Rise to Success: Career Highlights of 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 in 1979 with his brother Bob, producing successful independent films like Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love, for which he won an Academy Award. He also won seven Tony Awards for plays and musicals. After Miramax, the Weinstein brothers founded The Weinstein Company (TWC), where Harvey served as co-chairman from 2005 to 2017.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1979: Co-founding of Miramax

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

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

In May 1982, Miramax Films released The Secret Policeman's Other Ball, becoming their first hit and raising money for Amnesty International.

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.

1989: Release of Sex, Lies, and Videotape

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

1989: MPAA Rating Controversy

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 rating board. Weinstein sued the MPAA over the rating system, resulting in the MPAA introducing the NC-17 rating two months later.

1989: Miramax Produced Sex, Lies, and Videotape

In 1989, Miramax produced several successful independent films including Sex, Lies, and Videotape.

1992: Miramax Produced The Crying Game

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

1993: Re-editing of Farewell My Concubine

In 1993, Harvey Weinstein re-edited Cannes Palme d'Or winner Farewell My Concubine for U.S. theatrical release, which angered jury head Louis Malle.

1993: Disney's Acquisition of Miramax

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 which in turn cemented their Hollywood clout.

1994: Miramax Produced Pulp Fiction and Heavenly Creatures

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

Loading Video...

1995: Pulp Fiction's Academy Award Nomination

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

Loading Video...

1996: Miramax Produced Flirting with Disaster

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

1997: Controversy Over Mimic and Nightwatch

Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob have also been criticized for altering the vision of foreign filmmakers hired to create movies for Miramax, such as on the 1997 projects Mimic (directed by Guillermo del Toro) and Nightwatch (directed by Dane Ole Bornedal).

1997: Miramax Films won its first 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.

1998: Critical Success of Shakespeare in Love

In 1998, Miramax Films had critical successes with Shakespeare in Love, receiving several awards, including numerous Academy Awards.

Loading Video...

1998: Miramax Produced Shakespeare in Love

In 1998, Miramax produced Shakespeare in Love.

Loading Video...

2002: Delay of The Quiet American Release

In 2002, Harvey Weinstein delayed the release of Phillip Noyce's The Quiet American following the September 11 attacks, citing audience reaction in test screenings to the film's critical tone toward past U.S. foreign policy.

September 30, 2005: Departure from Miramax and Formation of TWC

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

2005: Co-chairmanship of The Weinstein Company

In 2005, Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob founded The Weinstein Company (TWC) and served as co-chairmen.

October 8, 2017: Firing from TWC

On October 8, 2017, Harvey Weinstein was fired from TWC after a list of sexual abuse charges was released to the press.

October 2017: Sexual harassment and assault allegations against Weinstein reported

In October 2017, publications like The New York Times and The New Yorker reported accusations from over a dozen women detailing sexual harassment, assault, or rape by Harvey Weinstein. Following these allegations, Weinstein faced dismissal from his company, suspension from BAFTA, expulsion from the Academy, resignation from the DGA, and denouncements from political figures. Law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, New York, and London initiated investigations into the sexual assault allegations during October 2017.

October 2017: Weinstein's board membership with the Robin Hood Foundation ended

Until October 2017, Harvey Weinstein served on the board of the Robin Hood Foundation, a New York City-based non-profit that targets poverty. Following the accusations of sexual harassment, his affiliation with the foundation ended.