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 highly acclaimed American actor and filmmaker, known for his significant contributions to the film industry. His career boasts numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, highlighting his success and impact on entertainment. He is widely recognized for his roles in and direction of successful films.
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".
1992: Support of Democratic Politicians Begins
Since 1992, Kevin Costner has financially supported a variety of Democratic politicians, including Al Gore and Tom Daschle.
1994: Commission of Tatanka Sculpture
In 1994, Kevin Costner commissioned Hill City artist Peggy Detmers to create a bronze sculpture for Tatanka: The Story of the Bison.
1995: Contribution to Republican Phil Gramm
As late as 1995, Kevin Costner made contributions to Republican Phil Gramm, despite supporting Democratic politicians since 1992.
1995: Costner Buys Oil Separation Machine Company
In 1995, Kevin Costner purchased a company developing oil separation machines based on a patent from the US government.
June 6, 2004: Opening of Tatanka: The Story of the Bison
On June 6, 2004, Kevin Costner opened Tatanka: The Story of the Bison, a $5-million attraction featuring exhibits, a visitor center, and a bronze sculpture of a buffalo jump, south of Deadwood, South Dakota.
October 2007: Kevin Costner & Modern West Launch Worldwide Tour
In October 2007, Kevin Costner and Modern West, his country rock band, embarked on a worldwide tour, performing in cities like Istanbul and Rome.
November 11, 2008: Release of Untold Truths Album
On November 11, 2008, Kevin Costner & Modern West released their country album, "Untold Truths", through Universal South Records, which reached No. 61 on the Billboard Top Country Albums.
2008: Campaigns for Barack Obama
In 2008, Kevin Costner campaigned for Barack Obama in Colorado, emphasizing the need for young voters to get to the polls.
2008: Production of NASCAR Documentary The Ride of Their Lives
In 2008, Kevin Costner worked with the NASCAR Media Group and CMT Films to help produce the NASCAR documentary "The Ride of Their Lives" and narrated the documentary, which was released in December.
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. On May 16, he and his band performed at Charlotte Motor Speedway and participated as a judge in the Victory Challenge.
2009: Tragedy at Big Valley Jamboree and Charity Auction
In August 2009, during the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, a severe thunderstorm caused a stage collapse just before Kevin Costner and Modern West were to perform, resulting in one death and numerous injuries. Later, a charity auction was held, where a dinner with Costner was sold for $41,000.
February 2010: Release of Turn It On Album and European Tour
In February 2010, Kevin Costner and Modern West released their album "Turn It On" in Europe, supporting it with a European tour.
May 2010: BP Tests Costner's Oil Separation Machines
In late May 2010, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, BP took six of Kevin Costner's Ocean Therapy Solutions oil separation machines for testing.
June 16, 2010: BP Leases Oil-Water Separation Devices
On June 16, 2010, BP entered into a lease agreement with Kevin Costner's Ocean Therapy Solutions for 32 oil-water separation devices.
2011: Radio Spots for National World War I Museum
In spring 2011, Kevin Costner recorded two radio spots for the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, which were 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, and donated an autographed guitar in support of the IWK Health Centre Foundation.
2012: Golden Globe Award for Hatfields & McCoys
In 2012, Kevin Costner received a Golden Globe Award for "Hatfields & McCoys".
October 2014: Tribute to British Troops
In October 2014, Kevin Costner sent a tribute to British troops serving around the world, thanking them for their work.
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, with John Baird, Stephen C. Meyer, and Rick Ross.
December 22, 2019: Endorsement of Pete Buttigieg
On December 22, 2019, Kevin Costner endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg at a rally in Indianola, Iowa.
2020: Joins HearHere Travel App
In 2020, Kevin Costner co-founded and became the podcast narrator and an investor in Woody Sears's new audio entertainment travel app, HearHere.
August 2022: Production Begins on Horizon: An American Saga
In August 2022, Kevin Costner started production on "Horizon: An American Saga", a Western epic intended to be split into at least four films.
November 2022: Horizon: An American Saga - First Film Production Completed
In November 2022, production of the first film of "Horizon: An American Saga" was completed after 220 days.
2022: Endorsement of Liz Cheney
For the 2022 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming, Kevin Costner endorsed Republican Liz Cheney for reelection.
May 2023: Production Underway for Subsequent Horizon Films
In May 2023, Kevin Costner had begun production of the next films in the "Horizon: An American Saga" series.
2023: Golden Globe Award for Yellowstone
In 2023, Kevin Costner received a Golden Globe Award for "Yellowstone".
June 2024: Release of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1
In June 2024, "Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1" was released, earning mixed reviews and becoming a box office flop.
August 16, 2024: Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 release delayed
The poor box-office returns of Chapter 1 was a factor in the indefinite delay of Chapter 2, which was originally set for an August 16, 2024 release date. Chapter 2 too had received mixed reviews after its debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
2025: Report on Power Struggles During Yellowstone Production
In 2025, The Hollywood Reporter indicated that production on "Yellowstone" was full of power struggles, adding to incidents that have affected Costner's Hollywood reputation.
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