Idris Elba's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Idris Elba. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
Idris Elba is a multifaceted English entertainer, recognized as an actor, rapper, singer, and DJ. He's garnered critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award and multiple BAFTA and Emmy nominations. Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2016, Elba's success extends to the box office, where his films have generated over $9.8 billion worldwide, solidifying his position as one of the highest-grossing actors in the industry.
2011: Emmy Nomination for The Big C
In 2011, Idris Elba received an Emmy nomination for his guest role in the Showtime comedy-drama series The Big C.
January 2012: Won Golden Globe for Luther
On 15 January 2012, Idris Elba won Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film at the 69th Golden Globe Awards for his role on the BBC crime thriller series Luther.
2013: Portrayal of Nelson Mandela
In 2013, Idris Elba portrayed Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, earning a Golden Globe nomination.
2013: Essence's Sexiest Man of the Year
In 2013, Idris Elba was named Essence's annual Sexiest Man of the Year.
October 2014: Presented with MOBO Inspiration Award
In October 2014, Idris Elba was presented with a MOBO Inspiration Award.
2015: Heimdall in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Beasts of No Nation
In 2015, Idris Elba appeared as Heimdall in Avengers: Age of Ultron and starred in Beasts of No Nation, receiving award nominations.
2015: Beasts of No Nation
In 2015, Idris Elba portrayed a ruthless warlord in Beasts of No Nation, receiving a Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe nomination.
2015: Broke Land Speed Record
In 2015, as part of his Discovery Channel miniseries 'Idris Elba: No Limits', Idris Elba broke the land speed record for the Pendine Sands 'Flying Mile' course.
2016: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2016, Idris Elba was named in the Time 100 list of the Most Influential People in the World, acknowledging his global impact.
2016: Appointed OBE
In the 2016 New Year Honours, Idris Elba was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama.
2017: Won Rear of the Year Award
In 2017, Idris Elba won the male title for the 'Rear of the Year' award in Britain.
September 2018: Named One of London's Most Awesome People
In September 2018, Idris Elba was named one of 50 people 'making London awesome' by Time Out.
2018: People's Sexiest Man Alive
In 2018, Idris Elba was named People's Sexiest Man Alive.
2020: Listed in Powerlist Top 100
In the 2020 edition of the Powerlist, Idris Elba was listed in the top 100 most influential people in the UK of African/Afro-Caribbean descent.
2021: Listed in Powerlist Top 100
In the 2021 edition of the Powerlist, Idris Elba was listed in the top 100 most influential people in the UK of African/Afro-Caribbean descent.
2024: Leading role in Hijack
In 2024, Idris Elba played the leading role in the Apple TV+ thriller series Hijack, and was Emmy-nominated for his performance.
