George Lucas's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

George Lucas is an American filmmaker, best known for creating the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. He is the founder of Lucasfilm, LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and THX. A pioneer of the New Hollywood movement and modern blockbuster, Lucas is considered a significant figure in 20th-century cinema. He sold Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012. Despite his blockbuster success, he has largely remained an independent filmmaker.

Sections (4)

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

1977: Awarded the Inkpot Award

In 1977, George Lucas was awarded the Inkpot Award.

1977: Visual Effects for Star Wars

In 1977, Industrial Light & Magic became the Special Visual Effects department on Star Wars, creating visual effects that had never been seen on film before.

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1991: Received the Irving G. Thalberg Award

In 1991, George Lucas received the academy's Irving G. Thalberg Award.

June 9, 2005: AFI Life Achievement Award

On June 9, 2005, the American Film Institute awarded George Lucas its Life Achievement Award, shortly after the release of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

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2005: Greatest Film Score

In 2005, the American Film Institute listed John Williams' score for Star Wars as the greatest film score of all time.

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2006: Inducted into Science Fiction Hall of Fame

In 2006, George Lucas was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.

2007: Presented Best Director award at Academy Awards

In 2007, George Lucas appeared at the 79th Academy Awards ceremony with Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola to present the Best Director award to Martin Scorsese.

September 2008: Named one of the 100 "Greatest Americans"

In September 2008, The Discovery Channel named George Lucas one of the 100 "Greatest Americans".

2009: Inducted into California Hall of Fame

In 2009, George Lucas was one of 13 California Hall of Fame inductees in The California Museum's yearlong exhibit.

July 2013: Awarded National Medal of Arts

In July 2013, George Lucas was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama for his contributions to American cinema.

October 2014: Received Honorary Membership of SMPTE

In October 2014, George Lucas received Honorary Membership of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.

August 2015: Inducted as a Disney Legend

In August 2015, George Lucas was inducted as a Disney Legend.

December 6, 2015: Honoree at Kennedy Center Honors

On December 6, 2015, George Lucas was an honoree at the Kennedy Center Honors.

May 2024: Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival

In May 2024, George Lucas was given the Honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, considered one of the highest recognitions in the film industry.