David Attenborough's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of David Attenborough.

Sir David Attenborough is a highly influential British broadcaster, biologist, and natural historian renowned for his extensive work in nature documentaries. Beginning with Zoo Quest in 1954, he has written, presented, and narrated numerous acclaimed series, including The Life Collection and the Planet Earth franchise. A pioneer in wildlife filmmaking, Attenborough has won BAFTA Awards across various formats and received numerous honorary degrees and Emmy Awards. He is also an environmental advocate, raising awareness about conservation and the impact of climate change.

Sections (5)

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

1970: Attenborough receives honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Leicester

In 1970, David Attenborough was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Leicester.

1980: Attenborough receives Honorary Fellow from Clare College, Cambridge

In 1980, Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from Clare College, Cambridge.

1980: Attenborough is honoured by the Open University

In 1980, Attenborough was honoured by the Open University, with which he has had a close association throughout his career.

1982: Attenborough receives honorary Doctor of Science degree from Durham University

In 1982, Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Durham University.

1984: Attenborough receives honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Cambridge

In 1984, Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Cambridge.

1987: "Meerkats United" episode of Wildlife on One

In 1987, the "Meerkats United" episode of "Wildlife on One" was voted the best wildlife documentary of all time by BBC viewers.

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1988: Attenborough receives honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Oxford

In 1988, Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Oxford.

1990: Attenborough made an honorary Freeman of the City of Leicester

In 1990, David Attenborough was made an honorary Freeman of the City of Leicester.

1995: The Private Life of Plants

In 1995, David Attenborough released The Private Life of Plants, which used time-lapse photography to show plants as dynamic organisms. The show went on to earn a Peabody Award.

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1997: Attenborough receives honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from Ghent University

In 1997, Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from Ghent University.

1998: Attenborough receives Honorary Fellow from the Zoological Society of London

In 1998, Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from the Zoological Society of London.

1998: The Life of Birds

In 1998, David Attenborough released The Life of Birds, on the theme of behaviour. The documentary series won a second Peabody Award the following year.

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1999: Attenborough receives Honorary Fellow from the Linnean Society

In 1999, Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from the Linnean Society.

2000: Attenborough receives Honorary Fellow from the Institute of Biology

In 2000, Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from the Institute of Biology (now the Royal Society of Biology).

2002: Attenborough named among the 100 Greatest Britons

In 2002, Attenborough was named among the 100 Greatest Britons in a BBC poll.

2006: Attenborough named most trusted celebrity in the UK

In 2006, Attenborough was named the most trusted celebrity in the UK in a Reader's Digest poll.

2006: Viewers vote for Favourite Attenborough Moments

In 2006, British television viewers voted for their Favourite Attenborough Moments for a UKTV poll to coincide with the broadcaster's 80th birthday. The winning clip showed Attenborough observing the mimicry skills of the superb lyrebird.

2006: Attenborough brothers receive Distinguished Honorary Fellowships

In 2006, the two eldest Attenborough brothers returned to their home city to receive the title of Distinguished Honorary Fellows of the University of Leicester, "in recognition of a record of continuing distinguished service to the University."

2007: Attenborough receives Honorary Fellow from the Society of Antiquaries

In 2007, Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from the Society of Antiquaries.

2007: Attenborough wins The Culture Show's Living Icon Award

In 2007, Attenborough won The Culture Show's Living Icon Award.

2008: Completion of "Life on Land"

In 2008, David Attenborough completed his collection of programs on major groups of terrestrial animals and plants with "Life in Cold Blood", compiled in a DVD encyclopaedia called "Life on Land".

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2010: Attenborough awarded Honorary Doctorates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University

In 2010, Attenborough was awarded Honorary Doctorates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University.

2012: Attenborough featured in The New Elizabethans

In 2012, Attenborough featured in the BBC Radio 4 series The New Elizabethans to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, recognized for his significant impact on lives in the UK.

January 2013: Attenborough has collected 32 honorary degrees

By January 2013, Attenborough had collected 32 honorary degrees from British universities, more than any other person.

2013: Attenborough made an Honorary Freeman of the City of Bristol

In 2013, Attenborough was made an Honorary Freeman of the City of Bristol.

2014: Attenborough is the only person to have won BAFTA Awards in black and white, colour, high-definition and 3D

As of 2014, Attenborough was the only person to have won BAFTA Awards for programmes in black and white, colour, high-definition and 3D.

2022: Recognition as Champion of the Earth

In 2022, David Attenborough was recognized as a Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme for his dedication to research, documentation, and advocacy for nature protection and restoration.