Christopher Nolan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Christopher Nolan.

Christopher Nolan is a highly successful British-American filmmaker renowned for his complex, blockbuster films produced by Hollywood studios. Considered a leading filmmaker of the 21st century, Nolan's movies have grossed over $6.6 billion globally, positioning him as the seventh-highest-grossing film director. His achievements include multiple prestigious awards, such as two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and two British Academy Film Awards. Recognizing his significant contributions to film, Nolan was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2019 and knighted in 2024.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 2000: Memento Premieres at Venice Film Festival

In September 2000, "Memento" premiered at the Venice Film Festival to critical acclaim, marking a significant milestone in Nolan's career.

2000: International Recognition with Memento

In 2000, Nolan gained international recognition with his second film, "Memento", establishing him as a notable filmmaker.

2006: Nolan Named an Honorary Fellow of UCL

In 2006, Christopher Nolan was named an Honorary Fellow of UCL.

2006: Release of The Prestige

In 2006, Nolan directed, co-wrote, and produced "The Prestige", which received critical acclaim and Academy Award nominations.

2008: Release of The Dark Knight

In 2008, "The Dark Knight" was released, becoming a critical and commercial success and solidifying Nolan's status as a leading filmmaker.

2010: Release of Inception

In 2010, Inception, a film Christopher Nolan had conceived about nine years prior, was released. It starred Leonardo DiCaprio and became a critical and commercial success, grossing over $836 million worldwide. Mark Kermode hailed it as the best film of 2010. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning four, including Best Cinematography.

2011: Nolan Appeared in Forbes Celebrity 100 List

In 2011, Christopher Nolan appeared in Forbes Celebrity 100 list based on his income and popularity.

2012: Nolan Received Hand-and-Footprint Ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre

In 2012, Christopher Nolan became the youngest director to receive a hand-and-footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.

2014: Nolan Appeared in Forbes Celebrity 100 List

In 2014, Christopher Nolan appeared in Forbes Celebrity 100 list based on his income and popularity.

2014: Release of Interstellar

In 2014, Interstellar, directed, written, and produced by Nolan, was released to positive reviews and grossed $773 million worldwide. The film explores a group of astronauts traveling through a wormhole. It won Best Visual Effects at the 87th Academy Awards.

2015: Nolan Appeared in Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2015, Christopher Nolan appeared in Time's 100 most influential people in the world.

2017: Nolan Conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Literature

In 2017, Christopher Nolan was conferred an honorary doctorate in literature by UCL.

2019: Nolan Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire

In 2019, Christopher Nolan was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to film.

2022: Parade Ranked Nolan Number Eight in its List of Best Movie Directors

In 2022, Parade ranked Christopher Nolan number eight in its list of 75 Best Movie Directors of All Time.

2023: Nolan Awarded the Federation of American Scientists' Public Service Award

In 2023, Christopher Nolan was awarded the Federation of American Scientists' Public Service Award for his depiction of scientists in his film Oppenheimer.

2023: Release of Oppenheimer and Academy Award Wins

In 2023, Nolan released "Oppenheimer" with Universal Pictures, winning Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture.

2023: Release of Oppenheimer

In 2023, Nolan's biopic Oppenheimer was released, marking his first R-rated film since 2002 and his first feature film since Memento not made for Warner Bros. It grossed over $975 million worldwide and received critical acclaim. Nolan won the Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture.