Elizabeth Taylor's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Elizabeth Taylor. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Elizabeth Taylor was a celebrated British-American actress who rose to fame as a child star during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She became one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses in the 1950s and 1960s, remaining a prominent public figure throughout her life. Recognized for her beauty and acting talent, the American Film Institute ranked her among the greatest female screen legends.

Sections (6)

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

1944: Release of National Velvet

In 1944, "National Velvet" was released on Christmas and became a box-office success, with Elizabeth Taylor receiving praise for her performance.

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1951: Critical Acclaim for 'A Place in the Sun'

In 1951, Elizabeth Taylor received critical acclaim for her performance in the drama "A Place in the Sun".

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1957: Starring in Raintree County

In 1957, Elizabeth Taylor starred alongside Montgomery Clift in "Raintree County", a Civil War drama. Taylor was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.

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1959: Starring in Suddenly, Last Summer

In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Suddenly, Last Summer", another Tennessee Williams adaptation. She earned $500,000 for her role and received her third Academy Award nomination and first Golden Globe for Best Actress.

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1960: Release of BUtterfield 8

In 1960, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "BUtterfield 8", fulfilling her MGM contract. She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.

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1966: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? release

In 1966, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", an adaptation of Edward Albee's play. Her performance as Martha, a middle-aged woman in a troubled marriage, was critically acclaimed, earning her a second Academy Award. The film was also a commercial success.

1972: Releases and Awards in 1972

In 1972, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "X Y & Zee," winning the David di Donatello for Best Foreign Actress. She also appeared in "Under Milk Wood" and "Hammersmith Is Out," winning the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival for the latter.

1973: Divorce His, Divorce Hers Release and Other Films

In 1973, Elizabeth Taylor's last film with Richard Burton, "Divorce His, Divorce Hers", was released. Additionally, she starred in "Night Watch" and "Ash Wednesday", receiving a Golden Globe nomination for the latter.

1985: Role in North and South and Malice in Wonderland

In 1985, Elizabeth Taylor played a brothel keeper in the historical mini-series "North and South" and starred as gossip columnist Louella Parsons in the television film "Malice in Wonderland". She also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

1986: Starring in There Must Be a Pony and Chaplin Award

In 1986, Elizabeth Taylor starred in the television drama "There Must Be a Pony" as a fading movie star. She also received the Film Society of Lincoln Center's Chaplin Award.