Career Timeline of Baz Luhrmann: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Baz Luhrmann, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Baz Luhrmann is a commercially successful Australian film director, producer, writer, and actor known for his distinctive auteur style. He is deeply involved in all aspects of his projects, from writing and directing to design and music. Luhrmann's work spans film, television, opera, theatre, music, and recording. Four of his films rank among the top ten highest-grossing Australian films worldwide, solidifying his impact on the film industry.
1980: High School Graduation and Film Debut
In 1980, Luhrmann graduated from high school and was cast in the Australian film Winter of Our Dreams opposite Judy Davis.
1981: Appeared in Winter of Our Dreams
In 1981, Luhrmann appeared in Winter of Our Dreams, directed by John Duigan.
1982: Founded The Bond Theatre Company
In 1982, Luhrmann funded his own theatre company, The Bond Theatre Company, using money earned from film and television work.
1992: Directed "Love Is in the Air" Music Video
By 1992, Luhrmann directed the video of "Love Is in the Air" by John Paul Young.
1992: Directorial Debut with Strictly Ballroom
In 1992, Luhrmann made his directorial debut with the film version of Strictly Ballroom.
1992: Strictly Ballroom Film Release
In 1992, Strictly Ballroom, a romantic comedy film, was released as part of Luhrmann's Red Curtain Trilogy.
1996: Romeo + Juliet Film Release and Awards
In 1996, Luhrmann's modern film interpretation Romeo + Juliet was released. It won at the BAFTAs for best direction, music and screenplay and received the Golden Bear award for direction and Silver Bear for Leonardo DiCaprio's performance at the Berlin Film Festival.
1996: William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet Film Release
In 1996, William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, a romantic tragedy film, was released as part of Luhrmann's Red Curtain Trilogy.
1997: Featured on "Something for Everybody" CD and Managed Bazmark
In 1997, the CD of Something for Everybody was released, featuring Luhrmann's films and operas. Following its success, he created and managed a company Bazmark with his wife, Catherine Martin.
2001: Moulin Rouge! Release and Acclaim
In 2001, Luhrmann's musical Moulin Rouge! was released, receiving praise and awards including Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture, Best Actress, and Best Original Score. The soundtrack album also achieved significant success.
2001: Moulin Rouge! Film Release
In 2001, Moulin Rouge!, a musical film, was released as part of Luhrmann's Red Curtain Trilogy.
2004: Directed Chanel N° 5 Commercial
In 2004, Luhrmann directed a commercial for Chanel N° 5 entitled N° 5 the Film, which he based on the 1953 film, Roman Holiday.
2005: Appointed Ambassador for Australian Theatre for Young People
In 2005, Luhrmann was appointed an Ambassador for the Australian Theatre for Young People.
2008: Australia Film Release
In 2008, Luhrmann's historical epic Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, was released. The film blended romance with historical events and sparked controversy over its racial politics.
2009: Academy Awards Musical Number and Dancing with the Stars Guest Judge
In 2009, Luhrmann put together a musical number for the 81st Academy Awards and appeared as a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars in September of the same year.
2010: Art Initiative in India
In 2010, Luhrmann and Vincent Fantauzzo embarked on an art initiative in India, creating artworks on walls of hotels, in the streets of Rajasthan, and on 17th-century forts. He also shot the campaign film The Secret Life of Flowers.
2013: The Great Gatsby Film Adaptation
In 2013, Luhrmann adapted F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film grossed over $353 million worldwide, becoming Luhrmann's highest-grossing movie. The soundtrack also achieved significant sales, becoming the biggest digital sales week for a soundtrack in Billboard history.
2014: Strictly Ballroom the Musical release
In 2014, Strictly Ballroom the Musical was released.
2016: The Get Down Series Collaboration
In 2016, Luhrmann collaborated with Stephen Adly Guirgis on The Get Down, a Netflix series about the birth of hip hop in the 1970s.
2016: Produced "Telepathy" single
In 2016, Luhrmann produced Christina Aguilera and Nile Rodgers' single "Telepathy", along with Elliott Wheeler.
2016: The Get Down TV Series Release
In 2016, Luhrmann's television period drama The Get Down was released on Netflix.
2019: Produced Broadway Cast Recording of Moulin Rouge!
In 2019, Luhrmann produced the Broadway cast recording of Moulin Rouge!.
May 2022: Elvis Film Debuts at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2022, Luhrmann's film Elvis, starring Tom Hanks and Austin Butler, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival.
June 2022: Elvis Film Opens in Theaters
In June 2022, the film Elvis, directed by Baz Luhrmann, opened in theaters and became a box office hit.
2022: Tribute to "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)"
In 2022, the Israeli writers of The Jews Are Coming made a tribute in Hebrew to "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" with Moses quoting the Ten Commandments with the background music from "Sunscreen" and several parts closely translated from Luhrmann's text.
January 2023: Luhrmann signs deal with Warner Bros.
In January 2023, Luhrmann signed a first-look deal with Warner Bros. Pictures after working with the studio on Elvis.
2023: Led the Jury at Red Sea International Film Festival
In 2023, Luhrmann led the jury at the Red Sea International Film Festival held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
September 2024: Announced upcoming adaptation of Joan of Arc's life
In September 2024, it was reported that Luhrmann's next theatrical release would be an adaption of the life of Joan of Arc, titled Jehanne d’Arc.
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