Maggie Smith's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 22, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Maggie Smith.

Dame Maggie Smith is a highly acclaimed British actress celebrated for her sharp wit and versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. With a career spanning over seven decades, she has become one of Britain's most recognizable and prolific actresses. Her impressive list of accolades includes two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. She is also one of the few performers to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, signifying her success in film, television, and theatre.

Sections (4)

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

1970: Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

In 1970, Maggie Smith was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours.

1971: Conferred honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree by the University of St Andrews

In 1971, Maggie Smith was conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree by the University of St Andrews.

1986: Awarded an honorary DLitt from the University of Bath

In 1986, Maggie Smith was awarded an honorary DLitt from the University of Bath.

1990: Promoted to Dame Commander (DBE)

In 1990, Maggie Smith was promoted to Dame Commander (DBE) in the New Year Honours.

1991: Awarded the Shakespeare Prize by the Hamburg Alfred Toepfer Foundation

In 1991, Maggie Smith was awarded the Shakespeare Prize by the Hamburg Alfred Toepfer Foundation.

1992: Made a Fellow of the British Film Institute

In 1992, Maggie Smith was made a Fellow of the British Film Institute in recognition of her outstanding contribution to film culture.

1993: Awarded with the BAFTA Special Award by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts

In 1993, Maggie Smith was awarded the BAFTA Special Award by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

1994: Received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from the University of Cambridge

In 1994, Maggie Smith received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from the University of Cambridge.

1994: Elected to the American Theatre Hall of Fame

In 1994, Maggie Smith was elected to the American Theatre Hall of Fame.

1995: Honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Women in Film and Television UK

In 1995, Maggie Smith was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Women in Film and Television UK.

1996: Presented with the BAFTA Fellowship by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts

In 1996, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts presented Maggie Smith with the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honour the Academy can bestow.

April 1999: Received the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre (The Will Award)

On April 10, 1999, Maggie Smith received the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre (The Will Award) by the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.

2009: Reported to have made a full recovery

In 2009, Maggie Smith was reported to have made a full recovery from breast cancer.

2010: Celebrated with the Society of London Theatre Special Award at the Laurence Olivier Awards

At the 2010 Laurence Olivier Awards, Maggie Smith was celebrated with the Society of London Theatre Special Award.

September 2012: Honoured with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Legacy Award

In September 2012, Maggie Smith was honoured with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Legacy Award, presented by Christopher Plummer.

2013: Awarded the Evening Standard Icon Award

In 2013, Maggie Smith was awarded the Evening Standard Icon Award.

February 2014: Inducted into the Actors Hall of Fame

On February 9, 2014, Maggie Smith was inducted into the Actors Hall of Fame.

2014: Appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)

In 2014, Maggie Smith was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) for services to drama, becoming the third actress to receive the honour.

March 2016: Awarded the Critics' Circle Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts

In March 2016, Maggie Smith was awarded the Critics' Circle Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts.

April 2016: Awarded the Bodley Medal by the University of Oxford's Bodleian Libraries

In April 2016, Maggie Smith was awarded the Bodley Medal by the University of Oxford's Bodleian Libraries.

October 2017: Made an honorary fellow of Mansfield College, Oxford

In October 2017, Maggie Smith was made an honorary fellow of Mansfield College, Oxford.

April 2019: Returned to the stage in A German Life

In April 2019, Maggie Smith returned to the stage after an 11-year absence, performing in A German Life at the Bridge Theatre in London. She played Brunhilde Pomsel in a one-woman solo play written by Christopher Hampton.

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