Career Timeline of Kevin Costner: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Kevin Costner built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kevin Costner is a celebrated American actor and filmmaker, recognized for his contributions to the film industry. He's the recipient of prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, highlighting his success in both acting and directing.

Sections (4)

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

1990: Academy Awards for Dances With Wolves

In 1990, Kevin Costner received two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director for Dances With Wolves.

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1991: Midnight Star Casino Opens

In 1991, Kevin Costner opened the Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant in Deadwood, South Dakota.

1994: Commissioned Bronze Sculpture

In 1994, Costner commissioned Hill City artist Peggy Detmers to create a bronze sculpture depicting a buffalo jump for his future attraction.

1995: Purchase of Oil Separation Technology Company

In 1995, Kevin Costner acquired a company focused on developing oil separation machines based on a patent he bought from the US government.

June 6, 2004: Tatanka: The Story of the Bison Opens

On June 6, 2004, Kevin Costner opened Tatanka: The Story of the Bison, an educational and emotional attraction near Deadwood, South Dakota.

October 2007: Worldwide Tour with Kevin Costner & Modern West

In October 2007, Kevin Costner & Modern West started a worldwide tour, performing in cities like Istanbul and Rome.

November 11, 2008: Untold Truths Album Release

On November 11, 2008, Kevin Costner and Modern West released their country album, Untold Truths, under Universal South Records.

2008: Production of NASCAR Documentary The Ride of Their Lives

In 2008, Kevin Costner worked with the NASCAR Media Group and CMT Films to produce the NASCAR documentary, The Ride of Their Lives, and narrated it. It was released in December of that year.

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2009: Tour with The Alternate Routes and Incident at Big Valley Jamboree

In 2009, Kevin Costner and Modern West toured with The Alternate Routes. During their scheduled performance at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta in August 2009, a severe thunderstorm caused the stage to collapse, resulting in casualties. A dinner with Costner was auctioned off for $41,000 to benefit the family of a victim.

2009: Spokesman for NASCAR Day and Performance at Charlotte Motor Speedway

In 2009, Kevin Costner was named the spokesman for NASCAR Day, which took place on May 15. The next day, May 16, he and his band performed at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

February 2010: Turn It On Album Release and European Tour

In February 2010, Kevin Costner and Modern West released their second album, Turn It On, in Europe, followed by a supporting European tour.

May 2010: BP Tests Ocean Therapy Solutions Machines

In late May 2010, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, BP tested six oil separation machines from Ocean Therapy Solutions, a company partially owned by Kevin Costner.

June 16, 2010: BP Leases Oil-Water Separation Devices

On June 16, 2010, BP entered into a lease agreement with Ocean Therapy Solutions for 32 oil-water separation devices.

2011: Radio Spots for National World War I Museum

In 2011, Kevin Costner recorded two radio spots for the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, which aired on the Kansas City Royals Radio Network.

July 2012: Performance at Telus World Skins Game

In July 2012, Kevin Costner and Modern West performed at the 20th annual Telus World Skins Game in Halifax, Nova Scotia, supporting the IWK Health Centre Foundation.

2012: Golden Globe Award for Hatfields & McCoys

In 2012, Kevin Costner received a Golden Globe Award for Hatfields & McCoys.

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2015: Co-authors The Explorer's Guild: A Passage to Shambhala

In 2015, Kevin Costner co-authored "The Explorer's Guild: A Passage to Shambhala", a hybrid adventure novel and graphic novel.

2017: Midnight Star Casino Closes

In 2017, Kevin Costner closed the Midnight Star Casino in Deadwood, South Dakota.

2020: Joins HearHere App as Co-founder and Narrator

In 2020, Kevin Costner joined HearHere, an audio entertainment travel app, as a co-founder, podcast narrator, and investor.

2020: Sale of Midnight Star Casino

In 2020, Kevin Costner sold the Midnight Star Casino after closing it in 2017.

August 2022: Horizon: An American Saga Production Begins

In August 2022, Kevin Costner started the production of "Horizon: An American Saga", a Western epic film series planned to have at least four movies.

November 2022: Horizon: An American Saga First Film Production Completed

By November 2022, the production of the first "Horizon" film was completed after approximately 220 days of filming.

May 2023: Production Underway for Subsequent Horizon Films

By May 2023, production for the subsequent films in the "Horizon: An American Saga" series had already begun.

2023: Golden Globe Award for Yellowstone

In 2023, Kevin Costner received a Golden Globe Award for Yellowstone.

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June 2024: Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 Release

In June 2024, "Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1" was released, receiving mixed reviews and becoming a box office failure.

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August 16, 2024: Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 Delayed

The poor box-office returns of Chapter 1 was a factor in the indefinite delay of Chapter 2, which too had received mixed reviews after its debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. Chapter 2 was originally set for an August 16, 2024 release date.