David Lynch's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

David Lynch is a celebrated American filmmaker, visual artist, musician, and actor known for his surrealist and experimental films. His distinctive style has earned him widespread recognition as a visionary in cinema. Over a career spanning five decades, Lynch has garnered numerous awards, including the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement and an Academy Honorary Award, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.

Sections (5)

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

1980: Critical Acclaim for The Elephant Man

In 1980, Lynch received critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Director for his biographical drama, "The Elephant Man".

1990: David Lynch's Annus Mirabilis

1990 was David Lynch's 'year of miracles' (annus mirabilis): Wild at Heart won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and the television series Twin Peaks was a smash hit.

1990: Palme d'Or for Wild at Heart

In 1990, David Lynch received the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his romantic crime drama, "Wild at Heart".

1990: Wild at Heart wins Palme d'Or

In 1990, David Lynch's film Wild at Heart won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Despite winning the prize, audience members booed Lynch and the film.

1990: Twin Peaks Premiere

In 1990, Twin Peaks premiered on ABC and became a smash hit, mixing a police investigation with the ordinary lives of the characters. The pilot was directed by David Lynch and was well received by critics.

1991: Twin Peaks Airs Until 1991

The ABC surrealist horror-mystery series Twin Peaks, created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, airs until 1991. David Lynch receives five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on the show.

2001: Nomination for Mulholland Drive

In 2001, David Lynch earned critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Director for his neo-noir mystery thriller, "Mulholland Drive".

Loading Video...

2001: Lynch Wins Best Director at Cannes

In 2001, David Lynch won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival for Mulholland Drive, shared with Joel Coen for The Man Who Wasn't There.

Loading Video...

2002: Chevalier of the Legion of Honour

In 2002, David Lynch was honored as a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour by the French government, which is the country's top civilian distinction.

2006: Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement

In 2006, David Lynch received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival, acknowledging his significant contributions to the world of cinema.

May 27, 2007: End of Retrospective at the Fondation Cartier

David Lynch's major art retrospective at the Fondation Cartier in Paris, titled The Air is on Fire, concluded on May 27, 2007.

2007: Recognition as a visionary filmmaker

In 2007, The Guardian called David Lynch "the most important film-maker of the current era", and AllMovie referred to him as "the Renaissance man of modern American filmmaking".

2009: Officier of the Legion of Honour

In 2009, David Lynch was again honored by the French government, this time as an Officier of the Legion of Honour.

September 12, 2014: "The Unified Field" Exhibition

On September 12, 2014, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts presented an exhibition of David Lynch's work called "The Unified Field".

January 2015: End of "The Unified Field" Exhibition

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts presented an exhibition of David Lynch's work called "The Unified Field", which ran until January 2015.

May 15, 2015: Lynch Returns to Direct Twin Peaks Revival

On May 15, 2015, David Lynch announced via Twitter that he would return to direct every episode of the Twin Peaks revival after resolving issues with Showtime, which also extended the season to 18 episodes.