Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Al Pacino

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 intense acting style. His extensive career, spanning over five decades, has garnered him numerous awards, including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards, making him a Triple Crown of Acting winner. He has also received Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Recognized with lifetime achievement awards such as the Cecil B. DeMille Award and the AFI Life Achievement Award, Pacino is celebrated as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1967: Season at Charles Playhouse

In 1967, Al Pacino spent a season at the Charles Playhouse in Boston, performing in Clifford Odets' Awake and Sing! and Jean-Claude Van Itallie's America Hurrah. He also met actress Jill Clayburgh, beginning a five-year relationship.

January 17, 1968: Starred in 'The Indian Wants the Bronx'

On January 17, 1968, Pacino starred in Israel Horovitz's 'The Indian Wants the Bronx' at the Astor Place Theatre, playing Murph. The play ran for 177 performances and was paired with 'It's Called the Sugar Plum'.

November 12, 1968: Appeared in "Deadly Circle of Violence"

On November 12, 1968, Al Pacino and Jill Clayburgh appeared in "Deadly Circle of Violence", an episode of the ABC television series NYPD.

February 25, 1969: Broadway debut in 'Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?'

On February 25, 1969, Pacino made his Broadway debut in Don Petersen's 'Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?' at the Belasco Theater.

March 29, 1969: 'Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?' closed

On March 29, 1969, 'Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?' closed after 39 performances.

April 20, 1969: Won Tony Award for 'Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?'

On April 20, 1969, Al Pacino won a Tony Award for his performance in 'Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?'.

1969: Worked on The Local Stigmatic

In 1969, Pacino worked on his personal project, The Local Stigmatic, a 1969 off-Broadway play by the English writer Heathcote Williams

1970: Signed with Creative Management Associates (CMA)

In 1970, Al Pacino signed with the talent agency Creative Management Associates (CMA).

1971: Feature film debut in 'The Panic in Needle Park'

In 1971, Al Pacino made his feature film debut portraying a heroin addict in 'The Panic in Needle Park'.

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1972: Starred in 'The Godfather'

In 1972, Al Pacino starred as Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather', directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Despite studio executives' initial reservations, Pacino's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination.

1973: Starred in 'Scarecrow' and 'Serpico'

In 1973, Pacino co-starred in 'Scarecrow', which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. That same year, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in 'Serpico'.

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1974: Reprised role in 'The Godfather Part II'

In 1974, Al Pacino reprised his role as Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather Part II', which won the Best Picture Oscar. He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance.

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1975: Starred in 'Dog Day Afternoon'

In 1975, Al Pacino starred in 'Dog Day Afternoon', based on the true story of a bank robber, and was nominated for Best Actor.

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1977: Starred in 'Bobby Deerfield' and Golden Globe nomination

In 1977, Al Pacino starred as a race-car driver in 'Bobby Deerfield' and received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.

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1983: Became a 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, inspired by their connection with Lee Strasberg.

1983: Starred in 'Scarface'

In 1983, Al Pacino starred in 'Scarface', directed by Brian De Palma, which later became a career highlight. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Tony Montana.

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1985: Offered Hughie to The Mirror Theater Ltd

In 1985, Pacino offered the company his production of Hughie by Eugene O'Neill, but the company was unable to do it at the time due to the small cast. In 1985, Pacino worked on his personal project, The Local Stigmatic, a 1969 off-Broadway play by the English writer Heathcote Williams.

1985: Film Revolution Release

In 1985, Pacino's film 'Revolution' was released. It was a commercial and critical failure that resulted in a four-year hiatus from films for Pacino.

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1988: Appeared in Julius Caesar

In 1988, Al Pacino appeared in Julius Caesar in producer Joseph Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival.

1989: Starred in 'Sea of Love'

In 1989, Pacino returned to film in 'Sea of Love', playing a detective hunting a serial killer. The film earned solid reviews.

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1990: Academy Award nomination for 'Dick Tracy' and 'The Godfather Part III'

In 1990, Al Pacino received an Academy Award nomination for playing Big Boy Caprice in 'Dick Tracy', and he returned to the role of Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather Part III'.

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