Martin Scorsese is a highly acclaimed American filmmaker known for his significant contributions to the New Hollywood movement. He has received numerous prestigious awards for his work, including an Academy Award, multiple BAFTA, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards. His contributions to cinema have been recognized through honors like the AFI Life Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center Honor. Scorsese's films are celebrated for their cultural and historical significance, with four of them preserved in the National Film Registry.
1916: Influence of "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man"
James Joyce's novel "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" (1916) left a mark on Scorsese, shaping his perspective on art and identity.
1931: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 2
The Criterion Collection released the second volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1931 film "Limite."
1934: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 3
The Criterion Collection released the third volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1934 film "Dos monjes."
1936: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 1 & 2
The Criterion Collection released the first two volumes of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1936 film "Redes."
1939: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 4
The Criterion Collection released the fourth volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1939 films "Prisioneros de la tierra" and "Two Girls on the Street."
November 17, 1942: Birth of Martin Scorsese
Martin Charles Scorsese was born on November 17, 1942. He would become a prominent figure in American filmmaking.
1947: Influence of Powell and Pressburger's Work
Scorsese has cited the innovative techniques of Powell and Pressburger's films "Black Narcissus" (1947) and "The Red Shoes" (1948) as influences on his filmmaking.
1948: Impact of "The Heart of the Matter"
Graham Greene's novel "The Heart of the Matter" (1948) made a lasting impression on Scorsese, influencing his artistic sensibilities.
1948: Restoration of "The Red Shoes"
Martin Scorsese and The Film Foundation played a key role in fundraising for the restoration of the 1948 film "The Red Shoes".
1948: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 4
The Criterion Collection released the fourth volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1948 film "Kalpana."
1951: Discovering "The Tales of Hoffmann"
As a teenager, Scorsese frequently rented Powell and Pressburger's "The Tales of Hoffmann" (1951), developing a deep appreciation for cinema.
1954: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 3
The Criterion Collection released the third volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1954 film "After the Curfew".
1960: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 1
The Criterion Collection released the first volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1960 film "The Housemaid".
1960: Graduation from Cardinal Hayes High School
Scorsese graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx in 1960.
1963: Creation of "What's a Nice Girl like You Doing in a Place like This?"
While attending the Tisch School of the Arts, Scorsese made the short film "What's a Nice Girl like You Doing in a Place like This?" in 1963.
1964: Creation of "It's Not Just You, Murray!"
Scorsese created the short film "It's Not Just You, Murray!" in 1964.
1964: B.A. in English from NYU
Scorsese earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from New York University's Washington Square College (now the College of Arts and Science) in 1964.
1964: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 1
The Criterion Collection released the first volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1964 film "Dry Summer."
1965: Scorsese's First Marriage
In 1965, Martin Scorsese married Laraine Marie Brennan.
1966: Bob Dylan's Controversial Transformation and Retirement from Touring
Scorsese's documentary "No Direction Home" focuses on Bob Dylan's early career, his rise to fame in the 1960s, and his controversial shift from acoustic to electric guitar, leading to his retirement from touring in 1966 after a motorcycle accident.
1966: Preservation of Ousmane Sembène's "Black Girl"
The World Cinema Project, under Scorsese's guidance, worked to preserve Ousmane Sembène's 1966 film "Black Girl."
1967: Scorsese's Debut Feature Film
In 1967, Martin Scorsese directed his first feature-length film, "I Call First" (later retitled "Who's That Knocking at My Door"). The film featured collaborations with actor Harvey Keitel and editor Thelma Schoonmaker, who would go on to have long-standing partnerships with Scorsese. The film marked the beginning of Scorsese's journey into feature filmmaking.
1967: Release of "Who's That Knocking at My Door"
Martin Scorsese's debut feature film, "Who's That Knocking at My Door," was released in 1967, showcasing his early use of slow-motion cinematography.
1967: Release of "The Big Shave"
Scorsese's darkly comic short film "The Big Shave" was released in 1967. The film, with an alternative title "Viet '67", was an indictment of America's involvement in Vietnam.
1967: Directorial Debut with "Who's That Knocking at My Door"
Scorsese's directorial debut film, "Who's That Knocking at My Door", was accepted into the Chicago Film Festival in 1967.
1967: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 2
The Criterion Collection released the second volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1967 film "Law of the Border."
1968: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 3
The Criterion Collection released the third volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1968 film "Lucía."
1968: M.A. from NYU's School of Education
Scorsese received his Master of Arts degree from New York University's School of Education (now the Steinhardt School) in 1968.
1968: Master of Arts Degree
Martin Scorsese earned a Master of Arts degree from New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development in 1968.
1969: Beginning of Scorsese's Feature Film Career
In 1969, Scorsese embarked on his feature film career, marking the beginning of a prolific and influential journey in filmmaking.
1969: Restoration and Screening of Timité Bassori's "La Femme au couteau"
The African Film Heritage Project restored and screened Timité Bassori's 1969 film "La Femme au couteau" for the first time on the African continent as part of FESPACO's 50th anniversary.
1970: Scorsese's Involvement in Woodstock Documentary
In 1970, Scorsese contributed to the making of the documentary "Woodstock," serving as an assistant director and editor.
1970: Restoration and Screening of Med Hondo's "Soleil Ô"
The African Film Heritage Project restored and screened Med Hondo's 1970 film "Soleil Ô" for the first time on the African continent as part of FESPACO's 50th anniversary.
1970: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 3
The Criterion Collection released the third volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1970 film "Soleil Ô."
1971: End of Scorsese's First Marriage
Martin Scorsese's marriage to Laraine Marie Brennan ended in 1971.
1972: Scorsese Directs "Boxcar Bertha"
In 1972, Scorsese directed the Depression-era film "Boxcar Bertha" for B-movie producer Roger Corman. This experience taught Scorsese valuable lessons in efficient filmmaking on a tight budget.
1972: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 3 & 4
The Criterion Collection released the third and fourth volumes of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1972 films "Downpour" and "Sambizanga."
1973: Release of "Mean Streets"
Martin Scorsese's film "Mean Streets" premiered in 1973, further demonstrating his use of slow-motion techniques in filmmaking.
1973: Preservation of Djibril Diop Mambéty's "Touki Bouki"
Scorsese's World Cinema Project undertook the preservation of Djibril Diop Mambéty's 1973 film "Touki Bouki."
1973: "Mean Streets" and the Development of Scorsese's Style
The crime film "Mean Streets", released in 1973, became a template for Scorsese's filmmaking style, characterized by slow motion, freeze frames, violence, and profanity.
1974: Release of "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore"
In 1974, Scorsese directed Ellen Burstyn in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore." The film marked a departure for Scorsese, focusing on a female protagonist. Burstyn's performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
1975: Restoration and Screening of Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina's "Chronique des années de braise" and Jean-Pierre Dikongue-Pipa's "Muna Moto"
The African Film Heritage Project restored and screened Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina's "Chronique des années de braise" (1975) and Jean-Pierre Dikongue-Pipa's "Muna Moto" (1975) for the first time on the African continent as part of FESPACO's 50th anniversary.
1975: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 4
The Criterion Collection released the fourth volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1975 film "Muna Moto."
November 25, 1976: The Last Waltz Concert
On November 25, 1976, Scorsese filmed The Band's final concert, "The Last Waltz," at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The concert featured a star-studded lineup of guest musicians.
1976: Release of "Taxi Driver"
In 1976, Scorsese released "Taxi Driver," starring Robert De Niro and Jodie Foster. The film, exploring themes of urban alienation and violence, cemented Scorsese's status as a prominent filmmaker and garnered significant attention for its controversial content and stylistic choices.
1976: Release of "New York, New York"
In 1976, Scorsese released the musical "New York, New York," starring Robert De Niro and Liza Minnelli. Despite its visual flair and ambition, the film was a commercial disappointment and received mixed reviews.
1976: Scorsese's Second Marriage and Subsequent Divorce
Martin Scorsese married writer Julia Cameron in 1976. Their marriage, however, was short-lived, ending in a highly publicized divorce the following year. Cameron later drew inspiration from this experience for her directorial debut, the dark comedy "God's Will."
1976: Palme d'Or for "Taxi Driver"
Scorsese's psychological thriller "Taxi Driver" won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1976. The film starred Robert De Niro, who would become a frequent collaborator.
1976: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 2
The Criterion Collection released the second volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1976 film "Insiang."
1977: Roman Polanski Faces Sexual Abuse Charges
Filmmaker Roman Polanski faced sexual abuse charges in 1977.
1977: Release of "New York, New York"
In 1977, Scorsese released "New York, New York," marking his second collaboration with Robert De Niro.
1977: Scorsese Directs Broadway Musical "The Act"
Scorsese directed the Broadway musical "The Act," starring Liza Minnelli, in 1977.
1978: Release of "The Last Waltz" and "American Boy"
In 1978, Scorsese released two documentaries: "The Last Waltz," capturing The Band's final concert, and "American Boy," focusing on "Taxi Driver" actor Steven Prince.
1978: Release of "The Last Waltz"
Scorsese directed the concert film "The Last Waltz", released in 1978.
1979: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 4
The Criterion Collection released the fourth volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1979 film "Chess of the Wind."
1979: Scorsese's Third Marriage
Martin Scorsese married actress Isabella Rossellini in 1979.
1980: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 3
The Criterion Collection released the third volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1980 film "Pixote."
1980: Release of "Raging Bull"
Scorsese and De Niro teamed up again in 1980 for the biographical boxing drama "Raging Bull".
1981: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 1
The Criterion Collection released the first volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1981 film "Trances."
1982: Release of "The King of Comedy"
The dark comedy "The King of Comedy", starring Robert De Niro, was released in 1982.
March 1983: Scorsese Meets Dawn Steel
Martin Scorsese met Dawn Steel, then a junior executive at Paramount, at the annual ShoWest Convention in Las Vegas in March 1983. This encounter marked the beginning of their personal and professional relationship.
1983: Release of "The King of Comedy"
In 1983, Martin Scorsese released "The King of Comedy," a film notable for its use of freeze frames during the opening credits, a technique that would become characteristic of his later works.
1983: Release of The King of Comedy and Other Projects
In 1983, Martin Scorsese released "The King of Comedy," his fifth collaboration with Robert De Niro. This satirical film marked a departure from Scorsese's previous works, employing a less kinetic visual style and exploring themes of media, celebrity, and the pursuit of fame. The same year, Scorsese made a cameo appearance in "Anna Pavlova" and acted in Bertrand Tavernier's jazz film "Round Midnight." He also directed an episode of Steven Spielberg's "Amazing Stories."
1983: Start of Work on The Last Temptation of Christ
Martin Scorsese began work on his passion project, "The Last Temptation of Christ," in 1983. Based on Nikos Kazantzakis's 1955 novel, the film aimed to portray the life of Christ in human terms. Although Paramount Pictures initially agreed to back the project, they withdrew due to pressure from religious groups.
1983: End of Scorsese's Third Marriage
Martin Scorsese's marriage to Isabella Rossellini ended in divorce in 1983.
1985: Marriage to Barbara De Fina
In 1985, Martin Scorsese married producer Barbara De Fina.
1985: Release of After Hours
Martin Scorsese released "After Hours" in 1985. The film, a dark comedy about a New York word processor's increasingly strange night, marked an aesthetic shift for Scorsese towards a more pared-down filmmaking style. "After Hours" earned him the Best Director Award at Cannes.
1985: Release of "After Hours"
Scorsese directed the black comedy "After Hours", released in 1985.
1985: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 2
The Criterion Collection released the second volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1985 film "Taipei Story."
December 1986: Release of Michael Jackson's "Bad" Short Film
In December 1986, Scorsese released an 18-minute short film for Michael Jackson's song "Bad," featuring Jackson and Wesley Snipes. The short film, shot in a Brooklyn subway station, served as a music video and drew inspiration from films like "West Side Story" (1961) and Scorsese's own "Taxi Driver" (1976).
1986: Directing The Color of Money
In 1986, Martin Scorsese directed "The Color of Money," a sequel to the 1961 film "The Hustler." Starring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise, the film marked Scorsese's first official venture into mainstream filmmaking while still showcasing his established directorial style.
1986: Release of "The Color of Money"
The sports drama "The Color of Money", directed by Scorsese, was released in 1986.
1987: Scorsese and Steel Reconnect Professionally
Martin Scorsese and Dawn Steel reconnected professionally in 1987 when Steel, as President of Columbia Pictures, played a key role in initiating the restoration of the classic film "Lawrence of Arabia."
1987: Directing Michael Jackson's "Bad" Music Video
Scorsese directed the music video for Michael Jackson's song "Bad" in 1987.
1988: Release of The Last Temptation of Christ
"The Last Temptation of Christ" was eventually released in 1988 by Universal Pictures. The film, starring Willem Dafoe as Jesus and David Bowie as Pontius Pilate, sparked significant controversy for its depiction of Christ's struggles with temptation. Despite the backlash, the film garnered critical acclaim and a Best Director Academy Award nomination for Scorsese.
1988: Release of "The Last Temptation of Christ"
Scorsese's controversial biblical drama "The Last Temptation of Christ" was released in 1988.
1989: Relationship with Illeana Douglas
Martin Scorsese began a romantic relationship with actress Illeana Douglas in 1989.
1989: Release of New York Stories Segment "Life Lessons"
Scorsese directed a segment titled "Life Lessons" for the 1989 anthology film "New York Stories." The film, which also featured segments directed by Woody Allen and Francis Ford Coppola, presented a unique look at life in New York City. Scorsese's segment was particularly well-received by critics.
1989: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 2
The Criterion Collection released the second volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 1989 film "Revenge."
1990: Release of "Goodfellas"
Scorsese's film "Goodfellas" was released in 1990.
1990: Release of "Goodfellas"
Scorsese's critically acclaimed crime film "Goodfellas", starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, was released in 1990.
1990: Release of Goodfellas
Martin Scorsese's gangster epic "Goodfellas" was released in 1990, marking a significant return to form for the director. Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta, the film is widely considered one of Scorsese's greatest achievements, praised for its masterful storytelling, innovative techniques, and compelling performances.
1990: Release of "Goodfellas"
Martin Scorsese's critically acclaimed film "Goodfellas" premiered in 1990. The film showcased Scorsese's distinctive use of freeze frames throughout, a technique that he would continue to employ in subsequent films like "Casino," "The Departed," and "The Irishman."
1990: Release of Made in Milan Documentary
Martin Scorsese released his only short-form documentary, "Made in Milan," in 1990. The film provided a glimpse into the world of renowned fashion designer Giorgio Armani.
1990: Scorsese Begins Development on "Silence"
Martin Scorsese began developing "Silence" in 1990. This film, imbued with strong theological themes, held personal significance for Scorsese and had been in development for over two decades.
1990: Founding of The Film Foundation
In 1990, Scorsese founded The Film Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to film preservation and restoration.
1990: Scorsese Co-founds The Film Foundation
In 1990, Martin Scorsese, along with other prominent filmmakers, founded The Film Foundation, dedicated to preserving and restoring classic films.
1990: Appearance in Akira Kurosawa's "Dreams"
In 1990, Martin Scorsese took on a small acting role as Vincent van Gogh in the film "Dreams," directed by the renowned Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa.
1991: Release of Cape Fear
In 1991, Scorsese released "Cape Fear," a remake of the 1962 thriller. The film, starring Robert De Niro and Nick Nolte, showcased Scorsese's ability to create suspense and explore dark themes. While receiving mixed critical reception, "Cape Fear" became Scorsese's most commercially successful film at that time.
1991: Divorce from Barbara De Fina
Martin Scorsese and Barbara De Fina divorced in 1991.
1993: Steel's Memoir Reveals Details About Relationship with Scorsese
Dawn Steel's 1993 memoir shed light on her relationship with Martin Scorsese, including their shared experiences attending the Cannes Film Festival premiere of "King of Comedy" and location scouting for films in Tunisia.
1993: Release of "The Age of Innocence"
Released in 1993, "The Age of Innocence" marked a significant departure for Scorsese. This period drama, adapted from Edith Wharton's novel, delves into the rigid social circles of late 19th-century New York's high society. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the film performed poorly at the box office, ultimately resulting in financial losses.
1993: Release of "The Age of Innocence"
Scorsese directed the historical romantic drama "The Age of Innocence", released in 1993.
1994: Cameo in "Quiz Show"
Martin Scorsese made a memorable cameo appearance in the Robert Redford film "Quiz Show" in 1994. His character's line, "You see, the audience didn't tune in to watch some amazing display of intellectual ability. They just wanted to watch the money," became particularly noteworthy.
1994: Formation of De Fina-Cappa and Expansion into Producing
The year 1994 saw Scorsese and producer Barbara De Fina establishing their own production company, De Fina-Cappa. Simultaneously, Scorsese broadened his horizons by taking on the role of a film producer, lending his expertise to a diverse range of projects. These included high-budget Hollywood studio productions like "Mad Dog and Glory" and "Clockers," alongside supporting low-budget independent films like "The Grifters," "Naked in New York," "Grace of My Heart," "Search and Destroy," and "The Hi-Lo Country." His producing reach even extended to the foreign film "Con gli occhi chiusi (With Closed Eyes)."
1995: Release of Documentary "A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies"
Scorsese explored his passion for cinema in 1995 with the four-hour documentary "A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies." This comprehensive film served as a journey through American cinematic history, from the silent era to 1969, marking the year before Scorsese's debut in feature films. Notably, Scorsese refrained from commenting on his own work or that of his contemporaries in the documentary.
1995: Release of "Casino"
Scorsese and De Niro collaborated once again in 1995 for the crime drama "Casino".
1995: Release of "Casino"
Martin Scorsese's film "Casino" was released in 1995, again featuring his signature use of freeze frames, this time notably employed during sequences involving Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci, further solidifying this technique as a hallmark of his directorial style.
1995: Release of "Casino" and Critical Acclaim
In 1995, Scorsese released "Casino," a film thematically similar to "The Age of Innocence" in its portrayal of a man's structured life unraveling with the introduction of chaos. However, its violent gangster theme resonated better with fans who might have found the previous film perplexing. "Casino" achieved both box office success and positive critical reception. While comparisons to his earlier work "Goodfellas" were inevitable, Scorsese asserted that "Casino" had a broader narrative scope. Sharon Stone's performance in the film earned her a nomination for the Best Actress Academy Award. Notably, Scorsese himself made a cameo appearance as a gambler in the film.
1997: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 1997, Martin Scorsese was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the film industry.
1997: "Raging Bull" Ranked on AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies
In 1997, The American Film Institute (AFI) placed "Raging Bull" at number 24 on their list of the 100 greatest films of all time.
1997: End of Relationship with Illeana Douglas
Martin Scorsese's relationship with Illeana Douglas ended in 1997.
1997: Release of "Kundun" and Controversy
Released in 1997, "Kundun" marked another stylistic departure for Scorsese. The film chronicles the early life of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, the Chinese military's incursion into Tibet, and the Dalai Lama's subsequent exile to India. Scorsese adopted a distinctive narrative and visual style, replacing traditional storytelling with a meditative atmosphere achieved through vivid imagery. The film stirred controversy, particularly for its distributor, Buena Vista Pictures, which was simultaneously pursuing expansion into the Chinese market. Initially, Disney, the parent company, resisted pressure from Chinese officials but later distanced itself from the project, ultimately impacting "Kundun's" commercial success.
1997: Release of "Kundun"
Scorsese directed the biographical drama "Kundun", about the 14th Dalai Lama, released in 1997.
1998: Presentation of Honorary Academy Award to Stanley Donen
At the 70th Academy Awards in 1998, Martin Scorsese was chosen to present the Honorary Academy Award to the legendary filmmaker Stanley Donen.
1998: Film Society of Lincoln Center Tribute
The Film Society of Lincoln Center paid tribute to Martin Scorsese in 1998, acknowledging his impact on cinema.
1999: Scorsese Guest Co-hosts Siskel & Ebert
Following Gene Siskel's death, Martin Scorsese joined Roger Ebert as a guest co-host on an episode of "Siskel & Ebert" in 1999, where they shared their top ten films of the 1990s.
1999: Marriage to Helen Schermerhorn Morris
In 1999, Martin Scorsese married Helen Schermerhorn Morris.
1999: Presentation of Honorary Academy Award to Elia Kazan
In 1999, at the 71st Academy Awards, Scorsese, alongside Robert De Niro, presented the Honorary Academy Award to film director Elia Kazan. This decision sparked controversy due to Kazan's past involvement with the Hollywood blacklist during the 1950s.
1999: Release of Documentary "My Voyage to Italy"
Scorsese directed a documentary in 1999 titled "Il Mio Viaggio in Italia," also known as "My Voyage to Italy." This film focused on Italian filmmakers and served as a thematic precursor to his subsequent project, the epic "Gangs of New York" (2002).
1999: Release of "Bringing Out the Dead"
Scorsese returned to familiar thematic territory in 1999 with "Bringing Out the Dead." This collaboration with writer Paul Schrader presented a darkly comedic take on their previous work, "Taxi Driver." Similar to earlier Scorsese-Schrader partnerships, the film's concluding scenes of spiritual redemption drew clear inspiration from the films of Robert Bresson. "Bringing Out the Dead" garnered generally positive reviews, although it didn't achieve the widespread critical acclaim of some of his other works.
March 2000: Mark Singer's Profile of Scorsese
In March 2000, writer Mark Singer published a profile of Martin Scorsese in The New Yorker.
2000: Release of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project Vol. 2
The Criterion Collection released the second volume of "Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project" on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring restored films from various countries and eras, including the 2000 film "Mysterious Object at Noon."
2002: Release of "Gangs of New York"
Released in 2002, "Gangs of New York" represented Scorsese's most ambitious and arguably most mainstream project to date. With a budget exceeding $100 million, the film, like "The Age of Innocence," was set in 19th-century New York but focused on the city's underbelly. "Gangs of New York" marked the first collaboration between Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, who would go on to become a frequent collaborator. The production was reportedly troubled, with rumors of conflicts between Scorsese and Miramax's Harvey Weinstein.
2002: Collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio in "Gangs of New York"
Scorsese began a successful collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio in 2002 with the historical drama "Gangs of New York".
February 2003: "Gangs of New York" Receives 10 Oscar Nominations
In February 2003, despite receiving positive reviews and earning Scorsese his first Golden Globe for Best Director, "Gangs of New York" did not win any of the 10 Academy Awards it was nominated for, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
2003: Scorsese Opposes Iraq War at the Oscars
At the 75th Academy Awards in 2003, Martin Scorsese showed his opposition to the Iraq War by wearing a white dove pin and applauding Michael Moore's speech criticizing President George W. Bush.
2003: Scorsese Completes "The Blues" and Produces for Up-and-Coming Directors
In 2003, Scorsese finished his seven-part documentary "The Blues", chronicling the history of blues music. He also produced several films for emerging directors like Kenneth Lonergan and Katherine Lindberg, and established his production company, Sikelia Productions.
2004: Release of "The Aviator"
Scorsese and DiCaprio teamed up again in 2004 for the biographical drama "The Aviator".
2004: "The Aviator" Achieves Critical and Commercial Success
Scorsese's 2004 biopic "The Aviator," starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, was a critical and commercial triumph.
January 5, 2005: French Legion of Honour
On January 5, 2005, in Paris, France, Martin Scorsese was awarded the French Legion of Honour for his contributions to the film industry.
January 2005: "The Aviator" Receives 11 Oscar Nominations but Wins Only Five
Despite receiving a leading 11 nominations for the 77th Academy Awards in January 2005, including Best Picture and Best Director, "The Aviator" won only five awards. Scorsese lost the Best Director award to Clint Eastwood for "Million Dollar Baby."
2005: Release of "No Direction Home"
Scorsese directed the documentary "No Direction Home", about Bob Dylan, released in 2005.
February 8, 2006: Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video
Martin Scorsese won a Grammy Award on February 8, 2006, for Best Long Form Music Video for his work on "No Direction Home".
November 1, 2006: The Rolling Stones' Performances at the Beacon Theatre
Scorsese's film "Shine a Light" captures The Rolling Stones' performances at New York City's Beacon Theatre on October 29 and November 1, 2006.
2006: "The Departed" Earns Critical Acclaim and Awards for Scorsese
Released in 2006, "The Departed" marked Scorsese's return to the crime genre and garnered widespread critical acclaim, with some considering it among his finest works. It became his highest-grossing film at the time and earned him his second Golden Globe for Best Director, a Critics' Choice Award, his first Directors Guild of America Award, and the Academy Award for Best Director.
2006: Release of "The Departed"
The crime thriller "The Departed", directed by Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was released in 2006.
2006: Release of "The Departed"
Martin Scorsese's crime thriller "The Departed" premiered in 2006. The film is notable for its use of freeze frames, particularly focusing on Matt Damon's character, further demonstrating Scorsese's mastery of this technique to create dramatic and stylistic impact.
2006: Expansion of The Film Foundation Board
The Film Foundation's board of directors expanded in 2006 to include filmmakers like Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, and others.
August 2007: Total Film Magazine Poll
In a poll conducted by Total Film Magazine in August 2007, Martin Scorsese was named the second greatest directore of all time, behind Alfred Hitchcock.
September 11, 2007: Kennedy Center Honoree
Martin Scorsese was named as one of the Kennedy Center honorees for career excellence and cultural influence on September 11, 2007.
September 21, 2007: Initial Release Date for "Shine a Light"
Paramount Classics originally scheduled the release of Scorsese's concert film "Shine a Light" for September 21, 2007.
October 22, 2007: Scorsese to Reunite with DiCaprio for "Shutter Island"
Daily Variety reported on October 22, 2007, that Scorsese would direct Leonardo DiCaprio in "Shutter Island," their fourth film together.
December 2007: Casting of "Shutter Island"
Actors Mark Ruffalo, Max von Sydow, Ben Kingsley, and Michelle Williams joined the cast of "Shutter Island" in December 2007, marking their first collaboration with Scorsese.
2007: Founding of the World Cinema Foundation
Scorsese founded the World Cinema Foundation in 2007, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and restoring films from around the world.
2007: Kennedy Center Honor
Martin Scorsese received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2007, a prestigious recognition of his contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
2007: Goodfellas Recognized by AFI
In 2007, the American Film Institute (AFI) recognized the cultural impact and cinematic excellence of "Goodfellas." The film was placed at No. 92 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies list (10th Anniversary Edition), solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
2007: "Raging Bull"'s Ranking Updated on AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies
In 2007, during the 10th anniversary edition of AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies, "Raging Bull" was elevated to the fourth position on the list of the greatest films of all time.
2007: Scorsese Establishes World Cinema Project
In 2007, Martin Scorsese founded the World Cinema Project to preserve and promote marginalized films from regions with limited resources for film preservation.
February 7, 2008: World Premiere of "Shine a Light" at the Berlinale
"Shine a Light" had its world premiere at the opening of the 58th Berlinale Film Festival on February 7, 2008.
March 2008: Filming Begins for "Shutter Island"
Principal photography for "Shutter Island" commenced in Massachusetts in March 2008.
April 2008: General Release of "Shine a Light"
Paramount Classics postponed the general release of "Shine a Light" until April 2008.
June 17, 2008: AFI's 10 Top 10 List
On June 17, 2008, two of Martin Scorsese's films were placed on the American Film Insitute's 10 Top 10 list. "Raging Bull" was ranked number one in the Sports genre and "Goodfellas" was ranked number two in the Gangster genre.
2008: Release of "Shine a Light"
Scorsese directed the concert film "Shine a Light", about the Rolling Stones, released in 2008.
2008: American Philosophical Society
In 2008, Martin Scorsese was elected into the American Philosophical Society.
2009: Scorsese Signs Petition in Support of Roman Polanski
In 2009, Scorsese signed a petition supporting Roman Polanski, who was detained in relation to his 1977 sexual abuse charges. The petition argued that arresting filmmakers traveling to neutral countries for film festivals could have unforeseen consequences.
January 17, 2010: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
On January 17, 2010, Martin Scorsese was awarded the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 67th Golden Globe Awards.
February 19, 2010: Release of "Shutter Island"
Scorsese's psychological thriller "Shutter Island" was released on February 19, 2010.
May 20, 2010: "Shutter Island" Becomes Scorsese's Highest-Grossing Film
"Shutter Island" achieved the milestone of becoming Scorsese's highest-grossing film on May 20, 2010.
August 25, 2010: Bleu de Chanel Commercial Debut
On August 25, 2010, Martin Scorsese's television commercial for Chanel's men's fragrance, Bleu de Chanel, starring Gaspard Ulliel, debuted online.
2010: "Shutter Island" Becomes Scorsese's Highest-Grossing Film
By 2010, "Shutter Island" surpassed "The Departed" to become Scorsese's highest-grossing film.
2010: Release of "Public Speaking"
In 2010, Martin Scorsese released the documentary "Public Speaking," featuring Fran Lebowitz, on HBO.
2010: Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2010, Martin Scorsese was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award, a Golden Globe Award recognizing outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.
2010: Release of "Shutter Island"
Scorsese and DiCaprio collaborated on the psychological thriller "Shutter Island", released in 2010.
2010: Release of "Public Speaking"
Scorsese directed the HBO documentary "Public Speaking", released in 2010.
September 18, 2011: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing
Martin Scorsese won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for his work on the series premiere of "Boardwalk Empire" on September 18, 2011.
November 23, 2011: Hugo Release
Scorsese's first 3D film, Hugo, was released in the United States on November 23, 2011.
2011: Release of "Hugo"
Scorsese directed the adventure drama "Hugo", released in 2011.
February 12, 2012: BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award
Martin Scorsese was awarded the BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award at the 65th British Academy Film Awards on February 12, 2012.
September 16, 2012: Two Emmy Awards
Martin Scorsese won two Emmy Awards on September 16, 2012. He received awards for Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming and Outstanding Nonfiction Special for the documentary "George Harrison: Living in the Material World".
2012: Scorsese Submits 12 Films for Sight & Sound Poll
In the 2012 Sight & Sound poll, Martin Scorsese submitted a list of 12 films he considered to be among the greatest ever made.
2012: Scorsese Participates in Sight & Sound Film Poll
Martin Scorsese participated in the 2012 Sight & Sound film poll, a prestigious survey conducted every ten years to determine the greatest films ever made.
2012: Scorsese Recommends Foreign Films
Martin Scorsese provided a list of 39 foreign film recommendations to Colin Levy in 2012, showcasing his wide-ranging cinematic influences.
2012: BAFTA Fellowship
Martin Scorsese was honored with the BAFTA Fellowship in 2012, the highest honor bestowed by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
April 1, 2013: Jefferson Lecture
Martin Scorsese was selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities to present the Jefferson Lecture on April 1, 2013. He was the first filmmaker to ever receive this honor. His speech, titled "Persistence of Vision: Reading the Language of Cinema," was presented at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
April 19, 2013: Silence Funding Secured
On April 19, 2013, financing was secured for Scorsese's Silence.
December 25, 2013: The Wolf of Wall Street Release
On December 25, 2013, Scorsese's film, The Wolf of Wall Street, premiered.
2013: Entertainment Weekly Staff Vote
The staff of Entertainment Weekly voted "Mean Streets" as the seventh greatest film ever made in 2013.
2013: Release of "The Wolf of Wall Street"
The biographical black comedy "The Wolf of Wall Street", directed by Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was released in 2013.
July 25, 2014: Vinyl Begins Filming
On July 25, 2014, filming for Scorsese's Vinyl began.
September 29, 2014: The 50 Year Argument Premiere
Scorsese and David Tedeschi's documentary, The 50 Year Argument, about the New York Review of Books, aired on HBO on September 29, 2014.
December 2, 2014: Vinyl Picked Up by HBO
On December 2, 2014, HBO picked up Scorsese's Vinyl.
January 2015: Silence Filming Begins
In January 2015, filming for Scorsese's Silence began.
October 2015: The Audition Premiere
In October 2015, Scorsese's short film, The Audition, premiered in conjunction with the grand opening of Studio City.
2015: Christopher Nolan Joins The Film Foundation
Christopher Nolan became a board member of The Film Foundation in 2015, joining Scorsese and other renowned filmmakers in their mission to preserve film history.
2015: Conclusion of "Boardwalk Empire"
Scorsese's work on "Boardwalk Empire" concluded in 2015.
December 23, 2016: Silence Release
Scorsese's film, Silence, was released on December 23, 2016.
2016: Direction of "Vinyl"
Scorsese directed the HBO series "Vinyl" in 2016.
2016: Release of "Silence"
Scorsese's historical drama "Silence" was released in 2016.
2016: Scorsese Reidentifies as Catholic
After identifying as a lapsed Catholic, Martin Scorsese publicly embraced his Catholic faith once again in 2016.
April 11, 2017: Polish Gold Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis
On April 11, 2017, Martin Scorsese was awarded the Polish Gold Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis to recognize his contribution to Polish cinema.
August 2017: The Irishman Filming Begins
In August 2017, filming began for Scorsese's The Irishman.
2017: Launch of The African Film Heritage Project
In 2017, Martin Scorsese, in partnership with The Film Foundation, UNESCO, and other organizations, launched The African Film Heritage Project (AFHP) to locate, preserve, and showcase classic African cinema.
2017: Founding of the African Film Heritage Project
In 2017, Scorsese co-founded the African Film Heritage Project, an initiative dedicated to preserving and restoring classic films from Africa.
June 20, 2018: Honorary Doctorate from Oxford University
Martin Scorsese was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Oxford on June 20, 2018.
2018: Scorsese Discusses The African Film Heritage Project
During an interview in 2018, Martin Scorsese elaborated on the ambitious goals of The African Film Heritage Project, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting African cinema history.
2018: Scorsese Receives Robert Osborne Award
Martin Scorsese was honored with the Robert Osborne Award at the 2018 TCM Film Festival for his significant contribution to film preservation.
January 10, 2019: Rolling Thunder Revue Release Announced
On January 10, 2019, Variety reported that Scorsese's documentary about Bob Dylan, Rolling Thunder Revue, would be released by Netflix.
April 25, 2019: Rolling Thunder Revue Release Date Announced
On April 25, 2019, Netflix announced a release date of June 12, 2019, for Scorsese's Rolling Thunder Revue.
June 12, 2019: Rolling Thunder Revue Release
On June 12, 2019, Scorsese's Rolling Thunder Revue was released on Netflix.
July 2019: Scorsese Begins Location Scouting for "Killers of the Flower Moon"
In July 2019, Martin Scorsese initiated location scouting in preparation for the filming of "Killers of the Flower Moon," set to begin in 2020.
September 27, 2019: The Irishman Premiere
Scorsese's The Irishman premiered at the New York Film Festival on September 27, 2019.
November 1, 2019: The Irishman Limited Release
On November 1, 2019, The Irishman was given a limited theatrical release.
November 27, 2019: The Irishman Streaming Release
On November 27, 2019, The Irishman was released for digital streaming on Netflix.
December 2019: Confirmation of "Flower Moon" Production Start Date
Rodrigo Prieto, Martin Scorsese's frequent cinematographer, confirmed in December 2019 that principal photography for "Flower Moon" was scheduled to commence in March 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to postponements.
2019: Reunion with De Niro for "The Irishman"
Scorsese reunited with Robert De Niro for the epic crime drama "The Irishman", released in 2019.
2019: Release of "The Irishman"
In 2019, Martin Scorsese released "The Irishman," his latest gangster epic, which once again featured his characteristic use of freeze frames, further cementing this technique as a signature element of his visual storytelling style.
2019: African Film Heritage Project Screenings at FESPACO
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Pan African Film Festival of Ouagadougou in 2019, the AFHP screened restored African films, marking their first showings on the continent after restoration.
2019: Release of "The Irishman" and Exploration of Political Corruption
Martin Scorsese's 2019 film "The Irishman" delves into themes of political corruption. Notably, Richard Brody, writing for The New Yorker, interpreted the film as a bleak allegory, offering a realist commentary on American politics and society.
March 2020: Postponement of "Killers of the Flower Moon" Filming
The filming of "Killers of the Flower Moon" was postponed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 2020: Indefinite Postponement and Production Challenges for "Killers of the Flower Moon"
In April 2020, the filming of "Killers of the Flower Moon" faced an indefinite postponement due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with escalating production costs, reaching an estimated $200 million. Consequently, Scorsese explored alternative production and distribution partnerships with Netflix or Apple Inc., while retaining Paramount Pictures as a potential partner.
November 2020: Celebrating 30 Years of The Film Foundation
The Criterion Channel released a video in November 2020 commemorating three decades of The Film Foundation's work, highlighting its impact on film preservation.
December 29, 2020: Trailer release of "Pretend It's a City"
On December 29, 2020, the trailer for Martin Scorsese's documentary series "Pretend It's a City" was released. The series, featuring Fran Lebowitz, explores her perspectives on New York City.
2020: Francesca Scorsese Stars in "We Are Who We Are"
Martin Scorsese's daughter, Francesca, starred in the HBO/Sky miniseries "We Are Who We Are" in 2020.
January 8, 2021: Premiere of "Pretend It's a City"
Martin Scorsese's documentary series "Pretend It's a City", featuring Fran Lebowitz, premiered on Netflix on January 8, 2021. This marked Scorsese's second documentary collaboration with Lebowitz.
April 2021: Principal Photography Begins for "Killers of the Flower Moon"
Principal photography for Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" commenced in April 2021.
November 2021: Scorsese to Direct Grateful Dead Biopic
In November 2021, it was announced that Martin Scorsese would direct a biopic about the rock band the Grateful Dead for Apple Studios, with Jonah Hill attached to star.
2021: Release of "Pretend It's a City"
The Netflix docu-series "Pretend It's a City", directed by Scorsese, was released in 2021.
2021: Martin Scorsese Institute of Global Cinematic Arts
In 2021, George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, made a donation through the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation to NYU to establish the Martin Scorsese Institute of Global Cinematic Arts.
2021: National Film Registry
By 2021, four of Martin Scorsese's films ("Mean Streets", "Taxi Driver", "Raging Bull", and "Goodfellas") have been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
July 2022: Scorsese to Direct "The Wager" Adaptation
It was announced in July 2022 that Martin Scorsese would direct an adaptation of David Grann's non-fiction book "The Wager" for Apple Studios, reuniting with Leonardo DiCaprio for the project.
October 2022: Premiere of "Personality Crisis: One Night Only"
In October 2022, Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi premiered their collaborative documentary, "Personality Crisis: One Night Only", at the New York Film Festival. The film focuses on David Johansen, incorporating both archival and contemporary concert footage.
May 2023: Scorsese Considers Film About Jesus
Following a meeting with Pope Francis in May 2023, Martin Scorsese expressed his interest in writing and directing a new film centered around the life of Jesus.
May 16, 2023: Scorsese Discusses Passion for Filmmaking
While promoting "Killers of the Flower Moon" on May 16, 2023, Martin Scorsese expressed his strong desire to continue working on films, emphasizing his passion for storytelling.
May 20, 2023: Premiere of "Killers of the Flower Moon" at Cannes
"Killers of the Flower Moon," directed by Martin Scorsese, premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation.
October 20, 2023: Theatrical Release of "Killers of the Flower Moon"
On October 20, 2023, Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" was released in theaters.
2023: Scorsese's Filmography Reaches Milestone
As of 2023, Martin Scorsese's filmography included 26 full-length films and 16 full-length documentaries.
2023: Release of "Killers of the Flower Moon"
Scorsese's latest film, "Killers of the Flower Moon", starring both Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, was released in 2023.
January 2024: Details Revealed About Potential Jesus Film
In January 2024, further details emerged regarding Martin Scorsese's potential film about Jesus. It was revealed that the project could be his next directorial endeavor, co-written with Kent Jones and based on Shūsaku Endō's novel "A Life of Jesus."
April 20, 2024: Scorsese and MacFarlane Showcase Restored Animated Shorts
On April 20, 2024, Martin Scorsese collaborated with Seth MacFarlane to present "Back From the Ink: Restored Animated Shorts" at the TCM Classic Film Festival, highlighting their joint effort to restore classic animations.
2024: Scorsese Narrates "Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger"
Martin Scorsese provided narration for the documentary "Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger," directed by David Hinton, in 2024. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and was acquired for distribution by MUBI.