Ennio Morricone's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

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

Ennio Morricone was a highly prolific and influential Italian composer, orchestrator, conductor, trumpeter, and pianist. He composed over 400 film and television scores and more than 100 classical works, demonstrating versatility across various musical styles. Celebrated as one of the greatest film composers, Morricone's work earned him numerous prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, multiple Grammy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and other accolades from European film organizations. His significant contribution to cinema and music has solidified his legacy as a master of film scoring.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1928: Introduction of the Academy Honorary Award

Since its introduction in 1928, Ennio Morricone and Alex North are the only composers to receive the Academy Honorary Award.

1971: "Targa d'Oro" Received

In 1971, Ennio Morricone received a "Targa d'Oro" for worldwide sales of 22 million records.

1971: First Golden Record

In 1971, Ennio Morricone received his first golden record (disco d'oro) for the sale of 1,000,000 records in Italy and a "Targa d'Oro" for the worldwide sales of 22 million records.

1979: First Academy Award Nomination

In 1979, Ennio Morricone received his first Academy Award nomination for the score to Days of Heaven.

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1986: The Mission Soundtrack Certified Gold

In 1986, the soundtrack for The Mission was certified gold in the United States.

1987: Oscar nomination for The Untouchables

In 1987, Ennio Morricone received an Oscar nomination for his scores to The Untouchables.

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1989: Polar Music Prize Founded

In 1989, the Polar Music Prize was founded by Stig Anderson, manager of Swedish pop group ABBA.

1991: Oscar nomination for Bugsy

In 1991, Ennio Morricone received an Oscar nomination for his score to Bugsy.

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2000: Oscar nomination for Malèna

In 2000, Ennio Morricone received an Oscar nomination for his score to Malèna.

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2005: AFI's Top 25 of Best American Film Scores Nominations

In 2005, four film scores by Ennio Morricone were nominated by the American Film Institute for a place in the AFI's Top 25 of Best American Film Scores of All Time. His score for The Mission ranked 23rd.

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February 2007: Academy Honorary Award

In February 2007, Ennio Morricone received the Academy Honorary Award for his magnificent and multifaceted contributions to the art of film music.

2007: Academy Honorary Award

In 2007, Ennio Morricone received the Academy Honorary Award "for his magnificent and multifaceted contributions to the art of film music".

2009: Grammy Hall of Fame Induction

In 2009, The Recording Academy inducted Ennio Morricone's score for The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966) into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

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2010: Polar Music Prize

In 2010, Ennio Morricone and Icelandic singer Björk won the Polar Music Prize, Sweden's biggest music award.

February 2016: Academy Award Win for The Hateful Eight

In February 2016, Ennio Morricone won his first competitive Academy Award for his score to The Hateful Eight, becoming the oldest person to win a competitive Oscar at the time.

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2016: Academy Award for The Hateful Eight

In 2016, Ennio Morricone received his only competitive Academy Award for his score to Quentin Tarantino's film The Hateful Eight, becoming the oldest person ever to win a competitive Oscar at the time.

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