After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Hawkins started her career as a stage actress in productions such as "Romeo and Juliet" (playing Juliet), "Much Ado About Nothing", and "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Her first major role was in Mike Leigh's "All or Nothing" in 2002. She continued working with Leigh, appearing in a supporting role in "Vera Drake" (2004) and taking the lead in "Happy-Go-Lucky" (2008), for which she won several awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and the Silver Bear for Best Actress.