Discover the career path of Al Pacino, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Al Pacino is a highly acclaimed American actor renowned for his powerful performances in film and theatre. He has achieved the Triple Crown of Acting, winning an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. His illustrious career is further recognized by numerous accolades including Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. He has also received prestigious honors such as the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the AFI Life Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts, and the Kennedy Center Honors, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
1967: Season at Charles Playhouse
In 1967, Al Pacino spent a season at the Charles Playhouse in Boston, performing in Awake and Sing! and America Hurrah, and met Jill Clayburgh.
January 17, 1968: The Indian Wants the Bronx Premiere
On January 17, 1968, Al Pacino starred in Israel Horovitz's The Indian Wants the Bronx at the Astor Place Theatre.
November 12, 1968: NYPD Television Series Appearance
On November 12, 1968, Al Pacino and Jill Clayburgh were cast in "Deadly Circle of Violence", an episode of the ABC television series NYPD.
February 25, 1969: Broadway Debut
On February 25, 1969, Al Pacino made his Broadway debut in Don Petersen's Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?
March 29, 1969: Closure of Broadway Debut Play
On March 29, 1969, Al Pacino's Broadway debut play, Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?, closed after 39 performances.
April 20, 1969: Tony Award Win
On April 20, 1969, Al Pacino won the Tony Award for his performance in Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?
1969: Tony Award for Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?
In 1969, Al Pacino won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?
1969: The Local Stigmatic play
The Local Stigmatic, a play Al Pacino worked on, was an off-Broadway play in 1969.
1970: Signing with CMA
In 1970, Al Pacino signed with the talent agency Creative Management Associates (CMA).
1971: The Panic in Needle Park
In 1971, Al Pacino appeared in The Panic in Needle Park.
1971: Feature Film Debut
In 1971, Al Pacino made his feature film debut portraying a heroin addict in The Panic in Needle Park.
1972: The Godfather
In 1972, Al Pacino starred in The Godfather, receiving an Oscar nomination.
1972: The Godfather Release
In 1972, The Godfather was released, starring Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, earning him an Academy Award nomination.
1973: Scarecrow and Serpico Release
In 1973, Al Pacino co-starred in Scarecrow, which won the Palme d'Or, and starred in Serpico, earning an Academy Award nomination.
1973: Serpico
In 1973, Al Pacino starred in Serpico, earning an Academy Award nomination.
1974: The Godfather Part II Release
In 1974, Al Pacino reprised his role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II, receiving his third Oscar nomination.
1974: The Godfather Part II
In 1974, Al Pacino reprised his role in The Godfather Part II, receiving another Oscar nomination.
1975: Dog Day Afternoon
In 1975, Al Pacino starred in Dog Day Afternoon, earning another Best Actor nomination.
1975: Dog Day Afternoon Release
In 1975, Dog Day Afternoon was released, with Al Pacino starring and receiving a Best Actor nomination.
1977: Lead Role on Stage
In 1977, Al Pacino played the lead role on stage.
1977: Bobby Deerfield Release
In 1977, Al Pacino starred in Bobby Deerfield, receiving a Golden Globe nomination.
1977: Tony Award for The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel
In 1977, Al Pacino won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel.
1979: ...And Justice for All
In 1979, Al Pacino starred in ...And Justice for All, receiving a Best Actor Oscar nomination.
1983: Allowed his likeness in Scarface: The World is Yours video game
In 1983, Al Pacino allowed his likeness to appear in the video game adaptation of Scarface, titled Scarface: The World is Yours, marking his presence in the gaming world.
1983: Major Donor for The Mirror Theater Ltd
In 1983, Al Pacino became a major donor for The Mirror Theater Ltd, alongside Dustin Hoffman and Paul Newman.
1983: Scarface Release
In 1983, Al Pacino starred in Scarface, which became a career highlight despite initial negative reviews.
1985: Revolution
In 1985, Al Pacino starred in Revolution, which was a commercial and critical failure.
1985: Personal Project: The Local Stigmatic
In 1985, Al Pacino worked on his personal project, The Local Stigmatic, a 1969 play by Heathcote Williams, creating a 50-minute film version.
1987: Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
In 1987, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, the play that Frankie and Johnny was adapted from, premiered.
1988: Julius Caesar
In 1988, Al Pacino appeared in Julius Caesar in producer Joseph Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival.
1989: Sea of Love Release
In 1989, Al Pacino returned to film in Sea of Love, which earned solid reviews.
1990: Dick Tracy and The Godfather Part III
In 1990, Al Pacino received an Academy Award nomination for Dick Tracy and reprised his role in The Godfather Part III.
1990: Dick Tracy and The Godfather Part III
In 1990, Al Pacino starred in Dick Tracy, receiving an Academy Award nomination, and The Godfather Part III, reprising his role as Michael Corleone.
1991: Frankie and Johnny Release
In 1991, Al Pacino starred in Frankie and Johnny with Michelle Pfeiffer.
1992: Academy Award for Scent of a Woman
In 1992, Al Pacino received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Scent of a Woman.
1992: Academy Award for Scent of a Woman
In 1992, Al Pacino won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Scent of a Woman, and was also nominated for Glengarry Glen Ross.
1993: Starred in Carlito's Way
In 1993, Al Pacino starred alongside Sean Penn in the crime drama Carlito's Way, playing Carlito Brigante, a gangster released from prison who vows to go straight. This role marked a significant point in Pacino's career, showcasing his versatility in portraying complex characters.
1994: Joint President of the Actors Studio
Since 1994, Al Pacino has been the joint president of the Actors Studio.
1995: Starred in Heat
In 1995, Pacino starred in Michael Mann's Heat, marking the first time he and Robert De Niro appeared on-screen together, solidifying his status as a leading actor in crime dramas.
1996: Directorial Debut with Looking for Richard
In 1996, Al Pacino made his directorial debut with the documentary Looking for Richard.
1996: Starred in Looking for Richard
In 1996, Al Pacino starred in his theatrical docudrama Looking for Richard, featuring performances of selected scenes from Shakespeare's Richard III and an examination of Shakespeare's role in popular culture, showcasing his passion for theater and classical works.
1997: Starred in The Devil's Advocate and Donnie Brasco
In 1997, Al Pacino played Satan in The Devil's Advocate and gangster "Lefty" in Donnie Brasco, demonstrating his range by taking on contrasting roles in successful films.
1997: Donnie Brasco and The Devil's Advocate
In 1997, Al Pacino starred in Donnie Brasco and The Devil's Advocate.
1999: Starred in The Insider and Any Given Sunday
In 1999, Al Pacino starred as Lowell Bergman in The Insider and in Oliver Stone's Any Given Sunday, further cementing his status as a versatile and critically acclaimed actor.
1999: The Insider and Any Given Sunday
In 1999, Al Pacino starred in The Insider and Any Given Sunday.
2000: Chinese Coffee
In 2000, Al Pacino directed and starred in Chinese Coffee.
2000: Starred in Chinese Coffee
In 2000, Al Pacino starred alongside Jerry Orbach in the low-budget film adaptation of Ira Lewis' play Chinese Coffee, showcasing his commitment to independent film and his willingness to invest in projects he believed in.
2000: Co-President of the Actors Studio
In 2000, Al Pacino was selected as co-president of the Actors Studio, along with Ellen Burstyn and Harvey Keitel.
October 2002: Starred in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
In October 2002, Al Pacino starred in Bertolt Brecht's The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui for the National Actor's Theater and Complicite, receiving critical acclaim for his performance.
2003: Angels in America
In 2003, Al Pacino acted in Angels in America for HBO, winning a Primetime Emmy Award.
2003: Starred in Gigli, The Recruit, and Angels in America
In 2003, Al Pacino appeared in Gigli, The Recruit, and the HBO miniseries Angels in America, showcasing his diverse roles in both film and television.
2003: Starred in Angels in America
In 2003, Al Pacino starred in Angels in America, an HBO miniseries.
2004: Shylock in The Merchant of Venice Film
In 2004, Al Pacino acted as Shylock in a feature film adaptation of The Merchant of Venice.
2004: Starred in The Merchant of Venice
In 2004, Al Pacino starred as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, receiving praise for his compassionate and nuanced portrayal of the character.
2004: Release of "I Heard You Paint Houses"
In 2004, The book "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt was released, which later served as the inspiration for the film The Irishman, in which Pacino starred.
2004: Release of the original 'Modi' film
In 2004, the film of the same name as Pacino's upcoming 2024 project, Modi, was released. Pacino co-produced the latter film
October 8, 2005: Two for the Money Released
On October 8, 2005, Two for the Money, starring Al Pacino, was released, adding another mentor role to his filmography.
2007: Starred in Ocean's Thirteen
In 2007, Al Pacino starred as the villain Willy Bank in Ocean's Thirteen, adding another prominent role to his extensive filmography.
2007: Release of The Local Stigmatic
In 2007, The Local Stigmatic, a film by Al Pacino was released as part of the Pacino: An Actor's Vision box set.
2007: Pacino: An Actor's Vision DVD box set released
In 2007, the DVD box set titled Pacino: An Actor's Vision, featuring Chinese Coffee, The Local Stigmatic, and Looking for Richard, was released, providing insight into Pacino's work as a producer and his artistic vision.
April 18, 2008: 88 Minutes released
On April 18, 2008, 88 Minutes, co-starring Al Pacino, was released in the United States, although it received negative reviews.
September 12, 2008: Righteous Kill released
On September 12, 2008, Righteous Kill, starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, was released in theaters, marking a highly anticipated reunion that received mixed reviews.
April 2010: You Don't Know Jack premiered
In April 2010, Al Pacino starred as Jack Kevorkian in the HBO Films biopic You Don't Know Jack, earning him his second Emmy Award and fourth Golden Globe Award.
2010: Shylock in The Merchant of Venice Stage Production
In 2010, Al Pacino acted as Shylock in a stage production of The Merchant of Venice.
2010: You Don't Know Jack
In 2010, Al Pacino starred in You Don't Know Jack, winning a Primetime Emmy Award.
2011: Co-starred in Jack and Jill
In 2011, Al Pacino co-starred as himself in the comedy film Jack and Jill, which was critically panned, earning him a Golden Raspberry Award.
2011: Wilde Salome
In 2011, Al Pacino directed and starred in Wilde Salomé.
March 21, 2012: Wilde Salomé US premiere
On March 21, 2012, Wilde Salomé had its US premiere at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco, marking the 130th anniversary of Oscar Wilde's visit to San Francisco and serving as a benefit for the GLBT Historical Society.
September 2012: Announced to play Joe Paterno in Paterno
In September 2012, it was announced that Al Pacino would play Joe Paterno in the television film Paterno, based on a biography by Joe Posnanski.
October 2012: Starred in Glengarry Glen Ross revival
In October 2012, Al Pacino starred in the 30th-anniversary Broadway revival of David Mamet's play, Glengarry Glen Ross, marking his return to the stage.
January 20, 2013: Glengarry Glen Ross revival ended
On January 20, 2013, the Broadway revival of Glengarry Glen Ross, starring Al Pacino, concluded its run.
2013: Starred in Phil Spector
In 2013, Al Pacino starred in the HBO biographical picture Phil Spector, portraying the record producer during his murder trial.
October 2015: Previews for China Doll began
In October 2015, previews began for China Doll, a play written for Al Pacino by David Mamet, marking another collaboration between the two.
December 5, 2015: China Doll opened on Broadway
On December 5, 2015, China Doll, a play written for Al Pacino by David Mamet, opened on Broadway.
2015: Starred in Danny Collins
In 2015, Al Pacino starred in the comedy-drama Danny Collins, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as an aging rock star.
January 21, 2016: China Doll closed on Broadway
On January 21, 2016, China Doll, starring Al Pacino, closed on Broadway after 97 performances.
April 7, 2018: Paterno premiered on HBO
On April 7, 2018, Paterno, starring Al Pacino as Joe Paterno, premiered on HBO.
July 26, 2019: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood released
On July 26, 2019, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, starring Al Pacino, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo DiCaprio, was released, marking another significant role in a Quentin Tarantino film.
2019: The Irishman and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
In 2019, Al Pacino starred in The Irishman and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
February 2020: Starred in Hunters
In February 2020, Al Pacino starred as Meyer Offerman in the Amazon Prime Video series Hunters, marking his first television series role since Angels in America.
August 2020: Hunters renewed for a second season
In August 2020, the Amazon Prime Video series Hunters, starring Al Pacino, was renewed for a second season, indicating its success and continued popularity.
2020: Hunters
In 2020, Al Pacino starred in the Amazon Prime Video series Hunters.
2021: Starred in House of Gucci and American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally
In 2021, Al Pacino played Aldo Gucci in Ridley Scott's House of Gucci and starred in American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally, further showcasing his versatility and enduring presence in the film industry.
September 2023: Principal photography commenced for Modì
In September 2023, principal photography commenced for Modì, a film about Amedeo Modigliani co-produced by and starring Al Pacino.
March 10, 2024: Presented Best Picture at the 96th Academy Awards
On March 10, 2024, Al Pacino presented the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 96th Academy Awards, marking his continued presence and influence in the film industry.