Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Oliver Stone
Discover the career path of Oliver Stone, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Oliver Stone is a highly acclaimed American filmmaker known for directing impactful and often controversial films. He frequently explores themes of war, politics, and historical events. Stone has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards, a BAFTA, an Emmy, and several Golden Globes, solidifying his status as a significant figure in the film industry.
2 days ago : Oliver Stone Testifies Before Congress on Newly Released JFK Assassination Files
Oliver Stone, director of 'JFK', testified before Congress regarding the release of President Kennedy's assassination records. Stone shared his insights on the significance of these files. A House hearing was held to discuss the matter.
November 22, 1963: JFK Assassination Depicted in Film
Oliver Stone co-wrote and directed the film JFK, depicting the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, and its aftermath. It was a commercial success and earned eight Academy Award nominations.
June 1965: Left Yale University
In June 1965, Oliver Stone left Yale University at age 18 to teach high school students English in Saigon.
1966: Worked on a United States Merchant Marine Ship
In 1966, Oliver Stone worked as a wiper on a United States Merchant Marine ship.
April 1967: Enlisted in the United States Army
In April 1967, Oliver Stone enlisted in the United States Army and requested combat duty in Vietnam.
September 27, 1967: Served in Vietnam with 25th Infantry Division
On September 27, 1967, Oliver Stone began serving in Vietnam with the 2nd Platoon, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
1967: Enlisted in the United States Army
In 1967, Oliver Stone enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He later served in the 25th Infantry and 1st Cavalry Divisions.
February 23, 1968: End of service with 25th Infantry Division
On February 23, 1968, Oliver Stone ended his service with 2nd Platoon, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
August 21, 1968: Killed a North Vietnamese sniper
On August 21, 1968, Oliver Stone killed a North Vietnamese sniper near My Khe beach and was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" Device for "heroism in ground combat."
November 15, 1968: Released from Active Duty
On November 15, 1968, Oliver Stone was released from active duty in the United States Army.
1968: Served in Vietnam War
In 1968, Oliver Stone continued to serve in the Vietnam War with the 25th Infantry and 1st Cavalry Divisions, where he was wounded in action for his service. He received military honors including a Bronze Star with "V" Device for valor, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster (to denote two wounds), an Air Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
1969: Interviewed about the Vietnam War
In 1969, Oliver Stone was interviewed by the French news program Voila about the war in Central Park, where he discussed his experiences in Vietnam and the impact it had on him and other soldiers.
1970: Attended New York University
In 1970, Stone attended New York University on the G.I. Bill, where his teachers included director and fellow NYU alumnus Martin Scorsese.
1971: Graduated from New York University
In 1971, Oliver Stone graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in film. In the same year, he had a small acting role in the comedy The Battle of Love's Return. He also made a short, well received 12-minute film about a disabled veteran, Last Year in Viet Nam.
April 1, 1973: Officially Discharged from the Army
On April 1, 1973, Oliver Stone was officially discharged from the Army.
1978: Wrote the Screenplay for Midnight Express
In 1978, Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay for Midnight Express, which won him the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, marking an early success in his film career.
1979: Awarded First Oscar
In 1979, Oliver Stone was awarded his first Oscar for adapting the true-life prison story Midnight Express into a successful film.
1980: Visited Soviet Union and smuggled goods
In 1980, Oliver Stone visited the Soviet Union to interview anti-Communist dissidents for a screenplay and smuggled Western goods for a French human rights organization. He was briefly detained in Tbilisi before being allowed to leave.
1982: Wrote the Screenplay for Conan the Barbarian
In 1982, Stone wrote the screenplay for Conan the Barbarian.
1983: Wrote the Screenplay for Scarface
In 1983, Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay for Scarface, further establishing his presence in the film industry.
1986: Beginning of Active Period
From 1986 to 1999, Oliver Stone maintained an active filmmaking pace, writing and directing a new film almost every year.
1986: Platoon's Release
In 1986, Oliver Stone released Platoon, which garnered rave reviews, commercial success, and Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director.
1986: Career Take-Off as Writer-Director
In 1986, Oliver Stone's career took off as a writer-director, directing the critically acclaimed Salvador and his long in-development Vietnam project Platoon.
1986: Subject of 'Once Upon a Time in Queens'
In 2021, Oliver Stone was interviewed for the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary 'Once Upon a Time in Queens' about the 1986 New York Mets.
1987: Wall Street Release
In 1987, Oliver Stone co-wrote and directed Wall Street, starring Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas. Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Gordon Gekko.
1989: Directed Born on the Fourth of July
In 1989, Oliver Stone co-wrote and directed Born on the Fourth of July, based on the autobiography of Ron Kovic. The film received eight Academy Award nominations and earned Stone his second Best Director Oscar.
1990: Produced Reversal of Fortune
In 1990, Oliver Stone produced the Oscar-winning movie Reversal of Fortune.
1991: Controversial film techniques demonstrated in JFK
In 1991, Oliver Stone demonstrated his film techniques by combining different camera and film formats within a single scene of his movie JFK.
1991: Directed The Doors and JFK
In 1991, Oliver Stone directed The Doors and JFK.
April 1992: Testified to support legislation inspired by JFK
In April 1992, Oliver Stone testified to support legislation inspired by his film JFK.
April 27, 1992: Stone Testifies on JFK Records Act
On April 27, 1992, Oliver Stone testified before the House Government Operations Subcommittee on Legislation and National Affairs in support of the passage of the JFK Records Act.
1992: JFK Records Act Passed
In 1992, Congress passed the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act due to public reaction to the film JFK, directing the National Archives and Records Administration to collect and house all assassination-related records.
1992: Served as a delegate for Jerry Brown's campaign
In 1992, Oliver Stone served as a delegate for Jerry Brown's campaign in the Democratic Party presidential primaries and spoke at the 1992 Democratic National Convention.
1993: Directed Heaven & Earth
In 1993, Oliver Stone directed Heaven & Earth.
1994: Natural Born Killers Release and Other Projects
In 1994, Oliver Stone co-wrote and directed Natural Born Killers. He also appeared in a cameo in the comedy Dave and produced The Joy Luck Club.
1994: Controversial film techniques demonstrated in Natural Born Killers
In 1994, Oliver Stone demonstrated his film techniques by combining different camera and film formats within a single scene of his movie Natural Born Killers.
1994: Directed Natural Born Killers
In 1994, Oliver Stone directed Natural Born Killers.
1995: Met President Bill Clinton at the White House
In 1995, Oliver Stone claimed to have met President Bill Clinton at the White House, but the visit was allegedly kept off the official agenda.
1995: Nixon Biopic Release
In 1995, Oliver Stone co-wrote and directed the Richard Nixon biopic Nixon, which received Oscar nominations.
1995: Controversial film techniques demonstrated in Nixon
In 1995, Oliver Stone demonstrated his film techniques by combining different camera and film formats within a single scene of his movie Nixon.
1996: Collaborated on Evita
In 1996, Oliver Stone collaborated with Alan Parker on the movie of stage musical Evita.
1996: Freeway, The People vs. Larry Flynt Produced; Evita Co-written
In 1996, Oliver Stone produced the films Freeway and The People vs. Larry Flynt, and was credited as co-writer of Evita.
November 1997: Won an episode of Jeopardy!
In November 1997, Oliver Stone won an episode of the game show Jeopardy! during "Power Players" theme week, representing the charity Rock the Vote. Stone later admitted to being high on ecstasy during the game.
1997: U Turn Release
In 1997, Oliver Stone co-wrote and directed the film noir U Turn.
1997: Published Autobiographical Novel A Child's Night Dream
In 1997, Oliver Stone's autobiographical novel, A Child's Night Dream, was published by St. Martin's Press.
1999: Slowing Down Pace
After a decade of directing films almost every year (1986-1999), Stone slowed his pace at the turn of the century.
1999: Any Given Sunday Release
In 1999, Oliver Stone co-wrote and directed Any Given Sunday, a film about power struggles within an American football team.
1999: Directed Any Given Sunday
In 1999, Oliver Stone directed Any Given Sunday.
2001: Unrated Version of Natural Born Killers Released
In 2001, Oliver Stone released the unrated version of Natural Born Killers on VHS and DVD.
2003: Comandante Documentary
In 2003, Oliver Stone made the documentary Comandante on Fidel Castro.
2003: W. Bush biopic released
Oliver Stone wrote and directed the George W. Bush biopic W., which chronicles the president's life up until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
2004: Alexander Release
In 2004, Oliver Stone released the historical epic Alexander, which was a box office flop. He later re-edited it into multiple versions.
September 15, 2008: Named Artistic Director of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Asia
On September 15, 2008, Oliver Stone was appointed the artistic director of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Asia in Singapore, marking a significant achievement in his educational career.
September 2009: South of the Border Premiere
In September 2009, Oliver Stone's documentary South of the Border premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, featuring several leftist presidents critical of US foreign policy. Hugo Chávez joined Stone at the premiere.
January 2010: Discussed Hitler at a press conference
In January 2010, during a press conference for his documentary series on U.S. history, Oliver Stone commented on Hitler and Stalin, leading to controversy.
2010: Directed Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
In 2010, Oliver Stone directed Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.
2010: Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps Released
In 2010, Oliver Stone directed his only sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.
2010: South of the Border release
In mid-2010, South of the Border was released in several cities in the United States and Europe.
June 2012: Signed petition for Assange's asylum bid
In June 2012, Oliver Stone signed a petition in support of Julian Assange's bid for political asylum, showing his continued support for the WikiLeaks founder.
August 2012: Co-authored op-ed with Michael Moore on WikiLeaks
In August 2012, Oliver Stone co-authored a New York Times op-ed with Michael Moore, emphasizing the importance of WikiLeaks and free speech.
October 30, 2012: Untold History of the United States Book Release
On October 30, 2012, the companion book to the documentary miniseries Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United States, also written by Stone and Peter J. Kuznick, was published.
2012: Castro in Winter Documentary
In 2012, Oliver Stone made the documentary Castro in Winter on Fidel Castro.
April 2013: Visited Assange and criticized WikiLeaks documentaries
In April 2013, Oliver Stone visited Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian Embassy. He also criticized the documentary "We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks" and the film "The Fifth Estate," arguing that they victimized Assange.
June 2013: Appeared in video supporting Chelsea Manning
In June 2013, Oliver Stone and other celebrities appeared in a video to show their support for Chelsea Manning.
March 5, 2014: Mi Amigo Hugo Premiere
On March 5, 2014, Oliver Stone and teleSUR premiered the documentary film Mi amigo Hugo (My Friend Hugo) about Venezuela's late president, Hugo Chávez.
December 2014: Supported Russian narrative on Ukraine
In December 2014, Oliver Stone made statements supporting the Russian government's narrative on Ukraine, portraying the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity as a CIA plot and defending Viktor Yanukovych.
2014: Alexander: The Ultimate Cut Release
In 2014, Oliver Stone released Alexander: The Ultimate Cut, a two-part, 3-hour 26-minute version of his historical epic film.
2014: Appearance in The Weight of Chains 2
In 2014, Oliver Stone was interviewed in Boris Malagurski's documentary film The Weight of Chains 2.
2015: Sean Stone started working for RT America
In 2015, Sean Stone, Oliver Stone's son, began working for the Russia state media company RT America as a program host.
2016: Snowden Release
In 2016, Oliver Stone directed Snowden, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Edward Snowden. The film received mixed reviews.
2016: Year of the US Presidential election
In 2016, the year of the US Presidential election, Oliver Stone later rejected the narrative that Russia sought to influence the election.
May 22, 2017: Announcement of Guantanamo Series
On May 22, 2017, it was announced that Oliver Stone would direct a scripted television series about the Guantanamo detention camp for Weinstein Television.
June 12, 2017: The Putin Interviews Premiere
On June 12, 2017, Oliver Stone's four-episode miniseries The Putin Interviews premiered on Showtime, featuring interviews with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
June 2017: Rejected narrative of Russian influence in 2016 election
In June 2017, during an interview with The Nation to promote his documentary on Vladimir Putin, Oliver Stone rejected the U.S. intelligence agencies' narrative that Russia sought to influence the 2016 presidential election, accusing the CIA, FBI, and NSA of fabricating intelligence.
October 2017: Stone Quits Guantanamo Project
In October 2017, Oliver Stone quit the Guantanamo television series project after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against Harvey Weinstein.
2017: Release of The Putin Interviews
In 2017, Oliver Stone released The Putin Interviews, a documentary about Vladimir Putin.
2017: Files should have been released in October of 2017
In 2025, in response to Donald Trump's executive order to release JFK files, Stone noted that the files should have been released in October of 2017.
2017: Deadline for JFK Records Release
The President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 mandated that all assassination-related records be released by 2017.
2019: Commented on Russia's "gay propaganda" law
In 2019, during an interview with Vladimir Putin, Oliver Stone commented on Russia's 2013 "gay propaganda" law, stating that "It seems like maybe that's a sensible law."
2020: Semi-Retirement and Memoir Release
In 2020, Oliver Stone announced his semi-retirement from film-making and released his first memoir, Chasing the Light: Writing, Directing, and Surviving Platoon, Midnight Express, Scarface, Salvador, and the Movie Game.
June 2021: JFK Revisited at Cannes Film Festival
In June 2021, Oliver Stone's documentary JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass was selected to be shown in the Cannes Premiere section at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.
November 22, 2021: Criticized Trump and Biden for not declassifying JFK records
On November 22, 2021, Oliver Stone wrote an op-ed on The Hollywood Reporter, criticizing both Donald Trump and Joe Biden for not declassifying all records on the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
2021: Release of Qazaq: History of the Golden Man
In 2021, Oliver Stone produced and featured in Qazaq: History of the Golden Man, a miniseries about Kazakh politician Nursultan Nazarbayev, which faced criticism for its positive portrayal of Nazarbayev.
2021: Interviewed in 'Once Upon a Time in Queens'
In 2021, Oliver Stone was interviewed for the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary 'Once Upon a Time in Queens' about the 1986 New York Mets.
2021: JFK: Destiny Betrayed Miniseries
In 2021, Oliver Stone's documentary miniseries JFK: Destiny Betrayed, about the work of the Assassination Records Review Board (ARRB), was released.
2022: Appeared in the documentary 'Theaters of War'
In 2022, Oliver Stone appeared in the documentary 'Theaters of War', where he discussed the role of the military in Hollywood films.
2022: Directed and co-wrote 'Nuclear Now'
In 2022, Oliver Stone directed and co-wrote 'Nuclear Now,' a documentary advocating for nuclear energy as a solution to climate change based on the book 'A Bright Future: How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow' by Joshua S. Goldstein and Staffan A. Qvist.
2022: Sean Stone stopped working for RT America
In 2022, Sean Stone, Oliver Stone's son, stopped working for the Russia state media company RT America as a program host.
2024: Follow-up Memoir and Archive Donation
In 2024, Oliver Stone announced he was writing a follow-up memoir and donated his archives to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
April 1, 2025: Testified before a House Oversight subcommittee
On April 1, 2025, Oliver Stone testified before a House Oversight subcommittee on federal compliance with the JFK Records Act.
2025: One of only three Academy Award winners to have won Jeopardy!
As of 2025, Oliver Stone is one of only three Academy Award winners who have also won Jeopardy!
2025: Snowden Remains Final Narrative Feature Film
As of 2025, Snowden remains Oliver Stone's final narrative feature film.
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