Martin Scorsese's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Martin Scorsese.

Martin Scorsese is a highly acclaimed American filmmaker, a key figure in the New Hollywood era. His distinguished career is marked by numerous awards, including an Academy Award, BAFTA Awards, Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and Golden Globe Awards. He has received prestigious lifetime achievement honors from organizations like the AFI, Film Society of Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and BAFTA. Four of his films have been recognized for their cultural, historical, and aesthetic importance and inducted into the National Film Registry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1985: Release of After Hours, Best Director Award at Cannes

In 1985, Scorsese released After Hours and won a Best Director Award at Cannes. It represents a return to a more pared-down film-making style, filmed on a low budget in SoHo.

1990: Release of Goodfellas

In 1990, Scorsese released Goodfellas, a gangster epic considered a return to directorial form and his most confident film since Raging Bull. The film received critical acclaim and numerous awards, enhancing Scorsese's reputation.

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1991: Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement

In 1991, Martin Scorsese received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.

1997: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 1997, Martin Scorsese received the AFI Life Achievement Award.

1997: AFI ranks Raging Bull as 24th greatest American film

In 1997, the American Film Institute ranked Raging Bull as the twenty-fourth greatest American film of all time on their AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movies list.

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January 5, 2005: French Legion of Honour

On January 5, 2005, Martin Scorsese was awarded the French Legion of Honour in Paris, France, in recognition of his contribution to cinema.

August 2007: Second-greatest director of all time

In August 2007, Martin Scorsese was named the second-greatest director of all time in a poll by Total Film magazine.

September 11, 2007: Kennedy Center Honoree

On September 11, 2007, Martin Scorsese was named as one of the honorees for the year by the Kennedy Center Honors committee for career excellence and cultural influence.

2007: AFI Ranks Goodfellas

In 2007, the American Film Institute moved Goodfellas up to No. 92 on the AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies list (10th Anniversary Edition).

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2007: AFI ranks Raging Bull as 4th greatest American film

In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked Raging Bull as the fourth greatest American film on their AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) list.

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2008: Election to the American Philosophical Society

In 2008, Martin Scorsese was elected to the American Philosophical Society.

May 20, 2010: Shutter Island becomes Scorsese's highest-grossing film

On May 20, 2010, Shutter Island became Martin Scorsese's highest-grossing film to date.

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April 1, 2013: Jefferson Lecture

On April 1, 2013, Martin Scorsese delivered the Jefferson Lecture, the U.S. federal government's highest honor for achievement in the humanities, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His lecture was titled "Persistence of Vision: Reading the Language of Cinema".

April 11, 2017: Polish Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis

On April 11, 2017, Martin Scorsese was appointed to the Polish Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis in recognition of his contribution to Polish cinema.