Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Harvey Weinstein

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Harvey Weinstein

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Harvey Weinstein made an impact.

Harvey Weinstein is an American film producer and convicted sex offender. He co-founded Miramax with his brother Bob in 1979, producing successful independent films like Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love, for which he won an Academy Award. He also won seven Tony Awards. After Miramax, the Weinstein brothers founded The Weinstein Company (TWC), where Harvey served as co-chairman from 2005 to 2017.

1979: Miramax Co-Founded

In 1979, Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob Weinstein co-founded Miramax, an entertainment company.

May 1982: Release of The Secret Policeman's Other Ball

In May 1982, The Secret Policeman's Other Ball, edited from two British films of benefit shows for Amnesty International, was released, becoming Miramax Films' first hit.

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1988: Release of The Thin Blue Line

In 1988, Miramax Films gained wider attention with the release of Errol Morris' documentary The Thin Blue Line.

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1989: MPAA Lawsuit and NC-17 Rating Introduction

In 1989, Miramax Films released The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover and Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, both of which received an X-rating from the MPAA. Harvey Weinstein sued the MPAA over the rating system, and although his lawsuit was thrown out, the MPAA introduced the NC-17 rating two months later.

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1989: Miramax's Successful Launch of Sex, Lies, and Videotape

In 1989, Miramax Films' successful launch release of Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies, and Videotape propelled the company to become the most successful independent studio in America.

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1989: Miramax Produced Sex, Lies, and Videotape

In 1989, Miramax produced the successful independent film Sex, Lies, and Videotape.

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1992: Miramax Produced The Crying Game

In 1992, Miramax produced the successful independent film The Crying Game.

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1993: Disney's Acquisition of Miramax Films

In 1993, after the success of The Crying Game, Disney offered the Weinsteins $80 million for ownership of Miramax Films. The brothers agreed to the deal, solidifying their Hollywood clout.

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1994: Miramax Produced Pulp Fiction and Heavenly Creatures

In 1994, Miramax produced the successful independent films Pulp Fiction and Heavenly Creatures.

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1995: Pulp Fiction's Academy Award Nomination

In 1995, Pulp Fiction was nominated for an Academy Award but lost to Forrest Gump.

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1996: Miramax Produced Flirting with Disaster

In 1996, Miramax produced the successful independent film Flirting with Disaster.

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1997: Miramax Won Academy Award for Best Picture with The English Patient

In 1997, Miramax Films won its first Academy Award for Best Picture with the victory of The English Patient.

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1998: Critical Success of Shakespeare in Love

In 1998, Miramax had a string of critical successes that included Shakespeare in Love. The film received several awards, including numerous Academy Awards.

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1998: Miramax Produced Shakespeare in Love

In 1998, Miramax produced the successful independent film Shakespeare in Love. Harvey Weinstein later won an Academy Award for producing this movie.

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April 19, 2004: Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire

On April 19, 2004, Harvey Weinstein was appointed an honorary commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his contributions to the British film industry.

September 30, 2005: Weinstein Brothers Left Miramax Films

On September 30, 2005, the Weinstein brothers left Miramax Films to form their own production company, The Weinstein Company (TWC).

2005: Founded The Weinstein Company

In 2005, Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob founded The Weinstein Company (TWC), a mini-major film studio. He served as co-chairman from 2005 to 2017.

March 2, 2012: Knight of the French Legion of Honour

On March 2, 2012, Harvey Weinstein was made a knight of the French Legion of Honour in recognition of Miramax's efforts to increase the presence and popularity of foreign films in the United States.

October 2017: Sexual Harassment and Assault Allegations

In October 2017, reports surfaced in The New York Times and The New Yorker detailing allegations from over a dozen women accusing Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment, assault, or rape, leading to his dismissal from his company, suspension from BAFTA, expulsion from the Academy, resignation from the DGA, and denouncement from political figures. Police in Los Angeles, New York, and London initiated investigations.

October 2017: Departure from Robin Hood Foundation

Until October 2017, Harvey Weinstein served on the board of the Robin Hood Foundation, a New York City-based non-profit focused on poverty, and co-chaired one of its annual benefits.

2017: End of Co-Chairmanship at TWC

In 2017, Harvey Weinstein's tenure as co-chairman of The Weinstein Company (TWC) concluded.