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 major blockbusters, particularly excelling in period dramas. Her talent has earned her widespread critical acclaim, including nominations for two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes. In recognition of her contributions to drama and her philanthropic work, she 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

2004: Most Influential People in British Culture and FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World

In 2004, Keira Knightley was named among the most influential people in British culture in a BBC poll. Also in 2004, she made her first appearance on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list and was also part of the American editions of the list from 2004 to 2006.

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

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

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2005: Nominated for Academy Award for Pride & Prejudice

In 2005, Keira Knightley was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice.

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2006: Topping 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 in 2006.

2006: Invited to join the Academy and Reprised role as Elizabeth Swann

In 2006, Keira Knightley was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She reprised her role as Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, which became a major financial hit. The series allowed Knightley to study sword-fighting.

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2007: Golden Globe and British Academy Film Award Nomination and Empire Award Win for Atonement

In 2007, Keira Knightley received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama and a British Academy Film Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Atonement. She won the Empire Award for Best Actress for her performance in Atonement.

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2007: Releases of Silk and Atonement

In 2007, Keira Knightley starred in two film adaptations: Silk, which failed at the box office, and Atonement, which became a critical and commercial success. She won the Empire Award for Best Actress for Atonement.

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2007: Libel Case Win and Donation to Beat

In 2007, Keira Knightley won a libel case against the British tabloid Daily Mail after it falsely claimed that she had an eating disorder. She donated the awarded £3,000 plus an additional £3,000 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.

2008: Hypnotherapy and BAFTA Awards Attendance

In early 2008, Keira Knightley underwent hypnotherapy to prevent panic attacks, enabling her to attend that year's BAFTA Awards, where she was nominated for her performance in Atonement.

December 2009: West End Debut in The Misanthrope

In December 2009, Keira Knightley made her West End debut in Martin Crimp's version of Molière's comedy, The Misanthrope, at the Comedy Theatre. She played Jennifer, an American film star, and received mixed reviews for her performance. Knightley was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and an Evening Standard Award.

2009: Appearance in The Misanthrope

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

2009: Final Appearance on FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World

In 2009, Keira Knightley was included in every subsequent issue of FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list until 2009.

2009: Named Among Most Bankable Actors

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

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

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

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2014: Starred in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and The Imitation Game

In 2014, Keira Knightley starred in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, a contemporary-set film, and The Imitation Game, a historical film where she played Joan Clarke. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for The Imitation Game.

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2018: Appointed OBE

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

2018: Starred in Colette and Awarded OBE

In 2018, Knightley starred in the biographical drama Colette. That same year, Knightley was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to drama and charity.

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