Brian Cox (actor)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 2, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Brian Cox (actor).

Brian Cox is a highly acclaimed Scottish actor, renowned for his extensive work in both theater and film. A classically trained Shakespearean actor, he has garnered numerous awards, including two Laurence Olivier Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2003, recognizing his significant contributions to the arts.

Sections (4)

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

1993: Honorary Doctor of Laws

In 1993, Brian Cox was made an Honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa by the University of Dundee.

1999: Roles in 'The Minus Man', 'The Corruptor' and 'For Love of the Game' and Drama Desk Award nomination

In 1999, Brian Cox played Doug Durwin in 'The Minus Man', Sean Wallace in 'The Corruptor', and Gary Wheeler in 'For Love of the Game'. In addition, his New York theatre role in St. Nicholas (1999) earned him a Drama Desk Award nomination.

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2000: Roles in 'Longitude', 'The Invention of Dr. Morel', 'Complicity', 'Mad About Mambo', and Emmy Award and Golden Globe Nomination for 'Nuremberg'

In 2000, Brian Cox took on several roles including Lord Morton in 'Longitude', the title character in 'The Invention of Dr. Morel', Inspector McDunn in 'Complicity', and Sidney McLoughlin in 'Mad About Mambo'. Also in 2000, he won an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor for his role as Hermann Göring in 'Nuremberg'. He also appeared in the Irish drama 'Saltwater' as George Beneventi.

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2001: Roles in 'Super Troopers', 'L.I.E.', 'Strictly Sinatra', and 'The Affair of the Necklace'

In 2001, Brian Cox played Captain O'Hagan in 'Super Troopers' and received acclaim for his role in 'L.I.E.', winning a Satellite Award. He also appeared in 'Strictly Sinatra' and 'The Affair of the Necklace'.

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December 2002: Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire

On December 31, 2002, Brian Cox was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours List.

2004: Roles in 'The Reckoning', 'Troy', 'The Bourne Supremacy', 'Get the Picture', 'French and Saunders', BAFTA Scotland Awards and Great Scot Awards

In 2004, Brian Cox played Tobias in 'The Reckoning', King Agamemnon in 'Troy', and reprised his role in 'The Bourne Supremacy'. He also appeared in 'Get the Picture' and 'French and Saunders'. Additionally, he was honored with an Outstanding Achievement Award at the BAFTA Scotland Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Great Scot Awards in 2004.

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2004: Outstanding and Lifetime Achievement Awards

In 2004, Brian Cox was honored at the BAFTA Scotland Awards with an Outstanding Achievement Award, and at the Great Scot Awards with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

June 2005: Scotland's Tartan Day International Ambassador Award

In June 2005, Brian Cox was awarded the first Scotland's Tartan Day International Ambassador Award at a ceremony in the Scottish Parliament for his work in promoting Scotland abroad.

2006: Honorary Doctorate of Drama

In 2006, Brian Cox was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Drama by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

2006: Empire Icon Award

In 2006, Empire magazine awarded Brian Cox the Empire Icon Award.

July 2007: Honorary Doctor of Letters

In July 2007, Brian Cox was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.

2007: Top British Film Star in Hollywood

In 2007, the UK Film Council named Brian Cox one of the top 10 powerful British film stars in Hollywood.

July 2008: Honorary Doctor of Drama

In July 2008, Brian Cox was made an Honorary Doctor of Drama by Napier University in Edinburgh.

2008: Roles in 'Red' and 'The Escapist', BAFTA Scotland Award

In 2008, Brian Cox starred as Avery Ludlow in 'Red', and as Frank Perry in 'The Escapist', winning a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Acting Performance for the latter.

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November 2011: Honorary Doctor of Letters

In November 2011, Brian Cox was named an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Kingston University in southwest London.

2016: Roles in 'The Carer', 'War & Peace', 'Penny Dreadful', 'Morgan', 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe', and 'Medici'

In 2016, Brian Cox starred in 'The Carer' and 'War & Peace', appeared in 'Penny Dreadful' and 'Morgan', starred alongside Emile Hirsch in 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe', and portrayed Bernardo Guadagni in 'Medici'. He also received a Career Achievement Award at the Stony Brook Film Festival in 2016.

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