Keira Knightley's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Keira Knightley is a celebrated English actress recognized for her versatile performances in both independent films and blockbuster productions, especially period dramas. She has garnered critical acclaim throughout her career, earning nominations for prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards and two British Academy Film Awards. In recognition of her contributions to drama and her charitable work, Knightley was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2018.

Sections (4)

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

2002: Breakthrough Role in Bend It Like Beckham

In 2002, Keira Knightley had her breakthrough role as a tomboy footballer in the film Bend It Like Beckham.

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2003: Cast in Pirates of the Caribbean

In 2003, Keira Knightley was cast as Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Despite a large budget and star-studded cast, the film was not expected to succeed, but it became a major hit.

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2004: Included on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list and Named Among Most Influential People

In 2004, Keira Knightley was named among the most influential people in British culture in a BBC poll. She was also included for the first time on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list.

2005: Academy Award and Golden Globe Nominations for Pride & Prejudice

In 2005, Keira Knightley received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for her performance in Pride & Prejudice.

2005: Nomination for Pride & Prejudice

In 2005, Keira Knightley received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice.

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July 2006: Release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

In July 2006, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest was released, becoming the biggest financial hit of Keira Knightley's career with worldwide collections of $1.066 billion.

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2006: Topped FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list and Maxim Hot 100 List

In 2006, Keira Knightley topped FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list and was also placed ninth on the Maxim Hot 100 list.

2007: Film Releases: Silk and Atonement

In 2007, Keira Knightley appeared in two film adaptations: Silk, which failed at the box office, and Atonement, which became a critical and commercial success. Her role in Atonement garnered awards and nominations.

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2007: Golden Globe and British Academy Film Awards Nominations for Atonement and Won Empire Award

In 2007, Keira Knightley was nominated at the Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama and at the British Academy Film Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Atonement, and won the Empire Award for Best Actress for her performance in Atonement.

2007: Won Libel Case Against Daily Mail

In 2007, Keira Knightley won a libel case against the British tabloid Daily Mail after it had falsely claimed that she had an eating disorder. She was awarded £3,000 in damages, which she added to and donated £6,000 to Beat, a charity for those with mental illness and eating disorders.

2008: Highest-Earning British Hollywood Star

In 2008, Keira Knightley was the highest-earning British Hollywood star according to the Forbes Celebrity 100 list.

2009: West End Production: The Misanthrope

In 2009, Keira Knightley appeared in The Misanthrope in the West End, earning her an Olivier Award nomination.

2009: Included in FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list

In 2009, Keira Knightley was included in FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list for the last time.

2009: Named Amongst Most Bankable Actors

In 2009, Keira Knightley was named amongst the most bankable actors.

2014: Academy Award, Golden Globe and British Academy Film Awards Nominations for The Imitation Game

In 2014, Keira Knightley received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture and a British Academy Film Awards nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in The Imitation Game.

2018: Regaining confidence in her abilities

By the release of "Colette" in 2018, Keira Knightley felt she had learned her craft and mentally occupied a "good place where I feel pretty confident about what I can do".

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2018: Starring in Colette and Appointment as OBE

In 2018, Keira Knightley starred as the titular French author in the biographical drama "Colette". Also in 2018, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama and charity.

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2018: Appointed OBE

In 2018, Keira Knightley was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at Buckingham Palace for her services to drama and charity.