Oprah Winfrey's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Oprah Winfrey. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Oprah Winfrey is a highly influential American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor. Her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, aired for 25 years and made her one of the most influential women globally. She was the richest African-American of the 20th century and the world's only black billionaire at one point. Known as the "Queen of All Media", Winfrey's career spans entertainment, business, and philanthropy.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1985: Co-starred in The Color Purple

In 1985, Oprah Winfrey co-starred in Steven Spielberg's 'The Color Purple' as Sofia, a distraught housewife. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.

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1989: Accepted into NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame

In 1989, Oprah Winfrey was accepted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame.

1994: Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame

In 1994, Oprah Winfrey was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

1998: Most Powerful Person in Entertainment

In 1998, Oprah Winfrey became the first woman and first African American to top Entertainment Weekly's list of the 101 most powerful people in the entertainment industry.

2000: Oprah Awarded Spingarn Medal

In 2000, Oprah Winfrey was awarded the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP.

2002: Recipient of Bob Hope Humanitarian Award

In 2002, Oprah Winfrey received the first Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the Emmy Awards for services to television and film.

2003: First Black Woman Billionaire

In 2003, Oprah Winfrey was recognized as the first black woman billionaire in the world.

2004: World's Only Black Billionaire

From 2004 to 2006, Forbes listed Oprah Winfrey as the world's only black billionaire.

2004: One of TIME's Most Influential People

From 2004 to 2011, Oprah Winfrey was consistently named as one of the most influential people by TIME magazine.

2004: Ranked Among Most Generous Americans

In 2004, Oprah Winfrey became the first Black person to rank among the 50 most generous Americans.

2005: World's Most Powerful Celebrity

Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013.

2005: Greatest Woman in American History

In 2005, Oprah Winfrey was named the greatest woman in American history as part of a public poll as part of The Greatest American.

2006: World's Only Black Billionaire

From 2004 to 2006, Forbes listed Oprah Winfrey as the world's only black billionaire.

2006: Highest-Paid TV Entertainer

In 2006, Oprah Winfrey was the highest-paid television entertainer in the United States, earning an estimated $260 million during the year.

2007: Most Influential Woman

By 2007, Oprah Winfrey was often ranked as the most influential woman in the world.

2008: World's Most Powerful Celebrity

Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013.

2008: Oprah Named PETA's Person of the Year

In 2008, Oprah Winfrey was named as the Person of the Year by animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for using her fame and listening audience to help the less fortunate, including animals.

2008: Most Powerful Woman in Entertainment

In 2008, The Hollywood Reporter named Oprah Winfrey, as chairman of Harpo Inc., the most powerful woman in entertainment.

September 2010: Voted one of The World's 50 Most Influential Figures

In a list compiled by the British magazine New Statesman in September 2010, Oprah Winfrey was voted 38th in the list of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures 2010".