleshow/121294866.cms?from=mdr |access-date=20 May 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}

In June 2025, Sheen's debut picture book on homelessness called A Home for Spark the Dragon will be published by Puffin Books.{{Cite book |last3=Massini |first1=Michael |last1=Sheen |first2=Jess |last2=Webb |first3=Sarah |url=https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/452896/a-home-for-spark-the-dragon-by-webb-michael-sheen-and-jess/9780241705421 |title=A Home for Spark the Dragon |date=5 June 2025}} £1 from every hardback sale and 50p from every paperback sale of the book in the UK and Ireland will be donated to the national housing and homelessness charity Shelter.{{Cite web |last=Cooper-Fiske |first=Casey |date=18 March 2025 |title=Actor Michael Sheen to launch new children's book about homelessness |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/michael-sheen-shelter-south-wales-brian-clough-kenneth-williams-b1217364.html |access-date=18 March 2025 |website=The Standard |language=en}} Speaking about the book, Sheen said: "I feel very fortunate that I got to grow up in a safe and happy home, but knowing that, for many people, this isn't the case, has increasingly made me want to do what I can to help. I've always believed that telling stories is an important way to make change in the world, and, in the long run, stories for children can make the most change of all. For these reasons, I wanted to try to tell a story for young readers about a character who loses their home. Working together with storyteller Jess Webb and illustrator Sarah Massini, I created Spark the Dragon, his animal friends, a magical woodland world and a quest to find a new place to call home. I hope Spark’s adventure is fun to read, and, at the same time, that his story gives a way in for young readers to talk about what it is to be homeless – and to start to think about ways to make a difference. I'm proud to be publishing Spark’s story in partnership with the charity Shelter, supporting the important work they do to fight the housing emergency."{{Cite web |title=Michael Sheen's debut picture book on homelessness published by Puffin and Shelter |url=https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/michael-sheens-debut-picture-book-on-homelessness-published-by-puffin-and-shelter |access-date=18 March 2025 |website=The Bookseller |language=En}}

Sheen is honorary president of Wales Council for Voluntary Action, the lead national body for the voluntary sector in Wales. Accepting the role he explained, "I plan to use my role to actively challenge and support WCVA in their impact and role in supporting the community and keeping us focused on what matters locally as well as the need for national leadership". He is also an ambassador for TREAT Trust Wales, and is the Welsh ambassador of Into Film, a charity which offers after-school film clubs to state primary and secondary schools in an effort to improve literacy levels.{{cite news |title=Michael Sheen backs film club that supports literacy in schools |first=Gareth |last=Evans |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education-news/2011/05/27/michael-sheen-backs-film-club-that-supports-literacy-in-schools-91466-28771700/ |newspaper=The South Wales Echo |date=27 May 2011 |access-date=18 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124102636/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education-news/2011/05/27/michael-sheen-backs-film-club-that-supports-literacy-in-schools-91466-28771700/ |archive-date=24 January 2012 }} He is also an ambassador of the environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.{{cite web |last=Prichard |first=Lorna |url=http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2012-06-12/michael-sheen-is-ambassador-to-keep-wales-tidy/ |title=Michael Sheen ambassador to Keep Wales Tidy |work=ITV News |date=12 June 2012 |access-date=13 June 2012 |archive-date=13 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613002354/http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2012-06-12/michael-sheen-is-ambassador-to-keep-wales-tidy/ |url-status=live }}

File:"Shakesbear" Paddington Bear, Millennium Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 4245712.jpg statue outside Shakespeare's Globe in London, auctioned to raise funds for the NSPCC]]

Sheen is a patron of British charities, including Scene & Heard,{{cite web |url=http://www.sceneandheard.org/patrons/ |title=Scene & Heard – Patrons |work=Scene and Heard |access-date=19 June 2010 |archive-date=13 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213223854/http://www.sceneandheard.org/patrons/ |url-status=live }} NSPCC's Child's Voice Appeal,{{cite web |url=http://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-we-do/childs-voice-appeal/supporters-of-the-appeal/Michael_Sheen_hero_NSPCC_Child_Voice_Appeal_cva73544.html |title=Michael Sheen supports the Child's Voice Appeal |access-date=18 September 2011 |work=NSPCC |archive-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120061245/http://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-we-do/childs-voice-appeal/supporters-of-the-appeal/Michael_Sheen_hero_NSPCC_Child_Voice_Appeal_cva73544.html |url-status=live }} Healing the Wounds,{{cite web |url=http://www.healingthewounds.co.uk/Michael_Sheen.html |title=Michael Sheen offers his support as Patron of HTW |work=Healing the Wounds |access-date=17 December 2013 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219034337/http://www.healingthewounds.co.uk/Michael_Sheen.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.welshicons.org.uk/news/film-star-michael-sheen-gets-first-hand-view-of-ptsd-charity%E2%80%99s-work/ |title=Film star Michael Sheen gets first-hand view of PTSD charity's work |work=Welsh Icons News |date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219011424/http://www.welshicons.org.uk/news/film-star-michael-sheen-gets-first-hand-view-of-ptsd-charity%E2%80%99s-work/ |archive-date=19 December 2013 }} The Relationships Centre,{{cite web |url=http://www.therelationshipscentre.co.uk/patrons |title=Our Patrons |access-date=18 September 2011 |work=The Relationships Centre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203103537/http://www.therelationshipscentre.co.uk/patrons |archive-date=3 February 2012}} WGCADA (West Glamorgan Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse){{cite news |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/cardiffonline/cardiff-news/2011/10/08/hollywood-star-michael-sheen-named-new-patron-of-drug-abuse-charity-91466-29559302/ |title=Hollywood star Michael Sheen named new patron of drug abuse charity |first=Robin |last=Turner |newspaper=The South Wales Echo |date=8 October 2011 |access-date=8 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127012622/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/cardiffonline/cardiff-news/2011/10/08/hollywood-star-michael-sheen-named-new-patron-of-drug-abuse-charity-91466-29559302/ |archive-date=27 January 2012 }} and Adferiad Recovery, a new organisation providing support for vulnerable people in Wales and their families and carers.{{Cite web|last=Pearce|first=Matthew|date=12 May 2021|title=The one and only Michael Sheen announced as Adferiad Recovery's Patron!|url=http://www.adferiad.org.uk/the-one-and-only-michael-sheen-announced-as-adferiad-recoverys-patron/|access-date=24 August 2021|website=Adferiad Recovery|language=en-US|archive-date=24 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824081328/http://www.adferiad.org.uk/the-one-and-only-michael-sheen-announced-as-adferiad-recoverys-patron/|url-status=live}} He has taken part in a number of charity football matches, including captaining the winning Soccer Aid 2010 team at Wembley Stadium,{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a223337/robbie-williams-michael-sheen-soccer-aid.html |title=Robbie Williams, Michael Sheen ('Soccer Aid') |access-date=18 September 2011 |work=Digital Spy |date=3 June 2010 |archive-date=18 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218022253/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a223337/robbie-williams-michael-sheen-soccer-aid.html |url-status=live }} as well as appearing in the 2012 and 2014 matches. He is a patron of the British Independent Film Awards,{{cite web |url=http://www.bifa.org.uk/patrons |title=Patrons: British Independent Film Awards |work=British Independent Film Awards |access-date=18 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126061407/http://www.bifa.org.uk/patrons |archive-date=26 November 2013 }} an ambassador for the Dylan Thomas Prize{{cite web |url=http://www.dylanthomasprize.com/supporters/ambassadors.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203123909/http://www.dylanthomasprize.com/supporters/ambassadors.asp |url-status=usurped |archive-date=3 February 2012 |title=Ambassadors |access-date=18 September 2011 |work=Dylan Thomas Prize }} and vice-president of Port Talbot Town F.C.{{cite web |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/port-talbot/2010/09/02/michael-sheen-made-vice-president-of-port-talbot-town-fc-91466-27186634/ |title=Michael Sheen made vice-president of Port Talbot Town FC |access-date=18 September 2011 |work=Wales Online |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124105738/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/port-talbot/2010/09/02/michael-sheen-made-vice-president-of-port-talbot-town-fc-91466-27186634/ |archive-date=24 January 2012 }}

In October 2018, Sheen sponsored a women's football team in Wales.{{cite web |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/hollywood-star-michael-sheen-sponsoring-15208251 |title=Hollywood star Michael Sheen is sponsoring a women's football team and this is why |last=O'Sullivan |first=Caitlin |date=1 October 2018 |website=Wales Online |access-date=3 September 2019 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626200633/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/hollywood-star-michael-sheen-sponsoring-15208251 |url-status=live }}

In 2014 Sheen designed a Shakespeare-themed Paddington Bear statue. Placed outside Shakespeare's Globe, it was one of fifty statues of Paddington located around London prior to the release of the film Paddington, which were auctioned to raise funds for the NSPCC.{{cite news |title=Why Paddington Bear Statues Have Taken Over London |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-11-24/paddington-bear-statues-taken-over-london-david-beckham-benedict-cumberbatch |access-date=10 June 2022 |work=Condé Nast}} In 2017, Sheen founded the End High Cost Credit Alliance working to promote more affordable ways to borrow money.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/apr/03/crackdown-payday-loans-predatory-lending-mental-health-poverty |title=We need to crack down on payday loans – for the sake of our health |last=O'Hara |first=Mary |date=3 April 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=3 September 2019 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626200629/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/apr/03/crackdown-payday-loans-predatory-lending-mental-health-poverty |url-status=live }} That same year Sheen became a Patron of Social Enterprise UK, a charity which supports social projects which benefit local, environmental and co-operative causes.{{cite news |url=https://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/865208/Social-Saturday-Michael-Sheen-social-enterprises |title=Shop, do good and feel even better this Social Saturday |first=Misha |last=Frost |date=11 October 2017 |newspaper=Daily Express |access-date=15 December 2018 |archive-date=16 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031356/https://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/865208/Social-Saturday-Michael-Sheen-social-enterprises |url-status=live }} In October 2018, Sheen and Natasha Kaplinsky became vice-presidents (an ambassadorial role) of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).{{cite web |url=https://www.rsph.org.uk/about-us/news/michael-sheen-and-natasha-kaplinsky-unveiled-as-new-vice-presidents-of-rsph.html |title=Michael Sheen and Natasha Kaplinsky unveiled as new Vice Presidents of RSPH |date=3 October 2018 |website=Royal Society for Public Health |access-date=3 October 2018 |archive-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003181925/https://www.rsph.org.uk/about-us/news/michael-sheen-and-natasha-kaplinsky-unveiled-as-new-vice-presidents-of-rsph.html |url-status=live }} Sheen is a fundraising partner with the non-profit organization, The White Curl, which supports Welsh charities.{{cite web | title=Who We Are | website=the white curl. | url=https://www.thewhitecurl.com/who-we-are | access-date=29 November 2021 | archive-date=29 November 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129001556/https://www.thewhitecurl.com/who-we-are | url-status=live }} As of 2023, his campaigns with The White Curl raised over £110,000 for Welsh charities and causes.{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Emily |date=24 May 2023 |title=Michael Sheen raises over £110k for Welsh charities |url=https://nation.cymru/news/michael-sheen-raises-over-110k-for-welsh-charities/ |access-date=19 November 2024 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}

In 2019, Sheen sold his own houses to fund the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff when its £2,000,000 funding fell through at the last minute.{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Liz |date=6 December 2021 |title=Michael Sheen reveals how he sold his own homes to help the homeless |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/michael-sheen-port-talbot-homeless-22370362 |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Bringing the Homeless World Cup to Wales |url=https://www.homelessworldcup.org/news/bringing-the-homeless-world-cup-to-wales |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=Homeless World Cup |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |date=30 July 2019 |title=Michael Sheen 'put it all on the line' for Homeless World Cup |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49168731 |access-date=25 November 2024 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=6 December 2021 |title=Michael Sheen says he is a 'not-for-profit actor' after selling houses for charity |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/michael-sheen-charity-homeless-world-cup-b1970413.html |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Michael Sheen a 'non-for-profit actor' funding Homeless World Cup – Thred Website |url=https://thred.com/change/michael-sheen-a-non-for-profit-actor-funding-homeless-world-cup/ |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=thred.com}} In 2020, he raised more than £33,000 to help people in Wales whose homes have been hit by flooding in the wake of Storm Dennis.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLB21sSOjEI |title=Michael Sheen: Response to flooding fundraiser has been 'incredible' |date=21 February 2020 |last=Sky News |access-date=9 November 2024 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |title=Help Wales after Storm Dennis fund |url=https://wcva.cymru/funding/help-wales-after-storm-dennis-fund/ |access-date=9 November 2024 |website=WCVA |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |date=20 February 2020 |title=Storm Dennis: Michael Sheen launches appeal for flood victims |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-51573117 |access-date=9 November 2024 |language=en-GB}}

In 2021, Sheen invested £250,000 of his own money to launch Mab Gwalia{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://mabgwalia.wales/ |access-date=17 March 2025 |website=MAB GWALIA |language=en-GB}}(meaning Sons of Wales), a fund to fund community projects in Wales.{{Cite web |date=16 March 2025 |title=Michael Sheen yn buddsoddi £250,000 wrth lansio cronfa gymunedol newydd yng Nghymru |url=https://newyddion.s4c.cymru/article/12935 |access-date=17 March 2025 |website=newyddion.s4c.cymru |language=cy}} The organisation currently supports 16 projects, including Mothers Matter, GROW Cymru (Growing Real Opportunities for Women), ASD Rainbows, Cwm Taf People First, Escape Artists North Wales, Street Football Wales, and Mab Gwalia Welsh Drama Student Scholarship programme in partnership with Manic Street Preachers.{{Cite web |title=Projects |url=https://mabgwalia.wales/projects/ |access-date=17 March 2025 |website=MAB GWALIA |language=en-GB}} Each academic year, the Mab Gwalia Welsh Drama Student Scholarship awards up to £15,000 to support up to three eligible students.{{Cite web |title=Mab Gwalia Drama Student Scholarship |url=https://mabgwalia.wales/portfolio/mab-gwalia-drama-student-scholarship/ |access-date=17 March 2025 |website=MAB GWALIA |language=en-GB}} “Opportunity should not only be available to those who can afford it,” Sheen said.{{Cite web |last=Owens |first=David |date=8 November 2021 |title=Michael Sheen and Manics join forces to offer student scholarship |url=https://nation.cymru/culture/michael-sheen-and-manics-join-forces-to-offer-student-scholarship/ |access-date=17 March 2025 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=14 June 2024 |title=Welsh actor teams up with Caerphilly rock band to fund aspiring artists |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/24387836.michael-sheen-manic-street-preachers-actors-arts-funding/ |access-date=17 March 2025 |website=South Wales Argus |language=en}} He also funds the Michael Sheen Bursary for Welsh undergraduates at Jesus College, Oxford, pledging £50,000 over five years.{{Cite web |title=Announcing the Michael Sheen Bursary – Jesus College |url=https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/michaelsheenbursary/ |access-date=19 March 2025 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |date=20 April 2021 |title=Oxford University reveals Michael Sheen fund for Welsh students |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-56818667 |access-date=19 March 2025 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=20 April 2021 |title=New Michael Sheen Bursary is a tremendous opportunity to support Welsh students {{!}} University of Oxford |url=https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2021-04-20-new-michael-sheen-bursary-tremendous-opportunity-support-welsh-students |access-date=19 March 2025 |website=www.ox.ac.uk |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Gareth |date=20 April 2021 |title=Oxford bursary scheme to support Welsh students named after Michael Sheen |url=https://nation.cymru/news/oxford-bursary-scheme-to-support-welsh-students-named-after-michael-sheen/ |access-date=19 March 2025 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}

In December 2021, Sheen announced that he would be giving all of his future earnings to charities, declaring himself a "not-for-profit actor".{{Cite web|date=6 December 2021|title=Michael Sheen declares himself a 'not-for-profit actor'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/dec/06/michael-sheen-not-for-profit-actor-activist|access-date=7 December 2021|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207000408/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/dec/06/michael-sheen-not-for-profit-actor-activist|url-status=live}} That same year he co-founded A Writing Chance, which gives new and aspiring writers from working-class and lower-income backgrounds resources and access to the writing industries.{{Cite web |title=A Writing Chance |url=https://newwritingnorth.com/a-writing-chance/ |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=New Writing North |language=en}} The writers and their stories would then be introduced on the Michael Sheen: Margins to Mainstream podcast on BBC Radio Wales.{{Cite web |title=BBC Radio Wales - Michael Sheen: Margins to Mainstream |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0015n53 |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Margins to Mainstream with Michael Sheen |url=https://newwritingnorth.com/journal/margins-to-mainstream-with-michael-sheen/ |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=New Writing North |language=en}}

In October 2024, it was reported that Sheen had used his own money to write off personal debts for hundreds of people in South Wales.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Branwen |date=26 October 2024 |title=Michael Sheen pays off hundreds of people's debts in an 'extraordinary gesture' |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/michael-sheen-pays-hundreds-peoples-30235116 |access-date=9 November 2024 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Branwen |last2=Wootton-Cane |first2=Nicole |date=26 October 2024 |title=Michael Sheen pays off hundreds of people's debts in 'extraordinary gesture' |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/showbiz-news/michael-sheen-pays-hundreds-peoples-30237938 |access-date=9 November 2024 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}} On 10 March 2025, the process of Sheen clearing £1,000,000 of debt for 900 people in South Wales with £100,000 of his own money was shown in Channel 4's documentary Michael Sheen’s Secret Million Pound Giveaway.{{Cite news |last=Saner |first=Emine |date=10 March 2025 |title='It's not because I want people to think I'm great': Michael Sheen on paying off £1m of his neighbours' debts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/mar/10/michael-sheen-interview-secret-million-pound-giveaway-port-talbot |access-date=17 March 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |date=14 March 2025 |title=Michael Sheen's kindness shows how cruel the credit business is |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/mar/14/michael-sheens-kindness-shows-how-cruel-the-credit-business-is |access-date=17 March 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

In May 2025, a literary magazine and online platform called The Bee,{{Cite web |date=4 May 2025 |title=The Bee |url=https://thebeemagazine.com/ |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=The Bee |language=en}} an extension of Sheen's earlier project A Writing Chance and aims to "fight the increasing marginalisation of working-class writers, and of working-class people in publishing", was launched.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Mark |last2=correspondent |first2=Mark Brown North of England |date=5 May 2025 |title=UK-wide initiative launched to tackle marginalisation of working-class writers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/may/05/uk-wide-initiative-launched-to-tackle-marginalisation-of-working-class-writers |access-date=7 May 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=artsculture |date=5 May 2025 |title=The Bee {{!}} New platform launches in response to class crisis in UK writing industries |url=https://artsculture.newsandmediarepublic.org/writing/the-bee-new-platform-launches-in-response-to-class-crisis-in-uk-writing-industries/ |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=ArtsCulture |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Richard Benson to edit new literary magazine for working-class writers |url=https://www.thebookseller.com/news/richard-benson-to-edit-new-literary-magazine-for-working-class-writers |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=The Bookseller |language=En}}{{Cite web |last=Whetstone |first=David |title=New magazine champions working class writers |url=https://www.culturednortheast.co.uk/p/new-magazine-champions-working-class |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=www.culturednortheast.co.uk |language=en}}

In June 2025, Sheen's debut picture book on homelessness called A Home for Spark the Dragon will be published in association with the homelessness charity Shelter.{{Cite web |date=18 March 2025 |title=Michael Sheen hopes new book will get children talking about homelessness |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c15q2pwxnxyo |access-date=19 March 2025 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}} Publisher Puffin Books and Sheen will donate £1 from every hardback sale and 50p from every paperback sale of the book in the UK and Ireland.

Sheen is known for political and social activism. Examples include campaigning against high-cost credit agreements, crises in local journalism and describing himself as a not-for-profit actor due to his contributions to social causes.{{Cite web|date=6 April 2020|title='I was face-to-face with Tony Blair': Michael Sheen on Murdoch, class and giving away his money|url=http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/apr/06/i-was-face-to-face-with-tony-blair-michael-sheen-on-murdoch-class-and-giving-away-his-money|access-date=13 February 2022|website=The Guardian}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43460108 |title=Michael Sheen takes aim at high cost of rent-to-own |publisher=BBC News |date=20 March 2018 |accessdate=18 June 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bigissue.com/culture/michael-sheen-ive-essentially-turned-myself-into-a-social-enterprise-a-not-for-profit-actor/ |title=Michael Sheen: 'I've essentially turned myself into a social enterprise, a not-for-profit actor' |publisher=The Big Issue |last=Graham |first=Jane |date=5 December 2021 |accessdate=18 June 2023}}

On 18 October 2013, Sheen published a full-page open letter to the local newspaper South Wales Argus, in which he strongly condemned the "absurd and tragic" demolition of the Chartist Mural.{{Cite web |date=18 October 2013 |title=CHARTIST MURAL: An open letter to the people of Newport by Michael Sheen |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/10745964.chartist-mural-an-open-letter-to-the-people-of-newport-by-hollywood-star-newport-born-michael-sheen/ |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=South Wales Argus |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=18 October 2013 |title=Michael Sheen's anger over mural demolition |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-24578061 |access-date=18 April 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Owen |first=Cathy |date=18 October 2013 |title='Absurd and tragic': Michael Sheen criticises destruction of Newport's Chartist mural in open letter |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/absurd-tragic-michael-sheen-criticises-6203409 |access-date=18 April 2025 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Michael Sheen pens open letter condemning destruction of Newport's |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/michael-sheen-pens-open-letter-condemning-destruction-of-newport-s-chartist-mural-8889294.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230412054132/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/michael-sheen-pens-open-letter-condemning-destruction-of-newport-s-chartist-mural-8889294.html |archive-date=12 April 2023 |access-date=19 April 2025 |work=The Independent |language=en-GB}} On 2 November 2013, he spoke at a conference in Newport, and was invited by city council leader Bob Bright to advise a committee on a proposal to replace the mural.{{Cite web |date=2 November 2013 |title=Hollywood star Michael Sheen calls for end to political debate to create new Chartist 'symbol' in Newport |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/10781614.Hollywood_star_Michael_Sheen_calls_for_end_to_political_debate_to_create_new_Chartist__lsquo_symbol_rsquo__in_Newport/ |access-date=18 April 2025 |website=South Wales Argus |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=19 March 2014 |title=Dr Rowan Williams: Demolition of Chartist mural 'sad day' for Newport |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/11086251.Dr_Rowan_Williams__Demolition_of_Chartist_Mural__quot_sad_day_quot__for_Newport/?ref=var_0 |access-date=18 April 2025 |website=South Wales Argus |language=en}} 6 years later, on 4 November 2019, exactly 180 years since the Newport Rising, a new mural that is a replica of the original was unveiled in Newport.{{Cite web |last=Knapman |first=Joshua |date=4 November 2019 |title=A new Chartist mural has been unveiled in Newport |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/newport-rising-chartist-mural-uprising-17196726 |access-date=18 April 2025 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}

On 24 February 2015, to mark the 175th anniversary of the Chartist Rising in Newport, Sheen made the BBC Cymru Wales's documentary Michael Sheen's Valleys Rebellion.{{Citation |last=Roderick |first=Sian |title=Michael Sheen's Valleys Rebellion |date=24 February 2015 |type=Dokumentarfilm |url=https://www.imdb.com/de/title/tt4510190/ |access-date=18 April 2025 |others=Michael Sheen |publisher=Cwmni Da, BBC Cymru Wales}} In it, he retraced the journey of 20,000 Chartists who walked from the Gwent Valley to the centre of Newport, exploring Welsh attitudes to politics and social change in 2014, and why ordinary people and politicians seemed so far apart.{{Cite web |title=Michael Sheen's Valleys Rebellion |url=https://cwmnida.cymru/productions/michael-sheens-valleys-rebellion/?lang=en#:~:text=To%20commemorate%20the%20175th%20anniversary%20of%20The%20Chartist,attitude%20towards%20politics%20and%20social%20change%20in%202014. |access-date=18 April 2025 |website=Cwmni Da |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=19 February 2015 |title=BBC Two - Michael Sheen's Valleys Rebellion, Michael Sheen talks about the Chartists Movement |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02kbpj8 |access-date=18 April 2025 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}

On 1 March 2015, Sheen joined the People’s March for the NHS in Tredegar, the birthplace of the founder of the NHS Aneurin Bevan, and gave a speech on the importance of the NHS and the welfare state to a civilised, equal and compassionate society, opposing the privatisation of the NHS and opposing Conservative's austerity cuts to the UK's health service.{{Cite web |date=3 March 2015 |title=Watch Michael Sheen's passionate speech against Tory NHS cuts |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/michael-sheen-gives-rousing-st-david-s-day-speech-about-the-importance-of-the-nhs-10079981.html |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=1 March 2015 |title=Michael Sheen's NHS speech at Tredegar |url=https://sheendex.com/2015/03/01/michael-sheens-nhs-speech-at-tredegar/ |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=The Sheendex |language=en-US}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiHILXXst5E |title=OFFICIAL 'People's March for the NHS' & FULL Michael Sheen Speech 2015 (Tredegar) |date=10 March 2015 |last=kevin phillips |access-date=22 March 2025 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |date=2 March 2015 |title=Michael Sheen's Blistering NHS Speech Will Bring You To Your Feet |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/03/02/michael-sheen-nhs-cuts-speech_n_6783056.html?142530694 |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=HuffPost UK |language=en}} His NHS speech went viral, with many posting and sharing clips of him speaking at the march, lauding him as "an upcoming face in politics".{{Cite web |last=Waterson |first=Jim |date=2 March 2015 |title=People Are Going Crazy For This Clip Of Michael Sheen Defending The NHS |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/jimwaterson/sheen-vs-the-nhs |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=BuzzFeed |language=en-gb}}{{Cite news |date=3 March 2015 |title=Michael Sheen tells politicians "believe in something" |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-31707929 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} When asked by BBC News if he was surprised by the reaction to the speech, Sheen said: "I didn't know it was being filmed. It was a cold and very wet day. The fact that anyone turned up at all was amazing and that they stayed around was amazing."{{Cite news |date=9 March 2015 |title=Michael Sheen says Aneurin Bevan inspired NHS speech |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-31805326 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} Sheen also told BBC News that he was not affiliated to any political party and that "they're all doing terrible jobs on the whole", but that he would still speak out about what he witnessed whenever he got the chance.{{Cite news |title=Politics not parties for actor Sheen |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-wales-politics-31813701 |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

On 21 December 2015, Sheen started a petition calling on the Welsh Government to put an end to homeless teenagers being put into unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation on Change.org following news of young people being murdered while staying in B&Bs with potentially dangerous ex-offenders.{{Cite news |date=22 December 2015 |title=Michael Sheen petitions to help homeless teenagers |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-35158195 |access-date=25 March 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Houghton |first=Tom |date=21 December 2015 |title=Michael Sheen starts petition over housing homeless teens in B&Bs |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/michael-sheen-starts-campaign-stop-10635531 |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=21 December 2015 |title=Michael Sheen Is Fighting To Stop 'Scared, Hungry' Homeless Teens Being Housed In B&Bs |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/12/21/michael-sheen-starts-petition-to-stop-homeless-teens-being-housed-in-bbs_n_8855886.html |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=HuffPost UK |language=en}} The petition raised more than 115.000 signatures and Sheen presented the issue directly to the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty Lesley Griffiths, who announced in March 2016 that the Welsh Government had issued stricter statutory guidance to local authorities to stop the use of B&B accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds once and for all.{{Cite web |last=Shipton |first=Martin |date=29 March 2016 |title=Homeless teens will not being housed with sex offenders any more |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/homeless-teens-not-housed-sex-11107925 |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=10 February 2016 |title=Actor Michael Sheen delivers petition plea for homeless teens |url=https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/actor-michael-sheen-delivers-petition-plea-for-homeless-teens/34441781.html |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=Irish Independent |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Shipton |first=Martin |date=10 February 2016 |title=How Michael Sheen forced changes to teens safety after B&B killings |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/how-michael-sheen-forcing-politicians-10872366 |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=29 March 2016 |title=Newport's Michael Sheen claims victory in homeless petition |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/14390189.Newport_s_Michael_Sheen_claims_victory_in_homeless_petition/ |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=South Wales Argus |language=en}}

On 8 June 2016, the documentary Michael Sheen: The Fight for My Steel Town was broadcast on BBC One Wales, in which Sheen returned to Port Talbot, the town where he grew up, to see for himself the impact on families of hundreds of jobs lost at the steelworks.{{Cite web |title=BBC One - Michael Sheen: The Fight for My Steel Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07g6v6d |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}} Michael Sheen: The Fight for My Steel Town won BAFTA Cymru for News and Current Affairs.{{Cite web |title=Cymru |url=https://www.bafta.org/awards/cymru?award-year=2017 |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=Bafta |language=en}}

On 3 June 2017, Sheen delivered his Aneurin Bevan Lecture at Hay Festival 2017 about "culture and society and the humane vision and tradition that Bevan inspires".{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj2-kMXenk8 |title=Aneurin Bevan Lecture: Michael Sheen Hay Festival 2017 |date=15 September 2017 |last=Bevan Commission |access-date=22 March 2025 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |title=Hay Festival 2017 - Michael Sheen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/enwmzc/acts/a2npd4 |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=BBC Music Events |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=3 June 2017 |title=Michael Sheen |url=https://www.hayfestival.com/p-12504-michael-sheen.aspx |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Hay Festival |language=en}}

On 16 November 2017, Sheen spoke at the Annual Raymond Williams Memorial Lecture organised by Learning and Work Institute Wales and Open University in Merthyr, Wales.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbVdA7zS8dE |title=Annual Raymond Williams Memorial Lecture 2017 {{!}} Michael Sheen |date=18 November 2017 |last=Learning and Work Institute Wales |access-date=20 March 2025 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |title=The Open University |url=https://university.open.ac.uk/wales/en/events/annual-raymond-williams-memorial-lecture |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=university.open.ac.uk |language=en}} His lecture "explored themes of Welsh culture and identity, its past and its present and to look again at the question Williams once asked – Who speaks for Wales?",{{Cite web |title=2017 Annual Raymond Williams Memorial Lecture |url=https://www.learningandwork.wales/news-and-policy/2017-raymond-williams-lecture/ |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=Learning and Work Institute |language=en-US}} Brexit, the decline of local journalism in Wales, and the environmental threats to Wales from PCBs pollution near Brofiscin Quarry reported by researcher Douglas Gowan.{{Cite web |last=Editor2 |date=21 November 2017 |title=Actor Michael Sheen slams Monsanto for causing pollution in Wales |url=https://www.gmwatch.org/en/main-menu/news-menu-title/archive/91-2017/17989-actor-michael-sheen-slams-monsanto-for-causing-pollution-in-wales |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=www.gmwatch.org}}{{Cite news |last=Vidal |first=John |last2=editor |first2=environment |date=12 February 2007 |title=Monsanto dumped toxic waste in UK |url=https://www.theguardian.com/guardian/2007/feb/12/frontpagenews.uknews |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Sheen learned about Gowan's studies when he first read an article on Wikipedia, and was then invited to visit and record a seven-hour interview as evidence for his testimony.{{Cite news |last=Wray |first=Daniel Dylan |date=24 June 2024 |title='Please come and see me because I'll be dead soon': how Michael Sheen got sucked into a forever chemicals exposé |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/24/please-come-and-see-me-because-ill-be-dead-soon-how-michael-sheen-got-sucked-into-a-forever-chemicals-expose |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

He has made calls for discussions about Welsh independence{{Cite web |date=20 April 2021 |title=Michael Sheen explains why he thinks having independence 'conversation' is important |url=https://nation.cymru/news/michel-sheen-explains-why-he-thinks-having-independence-conversation-is-important/ |access-date=13 February 2022 |website=Nation.Cymru}}{{cite news |date=29 December 2020 |title=Michael Sheen 'gave OBE back' to air views on the monarchy |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55478415}} and has made comments about the institution of the "Prince of Wales" title.{{Cite web |date=7 December 2021 |title=Michael Sheen reveals what he said to Prince Charles when he handed back OBE |url=https://nation.cymru/news/michael-sheen-reveals-what-he-said-to-prince-charles-when-he-handed-back-obe/ |access-date=23 June 2022 |website=Nation.Cymru}}

On 8 March 2018, Sheen participated in CARE International UK's March4Women on International Women's Day.{{Cite web |title=At the March4Women, speakers call on men to embrace and understand feminism |url=https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/march4women-2018-bianca-jagger-sadiq-khan-michael-sheen-male-feminists/193524 |access-date=30 April 2025 |website=www.stylist.co.uk}} He paid tribute to suffragist Keir Hardie and made a speech calling for gender quality.{{Cite web |last=Sheen |first=Michael |date=8 March 2018 |title=@michaelsheen: "Happy International Women's Day all! Here's my speech from @careintuk's #March4Women. It's a tribute to suffragette supporter Keir Hardie and a call for gender equality today:" |url=https://x.com/michaelsheen/status/971750330462588932 |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2025 |website=Twitter}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cP3rQjhysQ&feature=youtu.be |title=Michael Sheen speaks at #March4Women 2018 |date=8 March 2018 |last=CARE International UK |access-date=30 April 2025 |via=YouTube}}

In July 2022, Sheen made a documentary with BBC Wales Investigates called Michael Sheen: Lifting the Lid on the Care System about the experiences of children in care and found that young people are still staying in B&Bs and sleeping rough, six years after the Welsh government said it wanted to eradicate the practice.{{Cite news |date=4 July 2022 |title=Michael Sheen: I broke down hearing kids' care stories |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-61954808 |access-date=19 April 2025 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Angharad |date=5 July 2022 |title=Emotional Michael Sheen breaks down making documentary about children in care |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/emotional-michael-sheen-breaks-down-24407023 |access-date=19 April 2025 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}

In September 2022, Sheen's stirring motivational speech for the Wales national football team ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on A League of Their Own went viral.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fpV0OFC0vc |title=Michael Sheen gives rousing speech for Wales football team on A League of Their Own |date=13 September 2022 |last=Guardian Football |access-date=27 March 2025 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |last=Owens |first=David |date=15 September 2022 |title=Michael Sheen on his rousing rallying cry for Wales that went viral |url=https://nation.cymru/sport/michael-sheen-on-his-rousing-rallying-cry-for-wales-that-went-viral/ |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Talbot |first=Jacque |date=9 September 2022 |title=Michael Sheen's 'electric' Wales vs England World Cup speech is spine-tingling |url=https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/michael-sheens-electric-wales-vs-27955598 |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=Daily Star |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Glen |date=13 September 2022 |title=Wales ask Michael Sheen to join squad as manager 'wells up' watching speech |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wales-ask-michael-sheen-join-25006076 |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=Wales Online |language=en}} He was then invited into the Welsh camp's inner circle to deliver a team talk to coach Rob Page and the players.{{Cite web |title=Wales coach wants Michael Sheen to visit players after viral speech |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2022/09/13/wales-coach-wants-michael-sheen-to-visit-players-after-viral-speech/ |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=27 September 2022 |title=Michael Sheen's stirring speech for Wales football team |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-63044024 |access-date=27 March 2025 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Rahman |first=Abid |date=27 September 2022 |title=Michael Sheen Gives Rousing Speech to Wales Soccer Team Ahead of World Cup |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/michael-sheen-speech-wales-world-cup-1235227822/ |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=27 September 2022 |title=Michael Sheen delivers new spine-tingling World Cup speech to Wales squad {{!}} Virgin Radio UK |url=https://virginradio.co.uk/entertainment/77000/michael-sheen-delivers-new-spine-tingling-world-cup-speech-to-wales-squad |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=virginradio.co.uk |language=en}}

In January 2024, Sheen showed support to a cross-party campaign of Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour focused on devolving the Crown Estate to Wales.{{Cite web |last=jayne |date=19 February 2024 |title=Actor Michael Sheen joins call for Crown Estate devolution to Wales |url=https://www.cmscoms.com/?p=38036 |access-date=15 April 2024 |website=Communications and Management for Sustainability |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Stephen |date=20 January 2024 |title=Campaign to devolve the Crown Estate to Wales launched |url=https://nation.cymru/news/campaign-to-devolve-the-crown-estate-to-wales-launched/ |access-date=15 April 2024 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}

In May 2024, Sheen joined series 2 of BBC Radio 4's award-winning podcast Buried, called Buried: The Last Witness, as the hearsay witness who recorded dead witness Douglas Gowan's final testimony.{{Cite web |title=Good Omens star Michael Sheen joins award-winning BBC Radio 4 podcast {{!}} Radio Times |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/bbc-radio-4-buried-michael-sheen-newsupdate/ |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=www.radiotimes.com |language=en-GB}} Together with presenters and investigative journalists Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor, Sheen conducted a field investigation in South Wales and discovered the lasting impact of 'forever chemicals' on the environment, food chain and communities, and issued a warning for the future.{{Cite web |title="It's so overwhelming, once you start to discover the truth" - Michael Sheen on the most shocking revelations in Radio 4's Buried: The Last Witness |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/buried-the-last-witness-michael-sheen-interview/ |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Nicol |first=Patricia |date=29 June 2024 |title=How Michael Sheen uncovered a toxic farming legacy |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/how-michael-sheen-uncovered-a-toxic-farming-legacy-bcw0r0xrz |access-date=23 May 2025 |website=www.thetimes.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Sturges |first=Fiona |date=8 July 2024 |title=Buried: The Last Witness podcast review — trail of toxic waste leads from Wales to Alabama |url=https://www.ft.com/content/efb32b0c-78da-40a6-985e-2b0fb9617acb |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Financial Times}}{{Cite web |title=BBC Radio 4's 'Buried' finds toxic chemicals in soil, food and human blood |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/bbc-radio-4-buried-toxic-chemicals?trk=public_post_comment-text |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=14 June 2024 |title=Podcast Live: The Last Witness with Michael Sheen {{!}} Sheffield DocFest |url=https://www.sheffdocfest.com/composition/podcast-live-last-witness-michael-sheen |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=www.sheffdocfest.com |language=en}}

In October 2024, Sheen called for a Fair Banking Act to help tackle the unaffordable credit crisis in the UK.{{Cite web |last=Khambay |first=Gurjinder |date=23 October 2024 |title=Michael Sheen joins calls for a Fair Banking Act to tackle crisis of unaffordable credit |url=https://financeinnovationlab.org/michael-sheen-joins-calls-for-a-fair-banking-act-to-tackle-crisis-of-unaffordable-credit/#:~:text=Climate%20and%20nature-,Michael%20Sheen%20joins%20calls%20for%20a%20Fair%20Banking,tackle%20crisis%20of%20unaffordable%20credit&text=Actor%20and%20debt%20campaigner%20Michael,problem%20debt%20in%20the%20UK. |access-date=9 November 2024 |website=Finance Innovation Lab |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=23 October 2024 |title=Michael Sheen joins calls for a Fair Banking Act to tackle credit crisis affecting people and businesses |url=https://responsiblefinance.org.uk/2024/10/michael-sheen-joins-calls-for-a-fair-banking-act-to-tackle-credit-crisis-affecting-people-and-businesses/ |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=responsiblefinance.org.uk |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Barry |first=Sion |date=28 October 2024 |title=Actor Michael Sheen backs fair banking for all campaign |url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/actor-michael-sheen-backs-fair-30243213 |access-date=9 November 2024 |website=Business Live |language=en}} On 10 March 2025, in his Channel 4 documentary Michael Sheen’s Secret Million Pound Giveaway, he paid off the debts of 900 people in South Wales using his own money while continuing to call on the UK government to enact the Fair Banking Act.{{Cite web |date=10 March 2025 |title=Michael Sheen: Debts for people across south Wales wiped by actor |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cewk40gey89o |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Lobb |first=Adrian |date=6 March 2025 |title=Michael Sheen on why he wrote off £1m of people's debts |url=https://www.bigissue.com/culture/tv/michael-sheen-secret-million-pound-giveaway-debt/ |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=Big Issue |language=en-US}}

Sheen was in a relationship with English actress Kate Beckinsale from 1995 until 2003. They met when cast in a touring production of The Seagull in early 1995, and began living together shortly afterwards.{{cite news |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Happy+discoveries+intrigue+Kate%3B+FILM%3A+Beckinsale+pleased+with+Pearl...-a080999324 |title=Happy discoveries intrigue Kate |first=Rob |last=Driscoll |date=21 December 2001 |newspaper=The Western Mail |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025074917/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Happy+discoveries+intrigue+Kate%3B+FILM:+Beckinsale+pleased+with+Pearl...-a080999324 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Chrissey |last=Illey |title=Kate Beckinsale on her gritty new roles |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/kate-beckinsale-on-her-gritty-new-roles-v7vj5l7nktz |date=2 September 2009 |access-date=6 October 2011 |newspaper=The Times}} Their daughter Lily Mo was born in 1999 in London. Their relationship ended in January 2003, soon after the couple moved to Los Angeles. Beckinsale had persuaded director Len Wiseman to cast Sheen in Underworld;{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/09/11/an-interview-with-kate-beckinsale |title=An Interview with Kate Beckinsale |first=Steve |last=Head |date=10 September 2003 |access-date=6 October 2011 |work=IGN |archive-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026013411/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/09/11/an-interview-with-kate-beckinsale |url-status=live }} but while on set, she and Wiseman began a relationship, and subsequently married in 2004.{{cite news |title=Actress Kate Beckinsale's husband files for divorce |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/entertainment/actress-kate-beckinsales-husband-files-for-divorce-761033.html |newspaper=Irish Examiner |date=26 October 2016 |access-date=15 December 2018 |archive-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101194759/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/entertainment/actress-kate-beckinsales-husband-files-for-divorce-761033.html |url-status=dead }}

Sheen had a long-distance relationship with English ballet dancer Lorraine Stewart from late 2004 until mid-2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/EXCLUSIVE-Michael-Sheen-tells-long-term-lover/article-697645-detail/article.html |title=Sheen tells about long term lover |work=This is South Wales |date=14 February 2009 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=24 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524063700/http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/EXCLUSIVE-Michael-Sheen-tells-long-term-lover/article-697645-detail/article.html |url-status=live }} He dated Canadian actress Rachel McAdams from autumn 2010 to early 2013{{cite web |last=Slonim |first=Jeffrey |date=18 May 2011 |title=Michael Sheen & Rachel McAdams Confirm They Are Dating |url=https://people.com/celebrity/rachel-mcadams-michael-sheen-are-dating/ |work=People |access-date=24 August 2021 |archive-date=24 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324023912/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20490718,00.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Andrea |last=Billups |date=27 February 2013 |title=Rachel McAdams and Michael Sheen Split |url=https://people.com/celebrity/rachel-mcadams-michael-sheen-break-up/ |work=People |access-date=24 August 2021 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224041/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20677708,00.html |url-status=live }} and American comedian and actress Sarah Silverman from early 2014 to early 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/brexit/2018/12/he-changed-all-his-nastiness-suddenly-came-out-meet-people-breaking-over |title="He changed – all his nastiness suddenly came out": Meet the people breaking up over Brexit |first=Anoosh |last=Chakelian |date=5 December 2018 |website=New Statesman |access-date=12 September 2019 |archive-date=9 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609073044/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/brexit/2018/12/he-changed-all-his-nastiness-suddenly-came-out-meet-people-breaking-over |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/what-to-listen-to/michael-sheen-martians-good-omens-brexit-led-break-up/ |title=Michael Sheen on Good Omens, sex scenes, and why Brexit led to his break-up |first=Tristram Fane |last=Saunders |date=28 November 2018 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=6 December 2018 |archive-date=13 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413202441/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/what-to-listen-to/michael-sheen-martians-good-omens-brexit-led-break-up/ |url-status=live }}

Sheen now lives in Port Talbot, Wales with his current partner, actress Anna Lundberg.{{Cite web|url = https://www.herald.wales/charity/michael-sheen-plans-to-donate-earnings-to-charities/|title = Michael Sheen plans to donate earnings to charities|date = 6 December 2021|access-date = 31 December 2021|archive-date = 31 December 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211231230221/https://www.herald.wales/charity/michael-sheen-plans-to-donate-earnings-to-charities/|url-status = live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/apr/06/i-was-face-to-face-with-tony-blair-michael-sheen-on-murdoch-class-and-giving-away-his-money |title='I was face-to-face with Tony Blair': Michael Sheen on Murdoch, class and giving away his money |first=Rebecca |last=Nicholson |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=6 April 2020 |access-date=31 December 2021 |archive-date=31 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231230216/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/apr/06/i-was-face-to-face-with-tony-blair-michael-sheen-on-murdoch-class-and-giving-away-his-money |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/movie-star-michael-sheen-coming-2741641 |title=Movie star Michael Sheen is coming home to Wales |work=North Wales Live |date=20 November 2010 |access-date=17 August 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128130622/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/movie-star-michael-sheen-coming-2741641 }} The couple have two daughters together, born September 2019 and May 2022.{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-49859028 |title=Michael Sheen and Anna Lundberg welcome their baby|date=27 September 2019|work=BBC News|access-date = 18 June 2020|archive-date= 20 October 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191020102814/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-49859028|url-status=live}}{{cite tweet |user=michaelsheen |number=1151564066084704256 |title=Very happy to let everyone know that my partner Anna and I are expecting a little angel of our own. |quote=(Just to be clear – we're having a baby!) |last=Sheen |first=Michael |date=17 July 2019 |access-date=18 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/michael-sheen-anna-lundberg-welcome-second-baby/|title=Michael Sheen and Partner Anna Lundberg Welcome Second Baby: 'Another Monkey Jumping on the Bed'|work=People}}

He is a supporter of Swansea City.{{cite web|url=https://www.swanseacity.com/news/swans-can-go-all-way-cup-says-michael-sheen|title=Swans can go all the way in cup, says Michael Sheen|publisher=Swansea City AFC|date=16 March 2018|accessdate=13 April 2025}}

File:BIFASheen.JPG 2008]]

• St David Awards for International Award (2015){{Cite web |date=13 September 2017 |title=Michael Sheen OBE |url=https://www.gov.wales/st-david-awards/michael-sheen |access-date=17 June 2024 |publisher=Government of Wales}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nBdzk5Ux90 |title=St David Awards 2015 Finalist - Michael Sheen |date=12 March 2015 |last=Welsh Government / Llywodraeth Cymru |access-date=17 June 2024 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUrDMXdQT1A |title=All about the St David Awards 2015 / Popeth ynghylch Gwobrau Dewi Sant 2015 |date=11 June 2015 |last=Welsh Government / Llywodraeth Cymru |access-date=17 June 2024 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |date=19 July 2016 |title=St David Awards {{!}} Michael Sheen OBE |url=http://stdavidawards.org.uk/past-awards/2015/finalists/michael-sheen/?lang=en |access-date=17 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719181323/http://stdavidawards.org.uk/past-awards/2015/finalists/michael-sheen/?lang=en |archive-date=19 July 2016 }}
• St David's Society of New York Award for William R. Hopkins Bronze Medal (2015){{Cite web |title=Katherine Jenkins to be honoured with a St David's Society award in New York |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/katherine-jenkins-honoured-st-davids-10965088 |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=Wales Online |first=Rachel |last=Mainwaring}}{{Cite tweet |last=Davies |first=Laura |date=5 March 2015 |user=LauraPenderyn |title= A certain Mr Michael Sheen accepting the Hopkins Medal in NYC on Friday - great speech about Wales! #TeamPenderyn |url=https://twitter.com/LauraPenderyn/status/573493695883931648 |number=573493695883931648}}{{Cite tweet |date=22 February 2024 |user=Kat_Yesari |last=Yesari |first=Kat |title=This is at the St David's Society in New York. |url=https://twitter.com/SherlockW_H/status/1760541629008486895 |number=1760541629008486895}}
• It's My Shout Award for Inspiration Award (2016){{Cite web |last=Price |first=Karen |date=5 November 2016 |title=Michael Sheen to receive Inspiration Award |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/michael-sheen-receive-inspiration-award-12132950 |access-date=18 April 2024 |website=Wales Online}}
• Royal Society for Public Health Award for Outstanding Contribution to Championing the Public's Health (2017){{Cite web |last=RSPH |title=Michael Sheen recognised by RSPH for Outstanding Contribution to Championing the Public's Health |url=https://www.rsph.org.uk/about-us/news/michael-sheen-recognised-by-rsph-for-outstanding-contribution-to-championing-the-public-s-health.html |access-date=18 April 2024 |website=www.rsph.org.uk}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeSf-5w-8Mc |title=Michael Sheen RSPH Awards speech 2017 |language=en |access-date=18 April 2024 |via=YouTube}}
• Welsh Housing Award for Outstanding Contribution to Housing (2019){{Cite tweet |author=Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru (CIH Cymru) |user=CIHCymru |date=15 November 2019 |title=We are honoured to announce our first award of the evening for outstanding contribution to housing sponsored by @ENGIEgroup. |url=https://twitter.com/CIHCymru/status/1195426533978124288 |number=1195426533978124288}}{{Cite tweet |last=Sheen |first=Michael |date=16 November 2019 |user=micheaelsheen |title=#WHA Acceptance speech: Deleted Scenes |url=https://twitter.com/michaelsheen/status/1195493993934729216 |number=1195493993934729216}}
• Beard Liberation Front Award for Beard of the Year (2020){{Cite web |date=24 August 2021 |title=Michael Sheen shaves off award-winning beard for charity |url=https://nation.cymru/news/michael-sheen-shaves-off-award-winning-beard-for-charity/ |access-date=24 June 2024 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJRE0bS_N5s |title=Michael Sheen Has the World's Best Beard |date=8 January 2021 |last=The Late Late Show with James Corden |access-date=24 June 2024 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite tweet |last=Sheen |first=Michael |date=2 March 2020 |user=michaelsheen |title=My beard has asked me to say a few words on its behalf. "Thanks to everyone who voted. It hasn't been easy being attached to this. It makes this win all the sweeter knowing my struggle has been recognized. God bless Wales. And beards everywhere." 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 #BeardofWales2020 |url=https://twitter.com/michaelsheen/status/1234338434891833344 |number=1234338434891833344}}
• Beard Liberation Front Award for Lifetime Achievement Award (2021){{Cite web |title=Michael Sheen gets Lifetime Achievement Award - for his beard |url=https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/19814295.michael-sheen-gets-lifetime-achievement-award---beard/ |access-date=24 June 2024 |website=South Wales Argus |language=en}}
• Worshipful Livery Company of Wales Award for Outstanding Achievement Award (2021){{Cite web |title=Worshipful Livery Company of Wales {{!}} Award Winners in 2021 |url=https://www.liverycompanywales.cymru/award-winners-in-2021.html |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=www.liverycompanywales.cymru}}
• Community Foundation Wales Philanthropy Award (2024){{Cite tweet |author=Community Foundation Wales |user=foundationwales |date=11 September 2024 |title=We're excited to share that Michael Sheen has received the Community Foundation Wales Philanthropy Award as part of our 25th birthday celebration for his incredible generosity and dedication to communities across Wales💖👏 |number=1833796474418655363 |url=https://twitter.com/foundationwales/status/1833796474418655363}}{{Cite web |title=Community Foundation Wales on LinkedIn: #changinglivestogether #community #philanthropy |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/community-foundation-wales_changinglivestogether-community-philanthropy-activity-7239282758714347521-A5lx?utm_source=li_share&utm_content=feedcontent&utm_medium=g_dt_web&utm_campaign=copy |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=LinkedIn}}
• Time 100 Philanthropy - Innovator (2025)

Sheen was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours for his services to drama.{{cite news |title=New Years Honours List |date=31 December 2008 |page=12 |newspaper=The London Gazette}} In 2020, Sheen revealed, during an online interview with Owen Jones, that he had "handed back" the medal after doing research for a lecture on the relationship between Wales and the British state, saying "I didn't mean any disrespect but I just realised I'd be a hypocrite if I said the things I was going to say in the lecture about the nature of the relationship between Wales and the British state".{{Cite web|last=Rawlinson|first=Kevin|date=29 December 2020|title=Michael Sheen returned OBE to air views on royal family|url=http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/dec/29/michael-sheen-gave-back-obe-to-air-views-on-royal-family|access-date=29 December 2020|website=The Guardian|language=en}} Individuals who voluntarily renounce an honour continue to legally hold it unless it is annulled by the monarch.{{cite web |title=Having honours taken away (forfeiture) |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/having-honours-taken-away-forfeiture#can-an-honour-be-forfeited-voluntarily |website=GOV.UK |publisher=Cabinet Office |access-date=31 December 2020 |date=27 December 2017 |archive-date=30 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230133638/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/having-honours-taken-away-forfeiture#can-an-honour-be-forfeited-voluntarily |url-status=live }}

He was awarded the freedom of the borough of Neath Port Talbot, Wales in 2008 for his services in the field of the dramatic arts.{{cite web |url=http://www.npt.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2482&pr_id=3040 |title=Freedom of the Borough ceremony |date=21 July 2008 |work=Neath Port Talbot County Borough |type=press release |access-date=18 December 2013 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219013008/http://www.npt.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2482&pr_id=3040 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southwest/sites/neath/pages/freemeninfo.shtml |title=Freemen of Neath Port Talbot |access-date=18 September 2011 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121607/https://www.bbc.com/news/wales/south_west_wales |url-status=live }}{{failed verification |date=December 2013|reason=page has no info on Sheen}} He is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Wales, Newport,{{cite web |url=http://www.newport.ac.uk/about/profile/fellows/Pages/ListofHonoraryFellows.aspx |title=University of Wales, Newport's Honorary Fellows |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320030457/http://www.newport.ac.uk/about/profile/fellows/Pages/ListofHonoraryFellows.aspx |archive-date=20 March 2012 |work=University of Wales, Newport |access-date=18 September 2011}} the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama,{{cite web |url=http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/about_us/honorary_fellows.aspx |title=Honorary Fellows |access-date=18 September 2011 |work=Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328051106/http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/about_us/honorary_fellows.aspx |archive-date=28 March 2012 }} Swansea University,{{cite web |url=http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Swansea-University-honours-Michael-Sheen-degree/story-17109860-detail/story.html |title=Swansea University honours Port Talbot's Michael Sheen with degree |work=This is South Wales |date=18 October 2012 |access-date=17 December 2013 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121608/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/all-about/swansea |url-status=live }} Aberystwyth University, Swansea Metropolitan University{{cite web |url=http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/news/news-archive/460-honorary-fellowships-for-leading-welsh-figures |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604105042/http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/news/news-archive/460-honorary-fellowships-for-leading-welsh-figures |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 June 2012 |title=Honorary Fellowships for Leading Welsh Figures |date=1 July 2009 |access-date=24 November 2011 |work=Swansea Metropolitan University }}{{cite web |url=http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Honour-uni-stars/story-16515392-detail/story.html |title=Honour at uni for stars |work=This is South Wales |date=11 July 2012 |access-date=17 December 2013 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121603/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/all-about/swansea |url-status=live }} and Cardiff University,{{Cite news |last=Cardiff University |date=15 July 2019 |title=Honorary Fellowships 2019 |url=https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/1531054-honorary-fellowships-2019 |work=Cardiff University}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.facebook.com/cardiffuni/videos/838112489921688/ |title=Michael Sheen - Honorary Fellow {{!}} A congratulatory message to the #CardiffGrad Class of 2019 from Michael Sheen 😁🙌 Michael was awarded an Honorary Fellowship today 🎓 {{!}} By Cardiff UniversityFacebook |language=en |access-date=1 September 2024 |via=www.facebook.com}} and has been awarded the James Joyce Award by University College Dublin.{{cite web |url=http://www.ucd.ie/news/2011/02FEB11/150211-Star-of-the-Damned-United-and-the-Queen--LandH-Society-James-Joyce-Award.html |title=Star of the Damned United and the Queen receives L&H Society James Joyce Award |date=15 February 2011 |work=University College Dublin |access-date=18 September 2011 |archive-date=23 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223001307/https://www.ucd.ie/news/2011/02FEB11/150211-Star-of-the-Damned-United-and-the-Queen--LandH-Society-James-Joyce-Award.html |url-status=live }} Sheen was given an Honorary Doctorate as Doctor of Arts by University of Wales in 2013.{{Cite web |title=The Many Faces Of Michael Sheen |url=https://www.industriamovies.com/feature/many-faces-michael-sheen/ |access-date=17 March 2024 |website=Industria |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Michael Sheen interview {{!}} Channel 4 |url=https://www.channel4.com/press/news/michael-sheen-interview |access-date=17 March 2024 |website=www.channel4.com}}{{Citation |title=Masters of Sex star Michael Sheen talks show's approach to sexuality | date=27 March 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8zBBNKF5RM |access-date=17 March 2024 |language=en}}

{{Main|List of Michael Sheen performances}}

In addition to theatre, film and television credits, Sheen has also appeared in many radio productions, particularly in the early years of his career. Notable radio play appearances include Strangers on a Train (1994) opposite Bill Nighy,{{cite book |url=https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Train-Collection-Patricia-Highsmith/dp/product-description/0563523611 |title=Strangers on a Train (Radio Collection) |access-date=19 September 2011 |date=5 March 2004 |publisher=BBC Audiobooks |isbn=978-0-563-52361-1 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121603/https://www.amazon.com/dp/0563523611?ie=UTF8&*entries*=0&viewID=&*Version*=1 |url-status=live }} The Importance of Being Earnest (1995) opposite Judi Dench,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007jv0p |title=The Importance of Being Earnest |year=2009 |access-date=19 September 2011 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=1 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101055615/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007jv0p |url-status=live }} Romeo and Juliet (1997) opposite Kate Beckinsale,{{cite web |url=http://www.naxosaudiobooks.com/312512.htm |title=Romeo and Juliet |access-date=19 September 2011 |work=Naxos Audiobooks |archive-date=30 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930204354/http://www.naxosaudiobooks.com/312512.htm |url-status=live }} Troy (1998){{cite news |title=Troy: this time it's personal |first=Robert |last=Hanks |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/arts--books-troy-this-time-its-personal-1187781.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=28 November 1998 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=28 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128154958/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/arts--books-troy-this-time-its-personal-1187781.html |url-status=dead }} and The Pretenders (2004) both opposite Paul Scofield.{{cite web |url=http://www.radiolistings.co.uk/programmes/p/pr/pretenders__the.html |title=The Pretenders |year=2004 |work=RadioListings.co.uk |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-date=19 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719184330/http://www.radiolistings.co.uk/programmes/p/pr/pretenders__the.html |url-status=live }} He has narrated six novels for BBC Radio 4 and Naxos AudioBooks: Crime and Punishment (1994),{{cite web |url=http://www.naxosaudiobooks.com/300912.htm |title=Crime and Punishment |access-date=19 September 2011 |work=Naxos Audiobooks |archive-date=30 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130165955/http://www.naxosaudiobooks.com/300912.htm |url-status=live }} The Idiot (1995),{{cite web |url=http://www.naxosdirect.com/title/NA305912 |title=The Idiot (abridged) |access-date=19 September 2011 |work=Naxos Audiobooks |archive-date=3 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303102214/http://www.naxosdirect.com/title/NA305912 |url-status=live }} The Picture of Dorian Gray (1995),{{cite web |url=http://www.naxosdirect.com/title/NA307412 |title=The Picture of Dorian Gray |access-date=19 September 2011 |work=Naxos Audiobooks |archive-date=3 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303112047/http://www.naxosdirect.com/title/NA307412 |url-status=live }} A White Merc With Fins (1997),{{cite web |url=http://www.radiolistings.co.uk/programmes/w/wh/white_merc_with_fins__a.html |title=A White Merc With Fins |year=1997 |work=RadioListings.co.uk |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719190631/http://www.radiolistings.co.uk/programmes/w/wh/white_merc_with_fins__a.html |archive-date=19 July 2012 |url-status=dead }} Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011){{cite AV media |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00774jy |series=Book at Bedtime |title=Salmon Fishing in Yemen |date=22 February 2007 |access-date=19 September 2011 |publisher=BBC}} and The Ocean at the End of the Lane (2013). In 2010, he starred as a chess player in the music video for the Manic Street Preachers' single "(It's Not War) Just the End of Love", alongside actress Anna Friel. In 2020, Sheen played a man who discovered that his toaster is magical in the music video for the track "Corner Of My Sky" by Kelly Lee Owens featuring John Cale.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKGbveD_cuE&t=1s |title=Kelly Lee Owens - Corner Of My Sky ft. John Cale (Official Video) |date=23 September 2020 |last=KellyLeeOwensVEVO |access-date=17 March 2025 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |last=Martoccio |first=Angie |date=23 September 2020 |title=Michael Sheen Discovers a Magical Toaster in Kelly Lee Owens' 'Corner of My Sky' Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kelly-lee-owens-john-cale-michael-sheen-video-1065022/ |access-date=17 March 2025 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Christopher |title=Michael Sheen is Obsessed with a Magical Toaster in Kelly Lee Owens' “Corner of My Sky” Video |url=https://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/michael_sheen_is_obsessed_with_a_magical_toaster_in_kelly_lee_owens_video_f |access-date=17 March 2025 |website=Under the Radar Magazine |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |date=23 September 2020 |title=Watch Kelly Lee Owens and John Cale's New “Corner of My Sky” Video, Starring Michael Sheen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-kelly-lee-owens-and-john-cales-new-corner-of-my-sky-video-starring-with-michael-sheen/ |access-date=17 March 2025 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}

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{{Commons category|Michael Sheen}}

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20230730034314/https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2bacd8c674 Michael Sheen] at the British Film Institute
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070929091542/http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=545964 Q&A: Michael Sheen]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110716223852/http://www.theartsdesk.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2184%3Atheartsdesk-qa-michael-sheen&Itemid=80%2F Comprehensive career Q&A on theartsdesk.com]

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{{BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards}}

{{Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best Actor}}

{{Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actor}}

{{Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor}}

{{Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor}}

{{RTS Programme Award for Best Performance by a Male Actor}}

{{TFCA Award for Best Supporting Actor}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sheen, Michael}}

Category:1969 births

Category:20th-century Welsh male actors

Category:21st-century Welsh male actors

Category:Alumni of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Category:Critics' Circle Theatre Award winners

Category:Living people

Category:National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children people

Category:Officers of the Order of the British Empire

Category:People educated at Glan Afan Comprehensive School

Category:Male actors from Newport, Wales

Category:Welsh male film actors

Category:British male television actors

Category:Welsh male Shakespearean actors

Category:Welsh male stage actors

Category:Welsh male radio actors

Category:Welsh male television actors

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Category:Welsh nationalists

Category:Welsh television producers

Category:People educated at Neath Port Talbot College