Jack Nicholson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Jack Nicholson.

Jack Nicholson is a highly acclaimed and now-retired American actor and filmmaker, celebrated for his portrayals of rebellious characters. His career spanned five decades, during which he earned widespread recognition as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. He has received numerous awards, including three Academy Awards, three British Academy Film Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award, solidifying his legacy in the film industry.

Sections (4)

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

1969: Oscar Nomination for Easy Rider

In 1969, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in "Easy Rider", marking a significant milestone in his career.

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1969: Role in Easy Rider

In 1969, Nicholson's big acting break came with the role of alcoholic lawyer George Hanson in "Easy Rider", earning him his first Oscar nomination and elevating him to a counter-culture hero.

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1970: Oscar Nomination for Five Easy Pieces

In 1970, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his performance in "Five Easy Pieces", further establishing his reputation as a talented actor.

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1972: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 1972, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

1974: Oscar Nominations for The Last Detail and Chinatown

In 1974, Nicholson received Oscar nominations for his performances in "The Last Detail" and "Chinatown", showcasing his versatility as an actor.

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1975: Starred in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'

In 1975, Jack Nicholson starred as Randle P. McMurphy in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', a film adaptation of Ken Kesey's novel. Nicholson played an anti-authoritarian patient in a mental hospital, becoming an inspiring leader. The role earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.

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1975: Academy Award for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

In 1975, Nicholson won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Randle McMurphy in the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest".

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1977: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 1977, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

1978: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 1978, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

1981: Oscar Nomination for Reds

In 1981, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in the film "Reds".

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1983: Won Oscar for 'Terms of Endearment'

In 1983, Jack Nicholson won his second Oscar, an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for his role as retired astronaut Garrett Breedlove in 'Terms of Endearment'. His scenes with Shirley MacLaine were particularly noted for giving the film its "buoyant edge".

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1983: Academy Award for Terms of Endearment

In 1983, Nicholson won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for playing an aging playboy in the film "Terms of Endearment".

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1985: Oscar Nomination for Prizzi's Honor

In 1985, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his performance in "Prizzi's Honor".

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1987: Oscar Nomination for Ironweed

In 1987, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in "Ironweed", adding to his list of critically acclaimed performances.

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1989: Played the Joker in 'Batman'

In 1989, Jack Nicholson played the Joker in the 'Batman' movie. The film was a smash hit and earned him an estimated $60 to $90 million from a percentage of the box office gross. Nicholson stated that he was "particularly proud" of his performance and considered it a piece of pop art.

1990: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 1990, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

1992: Nominated for Academy Award for 'A Few Good Men'

In 1992, Jack Nicholson received another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Col. Nathan R. Jessup in 'A Few Good Men'. His performance was described as "spellbinding" and portraying "the essence of the quintessential military mindset".

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1992: Nominated for Razzie Awards for 'Man Trouble' and 'Hoffa'

In 1992, Jack Nicholson was nominated for Razzie Awards as worst actor for 'Man Trouble' and 'Hoffa'. However, his performance in Hoffa also earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

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1992: Oscar Nomination for A Few Good Men

In 1992, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his performance in "A Few Good Men".

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1993: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 1993, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

1994: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 1994, Nicholson was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to cinema.

1997: Won Academy Award for 'As Good as It Gets'

In 1997, Jack Nicholson won his Academy Award for Best Actor in 'As Good as It Gets', playing Melvin Udall, a novelist with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The film was a box-office success, grossing $314 million.

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1999: Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 1999, Nicholson received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, celebrating his outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry.

2001: Received Stanislavsky Award and starred in 'The Pledge'

In 2001, Jack Nicholson received the Stanislavsky Award at the 23rd Moscow International Film Festival. That same year, he starred in 'The Pledge', playing a retired police detective.

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2001: Kennedy Center Honor

In 2001, Nicholson was awarded the Kennedy Center Honor, acknowledging his lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.

2002: Oscar Nomination for About Schmidt

In 2002, Nicholson received an Oscar nomination for his role in "About Schmidt", continuing his streak of acclaimed performances.

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2006: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 2006, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

2007: Presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 2007, Jack Nicholson presented the Academy Award for Best Picture.

May 2008: Nicholson to be inducted into the California Hall of Fame

In May 2008, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver announced that Jack Nicholson would be inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

December 15, 2008: Nicholson inducted into the California Hall of Fame

On December 15, 2008, Jack Nicholson was inducted into the California Hall of Fame, alongside 11 other Californians, at a ceremony held at The California Museum in Sacramento.

2010: Nicholson inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame

In 2010, Jack Nicholson was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions and achievements.

2011: Nicholson receives honorary degree from Brown University

In 2011, Jack Nicholson received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University at its 243rd commencement ceremony. Brown University's president, Ruth Simmons, hailed him as "the most skilled actor of our lifetime".

2013: Co-presented Academy Award for Best Picture

In 2013, Jack Nicholson co-presented the Academy Award for Best Picture with First Lady Michelle Obama, marking the eighth time he presented the award.